The Best Free Budgeting Apps in 2025 (Tested and Ranked)
We tested every major free budgeting app for 60 days. Here's what actually works — and what to skip.
With Mint shutting down, the budgeting app market is wide open. We spent two months running real budgets through every major free option. Here's the honest ranking — features, friction, and the dealbreakers most reviews don't mention.
1. Monarch Money (Best Mint Replacement)
Clean interface, automatic bank syncing, great categorization, and a 7-day free trial before paid plans. The best one-to-one replacement for Mint users, though it's not fully free long term.
2. Rocket Money (Best Free Tier)
Strong subscription tracking, bill negotiation features, and a usable free tier. The paid tier unlocks advanced budgeting, but the free version handles the basics well.
3. YNAB (Best for Serious Budgeters)
Not free, but worth mentioning. Steepest learning curve, biggest behavior change. Users report saving an average of $600 in their first two months.
4. Goodbudget (Best Envelope App)
Digital version of the envelope method. Free for up to 20 envelopes, perfect for couples sharing a budget on different devices.
5. Empower (Best for Net Worth Tracking)
Stronger for investment and net-worth tracking than day-to-day budgeting. Best as a complement to another app rather than your main tool.
The best app is the one you'll actually open every week.
What to Look For
- Easy bank connection
- Custom categories
- Bill reminders
- Mobile + web access
- Strong security and 2FA
- Export to CSV
Honest Warnings
Free apps often monetize through product recommendations — credit cards, loans, refinances. Read suggestions skeptically. The app makes money when you click; the recommendation isn't always in your best interest.
Final Thoughts
There's no perfect app. The right one depends on whether you want hands-off tracking, hands-on budgeting, or hardcore behavior change. Pick one, commit to 60 days, and switch only if it genuinely doesn't fit.