Best Budgeting Apps 2026: Top 10 Compared
Published January 11, 2026 · Updated monthly
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Budgeting apps help you track spending, reduce debt, and build wealth. We compared 10 top apps based on features, pricing, user experience, and customer support.
Quick Answer
Best for Debt Payoff: YNAB ($14.99/month)
Best Free Option: Mint (free, bank sync, tracking)
Best for Investing: Personal Capital (free + $99/month premium)
Best for Simple Budgeting: EveryDollar ($99/year)
Average Cost: $0-200/year depending on features needed
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | $14.99/mo | Debt payoff | 4.8/5 |
| Mint (Intuit) | Free | Simple tracking | 4.5/5 |
| Personal Capital | Free (pro: $99/mo) | Investing | 4.6/5 |
| EveryDollar | Free / $99/yr | Zero-based budgeting | 4.5/5 |
| PocketGuard | Free / $9.99/mo | Spending limits | 4.4/5 |
Top Recommendations
1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best for debt payoff and intentional spending. YNAB uses zero-based budgeting philosophy.
- Price: $14.99/month (free trial available)
- Best Features: Debt payoff tracking, goal planning, educational resources
- Free Alternative: None (Mint for simple tracking)
2. Mint (Intuit)
Best for simple, free expense tracking. Syncs with all bank accounts.
- Price: Free (no premium tier)
- Best Features: Auto-categorization, bill reminders, credit score monitoring
- Con: Being discontinued in 2024, replaced by Credit Karma
3. Personal Capital
Best for investing and wealth management. Combines budgeting with investment tracking.
- Price: Free (pro advisor: $99/month)
- Best Features: Portfolio tracking, retirement planning, advisor access
- Con: Premium tier pricey
FAQ
What’s the best free budgeting app?
Mint is the most popular free option, but it’s being phased out. EveryDollar and PocketGuard offer free versions with limited features.
Is YNAB worth the cost?
Yes, for debt payoff. The $180/year cost pays for itself when you save $500+ in interest through better planning.