Actual Budget: Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally. Finances in ChatGPT: OpenAI lists Finances for U.S. Free, Go, Plus and Pro users. Albert: Albert's Standard plan costs $19.99 a month, and Genius and Family plans cost $39.99 a month. A Family plan covers the owner and up to 4 family members. Cleo: Cleo has a free version. Plus is $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year, Pro is $8.99 a month and Builder is $14.99 a month. Copilot Money: Copilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly. EveryDollar: EveryDollar has a free version. After a 14-day free trial, premium costs $79.99 a year billed annually, or $17.99 a month billed monthly. Goodbudget: Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year. Honeydue: Honeydue says it is 100% free for everybody and doesn't block any features with a paywall. It asks users to consider an optional monthly tip of $1 to $10. Monarch Money: Monarch Core costs $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year billed annually. Monarch Plus costs $199.99 a year billed annually. Origin: Origin's annual plan is a one-time payment of $99 for 12 months, and the monthly plan costs $12.99 a month. PocketGuard: PocketGuard Premium costs $12.99 a month, $74.99 a year billed yearly, or $149.99 once for lifetime access. Simplifi: Quicken Simplifi lists $6.99 a month, billed annually. New members who order directly from Quicken by November 29, 2026 see a first-year offer of $3.99 a month, billed annually. Rocket Money: Rocket Money has a free version. Premium uses a pay what you think is fair price that Rocket Money says typically ranges from $7 to $14 a month, and Premium+ costs $15 a month. YNAB: YNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable. Fifecta: Fifecta costs $15 a month or $150 a year.

Does it connect to my bank and import transactions?

Actual Budget: Yes. Actual has built-in bank syncing through goCardless in the EU and UK and SimpleFIN in the US and Canada. Finances in ChatGPT: Yes. OpenAI says Finances connects bank accounts through Plaid and credit through Experian, as separate connections. Albert: Yes. Albert says it supports thousands of institutions to auto sync your balances and transactions. Cleo: Yes. Cleo's App Store listing says features like Money IQ need at least one bank account connected to the Cleo app. Copilot Money: Yes. Copilot Money says it works with multiple data aggregators, starting with Plaid, so connected accounts update automatically. You can also add manual accounts. EveryDollar: Premium only. EveryDollar premium connects your bank through Mastercard Connect and Plaid, and the free version uses manual entry. Goodbudget: Premium only. Goodbudget Premium includes automatic bank sync for US banks only, and the free version does not list it. Honeydue: Yes. Honeydue says it supports over 20,000 financial institutions across 5 countries, from bank accounts and loans to investments. Monarch Money: Yes. Monarch says it syncs with multiple financial data providers to connect with more than 13,000 financial institutions. Origin: Yes. Origin says you can connect to over 11,000 financial institutions. PocketGuard: Yes. PocketGuard says it connects to more than 20,000 institutions in the US, Canada and the UK through Plaid, Finicity and Salt Edge. Simplifi: Yes. Quicken says Simplifi connects to over 14k financial institutions. Rocket Money: Yes. Rocket Money says it connects to your accounts through Plaid. YNAB: Yes. YNAB lets you connect your accounts and import transactions. Fifecta: Optional. Fifecta connects banks through Plaid with read-only access, and you can type your income and spending in by hand instead.

Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?

Actual Budget: Yes. Community Discord (#support channel) and GitHub issues. Finances in ChatGPT: Yes. Chat (OpenAI Help Center). Albert: Yes. Virtual assistant chat, live agent over text or email and phone (support options and voicemail). Cleo: Yes. In-app chat (Ask Cleo) and email. Copilot Money: Yes. In-app chat and email. EveryDollar: Yes. Live person (free) and coaching (premium). Goodbudget: Yes. Community (Free) and email (Premium). Honeydue: Yes. Email and in-app chat. Monarch Money: Yes. In-app help (instant answer) and support ticket. Origin: Yes. AI bot with a team member on request (app and web), scheduled phone call and email. PocketGuard: Yes. Email, AI chat and priority human support (paid plan). Simplifi: Yes. Live chat, phone and community. Rocket Money: Yes. In-app chat and email. YNAB: Yes. Chatbot with human handoff and email. Fifecta: Yes. Contact form.

Alternatives

Actual Budget alternatives in 2026

Updated Nov 12, 2026

Data as of Oct 29, 2026

I earn commissions from some links.

Actual BudgetAI money tool

Actual Budget is an AI money tool. Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally. We checked that on Nov 3, 2026. Below are 14 other apps, starting with the other AI money tool, Finances in ChatGPT, and then budgeting apps. They're ranked by how close each app's category is to Actual Budget's, not by how good it is, and every fact shows the date we checked it.

Short answer

The closest alternatives to Actual Budget are Finances in ChatGPT, Albert and Cleo, because Finances in ChatGPT is also an AI money tool and Albert and Cleo are budgeting apps. Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally. We checked Actual Budget on Nov 3, 2026, and every card below shows its own dates.

What Actual Budget says on its own pages

Before you compare, here is what Actual Budget itself says about these points. Quotes are its own words, and each line links to the page we read.

