Budgeting comparison
Copilot Money vs YNAB
Updated
Data as of
Copilot Money checked YNAB checked
I earn commissions from some links.
Copilot Money
Budgeting app
Visit site for Copilot Money (opens in a new tab)
YNAB
Budgeting app
Visit site for YNAB (opens in a new tab)
Copilot Money and YNAB are both paid budgeting apps, but they ask very different things of you. One sorts your spending for you, and the other asks you to plan every dollar before it moves.
Our take
Pick YNAB if you want a hands-on plan that gives every dollar a job before you spend it, and pick Copilot Money if you'd rather let AI sort your spending and watch the trends on iPhone, iPad, Mac or the web.
Priceless Tay
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Short answer
YNAB is built around a method: you give every dollar a job, and you check in often. Copilot Money is built around automation: its AI tags your transactions so you can review where money went. Choose YNAB if you want to plan ahead, and Copilot Money if you want a clear picture with less typing.
Copilot Money vs YNAB at a glance
- Copilot Money
- Price
- $13a month
- Free trial
- Yeslength not listed
- Rating
- 4.8 of 5App Store, 30,895 ratings
- Platforms
- 4iPhone, iPad, Mac, Web
- YNAB
- Price
- $14.99a month
- Free trial
- 34 days
- Rating
- 4.8 of 5App Store, 62,068 ratings
- Platforms
- 5Web, iPhone, Android, iPad, Apple Watch
What it costs
- Copilot MoneyLower price
$13a month
Copilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly.
$95 a year at the yearly list price, or $285 over 3 years, before tax.
Source
copilot.money, checked . - YNAB
$14.99a month
YNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable.
$109 a year at the yearly list price, or $327 over 3 years, before tax.
Source
ynab.com/pricing, checked .
Bars compare each app's yearly list price. "Lower price" marks the lowest monthly price the sources list. It's a number, not our pick. Prices are list prices from each app's own page, before tax and any offer.
Features
| Feature | Copilot Money | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Savings goals | Yes | Yes |
| Shared budgets | Shared login: you both sign in to the same account | Yes |
| Investment tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
Copilot Money also lists AI features. YNAB also lists API or MCP access.
Sources for these features
Yes means the official site lists it. No means the official site says the app doesn't have it. Shared login means you both sign in to the same account, with no separate partner login.
- Copilot Money: copilot.money, checked Nov 3, 2026.Savings goals: Savings goals with a target amount, tracked by target date or monthly contribution. help.copilot.money/en/articles/11100462-creating-new-goals, checked Nov 3, 2026.Shared budgets: Shared login only: your partner signs in to your same account. There is no separate partner login. help.copilot.money/en/articles/4523792-sharing-your-account-with-a-partner, checked Nov 3, 2026.Data export: Transaction export as a spreadsheet on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and web. help.copilot.money/en/articles/5944414-exporting-your-transaction-data, checked Nov 3, 2026.
- YNAB: ynab.com/pricing, checked Nov 3, 2026.Investment tracking: Manual tracking accounts for investment balances in Net Worth; investment accounts don't import transactions. support.ynab.com/en_us/tracking-investment-accounts-a-guide-r1Bzjxd05, checked Nov 3, 2026.Data export: CSV or TSV export of your plan and transactions, on the web. support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-export-plan-data-Sy_CouWA9, checked Nov 3, 2026.API or MCP: Official YNAB API (api.ynab.com: personal access tokens and OAuth apps) and a Zapier integration. No MCP stated. ynab.com/our-app-lineup, checked Nov 3, 2026.
Copilot Money and YNAB, side by side
| Detail | Copilot Money | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Free trialDiffers | 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. Sourcecopilot.money, checked . | YNABYNAB offers a 34-day free trial, and you don't need a credit card when you sign up directly with YNAB. Sourceynab.com/pricing, checked . |
| PlatformsDiffers | Copilot MoneyCopilot Money lists iPhone, iPad, Mac and Web. Sourcecopilot.money, checked . | YNABYNAB lists Web, iPhone, Android, iPad and Apple Watch. Sourceynab.com/our-app-lineup, checked . |
| Bank syncingDiffers | Copilot MoneyYes. Copilot Money says it works with multiple data aggregators, starting with Plaid, so connected accounts update automatically. You can also add manual accounts. | YNABYes. YNAB lets you connect your accounts and import transactions. Sourceynab.com/pricing, checked . |
| App store ratingDiffers | Copilot MoneyCopilot Money has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 30,895 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . | YNABYNAB has 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store from 62,068 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . |
Store ratings are a dated snapshot from each listing, not our score. A row shows only when both apps have a current official source for it. How we source and date this data. Spotted a change? Tell us if something changed.
