YNAB
An app that gives every dollar a job before you spend it.
What YNAB does
YNAB (You Need A Budget) is a zero-based budgeting app. You give every dollar you have a job, like rent, groceries or a trip, before you spend it. It works on iPhone, Android and the web, and you can share one budget with a partner.
YNAB is built around one idea: budget the money you already have, not the money you expect to get. Every dollar gets a job, and when plans change you move money between categories instead of pretending it didn't happen.
You can connect your bank and card accounts so transactions come in on their own, or type them in yourself. Targets help you save a little each month for bigger, less frequent costs like car insurance or holiday gifts, so they stop being surprises.
It is not a set-and-forget tracker. YNAB asks you to check in and make choices, which is exactly why fans love it and why some people bounce off it. If you want a budget that changes how you think about money, this is the classic pick. If you just want to see where your money went, a simpler tracker will feel lighter.
Alternatives to YNAB
Who it's for
Skip it if: Anyone looking for a free budgeting app. People who want a hands-off view of their spending.
Pricing
34-day free trialThere is no free plan. You get a 34-day free trial, then it's $14.99 a month or $109 a year (about $9 a month).
Prices can vary by country. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What people like
- A clear method that changes how you handle money
- Bank import is optional, so you can stay fully manual
- One subscription can be shared with family
- Long free trial to see if the method clicks
Watch out for
- No free plan, and it costs more than most budgeting apps
- Takes a few weeks to learn the method
- No bill pay or bill reminders built in
Want a budget that works exactly the way you think? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “a simple budget app where I split my paycheck into categories like rent, food and fun, and see what's left in each one”
Questions people ask
Is YNAB free?
No. YNAB has a 34-day free trial, then costs $14.99 a month or $109 a year.
Does YNAB connect to my bank?
It can. You can link bank and card accounts to import transactions, or skip that and enter everything yourself.
Can couples use YNAB together?
Yes. You can share one budget with a partner or family member, and you both see changes as they happen.
What is zero-based budgeting?
It means you assign every dollar you have to a purpose until nothing is left unassigned. You plan with money you already have, not money you expect.