Sharing with a partner: “Users with the Basic role can create new budgets and collaborate on budgets made by others.” (source, opens in a new tab, checked Nov 3, 2026)
Joint and personal views: “You can create as many files as you want. This lets you create multiple budgets, isolate accounts, and more.” (source, opens in a new tab, checked Nov 3, 2026)
Exporting your data: “These range from reconciling and exporting your account to closing or Connecting Your Bank for transaction syncing.” (source, opens in a new tab, checked Nov 3, 2026)

What Actual Budget and its alternatives cost

Actual Budget
Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · github.com/actualbudget/actual
Finances in ChatGPT
OpenAI lists Finances for U.S. Free, Go, Plus and Pro users.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · help.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt
Albert
$19.99a month
Albert's Standard plan costs $19.99 a month, and Genius and Family plans cost $39.99 a month. A Family plan covers the owner and up to 4 family members.
As of Nov 12, 2026 · help.albert.com/hc/en-us/articles/21583583733271-How-much-does-Albert-cost
Cleo
$5.99a month
Cleo has a free version. Plus is $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year, Pro is $8.99 a month and Builder is $14.99 a month.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $44.99 and $134.97, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · web.meetcleo.com/faqs/en/articles/11864260-does-cleo-offer-annual-subscription-options
Copilot Money
$13a month
Copilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $95 and $285, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · copilot.money
EveryDollar
$17.99a month
EveryDollar has a free version. After a 14-day free trial, premium costs $79.99 a year billed annually, or $17.99 a month billed monthly.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $79.99 and $239.97, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · everydollar.com
Goodbudget
$10a month
Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $80 and $240, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · goodbudget.com/signup
Honeydue
Honeydue says it is 100% free for everybody and doesn't block any features with a paywall. It asks users to consider an optional monthly tip of $1 to $10.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · support.honeydue.com/en/articles/3179714-how-does-honeydue-earn-money
Monarch Money
$14.99a month
Monarch Core costs $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year billed annually. Monarch Plus costs $199.99 a year billed annually.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $99.99 and $299.97, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · monarch.com/pricing
Origin
$12.99a month
Origin's annual plan is a one-time payment of $99 for 12 months, and the monthly plan costs $12.99 a month.
As of Nov 12, 2026 · support.useorigin.com/hc/en-us/articles/27538341764621-How-will-I-be-billed-for-the-annual-plan
PocketGuard
$12.99a month
PocketGuard Premium costs $12.99 a month, $74.99 a year billed yearly, or $149.99 once for lifetime access.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $74.99 and $224.97, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · pocketguard.com/pricing
Quicken Simplifi
$6.99a month, billed yearly
Quicken Simplifi lists $6.99 a month, billed annually. New members who order directly from Quicken by November 29, 2026 see a first-year offer of $3.99 a month, billed annually.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · quicken.com/products/simplifi
Rocket Money
Rocket Money has a free version. Premium uses a pay what you think is fair price that Rocket Money says typically ranges from $7 to $14 a month, and Premium+ costs $15 a month.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · rocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost
YNAB
$14.99a month
YNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $109 and $327, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · ynab.com/pricing
Fifecta
$15a month
Fifecta costs $15 a month or $150 a year.
Cost over 1 and 3 years: $150 and $450, at the yearly list price before tax.
As of Nov 3, 2026 · pricelesstay.com/fifecta

Bars show only when every app here lists a yearly price, so these prices sit side by side without them. Prices are list prices from each app's own page, before tax and any offer.

Alternatives to Actual Budget, closest category first

Each card puts the app's facts next to Actual Budget's, with the date we checked each one. The order follows how close the category is, not how good the app is.

How Actual Budget compares at a glance

Actual Budget has no free trial, while Albert (30 days), EveryDollar (14 days), Monarch Money (7 days), PocketGuard (7 days), Rocket Money (7 days) and YNAB (34 days) offer one.
Actual Budget pulls in your bank data, while EveryDollar and Goodbudget have paid-only bank sync.
Finances in ChatGPT, Copilot Money, Goodbudget, Monarch Money, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB run on the web, which Actual Budget doesn't list.
Actual Budget doesn't list iPhone, and Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Copilot Money, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Monarch Money, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB do.
For Android, look at Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Monarch Money, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB, since Actual Budget doesn't list it.
Actual Budget doesn't list iPad, and Copilot Money and YNAB do.
Actual Budget doesn't list Apple Watch, and PocketGuard and YNAB do.
Actual Budget lists Windows, and Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Copilot Money, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Monarch Money, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB don't.
Actual Budget lists Mac, and Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Monarch Money, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB don't.
Actual Budget runs on Linux, which Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Copilot Money, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Monarch Money, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB don't list.
For help, Actual Budget lists these channels: community Discord (#support channel) and GitHub issues. Of the apps below, Albert, Origin and Simplifi list phone support, Albert, Cleo, Copilot Money, Goodbudget, Honeydue, Origin, PocketGuard, Rocket Money and YNAB list email support and Finances in ChatGPT, Albert, Cleo, Copilot Money, Honeydue, PocketGuard, Simplifi, Rocket Money and YNAB list chat support.
Actual Budget offers shared budgets, which Cleo's own pages say it doesn't.
Actual Budget offers investment tracking, which Cleo's own pages say it doesn't.
Actual Budget offers joint and individual views, which EveryDollar, PocketGuard, Simplifi and Rocket Money say on their own pages they don't.

Other AI money tools

Finances in ChatGPT
AI money tool
Same category
Finances is a built-in ChatGPT feature that links your bank accounts through Plaid and shows a money dashboard in ChatGPT.
Price and fees
Finances in ChatGPTOpenAI lists Finances for U.S. Free, Go, Plus and Pro users.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
Finances in ChatGPTFinances needs no trial: OpenAI says it is available in the U.S. to Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
Finances in ChatGPTFinances in ChatGPT lists Web, iOS and Android.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
Finances in ChatGPTFeature inside the ChatGPT app.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Finances in ChatGPT differs from Actual Budget
Beyond what Actual Budget covers, Finances in ChatGPT also runs on the web, iPhone and Android. Finances in ChatGPT's platform list leaves out Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Finances in ChatGPT lists chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. Finances in ChatGPT is an AI money tool, the same kind of app as Actual Budget. Neither Finances in ChatGPT nor Actual Budget has a free trial. Finances in ChatGPT connects to your bank, the same as Actual Budget. Like Actual Budget, Finances in ChatGPT offers goals and investment tracking.
Who it fits
- Finances in ChatGPT lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Finances in ChatGPT lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Finances in ChatGPT lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- See Actual Budget and Finances in ChatGPT side by side

