Want the best budgeting apps in 2025? This deep, practical guide reviews the top budgeting tools (YNAB, Simplifi, PocketGuard, Monarch, Goodbudget, EveryDollar, Tiller, Empower and more), compares features, pricing, security and who each app is best for — plus step-by-step tips to pick the right one for your money goals.
Table of Contents
Quick summary — the winners at a glance
- Best for hands-on budgeting: You Need A Budget (YNAB) — zero-based approach that forces planning every dollar. NerdWallet
- Best all-around/simple alternative to retired Mint: Simplifi (by Quicken) — clean UI, forecasting, low price. Kiplinger
- Best for automatic recommendations & debt focus: PocketGuard — “what’s left” budgeting and debt planning. Kiplinger
- Best for couples or envelope fans: Goodbudget — manual envelope method and easy household sharing. Goodbudget
- Best if you liked Mint or want an improved Mint-style app: Monarch Money — built by Mint’s original developers; strong visual design and account aggregation. Dylan Teaches Finance
- Best for fans of spreadsheets: Tiller — connects to Google Sheets/Excel for fully customizable budgets. Kiplinger
These picks reflect aggregated reviews and testing from top personal finance outlets in 2025. Forbes+1
Why 2025 is different — what changed (short)
Budget apps matured fast between 2023–2025. Two important trends shaped the landscape:
- Consolidation and app shutdowns. Longstanding names like Mint underwent big changes or were sunset, pushing users to new alternatives and causing a migration toward apps with better maintenance and product roadmaps. Investopedia+1
- Focus on forecasting and goals. Modern apps emphasize future cash-flow forecasts, goal automation, and advice features (e.g., debt-payoff paths, emergency-fund silos). Security and bank connectivity remain central as well. Kiplinger
How I picked the apps (methodology)
To create this list I used the following criteria (the same filters pro reviewers use):
- Budgeting model & flexibility: zero-based, envelope, rule-based, spreadsheet-friendly.
- Bank connectivity & reliability: number of supported institutions + reliability of links.
- Automation & insights: categorization, automatic rules, goal tracking, forecasting.
- Privacy & security: encryption, two-factor auth, data sharing policies.
- Value & price: free tier usefulness vs paid features and cost per year.
- User experience & support: app speed, UI, customer service.
The apps below were chosen because they scored highly across these criteria in multiple 2025 reviews. Forbes+1
Deep reviews — the best budgeting apps in 2025
1) You Need A Budget (YNAB) — Best for active, goal-oriented budgeters
What it is: YNAB uses a zero-based budgeting system: you assign every dollar a job. It’s less about passive tracking and more about proactive planning. NerdWallet
Key features
- Zero-based budgeting workflow.
- Real-time syncing across devices.
- Extensive learning resources and community.
- Goal tracking (debt payoff, emergency fund, savings buckets).
- Manual adjustments for irregular income.
Pricing: Subscription (monthly or annual). YNAB typically charges a mid-tier price but offers a trial. (See YNAB site for current rates.) ynab.com
Pros
- Forces intentional spending — great for people who want fast progress on savings/debt.
- Strong education ecosystem — lots of tutorials and budgeting classes.
- Excellent for variable-income households.
Cons
- Learning curve — not ideal if you want a “set and forget” tracker.
- No free forever tier to match every feature.
Best for: People committed to active budgeting, freelancers, and couples who want a discipline-first approach.
2) Simplifi by Quicken — Best easy, modern Mint alternative
What it is: Simplifi focuses on simplicity, clear forecasting and affordability — essentially a modern take on “Mint but better” for many users. Reviewers in 2025 list it among top choices for everyday budgeting. Kiplinger+1
Key features
- Clean net-worth and cash-flow forecasts.
- Smart watchlists for subscriptions and recurring bills.
- Easy categorization and spending insights.
- Affordable subscription.
Pricing: Low monthly/yearly fee (often among the most affordable paid budgeting apps).
Pros
- Great UX and easy onboarding.
- Good predictive forecasting for the next 30–90 days.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Less hands-on control than YNAB for zero-based budgeting.
- Some advanced power users prefer more customization.
Best for: New budgeters who want automation and forecasting without complexity.
