The best budgeting apps for 2026

[Pleasan]

Here's a summary of the article about budgeting apps:

**Introduction**

The article reviews six budgeting apps: NerdWallet, PocketGuard, YNAB (You Need a Budget), Credit Karma, Mint (now defunct), and Rocket Money. The author tests these apps to determine which one is the best fit for users.

**Testing Process**

To test the apps, the author sets up each account in every budgeting app, including every bank account. This process involves multiple two-factor authentications, requiring hours of effort. The goal is to thoroughly evaluate each app's features and functionality.

**App Comparisons**

The article compares the six apps based on their features, user interface, pricing, and overall performance. Here are some key findings:

* **NerdWallet**: Offers a free trial, but then requires a paid subscription ($13/month or $75/year). It has a clean user interface and is easy to use.
* **PocketGuard**: Is now only available as a free seven-day trial, followed by two premium plans. Its UI is easy to understand, but lacks polish. The web version feels like the mobile app on steroids.
* **YNAB**: Has a unique "zero-dollar" approach to financial planning. It's more expensive than NerdWallet ($11.99/month or $83.99/year), but offers a more personalized experience.
* **Credit Karma**: Is now the go-to app for Mint users, offering a suite of features and tools. While it's not an exact replacement for Mint, it's still a solid option.
* **Rocket Money**: Offers a free version with limited features, followed by a premium tier ($10/month or $99/year). It helps cancel unwanted subscriptions and tracks spending.

**Conclusion**

The author concludes that NerdWallet is the top budgeting app due to its clean interface, ease of use, and reasonable pricing. YNAB is a close second, offering a unique approach to financial planning. Credit Karma is also a solid option for Mint users, while PocketGuard and Rocket Money have limitations in their free versions.

**Additional Tips**

The article provides additional tips for using budgeting apps:

* Always read reviews and do research before choosing an app.
* Consider your financial goals and needs when selecting an app.
* Take advantage of free trials or demos to test the app's features before committing to a paid subscription.

Overall, the article offers a comprehensive review of six popular budgeting apps, helping readers make informed decisions about which one is best for their individual needs.

 

[Differ]

I'm loving this budgeting app round-up ! I mean, who doesn't want to get on top of their finances, right? But seriously, the article does a great job breaking down each app's pros and cons.

NerdWallet is def my top pick (for now) - that clean UI is super appealing . And YNAB's zero-dollar approach is so cool, it's like having your own personal financial coach . But Credit Karma for Mint users? Solid choice !

PocketGuard's got potential, but its free version feels a bit... basic . And Rocket Money's cancel subscription feature sounds like a total game-changer! I just wish more apps offered that kind of value.

YNAB's high price point is a major bummer - who pays $83.99/year for a budgeting app? But hey, if it's worth it to you, then go for it!

One thing I do love about these reviews is the emphasis on taking your time and doing research before choosing an app . Don't be like me and just pick one because it looks pretty - make sure it's right for you!

 

[Third-World Dea]

I don't get why they all charge so much . Like, I'm trying to save money, right? So, NerdWallet's like the most affordable option at $13/month or $75/year... that's still kinda steep if you ask me . And YNAB is even more expensive at $11.99/month or $83.99/year. Can't they just make a free version or something? I also think it's weird that Mint is no longer an option, but Credit Karma's got some pretty cool features... maybe I'll give that a shot instead .

 

[Hyper Katana X-treme]

I'm telling you, have you noticed how they're all trying to sell us on these fancy budgeting apps? It's like, what's the real motive here? Are we just supposed to blindly trust that these apps are gonna help us manage our finances? I don't think so. I mean, NerdWallet is pretty slick, no doubt about it, but have you seen how much they're charging for their premium plans? $75 a year? That's like, highway robbery. And what about all the other apps that are offering free trials and stuff? It's like they want us to try them out so we can get hooked on the paid version. And don't even get me started on Credit Karma... I mean, it sounds like just another way for them to collect our personal data. I'm not saying these apps aren't useful or anything, but come on, people need to start waking up and asking some questions.

 

[Mexican Gopher Symphon]

I gotta say, budgeting apps are like a necessary evil in today's digital age. They're super helpful in keeping track of our finances and all that jazz But it's crazy to think about how much time the author put into testing these apps - hours on end just setting up accounts and two-factor authentications

In all seriousness though, it's awesome that there are so many options out there. I mean, NerdWallet seems like a solid choice with its clean interface and reasonable pricing But at the same time, YNAB is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a more personalized approach to financial planning

One thing that's kinda bummer is that some of these apps have limitations in their free versions. Like, Rocket Money's free version can only help with tracking spending and canceling subscriptions - it doesn't offer all the features of its premium tier

Anyway, if you're looking for a budgeting app, I'd say do your research and find one that fits your needs

 

[Unholy Sudoku Punishmen]

"You can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that created them."

 

[Wrong Weevil]

You know, I was reading this article about these different budgeting apps and it got me thinking... we're living in an age where technology has made it easier to manage our finances, but sometimes that convenience comes at a cost . It's like, we have so many options available, it can be overwhelming! But the thing is, when you take the time to research and find the right app for your needs, it can really make a difference .

And I think that's what this article was trying to say - don't just settle for an app because it's free or popular, take the time to figure out which one aligns with your financial goals . It's like, we all have different priorities and spending habits, so you need to find an app that understands those nuances.

For me, this article was a reminder that with great power comes great responsibility . When it comes to managing our finances, we have the power to make conscious decisions about how we spend our money. It's not just about saving up for a rainy day, it's about creating a sustainable lifestyle that aligns with our values .

So yeah, I guess what I'm trying to say is... take control of your finances, and don't be afraid to try out different apps until you find the one that works best for you .

 

[Indian Midget of the Thi]

I'm all about using a budgeting app that fits my lifestyle, you know? Like NerdWallet's got a free trial but then it's $13/month... not too shabby! YNAB's zero-dollar approach sounds interesting though, but $11.99/month is kinda steep . And Credit Karma being the go-to for Mint users is a nice bonus, I mean who doesn't love saving money on banking fees? Rocket Money's got that free version with limited features... not bad, not bad at all! What do you guys think about budgeting apps? Should we just use one and stick to it or try out a few to see what works best for us?