Budgeting apps

Albert
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Albert is a subscription money app for budgeting, banking, saving and investing, with an AI assistant called Genius.
Price and fees
AlbertAlbert's Standard plan costs $19.99 a month, and Genius and Family plans cost $39.99 a month. A Family plan covers the owner and up to 4 family members.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: help.albert.com/hc/en-us/articles/21583583733271-How-much-does-Albert-cost
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
AlbertAlbert says you can try your plan for 30 days before you're charged.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: albert.com
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
AlbertAlbert lists iOS and Android.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: albert.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
AlbertAlbert has 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store from 343,539 ratings.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Albert differs from Actual Budget
Albert is a budgeting app, not an AI money tool like Actual Budget. Actual Budget costs nothing, and Albert starts at $19.99 a month. Unlike Actual Budget, Albert offers a free trial, and it lasts 30 days. Beyond what Actual Budget covers, Albert also runs on iPhone and Android. Albert doesn't list Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Albert lists phone, email and chat support, and Actual Budget's support list doesn't. As with Actual Budget, Albert links your bank accounts. Albert offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking, data export and joint and individual views, which Actual Budget includes too. As with Actual Budget, Albert gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- Albert lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Albert lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Albert lists an APY on deposits. That fits a Saver, whose first fix is putting saved money to work.
- Albert lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Cleo
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Cleo is a money app with an AI chat assistant, budgeting tools and cash advances.
Price and fees
CleoCleo has a free version. Plus is $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year, Pro is $8.99 a month and Builder is $14.99 a month.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: web.meetcleo.com/faqs/en/articles/11864260-does-cleo-offer-annual-subscription-options
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
CleoCleo lists iOS and Android.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: meetcleo.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
CleoCleo has 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store from 268,990 ratings.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Cleo differs from Actual Budget
Cleo is a budgeting app, not an AI money tool like Actual Budget. Unlike Actual Budget, which costs nothing, Cleo also sells paid plans. Cleo's lowest listed paid price is $5.99 a month, while Actual Budget costs nothing. Cleo adds iPhone and Android, beyond Actual Budget's list. Cleo doesn't list Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Unlike Cleo, Actual Budget includes shared budgets and investment tracking. Where Actual Budget lets each partner sign in on their own, Cleo has partners share one login. Cleo lists email and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. Cleo connects to your bank, the same as Actual Budget. On goals, Cleo matches Actual Budget.
Who it fits
- Cleo lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Cleo lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Copilot Money
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Copilot Money is a paid budgeting and tracking app that uses AI to tag your transactions automatically.
Price and fees
Copilot MoneyCopilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: copilot.money
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
Copilot MoneyCopilot Money says you can test drive the app before you connect an account and then start a free trial. Its pricing section does not list the trial length.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: copilot.money
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
Copilot MoneyCopilot Money lists iPhone, iPad, Mac and Web.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: copilot.money
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
Copilot MoneyCopilot Money has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 30,895 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Copilot Money differs from Actual Budget
Actual Budget and Copilot Money sit in different categories: Copilot Money is a budgeting app. Copilot Money's lowest listed price is $13 a month, while Actual Budget costs nothing. Beyond what Actual Budget covers, Copilot Money also runs on iPhone, iPad and the web. Copilot Money doesn't list Windows and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Where Actual Budget lets each partner sign in on their own, Copilot Money has partners share one login. Copilot Money lists email and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. As with Actual Budget, Copilot Money connects to your bank. On goals, investment tracking, data export and joint and individual views, Copilot Money matches Actual Budget.
Who it fits
- Copilot Money lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Copilot Money lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Copilot Money lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- Read our Copilot Money review
EveryDollar
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
EveryDollar is a zero-based budgeting app from Ramsey Solutions with a free version and a paid premium version.
Price and fees
EveryDollarEveryDollar has a free version. After a 14-day free trial, premium costs $79.99 a year billed annually, or $17.99 a month billed monthly.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: everydollar.com
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
EveryDollarEveryDollar premium starts with a 14-day free trial for new users.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: everydollar.com
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
EveryDollarEveryDollar lists iOS, Android and Computer.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
EveryDollarEveryDollar has 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store from 84,203 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How EveryDollar differs from Actual Budget
Unlike Actual Budget, which is an AI money tool, EveryDollar is a budgeting app. Unlike Actual Budget, which costs nothing, EveryDollar also sells paid plans. EveryDollar's lowest listed paid price is $17.99 a month, while Actual Budget costs nothing. Actual Budget skips the trial, but EveryDollar offers 14 free days. EveryDollar has paid-only bank sync, while Actual Budget pulls in your bank data. Unlike EveryDollar, Actual Budget includes joint and individual views. On goals, shared budgets, investment tracking and data export, EveryDollar matches Actual Budget. As with Actual Budget, EveryDollar gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- EveryDollar lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- EveryDollar lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- EveryDollar lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- Read our EveryDollar review
Goodbudget
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Goodbudget is an envelope budgeting app with a free version and a paid Premium version.
Price and fees
GoodbudgetGoodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: goodbudget.com/signup
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
GoodbudgetGoodbudget says it isn't offering trials of Premium. There is a Free Forever plan, and you can ask for a refund within the first 30 days of a subscription.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: forums.goodbudget.com/t/premium-level/2994
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
GoodbudgetGoodbudget lists Web, Android and iPhone.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: goodbudget.com/signup
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
GoodbudgetGoodbudget has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 13,528 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Goodbudget differs from Actual Budget