3) PocketGuard — Best for “what I can spend” & debt focus
What it is: PocketGuard calculates a dynamic “In My Pocket” amount after bills and savings are accounted for — excellent for people who want a real-time number to guide spending. Kiplinger
Key features
- “In My Pocket” calculation.
- Bill and subscription tracking.
- Debt-reduction tools and visualizations.
Pros
- Immediate clarity on disposable cash.
- Handy for impulse spenders who need a boundary.
Cons
- Less deep goal tooling than YNAB or Tiller.
- Some features behind paid tier.
Best for: People who want one number to control daily spending.
4) Monarch Money — Best Mint-style upgrade and strong visuals
What it is: Built by veterans of the Mint team, Monarch offers robust account aggregation, great visual reporting, collaborative household features and a modern interface that many reviewers in 2025 praised. Dylan Teaches Finance
Key features
- Account aggregation and net-worth views.
- Goal and budget planning.
- “People” and “shared” views for household finances.
Pros
- Familiar Mint-like feel but smoother and more reliable.
- Very readable visuals and UX.
Cons
- Paid subscription required for full features.
- Newer company than the big incumbents — roadmap stability matters for some.
Best for: Former Mint users and folks who want strong visuals + account aggregation.
5) Goodbudget — Best envelope system & couples
What it is: Goodbudget uses the envelope method in a digital form. You allocate money into envelopes for categories and spend from those envelopes. It supports sharing across devices — popular with couples. Goodbudget
Key features
- Envelope budgeting.
- Manual or semi-automatic transactions.
- Shared budgets for partners.
Pros
- Great for couples and people who like tactile budgeting.
- Simple, intentional design.
Cons
- Lacks deep automation and bank connectivity in the free tier.
- Manual input may feel tedious to some.
Best for: Couples, envelope fans, and people who want a manual safety net.
6) EveryDollar — Best for Dave Ramsey followers / debt payers
What it is: EveryDollar is the budgeting app from Ramsey Solutions built around zero-based budgeting and debt snowball planning. It integrates with Ramsey’s educational content. Ramsey Solutions
Key features
- Zero-based approach.
- Integration with Ramsey’s financial teachings.
- Bill tracking and goal setting.
Pros
- Clear methodology for debt payoff.
- Trusted brand for certain users.
Cons
- Some features gated behind paid plan.
- App experience is simpler compared to more visualization-heavy tools.
Best for: Fans of Dave Ramsey’s system and users focused on debt elimination.
7) Tiller — Best for spreadsheet power users
What it is: Tiller connects bank accounts to Google Sheets and Excel, automatically feeding transactions into customizable spreadsheets. It’s perfect if you want total control and don’t mind spreadsheets. Kiplinger
Key features
- Automatic bank feeds into sheets.
- Templates for budgets, net worth, and cash flow.
- Full customization with spreadsheet formulas.
Pros
- Ultimate flexibility.
- Transparent, exportable data.
Cons
- Requires spreadsheet comfort.
- Not a polished mobile app experience; best on desktop.
Best for: Power users, analysts, and people who want full control of formulas and visuals.
8) Empower (Personal Capital) — Best if you want budgeting + investing in one
What it is: Empower (formerly Personal Capital) blends spending insights with investment and retirement tools — ideal for users who want budgeting with a wealth-management lens. Kiplinger
Key features
- Spending and cash-flow tools.
- Investment and retirement analytics.
- Net-worth and fee analyzers.
Pros
- Great for those juggling investing and budgets.
- Strong retirement and portfolio dashboards.
Cons
- Budgeting features are less hands-on than YNAB.
- Some wealth features push toward paid advisory products.
Best for: Investors who want budgeting plus detailed portfolio insights.
Comparison table (quick scan)
| App | Budgeting style | Bank links | Free tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | Zero-based | Yes | Trial | Active, goal-driven budgeters |
| Simplifi | Rule & forecast | Yes | Trial/low cost | Easy, predictive budgeting |
| PocketGuard | “In-Pocket” | Yes | Freemium | Daily spend control |
| Monarch | Aggregation | Yes | Limited | Former Mint users |
| Goodbudget | Envelope | Limited | Yes | Couples, manual envelope fans |
| EveryDollar | Zero-based | Yes | Freemium | Ramsey followers |
| Tiller | Spreadsheet | Yes | Trial | Spreadsheet power users |
| Empower | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Investors & budgeters |
(Prices and exact plans change; always check the app’s site before subscribing.) NerdWallet+1
Security & privacy — what to check in 2025
Budget apps hold sensitive data. Before connecting accounts, confirm:
- Encryption at rest & in transit (AES-256 or similar).
