Best budgeting apps for 2025: Managing money can feel daunting, but the right budgeting apps can make it simple, even fun! Whether you’re saving for a great vacation, paying off debt, or just trying to avoid overspending, a good app can help you stay on track.
As we head into 2025, new features like AI-powered insights, automated savings, and real-time spending alerts are making budgeting apps smarter than ever. In this guide, we’ll break down the best options for different needs — so you can find the perfect one for your financial goals.
(Best Budgeting Apps for 2025)
Why you need a budgeting app in 2025
Let’s be honest: manually keeping track of every dollar is a hassle. A budgeting app does the heavy lifting for you:
- Tracking spending automatically (no more guessing where your money went).
- Setting and enforcing budgets (so you don’t overspend on takeout… again).
- Hassle-free saving (some apps even round up purchases and credit the money instead).
- Alerting you before the bill arrives (goodbye, late fees!)
With inflation and rising costs, keeping track of your finances is more important than ever. The best budgeting apps for 2025 use smart technology to help you save more and stress less.
The best budgeting apps for 2025
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Best for zero-based budgeting
Best for: People who want full control over every dollar.
YNAB follows the zero-based budgeting method, which means you assign every dollar a task (savings, bills, fun money, etc.). This is great for breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
Key features:
- Syncs with banks for real-time updates.
- Teaches good money habits through workshops.
- Helps you plan for big expenses.
Cost: $14.99/month or $99/year (but it often pays for itself in savings).
2. Mint – Best Free Budgeting App
Best for: Beginners who want an easy, no-cost solution.
Mint has been a favorite free budgeting app for years, and in 2025, it’s still a solid choice. It automatically categorizes expenses, tracks bills, and even checks your credit score.
Key features:
- Free (no subscription required).
- Customizable budgets and alerts.
- Investment and net worth tracking.
Downside: Ads for financial products (since it’s free).
3. PocketGuard – Best for Overspenders
Best for: People who struggle with impulse spending.
PocketGuard’s tagline is “Keep more of what you earn,” and it works. The app shows how much you can safely spend after bills and savings.
Key features:
- “In My Pocket” feature shows spendable cash.
- Identifies recurring bills you can cut.
- Simple, clean interface.
Cost: Free (with a Plus version at $7.99/month for additional features).
4. Monarch Money – Best for Couples and Families
Best for: Shared finances (couples or roommates).
Monarch Money lets multiple people manage budgets together – perfect for partners who want transparency.
Key features:
- Shared access with custom permissions.
- Customizable categories and reports.
- No ads (unlike some free apps).
Cost: $14.99/month or $99/year (but great for teamwork).
5. GoodBudget – Best for Envelope Budgeting
Best for: For fans of the cash envelope system (but digital).
GoodBudget uses the classic envelope method – where you divide money into categories – but makes it digital. No more carrying around cash!
Key features:
- Syncs across multiple devices (great for couples).
- Encourages mindful spending.
- Free version available (with limitations).
Cost: Free (or $8/month for unlimited envelopes).
6. Empower (formerly Personal Capital) – Best for Investors
Best for: People who want to create a budget and keep track of money.
If you think about both daily spending and long-term investing, Empower is a great choice.
Key features:
- Tracks net worth, investments, and retirement accounts.
- Free financial tools (with optional paid advisory services).
- Includes retirement planner.
Cost: Free (additional cost for money management services).
How to choose the best budgeting app for you
Not sure which app fits your needs? Ask yourself:
✅ Do I need automation? (Mint, PocketGuard)
✅ Do I need to share finances? (Monarch Money, GoodBudget)
✅ Am I focused on paying off debt? (YNAB)
✅ Do I need investing information, too? (Empower)
The best budgeting apps for 2025 match your lifestyle – whether you’re a spender, saver, or investor.
Conclusion: Budgeting doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. With the right app, you can better manage money without the stress. Whether you choose YNAB for a strict budget or Mint for a free overview, the key is consistency.
Try one (or two!) of these budgeting apps in 2025 and watch your financial confidence grow. After all, the best budget is the one you’ll actually stick to.
Which app will you try first? Let us know in the comments!