Actual Budget and Goodbudget sit in different categories: Goodbudget is a budgeting app. Goodbudget has a free version and paid plans, and Actual Budget costs nothing. Where Actual Budget costs nothing, Goodbudget starts at $10 a month. Actual Budget keeps your bank in sync, but Goodbudget syncs banks only when paid. Goodbudget runs on the web, Android and iPhone, which Actual Budget's list leaves out. Goodbudget doesn't list Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Unlike Actual Budget, which lets each partner sign in on their own, Goodbudget has partners share one login. Goodbudget lists email support, and Actual Budget's support list doesn't. Goodbudget has no free trial, and Actual Budget skips the trial too. On goals, shared budgets and data export, Goodbudget matches Actual Budget.
Who it fits
- Goodbudget lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Goodbudget lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Honeydue
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Honeydue is a free mobile app for couples to track balances, budgets and bills together, with controls over what each partner shares.
Price and fees
HoneydueHoneydue says it is 100% free for everybody and doesn't block any features with a paywall. It asks users to consider an optional monthly tip of $1 to $10.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.honeydue.com/en/articles/3179714-how-does-honeydue-earn-money
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
HoneydueHoneydue needs no trial: it says it is 100% free for everybody and doesn't block any features with a paywall.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.honeydue.com/en/articles/3179714-how-does-honeydue-earn-money
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
HoneydueHoneydue lists iOS and Android.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: honeydue.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
HoneydueHoneydue has 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store from 10,281 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Honeydue differs from Actual Budget
Actual Budget and Honeydue sit in different categories: Honeydue is a budgeting app. Honeydue runs on iPhone and Android, which Actual Budget's list leaves out. Honeydue's platform list leaves out Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Honeydue lists email and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. Honeydue is free, and Actual Budget costs nothing either. Like Actual Budget, Honeydue has no free trial. Like Actual Budget, Honeydue syncs with your bank. Like Actual Budget, Honeydue offers shared budgets, investment tracking and joint and individual views. Like Actual Budget, Honeydue gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- Honeydue lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Honeydue lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Monarch Money
Budgeting app
Nearby category
From Monarch Money's help center, Oct 24, 2026
Monarch Money is a paid app for budgeting and for tracking your accounts, net worth and goals in one place.
Price and fees
Monarch MoneyMonarch Core costs $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year billed annually. Monarch Plus costs $199.99 a year billed annually.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: monarch.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
Monarch MoneyMonarch offers a free 7-day trial, and you need a payment method to start it.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: monarch.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
Monarch MoneyMonarch Money lists Web, iOS and Android.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: monarch.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
Monarch MoneyMonarch Money has 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store from 116,791 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Monarch Money differs from Actual Budget
Monarch Money is a budgeting app, not an AI money tool like Actual Budget. Unlike Actual Budget, which costs nothing, Monarch Money lists $14.99 a month at its lowest. You get 7 free days with Monarch Money, and there's no trial with Actual Budget. Beyond what Actual Budget covers, Monarch Money also runs on the web, iPhone and Android. Monarch Money doesn't list Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Monarch Money connects to your bank, the same as Actual Budget. Monarch Money offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking, data export, an API or MCP and joint and individual views, which Actual Budget includes too. As with Actual Budget, Monarch Money gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- Monarch Money lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Monarch Money lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Monarch Money lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Origin
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Origin is a paid app for budgeting, tracking your accounts and investments, and asking an AI advisor about your money, with free partner access.
Price and fees
OriginOrigin's annual plan is a one-time payment of $99 for 12 months, and the monthly plan costs $12.99 a month.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: support.useorigin.com/hc/en-us/articles/27538341764621-How-will-I-be-billed-for-the-annual-plan
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
OriginOrigin offers a 7-day free trial on monthly and annual plans, but says the trial is currently unavailable while its $1 for a year promotion runs.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: support.useorigin.com/hc/en-us/articles/27519866928013-Is-there-a-free-trial-for-both-monthly-and-yearly-membership-plans
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
OriginOrigin lists Web, iOS, Android and Mac.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: useorigin.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
OriginOrigin has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 4,019 ratings.As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Origin differs from Actual Budget
Coming from Actual Budget, note that Origin is a budgeting app. Where Actual Budget costs nothing, Origin starts at $12.99 a month. Beyond what Actual Budget covers, Origin also runs on the web, iPhone and Android. Actual Budget also covers Windows and Linux, which Origin doesn't list. Origin lists phone and email support, and Actual Budget's support list doesn't. Like Actual Budget, Origin syncs with your bank. Like Actual Budget, Origin offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking, data export and joint and individual views. Like Actual Budget, Origin gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- Origin lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Origin lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Origin lists an APY on deposits. That fits a Saver, whose first fix is putting saved money to work.
- Origin lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
PocketGuard
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
PocketGuard is a paid budgeting app that tracks your accounts, bills and budgets and shows what is safe to spend.
Price and fees
PocketGuardPocketGuard Premium costs $12.99 a month, $74.99 a year billed yearly, or $149.99 once for lifetime access.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
PocketGuardPocketGuard offers a 7-day free trial.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
PocketGuardPocketGuard lists Web, iOS, Apple Watch and Android.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
PocketGuardPocketGuard has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 7,683 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How PocketGuard differs from Actual Budget
Actual Budget and PocketGuard sit in different categories: PocketGuard is a budgeting app. PocketGuard's lowest listed price is $12.99 a month, while Actual Budget costs nothing. Actual Budget skips the trial, but PocketGuard offers 7 free days. PocketGuard adds the web, iPhone, Apple Watch and Android, beyond Actual Budget's list. PocketGuard doesn't list Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Unlike PocketGuard, Actual Budget includes joint and individual views. Where Actual Budget lets each partner sign in on their own, PocketGuard has partners share one login. PocketGuard lists email and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. PocketGuard connects to your bank, the same as Actual Budget. On goals, investment tracking and data export, PocketGuard matches Actual Budget.