Weighing a third option? Add up to two more apps and compare up to four side by side.
Screen by screen
Pick a task to see what each app shows for it. App Store and Google Play images are the apps' own marketing, so they can show sample data and staged layouts. Help center images come from the app's support articles. See every app's screens.
Home
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Private. Safe. Smart." showing the Copilot dashboard in dark mode.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe dashboard: $477 left of $4,120 budgeted with a line chart, a To Review list and round budget icons.App Store listing, as of
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Never worry about money again" over a tilted phone showing the YNAB Home screen with new transactions, Ready to Assign and a Top Priorities list.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Learn to be good at money" showing the Home screen with a For You section and a YNAB Foundations lesson card.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Home screen: a September row, a "How to get a month ahead" link, a For You lesson card and a Connect With Our Team button.App Store listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerA Pinned section on the Home screen listing Groceries, Personal Care and Time With Friends with available amounts.support.ynab.com, as of 
From YNAB's help centerA January Summary card with Total Targets, Underfunded, Assigned and Spent tiles.support.ynab.com, as of
Accounts
Copilot Money
From Copilot Money's help centerA Connections needing attention card listing accounts with Reverify and Sign in buttons.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
No official screen found yet
Transactions
Copilot Money
From Copilot Money's help centerThe Transactions tab with transactions grouped by day, each with a category tag and amount.help.copilot.money, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerA transaction detail for Sweetgreen at $18.56 with its category and buttons for Split, Recurring, Tag and Goal.help.copilot.money, as of 
App Store marketing imageA To Review card listing two transactions with category tags and a Mark as Reviewed button.App Store listing, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerA To Review card listing several transactions with category tags and a Mark as Reviewed button.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
From YNAB's help centerAn iPhone Split Transaction screen for a -$100.00 Grocery Store purchase split between Groceries and a transfer to Cash.support.ynab.com, as of 
From YNAB's help centerThe web account register for Checking with a split transaction open across several category rows.support.ynab.com, as of
Budget
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Budgets that make sense for you." showing a September in review screen with a Budgets list.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA September in review screen: $629 under total budget and categories like Rent, Car and Groceries with amounts over or under.App Store listing, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerThe Categories tab with spent and budget totals, a ring chart and category rows with budget bars.help.copilot.money, as of 
App Store marketing imageA row of five round category icons with amounts under or over budget.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageCategory pills such as Rent, Car, Groceries, Restaurants, Clothing and Entertainment with small up or down amounts.App Store listing, as of
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Find your Cost to Be Me" over a tilted phone showing an Edit Plan screen with a $4,000.00 Cost to Be Me total and July's targets.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Make a plan for your spending" showing the August 2025 plan with Ready to Assign at the top and categories grouped under Credit Card Payments and Living Expenses.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe plan screen from that image: a green Ready to Assign bar, then category rows with amounts and progress bars.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Cover unexpected costs easily" showing a Cover Overspending sheet for a -$300.00 Car Repair, with categories to move money from.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Cover Overspending sheet: the overspent Car Repair category on top and a searchable list of categories with available amounts below.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Make a plan for your spending" showing the Android plan screen with Ready to Assign and category rows.Google Play listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerThe web plan with category groups and a side panel for one category showing its target and the amount needed this month.support.ynab.com, as of 
App Store marketing imageCategory rows such as Mortgage, Household Items, Groceries and Dining Out, each with an available amount and a status line like Funded or Fully Spent.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe green bar at the top of the plan reading $1,000.00 Ready to Assign.App Store listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerA web plan row for Groceries marked Overspent, with a red available amount of -$100.00.support.ynab.com, as of
Categories
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Spending categorization, powered by AI." showing a transaction and a Subscriptions category screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Subscriptions category screen with a $270 budget for all months and a monthly bar chart.App Store listing, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerA Rent category detail with a monthly bar chart, key metrics and the recurring payment tied to it.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
No official screen found yet
Goals
Copilot Money
