Best Budgeting Apps for Beginners in 2025: Simplify Your Finances

Budgeting is a powerful way to regain control of your finances, especially for beginners. With the best budgeting apps, you can easily track your spending, categorize your expenses, and plan ahead for your financial goals. Below, we dive into the best apps that are easy to use and perfect for budgeting newcomers.

1. YNAB (You Need a Budget)

Why We Picked It:

YNAB is a hands-on app focused on zero-based budgeting. It allows you to plan ahead and actively manage your finances, making it ideal for those looking to take full control of their money.

Who It’s For:

• Users who want to follow a detailed and hands-on budgeting method.
• Beginners who are eager to learn about budgeting and financial planning.

Pros:

• Zero-based budgeting system.
• Detailed educational resources available.
• Multi-device support (mobile, desktop, Apple Watch).

Cons:

• Requires consistent effort to maintain the budget.
• Paid subscription may not be ideal for users looking for a free app.

Specs & Configuration:

• Syncs with checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and loans.
• Available on mobile devices, desktop, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Cost:

• $14.99 per month or $109 per year.
• Free 34-day trial.
• College students get free access for a year.

2. Goodbudget

Why We Picked It:

Goodbudget uses the envelope budgeting system, allowing you to assign portions of your income to specific categories. It’s a great choice for beginners who prefer planning ahead instead of tracking past transactions.

Who It’s For:

• People who want to take a manual approach to budgeting.
• Users who prefer not to link bank accounts.

Pros:

• No syncing needed, simple planning.
• Free version available with limited features.
• Syncs across devices.

Cons:

• No automatic bank account syncing.
• Requires manual entry of every expense.

Specs & Configuration:

• Manual entry of accounts, cash amounts, debts, and income.
• Accessible on mobile and web.

Cost:

• Free version: Basic features with one account and two devices.
• Premium version: $10 per month or $80 per year.

3. EveryDollar

Why We Picked It:

EveryDollar offers a straightforward, simple zero-based budgeting method that makes it easier for beginners to get started. Its free version allows users to manually enter expenses, while the premium version offers automatic syncing.

Who It’s For:

• Beginners who prefer a simple, no-fuss budget.
• Users who want easy manual entry without advanced tracking features.

Pros:

• Simple interface and easy to use.
• Free version available with basic budgeting features.
• Premium version allows for automatic transaction syncing.

Cons:

• Free version lacks automatic syncing.
• Premium version can be pricey.

Specs & Configuration:

• Syncs with checking and savings accounts (premium version).
• Mobile and web access available.

Cost:

• Free version with basic features.
• Premium version: $79.99 per year or $17.99 per month.

4. Empower Personal Wealth

Why We Picked It:

Empower is ideal for users who want to track their spending while also gaining insight into their overall financial picture, including investments and net worth.

Who It’s For:

• Beginners who want to track both spending and investments.
• Users who want a more holistic view of their finances.

Pros:

• Free to use.
• Tracks spending, investments, and net worth.
• Syncs across various financial accounts.

Cons:

• Lacks detailed budgeting tools compared to others.
• Investment-focused, so it may not be as useful for people who want to focus solely on budgeting.

Specs & Configuration:

• Syncs checking, savings, credit card accounts, and investment portfolios.
• Available on mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Cost:

• Free.

5. PocketGuard

Why We Picked It:

PocketGuard is a simple budgeting app that shows users how much money is left to spend after setting aside money for bills and goals. It’s ideal for those who prefer a hands-off budgeting approach.

Who It’s For:

• Beginners who want a simple way to track spending without overcomplicating things.
• Users who don’t want to manually input every transaction.

Pros:

• Shows available spending after necessities, bills, and goals.
• Syncs bank accounts and provides automatic tracking.
• Free version available.

Cons:

• Lacks detailed planning features.
• Paid version offers more advanced tools but at a cost.

Specs & Configuration:

• Syncs checking, savings, and credit card accounts.
• Available on mobile devices.

Cost:

• Free version available.
• PocketGuard Plus: $12.99 per month or $74.99 per year.

6. Honeydue

Why We Picked It:

Honeydue is designed for couples who want to manage their finances together. You and your partner can sync accounts, categorize expenses, and set spending limits.

Who It’s For:

• Couples who want to budget together.
• Users looking to track joint finances and share financial decisions.

Pros:

• Syncs accounts for two people, custom categories.
• Expense categorization and reminders.
• Free to use.

Cons:

• Focuses more on tracking past transactions than future planning.
• May not be suitable for users who want more granular budgeting tools.

Specs & Configuration:

• Allows syncing for two people’s accounts and financial information.
• Available on mobile devices.

Cost:

• Free.

Comparison Table:

Conclusion

Choosing the best budgeting app depends on your personal preferences and financial goals. Whether you need a hands-on zero-based budgeting tool, a simple way to track spending, or a tool designed for couples, there’s an app for every need. Start with a free app and explore what features work best for you. With these apps, you can confidently take control of your financial future in 2025!