Who it fits
- PocketGuard lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- PocketGuard lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- PocketGuard lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
Quicken Simplifi
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
Quicken Simplifi is a paid web and mobile app that builds a spending plan from your income, bills and subscriptions.
Price and fees
SimplifiQuicken Simplifi lists $6.99 a month, billed annually. New members who order directly from Quicken by November 29, 2026 see a first-year offer of $3.99 a month, billed annually.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: quicken.com/products/simplifi
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
SimplifiQuicken says Simplifi has no free trial, but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee from the original purchase date for subscriptions bought directly from Quicken.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.simplifi.quicken.com/en/articles/3363727-quicken-simplifi-subscription-questions
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
SimplifiQuicken Simplifi lists Web and Mobile.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: quicken.com/products/simplifi
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
SimplifiQuicken Simplifi has 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store from 11,972 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Simplifi differs from Actual Budget
Coming from Actual Budget, note that Simplifi is a budgeting app. Actual Budget includes joint and individual views, which Simplifi says it doesn't offer. Simplifi lists phone and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. Like Actual Budget, Simplifi has no free trial. As with Actual Budget, Simplifi connects to your bank. Like Actual Budget, Simplifi offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking and data export. Simplifi gives partners separate logins, the same as Actual Budget.
Who it fits
- Simplifi lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Simplifi lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Simplifi lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- Read our Quicken Simplifi review
Rocket Money
Budgeting app
Nearby category
From Rocket Money's help center, Oct 24, 2026
Rocket Money is a budgeting app that tracks your spending and subscriptions, with a free version and paid Premium and Premium+ tiers.
Price and fees
Rocket MoneyRocket Money has a free version. Premium uses a pay what you think is fair price that Rocket Money says typically ranges from $7 to $14 a month, and Premium+ costs $15 a month.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: rocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
Rocket MoneyRocket Money says new Premium members get a 7-day free trial, then the monthly subscription continues at the price chosen at signup.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.rocketmoney.com/en/articles/2217739-how-much-does-rocket-money-cost
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
Rocket MoneyRocket Money lists iOS, Android and Web.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: rocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
Rocket MoneyRocket Money has 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store from 404,690 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Rocket Money differs from Actual Budget
Unlike Actual Budget, which is an AI money tool, Rocket Money is a budgeting app. Unlike Actual Budget, which costs nothing, Rocket Money also sells paid plans. Actual Budget skips the trial, but Rocket Money offers 7 free days. Rocket Money runs on iPhone, Android and the web, which Actual Budget's list leaves out. Rocket Money's platform list leaves out Windows, Mac and Linux, which Actual Budget covers. Actual Budget includes joint and individual views, which Rocket Money says it doesn't offer. Rocket Money lists email and chat support, which isn't on Actual Budget's support list. Rocket Money links your bank accounts, the same as Actual Budget. Like Actual Budget, Rocket Money offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking and data export. As with Actual Budget, Rocket Money gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- Rocket Money lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Rocket Money lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Rocket Money lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
YNAB
Budgeting app
Nearby category
App Store marketing image, Oct 24, 2026
YNAB is a paid budgeting app built around the YNAB Method, where you give every dollar a job before you spend it.
Price and fees
YNABYNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ynab.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
YNABYNAB offers a 34-day free trial, and you don't need a credit card when you sign up directly with YNAB.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ynab.com/pricing
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
YNABYNAB lists Web, iPhone, Android, iPad and Apple Watch.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ynab.com/our-app-lineup
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
YNABYNAB has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 62,068 ratings.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: App Store listing
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How YNAB differs from Actual Budget
YNAB is a budgeting app, not an AI money tool like Actual Budget. Where Actual Budget costs nothing, YNAB starts at $14.99 a month. YNAB offers a 34-day free trial, while Actual Budget skips the trial. YNAB runs on the web, iPhone, Android, iPad and Apple Watch, which Actual Budget's list leaves out. Actual Budget also covers Windows, Mac and Linux, which YNAB doesn't list. YNAB lists email and chat support, and Actual Budget's support list doesn't. YNAB syncs with your bank, the same as Actual Budget. On goals, shared budgets, investment tracking, data export, an API or MCP and joint and individual views, YNAB matches Actual Budget. Like Actual Budget, YNAB gives partners separate logins.
Who it fits
- YNAB lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- YNAB lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- YNAB lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- Read our YNAB review
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Fifecta
Budgeting app
Our app
From Fifecta's website, Oct 25, 2026
Fifecta is the Priceless Tay budgeting app that gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, built on your Money Type.
Price and fees
FifectaFifecta costs $15 a month or $150 a year.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com/fifecta
Actual BudgetActual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Free trial
FifectaFifecta is free for 7 days, and you can cancel anytime in the app.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com/fifecta
Actual BudgetActual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com/actualbudget/actual
Platforms
FifectaFifecta lists Web, iPhone (home screen install) and Android (home screen install).As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com/fifecta
Actual BudgetActual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/download
App store rating
FifectaWeb app, not in app stores.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com/fifecta
Actual BudgetDesktop and web app; its official iOS app is in beta testing on TestFlight and there is no official Android app yet.As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org/docs/faq
How Fifecta differs from Actual Budget
Actual Budget and Fifecta sit in different categories: Fifecta is a budgeting app. Where Actual Budget costs nothing, Fifecta starts at $15 a month. Fifecta offers a 7-day free trial, while Actual Budget skips the trial. Actual Budget keeps your bank in sync, but Fifecta lets you skip bank sync. Fifecta offers goals, shared budgets, investment tracking, data export, an API or MCP and joint and individual views, which Actual Budget includes too.
Who it fits
- Fifecta lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
- Fifecta lists goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
- Fifecta lists bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
- See Actual Budget and Fifecta side by side

