Best Zero-Based Budget Apps 2026
Give every dollar a job. We compared the top zero-based budgeting apps to help you find the right fit for your budgeting style.
What Makes Zero-Based Budgeting Work?
Every Dollar Assigned
Income minus expenses equals zero
Intentional Spending
Plan before you spend
Month-by-Month
Budget fresh each month
Find out which app fits your needs
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YNAB
The Gold Standard
$14.99/mo or $99/yr
Key Features:
Bottom Line: The original zero-based budget app with a proven track record. Powerful but expensive with a learning curve.
Savida
Best Free Zero-Based Option
Free / $9.99/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: Combines zero-based budgeting with expense splitting and AI insights. Best free option with a generous free tier.
EveryDollar
Dave Ramsey's Pick
Free / $17.99/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: Great for Dave Ramsey fans. Free version is manual-entry only; bank sync requires premium.
Goodbudget
Envelope Budgeting Pioneer
Free / $8/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: Traditional envelope system digitized. Limited free tier with only 10 envelopes.
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Mvelopes
Envelope with Bank Sync
$5.97/mo - $19.97/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: One of the original envelope apps but has become dated. No free tier available.
Actual Budget
Open Source Option
Free (self-hosted) / $5/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: Great for tech-savvy users who want control. Open-source alternative to YNAB.
PocketGuard
Automatic Budgeting
Free / $7.99/mo
Key Features:
Bottom Line: Not pure zero-based but 'In My Pocket' feature helps allocate every dollar. Good for beginners.
What to Look For in a Zero-Based Budget App
The best zero-based budget apps share these key features:
- Bank sync to automatically import transactions
- Easy category creation and management
- Goal tracking for savings and debt payoff
- Mobile app for on-the-go budget checks
- Reports to see spending trends over time
- Community or educational resources to stay motivated
Skip the research
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Frequently Asked Questions
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