Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. In 2025, there are plenty of free tools that make managing money simple, whether you’re tracking daily spending, saving for big goals, or trying to break bad financial habits.
Here are the top free budgeting apps worth trying this year.
1. Mint by Intuit
Best for: Beginners & automatic money tracking
Mint remains a top choice because it does the heavy lifting for you. It connects to your bank accounts, categorizes transactions, and gives you a complete financial snapshot.
Key Features:
- Syncs all accounts in one place
- Automatically tracks spending
- Sends bill payment reminders
- Provides free credit score updates
Pros: Easy to use, great for spending insights
Cons: Includes ads and promotional offers
Best if: You want a hands-off approach to budgeting.
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Free for Students
Best for: Zero-based budgeting & intentional spending
YNAB is usually paid, but students get a free year. It follows the “give every dollar a job” philosophy, making it ideal for those who want full control over their money.
Key Features:
- Helps eliminate paycheck-to-paycheck cycles
- Syncs with bank accounts in real time
- Includes goal-setting and debt payoff tools
Pros: Encourages mindful spending
Cons: Takes time to learn
Best if: You’re ready to commit to a structured budgeting method.
3. Goodbudget
Best for: Envelope budgeting fans
Goodbudget digitizes the classic envelope system, letting you allocate money to virtual spending categories.
Key Features:
- Manual expense tracking
- Syncs across devices for shared budgets
- Simple, visual budgeting
Pros: Great for couples or families
Cons: No automatic transaction imports
Best if: You prefer a hands-on budgeting style.
4. Spendee (Free Version)
Best for: Visual learners & simplicity
Spendee makes budgeting painless with a clean, intuitive design and helpful spending visuals.
Key Features:
- Custom budget categories
- Color-coded expense tracking
- Easy-to-read graphs
Pros: User-friendly, great mobile experience
Cons: Some features require a paid upgrade
Best if: You want budgeting to feel effortless.
5. PocketGuard
Best for: Preventing overspending
PocketGuard shows you exactly how much you can safely spend after accounting for bills and savings.
Key Features:
- Tracks bills and subscriptions
- Calculates “safe-to-spend” amounts
- Simple, clutter-free interface
Pros: Helps curb impulse spending
Cons: Limited customization in free version
Best if: You often wonder, “Can I afford this?”
6. Zeta
Best for: Couples & shared finances
Zeta is designed for partners managing money together, with tools for joint budgets and expense splitting.
Key Features:
- Shared budgeting and accounts
- Split transaction tracking
- Goal-setting for couples
Pros: Built for teamwork
Cons: Not ideal for solo users
Best if: You and your partner want to budget together.
7. EveryDollar (Free Version)
Best for: Zero-based budgeting beginners
Based on Dave Ramsey’s method, EveryDollar helps you assign every dollar of income to expenses or savings.
Key Features:
- Quick budget setup
- Manual spending tracking
- Simple, no-frills design
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: No bank syncing in free version
Best if: You like zero-based budgeting but want a free option.
8. Monarch Money (Free Trial)
Best for: Long-term financial planning
Monarch is primarily a paid app, but its free trial offers powerful tools like net worth tracking and investment insights.
Key Features:
- Financial goal forecasting
- Investment tracking
- Customizable budgeting
Pros: Great for big-picture planning
Cons: Free access is limited
Best if: You want to test premium features before committing.
Final Thoughts
The best budgeting app is the one you’ll actually stick with. Whether you prefer automation, manual tracking, or shared budgeting, there’s a free tool that fits your style.
Try one today and take the first step toward smarter money management—without spending a dime.
FAQs
Which app is best for beginners?
Mint and EveryDollar are the easiest to start with.
Can I use more than one budgeting app?
You can, but it’s best to focus on one to avoid confusion.
What’s the best app for couples?
Zeta is specifically designed for shared finances.
How do I choose the right app?
Consider your needs:
- For automation: Mint or PocketGuard
- For manual control: Goodbudget or EveryDollar
- For couples: Zeta