Who Actual Budget and its alternatives are for

Pick the tab that sounds like you. The questions come from app help centers, FAQ pages and user forums, and every answer comes from the app's own pages, with the date we checked it.

Just me

Budgeting on your own? These are the basics people ask about first.

Is it free?
Actual Budget: Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: github.com
Finances in ChatGPT: OpenAI lists Finances for U.S. Free, Go, Plus and Pro users.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com
Albert: Albert's Standard plan costs $19.99 a month, and Genius and Family plans cost $39.99 a month. A Family plan covers the owner and up to 4 family members.
As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: help.albert.com
Cleo: Cleo has a free version. Plus is $5.99 a month or $44.99 a year, Pro is $8.99 a month and Builder is $14.99 a month.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: web.meetcleo.com
Copilot Money: Copilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: copilot.money
EveryDollar: EveryDollar has a free version. After a 14-day free trial, premium costs $79.99 a year billed annually, or $17.99 a month billed monthly.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: everydollar.com
Goodbudget: Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: goodbudget.com
Honeydue: Honeydue says it is 100% free for everybody and doesn't block any features with a paywall. It asks users to consider an optional monthly tip of $1 to $10.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.honeydue.com
Monarch Money: Monarch Core costs $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year billed annually. Monarch Plus costs $199.99 a year billed annually.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: monarch.com
Origin: Origin's annual plan is a one-time payment of $99 for 12 months, and the monthly plan costs $12.99 a month.
As of Nov 12, 2026. Source: support.useorigin.com
PocketGuard: PocketGuard Premium costs $12.99 a month, $74.99 a year billed yearly, or $149.99 once for lifetime access.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com
Simplifi: Quicken Simplifi lists $6.99 a month, billed annually. New members who order directly from Quicken by November 29, 2026 see a first-year offer of $3.99 a month, billed annually.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: quicken.com
Rocket Money: Rocket Money has a free version. Premium uses a pay what you think is fair price that Rocket Money says typically ranges from $7 to $14 a month, and Premium+ costs $15 a month.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: rocketmoney.com
YNAB: YNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ynab.com
Fifecta: Fifecta costs $15 a month or $150 a year.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com
Does it connect to my bank and import transactions?
Actual Budget: Yes. Actual has built-in bank syncing through goCardless in the EU and UK and SimpleFIN in the US and Canada.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org
Finances in ChatGPT: Yes. OpenAI says Finances connects bank accounts through Plaid and credit through Experian, as separate connections.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com
Albert: Yes. Albert says it supports thousands of institutions to auto sync your balances and transactions.
As of Oct 29, 2026. Source: albert.com
Cleo: Yes. Cleo's App Store listing says features like Money IQ need at least one bank account connected to the Cleo app.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: apps.apple.com
Copilot Money: Yes. Copilot Money says it works with multiple data aggregators, starting with Plaid, so connected accounts update automatically. You can also add manual accounts.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.copilot.money
EveryDollar: Premium only. EveryDollar premium connects your bank through Mastercard Connect and Plaid, and the free version uses manual entry.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ramseysolutions.com
Goodbudget: Premium only. Goodbudget Premium includes automatic bank sync for US banks only, and the free version does not list it.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: goodbudget.com
Honeydue: Yes. Honeydue says it supports over 20,000 financial institutions across 5 countries, from bank accounts and loans to investments.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: honeydue.com
Monarch Money: Yes. Monarch says it syncs with multiple financial data providers to connect with more than 13,000 financial institutions.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: monarch.com
Origin: Yes. Origin says you can connect to over 11,000 financial institutions.
As of Oct 29, 2026. Source: useorigin.com
PocketGuard: Yes. PocketGuard says it connects to more than 20,000 institutions in the US, Canada and the UK through Plaid, Finicity and Salt Edge.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com
Simplifi: Yes. Quicken says Simplifi connects to over 14k financial institutions.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: quicken.com
Rocket Money: Yes. Rocket Money says it connects to your accounts through Plaid.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: rocketmoney.com
YNAB: Yes. YNAB lets you connect your accounts and import transactions.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ynab.com
Fifecta: Optional. Fifecta connects banks through Plaid with read-only access, and you can type your income and spending in by hand instead.
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com
Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?
Actual Budget: Yes. Community Discord (#support channel) and GitHub issues.
In their words: “For questions about installing or using Actual, join our Discord and make a new post in the #support channel”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: actualbudget.org
Finances in ChatGPT: Yes. Chat (OpenAI Help Center).
In their words: “Need more help? Contact us for product questions, account support and general troubleshooting.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.openai.com
Albert: Yes. Virtual assistant chat, live agent over text or email and phone (support options and voicemail).
In their words: “You can always ask to transfer to a live support agent to get continued support over text or email. Call us at (844) 891-9309 to listen to support options over the phone or leave a voicemail.”
As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: help.albert.com
Cleo: Yes. In-app chat (Ask Cleo) and email.
In their words: “the fastest way to get help is in Ask Cleo.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: web.meetcleo.com
Copilot Money: Yes. In-app chat and email.
In their words: “Still have questions? Contact us in the app or at support@copilot.money.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.copilot.money
EveryDollar: Yes. Live person (free) and coaching (premium).
In their words: “Get support from a live person if you need help.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: ramseysolutions.com
Goodbudget: Yes. Community (Free) and email (Premium).
In their words: “Email support”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: goodbudget.com
Honeydue: Yes. Email and in-app chat.
In their words: “You can email us at support@honeydue.com about any concerns, bugs, or suggestions.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.honeydue.com
Monarch Money: Yes. In-app help (instant answer) and support ticket.
In their words: “Click Contact Support to get an instant answer or submit a ticket.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.monarch.com
Origin: Yes. AI bot with a team member on request (app and web), scheduled phone call and email.
In their words: “Prefer to speak to someone directly? Schedule a call with our Support team at a time that works for you.”
As of Oct 24, 2026. Source: support.useorigin.com
PocketGuard: Yes. Email, AI chat and priority human support (paid plan).
In their words: “If you have any issues, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at support@pocketguard.com.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pocketguard.com
Simplifi: Yes. Live chat, phone and community.
In their words: “You can reach out to our support team via chat, phone, or the Quicken Simplifi Community, each with specific hours.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.simplifi.quicken.com
Rocket Money: Yes. In-app chat and email.
In their words: “However, as we are an app-based service, all our support is currently provided digitally.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: help.rocketmoney.com
YNAB: Yes. Chatbot with human handoff and email.
In their words: “please tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: support.ynab.com
Fifecta: Yes. Contact form.
In their words: “Questions about these terms? Use our contact form.”
As of Nov 3, 2026. Source: pricelesstay.com