From Copilot Money's help centerThe savings goals list with Active goals like Rainy Day, College and Vacation and a Ready to spend section.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Fund goals to make more memories" showing a Hawaii Vacation category with its balance and a "You've met your target!" message.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Hawaii Vacation category screen: balance breakdown for the month and a target card with a check mark.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Fund goals to make more memories" showing the Android Home screen with a Current Goal ring at 100% Complete for Hawaii Vacation.Google Play listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA balance card listing From Jul, Assigned for Aug, Activity in Aug and Available amounts.App Store listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerA help-center graphic pairing a target card at 91% with a Move To sheet that assigns $1,830.00 to Rent.support.ynab.com, as of 
From YNAB's help centerTwo Current Goal cards: an empty one asking "What are you saving for?" and one for Sisters Trip 2026 at 46% complete.support.ynab.com, as of
Reports and insights
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Cash flow tracking at your fingertips." showing the Cash flow tab with Net income and Spend charts.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Cash flow tab: net income of $15,566.93 with a monthly bar chart and a Spend card below.App Store listing, as of
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "See spending trends over time" showing the Reflect screen with an Income vs. Spending bar chart and a Net Worth card.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Reflect screen in dark mode with an Income vs. Spending chart by month and a Net Worth card below it.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "See spending trends over time" showing the Android Reflect screen with an Income vs. Spending chart.Google Play listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn Income vs. Spending card with paired monthly bars from January to June and the line "On average, you're spending less than you make."App Store listing, as of
Bills and recurring
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Never lose track of subscriptions." showing the Recurrings tab.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Recurrings tab: $40 left to pay and $2,718 paid so far, a grid of this month's bills and an In the Future list.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Light mode, when you need it." showing the Recurrings tab in light mode.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Recurrings tab in light mode with the same bills grid and an In the Future list.App Store listing, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerThe Recurrings tab from the help center with a grid of this month's bills and an In the Future section.help.copilot.money, as of 
App Store marketing imageA grid of recurring items such as Spotify, Rent, Car Payment, Water and Insurance with amounts and due days.App Store listing, as of 
From Copilot Money's help centerA Spotify recurring detail card with the amount range, frequency and next payment of $9.99.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
From YNAB's help centerThe web plan with a Subscription category selected and a side panel showing an upcoming scheduled transaction and the balance after it.support.ynab.com, as of
Investments
Copilot Money
From Copilot Money's help centerA holding detail for Microsoft Corp with a price chart, metrics and positions.help.copilot.money, as of
YNAB
No official screen found yet
Sharing with a partner
Copilot Money
No official screen found yet
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Share access with loved ones" showing a YNAB Together screen with a Group Manager and a list of members.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe YNAB Together screen: an illustration, a line about plan sharing options for each member, then Group Manager and Members sections.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Share access with loved ones" showing the Android Together screen with a Group Manager and Members.Google Play listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerTwo iPhone screens from the help center: an invite to join a YNAB Together group, and the Create Account screen that follows.support.ynab.com, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Group Manager row and the Members list, each person shown with a name, email and an arrow.App Store listing, as of 
From YNAB's help centerThe web plan with a Recent Moves panel filtered to Everyone, showing which member assigned $199.21 to a category.support.ynab.com, as of
Other screens
Copilot Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Your finances. At a glance." showing a Checking card and a Food & Drink card.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Human support along the way" showing an in-app help screen with Messages, Help and a search box.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe help screen: "How can we help?", Messages, Send us a message and a list of help articles.App Store listing, as of
YNAB
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Ask Siri to check your plan on the go" showing a Siri result card that reads $232.09 available in Groceries.App Store listing, as of
How Copilot Money and YNAB differ
YNAB uses zero-based budgeting. When money lands, you assign all of it to categories, and you move money between them when life changes the plan. Its pricing page also says one subscription can be shared with up to six people.
Copilot Money starts from what already happened. Its home page says its AI learns your spending patterns and tags every transaction automatically, and it lists iPhone, iPad, Mac and Web. It doesn't list an Android app.
The current price and free trial for each app are in the table above, with the date we checked them.
Which one fits your Money Type?
Priceless Tay sorts money habits into four Money Types: Strategist, Spender, Saver and Scrambler. Your type tells you which fix to make first, and it's a quick way to judge whether an app will help you or just look nice.
- Strategists: You'll enjoy the control YNAB gives you, and Copilot Money's dashboards if you mostly want to watch trends.
- Spenders: Open YNAB before you buy, not after, so every purchase has a job first. Pair it with the Spender first fix, Sleep on It.
- Savers: YNAB can show you money that's just sitting, which is the moment to give it a purpose. Pair it with the Saver first fix, Put It to Work.
- