Managing your finances effectively is more important than ever, and the right budget app can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to track your spending, grow your net worth, or make smarter investing decisions, using a well-designed budgeting tool can help you stay on top of your financial goals. With so many options available, we’ve rounded up the best budget apps for 2025 to help you find the one that fits your needs.
1. Monarch Money
Rating: 4.9/5 (App Store), 4.8/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year
Monarch Money is a rising star in the budgeting space, offering powerful financial planning tools for individuals and families. It allows users to track spending, set financial goals, and even monitor investments, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their net worth. Unlike many free apps, Monarch provides a premium experience with a clean interface, collaboration features for partners, and investment tracking.
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Rating: 4.8/5 (App Store), 4.8/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year
YNAB takes a proactive approach to budgeting by encouraging users to assign every dollar to a job. Instead of simply tracking spending, it helps users plan their finances ahead of time. This method makes it easier to prioritize saving and investing while working toward financial independence. YNAB is perfect for those serious about managing their money intentionally and growing their long-term wealth.
3. Personal Capital (Now Empower Personal Dashboard)
Rating: 4.4/5 (App Store), 4.3/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free
Personal Capital, now called Empower Personal Dashboard, is more than just a budgeting app—it’s a full-scale financial management tool designed for those focused on investing and building their net worth. The app includes powerful net worth tracking, investment portfolio analysis, and retirement planning tools. While the budgeting features aren’t as detailed as other apps, it’s ideal for those who want to integrate financial planning with wealth-building.
4. Goodbudget
Rating: 4.6/5 (App Store), 3.9/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free (Basic), $10/month or $80/year (Premium)
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Goodbudget uses the envelope budgeting method, where users allocate money into different spending categories. It doesn’t automatically sync with bank accounts, but this manual approach can help users be more intentional with their spending. By sticking to assigned budget categories, users can free up more money for saving and investing.
5. PocketGuard
Rating: 4.6/5 (App Store), 4.6/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free (Basic), $12.99/month or $74.99/year (Plus)
PocketGuard simplifies budgeting by calculating how much disposable income you have after covering bills, savings, and essentials. It automatically syncs with your bank accounts and categorizes transactions, making it easy to see where your money is going. For users who tend to overspend, this app can help keep finances on track and ensure there’s room for saving and investing.
6. Rocket Money (Formerly Truebill)
Rating: 4.3/5 (App Store), 4.6/5 (Google Play)
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Cost: Free (Basic), $6–$12/month (Premium, user-chosen price)
Rocket Money is perfect for those looking to track subscriptions, lower bills, and improve budgeting. One of its standout features is its ability to negotiate bills on your behalf, potentially saving you hundreds per year. While its budgeting tools aren’t as advanced as YNAB or Monarch, it’s great for financial tracking, helping users cut unnecessary expenses and allocate more toward saving and investing.
Finding The Right Budget App For You
The best budgeting app depends on your financial situation and goals. Whether you’re focused on everyday expense tracking, long-term investing, or growing your net worth, there’s a tool designed to support your journey. With the right budget app, you can take control of your finances, make informed money decisions, and work toward a more secure financial future.