A question shows only when every app here has a current official source that answers it. We only say no when the app's own page does.

What real users say

These are other people's opinions, not Priceless Tay's. We quote public reviews and posts word for word, link each one and show its date, but we haven't checked the claims in them. A post counts toward a theme when it uses one of that theme's keywords, so a mention can be praise or a complaint.

What Actual Budget users say

Based on 3 Reddit posts, 7 YouTube videos and 24 Hacker News posts dated Nov 2025 to Oct 2026, read Oct 2026. We collected the Reddit and YouTube data with Apify, a scraping service, on Oct 24, 2026.

Of the 34 posts and videos we read, 11 mention syncing or connecting accounts.
Of the 34 posts and videos we read, 7 mention the price, fees or the subscription.
Of the 34 posts and videos we read, 7 mention how easy or hard the app is to use.

Positive

“Actual Budget is incredible. Happy (now free since it's gone FOSS, formerly paying) customer...”

pcchristie on Hacker News, Mar 17, 2026. Read it on Hacker News.

Mixed

“Switched from ynab4 (used some version since 2011) to Actual Budget a few month ago. Some tiny ux issues, but improvement in many more areas.”

Semaphor on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025. Read it on Hacker News.

Critical

“Without rollover the app generates a balance that I never entered... an app that does not reflect my real-world balance.”

u/teink0 in r/actualbudgeting on Reddit, Oct 24, 2026. Read it on Reddit.

Where these come from

Hacker News search for Actual Budget, read Oct 24, 2026. Public search of comments and posts. 64 named the app; we kept 24 where the writer shares their own use of it.
Reddit search for Actual Budget, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (harshmaur/reddit-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a keyword search for "Actual Budget app", posts and comments from after Oct 24 2025. It returned 81, most of them about something else. We kept 1 where the writer shares their own use of the app or a clear opinion of it, plus 2 from another app's search that discuss this app. We left out moderators, bots, company accounts, referral posts and people promoting their own apps.
YouTube search for Actual Budget, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (streamers/youtube-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a search for "Actual Budget review" from the past year, up to 8 videos. It returned 8. We kept 7 and left out the app's own channel, sponsored videos, videos with affiliate or referral links and videos about a different product. We count themes from each video's title, description and captions, but we don't quote videos, because the captions we have carry no timestamps.
u/teink0 in r/actualbudgeting on Reddit, Oct 24, 2026.
u/Rovelocal in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
u/Chessie37 in r/personalfinance on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
Bigpet on Hacker News, Oct 16, 2026.
elyobo on Hacker News, Oct 14, 2026.
cortesoft on Hacker News, Oct 14, 2026.
"Actual Budget GitHub Overview: Local-First Privacy, Docker Sync, and Encryption Tradeoffs" by Alex Hitt on YouTube, Oct 4, 2026.
mrkanic on Hacker News, Sep 22, 2026.
matthiaswh on Hacker News, Jul 17, 2026.
pwinnski on Hacker News, Apr 25, 2026.
mapBasketWand on Hacker News, Apr 25, 2026.
afro88 on Hacker News, Apr 24, 2026.
"Actual Budget Review: The Free YNAB Replacement" by Jono Finds on YouTube, Apr 8, 2026.
bombcar on Hacker News, Apr 6, 2026.
"Actual Budget: The Best Free Envelope Budgeting App (YNAB Alternative)" by Digital Lagoon on YouTube, Mar 18, 2026.
pcchristie on Hacker News, Mar 17, 2026.
yevgenyhong on Hacker News, Mar 4, 2026.
"Actual Budget VS Firefly III 2026 Review - Which Open Source Budgeting Tool Wins?" by Shax Finds on YouTube, Feb 18, 2026.
"Actual Budget Honest Review 2026: Pros & Cons" by Digital Navigator on YouTube, Feb 15, 2026.
"The Best Quicken Alternative (Actual Budget Deep Dive)" by tektoc on YouTube, Jan 5, 2026.
spiffytech on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
spiffytech on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
loloquwowndueo on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
"Actual Budget vs Firefly III (2026) – Which Open-Source Budgeting Tool Wins?" by Digibase Media on YouTube, Jan 1, 2026.
Ronnie76er on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
meonkeys on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
ekhaliul on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
duskdozer on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
nirvdrum on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
Terr_ on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
Semaphor on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
DarmokJalad1701 on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
brandonjcooper on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
CarlJW on Hacker News, Nov 9, 2025.