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) support.
- Clear data-sharing & third-party policy — who can see or buy your data?
- Bank connectivity partner (Plaid, MX, Yodlee) — prefer reputable link providers.
- Exportability: Ability to export transactions and delete your data.
Top reviewers in 2025 emphasized choosing apps with strong security histories and clean privacy policies. Kiplinger
How to choose the right budgeting app (step-by-step)
- Decide your budgeting style. Want hands-on control? YNAB or EveryDollar. Want automation? Simplifi or Monarch. Love spreadsheets? Tiller.
- List must-have features. Shared family budgets? Envelope support? Net-worth tracking? Match features to your needs.
- Try free tiers or trials. Most top apps offer 14–30 day trials—use them to simulate a month. NerdWallet+1
- Test bank connectivity. Connect one account first. Ensure transactions import correctly and categories make sense.
- Check long-term cost. A low monthly fee can add up—compare annual pricing.
- Assess support & community. If you need handholding, apps with tutorials and communities (YNAB, Ramsey) are helpful.
Real user scenarios — which app for which person
- New grad on a tight budget: Simplifi or PocketGuard — simple, actionable “how much you can spend” numbers. Kiplinger
- Freelancer with variable income: YNAB — plan each dollar, roll market fluctuations into buffers. NerdWallet
- Couple who shares finances: Goodbudget or Monarch — sharing features and household views. Goodbudget+1
- Data nerd who loves spreadsheets: Tiller — full control and automation into Sheets/Excel. Kiplinger
- Investor who needs budgeting + investments: Empower/Personal Capital — combined view of cash flow and portfolio. Kiplinger
Common mistakes when switching apps (and how to avoid them)
- Dumping everything immediately. Instead, migrate slowly: export old data, import older month by month.
- Not customizing categories. Default categories often mismatch your spending — edit them.
- Ignoring security consent screens. Check what data you allow the app to access.
- Abandoning the app too soon. Give a full monthly cycle before judging automation accuracy.
FAQs (short & searchable)
Q: Is Mint still available in 2025?
A: Mint was retired/transitioned by its parent company and many users moved to alternatives like Simplifi, Monarch or Empower. If you previously used Mint, you’ll want to migrate to an actively maintained app with reliable links. Investopedia+1
Q: Which free budgeting app is best?
A: Free options exist (Goodbudget, Empower’s basic tools, PocketGuard freemium), but paid tiers often add forecasting, goals, and better support. Choose a free app only after confirming it supports your primary needs. Goodbudget+1
Q: Can these apps replace a spreadsheet?
A: For many users, yes — apps provide automation and insights. But power users who need formulas and custom reports often prefer Tiller or a hybrid approach (app + spreadsheet exports). Kiplinger
Q: How secure are bank connections?
A: Most top apps use secure, vetted connectivity partners and industry-standard encryption, but you should read the app’s security page and use 2FA wherever possible. Kiplinger
Migration checklist (if you’re switching apps)
- Export transactions from your current app or bank (CSV/QFX).
- Back up exported files locally.
- Create the new budget structure (categories, envelopes, goals).
- Import historical transactions if supported (or start fresh with trial).
- Reconnect accounts one at a time and verify categories.
- Monitor for 30 days to catch any importing errors.
Final thoughts & recommendation
“Best budgeting apps in 2025” depends heavily on your budgeting style. If you want structure and progress, YNAB still leads for disciplined, zero-based planners. If you prefer simplicity with reliable forecasting, Simplifi and Monarch are excellent choices. For envelope lovers, Goodbudget remains an elegant digital solution. For spreadsheet freedom, Tiller is unmatched. These conclusions are supported by 2025 reviews from major personal finance outlets. NerdWallet+2Kiplinger+2