June 1, 2025
TL;DR: Budgeting apps can either boost your savings—or sneakily drain your energy. In this guide, we break down the top 5 budgeting apps of 2025, including standout picks like Monarch Money and YNAB. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, we’ll help you find the right app for your money goals.
Budgeting in 2025 isn’t just about tracking receipts or hoarding spreadsheets. It’s about working smarter, not harder—and thanks to today’s apps, your phone can literally help you save money while you scroll TikTok.
But with so many budgeting apps out there promising to “change your financial life,” how do you know which one actually delivers? 👀
We did the homework for you—pulling user ratings, expert reviews, and real-world features to uncover the best budgeting apps of 2025. Whether you’re Gen Z dipping your toes into finances or a Millennial managing bills and brunches, these tools are built to help, not hurt, your wallet. Also, for entrepreneurs now might be a great time to look into the best banks for freelancers. It’ll save you lots of money in the long haul.
The 5 Best Budgeting Apps of 2025
1. Monarch Money – Best for Comprehensive Financial Planning
Main Focus: budgeting app
Grow Your Money with Monarch
Monarch Money is the Beyoncé of budgeting apps—elegant, powerful, and surprisingly user-friendly. It syncs everything—bank accounts, credit cards, investments, loans—so you can finally stop toggling between 5 different apps.
Features You’ll Love:
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Customizable budgeting strategies
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Investment tracking + goal setting
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Real-time dashboards that actually make sense
- Free Trial, then $14.99 per mo. or $99 annually
User Ratings:
App Store: ★ 4.9 | Google Play: ★ 4.7
Source: Business Insider
Try Monarch Money today (affiliate).
2. You Need A Budget (YNAB) – Best for Zero-Based Budgeting Enthusiasts
YNAB is for those who want to give every dollar a purpose before it ghosts them. It uses a zero-based budgeting system that makes you the boss of your money (instead of the other way around).
Features You’ll Love:
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Powerful goal-setting features
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Educational videos and workshops
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Desktop + mobile support for max flexibility
User Ratings:
App Store: ★ 4.8 | Google Play: ★ 4.7
3. PocketGuard – Best for Quick Budget Snapshots
If you want to budget but hate budgeting, PocketGuard is your friend. It automates the boring stuff and shows you exactly what’s “In Your Pocket” so you don’t overspend on iced lattes.
Features You’ll Love:
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Syncs with all major banks
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Bill + subscription tracking
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Personalized spending alerts
User Ratings:
App Store: ★ 4.5 | Google Play: ★ 4.4
4. Goodbudget – Best for Envelope Budgeting Fans
Love the old-school envelope method? Goodbudget digitizes it, letting you split your income into “digital envelopes” so you always know where your money’s going.
Features You’ll Love:
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Manual entry = more control
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Cross-platform access
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Simple, clean design
User Ratings:
App Store: ★ 4.4 | Google Play: ★ 4.3
Source: Experian
5. EveryDollar – Best for Simplicity and Ease of Use
From the minds behind Ramsey+, EveryDollar is the minimal, clean budgeting app that even your least techy friend can master. Drag. Drop. Done.
Features You’ll Love:
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Super easy setup
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Built-in goal tracking
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Access to Ramsey+ library (if subscribed)
User Ratings:
App Store: ★ 4.6 | Google Play: ★ 4.5
Source: NerdWallet
Monarch Money: Quick Review Snapshot
Pros:
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All-in-one dashboard for complete financial clarity
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Highly rated on both iOS and Android
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Syncs with virtually all major financial institutions
Cons:
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No phone support (email only)
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Premium features come at a price
If you’re trying to choose the best budgeting style for freelance income, our Monarch Money Review shows how a top app handle variable earnings, client payments, and inconsistent cash flow.
Explore Monarch Money (affiliate) because a little support will go a long way.
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Final Thoughts: Which Budgeting App Is Your Match?
Finding the right app is like finding the right pair of jeans—fit matters. If you’re a planner who wants full visibility, go with Monarch Money. Want to be more intentional with your cash? YNAB is your ride-or-die. Prefer low-effort budgeting? EveryDollar or PocketGuard may be your jam.
And if you’re someone who still keeps cash in an actual envelope—Goodbudget is basically made for you.
Pro Tip: Most of these apps offer free trials. Test them out before committing!
FAQs
Q: Are these budgeting apps free?
A: Most offer free versions. Premium tiers unlock full features like bank syncing and in-depth reports.
Q: Can I sync multiple bank accounts?
A: Yes! Monarch Money, YNAB, and PocketGuard support syncing with multiple accounts.
Q: Which app is best for beginners?
A: EveryDollar is ideal for budgeting newbies thanks to its simple drag-and-drop interface.
Sources:
- Get a Google Cloud Professional Architect Certification
- The Rise of Crypto Apps for Gen Z: Safe or Sketchy?
Financial Disclaimer:
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