In a fast-paced world where managing money is more important than ever, budgeting apps have become essential tools for financial wellness.
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Whether you’re trying to track expenses, save for a big goal, or simply keep an eye on where your money goes, the right budgeting app can make all the difference.
In this article, we highlight the best budgeting apps in 2025, explaining what makes each one unique, its pros and cons, and how to get started.
App List
1. Mint
Mint, by Intuit, remains one of the most popular personal finance apps in 2025. It connects to your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills to help you track spending, create budgets, and monitor your credit score—all in one place.
Pros:
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- Free to use.
- Automatic expense tracking.
- Credit score monitoring.
Cons:
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- Ads can be intrusive.
- Occasional syncing issues with bank accounts.
- How to Get Started:
Sign up on their website or download the app, link your financial accounts, and start tracking your spending immediately.
2. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
YNAB is a powerful budgeting tool designed to help users allocate every dollar with purpose. It’s based on a zero-based budgeting method and focuses heavily on financial education and habit-building.
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Pros:
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- Helps users gain full control over spending.
- Great educational content.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons:
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- Requires a subscription ($14.99/month or $99/year).
- Learning curve for beginners.
- How to Get Started:
Sign up for a free trial on their website, connect your accounts, and begin creating your budget using their guided setup.
3. PocketGuard
PocketGuard simplifies budgeting by showing how much money you have available to spend after accounting for bills, goals, and savings. Its «In My Pocket» feature helps avoid overspending.
Pros:
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- User-friendly interface.
- Strong bill tracking tools.
- Helps identify overspending.
Cons:
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- Limited customization options.
- Some features require a paid subscription.
- How to Get Started:
Create an account online or through the app, link your financial accounts, and start monitoring your finances in real time.
4. Goodbudget
Goodbudget uses the envelope budgeting system, allowing users to allocate money to specific spending categories in advance. It’s ideal for couples and families who want to budget collaboratively.
Pros:
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- Great for shared household budgeting.
- Simple and effective envelope system.
- Available on web and mobile.
Cons:
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- Manual transaction entry unless upgraded.
- Free version has limited envelopes.
- How to Get Started:
Sign up on the website or download the app, create your budget envelopes, and start tracking your spending manually or through imports.
5. Monarch Money
Monarch Money offers a modern, visually appealing budgeting and wealth management platform. It combines budget tracking, investment monitoring, and financial goal-setting in one seamless dashboard.
Pros:
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- Beautiful and intuitive interface.
- Comprehensive financial planning tools.
- Supports household budgeting.
Cons:
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- Paid subscription required ($14.99/month).
- Fewer integrations than older apps.
- How to Get Started:
Start your free trial on their website, connect your accounts, and customize your dashboard to align with your financial goals.
6. EveryDollar
Created by Ramsey Solutions, EveryDollar is a budgeting app built on the zero-based budgeting system. It’s ideal for users who follow Dave Ramsey’s baby steps for financial freedom.
Pros:
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- Simple and goal-oriented design.
- Great for beginners and followers of Ramsey methods.
- Manual and automatic tracking options.
Cons:
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- Full features only available with paid Ramsey+ subscription.
- Limited investment or wealth tracking features.
- How to Get Started:
Create a free account or subscribe to Ramsey+ for advanced features, and begin building your monthly budget in minutes.
7. Simplifi by Quicken
Simplifi by Quicken is designed for busy individuals who want a simple, yet effective way to manage finances. It offers real-time spending tracking, budgeting tools, and financial goal tracking.
Pros:
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- Easy to use with sleek design.
- Tracks spending trends and patterns.
- Integrates well with multiple accounts.
Cons:
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- Paid subscription required ($3.99/month or $47.88/year).
- Limited investment tracking.
How to Get Started
Sign up for a free trial on their website, connect your bank accounts, and start managing your budget and goals right away.
Conclusion
With so many great budgeting apps available in 2025, there’s no excuse not to take charge of your financial future.
Whether you prefer a free and simple option like Mint, a goal-driven experience like YNAB, or a visually rich tool like Monarch Money, the right app can help you manage your money more effectively.
Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and start budgeting smarter today!