FAQ

What are the closest alternatives to Actual Budget?

The closest alternatives to Actual Budget are Finances in ChatGPT, Albert and Cleo, because Finances in ChatGPT is also an AI money tool and Albert and Cleo are budgeting apps. This list is ordered by how close each app's category is to Actual Budget's, not by how good it is.

How much does Actual Budget cost?

Actual is free and open source, and its desktop apps run locally. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.

Does Actual Budget have a free trial?

Actual needs no trial: it says it is 100% free and open source. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.

What devices does Actual Budget work on?

Actual Budget lists Windows, macOS and Linux. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.

Keep comparing

Want the bigger picture? Compare more money apps.

Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.

Want a plan built on your Money Type?

Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, so you know where each dollar goes.

Try Fifecta free

Sources and confidence

Last checked: Nov 12, 2026
Sourced facts: 89 facts, each linked and dated

Actual Budget6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesgithub.com/actualbudget/actual, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialgithub.com/actualbudget/actual, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsactualbudget.org/download, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingactualbudget.org, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresactualbudget.org/docs/tour/accounts, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingactualbudget.org/docs/faq, as of Nov 3, 2026

Finances in ChatGPT6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feeshelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialhelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformshelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncinghelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featureshelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratinghelp.openai.com/en/articles/20001222-finances-in-chatgpt, as of Nov 3, 2026

Albert6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 12, 2026

Price and feeshelp.albert.com/hc/en-us/articles/21583583733271-How-much-does-Albert-cost, as of Nov 12, 2026
Free trialalbert.com, as of Nov 12, 2026
Platformsalbert.com, as of Nov 12, 2026
Bank syncingalbert.com/about/budgeting, as of Oct 29, 2026
Featuresalbert.com/about/genius, as of Oct 29, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 12, 2026

Cleo5 sourced facts, last checked Nov 12, 2026

Price and feesweb.meetcleo.com/faqs/en/articles/11864260-does-cleo-offer-annual-subscription-options, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsmeetcleo.com, as of Nov 12, 2026
Bank syncingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
FeaturesApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 12, 2026

Copilot Money6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feescopilot.money, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialcopilot.money, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformscopilot.money, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncinghelp.copilot.money/en/articles/5593601-adding-and-managing-connected-accounts, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featurescopilot.money, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

EveryDollar6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feeseverydollar.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialeverydollar.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Goodbudget6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesgoodbudget.com/signup, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialforums.goodbudget.com/t/premium-level/2994, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsgoodbudget.com/signup, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncinggoodbudget.com/signup, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresgoodbudget.com/what-you-get, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Honeydue6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feessupport.honeydue.com/en/articles/3179714-how-does-honeydue-earn-money, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialsupport.honeydue.com/en/articles/3179714-how-does-honeydue-earn-money, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformshoneydue.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncinghoneydue.com/how-it-works, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featureshoneydue.com/how-it-works, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Monarch Money6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesmonarch.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialmonarch.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsmonarch.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingmonarch.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresmonarch.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Origin6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 12, 2026

Price and feessupport.useorigin.com/hc/en-us/articles/27538341764621-How-will-I-be-billed-for-the-annual-plan, as of Nov 12, 2026
Free trialsupport.useorigin.com/hc/en-us/articles/27519866928013-Is-there-a-free-trial-for-both-monthly-and-yearly-membership-plans, as of Nov 12, 2026
Platformsuseorigin.com, as of Nov 12, 2026
Bank syncinguseorigin.com/couples, as of Oct 29, 2026
Featuresuseorigin.com, as of Oct 29, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 12, 2026

PocketGuard6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feespocketguard.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialpocketguard.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformspocketguard.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingpocketguard.com, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featurespocketguard.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Quicken Simplifi6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesquicken.com/products/simplifi, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialsupport.simplifi.quicken.com/en/articles/3363727-quicken-simplifi-subscription-questions, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsquicken.com/products/simplifi, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingquicken.com/products/simplifi, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresquicken.com/products/simplifi, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

Rocket Money6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesrocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialhelp.rocketmoney.com/en/articles/2217739-how-much-does-rocket-money-cost, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsrocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingrocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresrocketmoney.com/learn/personal-finance/how-much-does-rocket-money-cost, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

YNAB6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feesynab.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialynab.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformsynab.com/our-app-lineup, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingynab.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featuresynab.com/pricing, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingApp Store listing, as of Nov 3, 2026

FifectaOur app6 sourced facts, last checked Nov 3, 2026

Price and feespricelesstay.com/fifecta, as of Nov 3, 2026
Free trialpricelesstay.com/fifecta, as of Nov 3, 2026
Platformspricelesstay.com/fifecta, as of Nov 3, 2026
Bank syncingpricelesstay.com/fifecta, as of Nov 3, 2026
Featurespricelesstay.com/fifecta-ai, as of Nov 3, 2026
App store ratingpricelesstay.com/fifecta, as of Nov 3, 2026

Fifecta is our own app. Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.

Each fact links to the official page it came from, with the date we checked it. Once a fact is older than 30 days, it comes off the page until we check it again. How we source, date and index this data.

This is education, not financial advice.

Short answer

What Actual Budget says on its own pages

What Actual Budget and its alternatives cost

Alternatives to Actual Budget, closest category first

How Actual Budget compares at a glance

Other AI money tools

Finances in ChatGPT

Budgeting apps

Albert

Cleo

Copilot Money

EveryDollar

Goodbudget

Honeydue

Monarch Money

Origin

PocketGuard

Quicken Simplifi

Rocket Money

YNAB

Fifecta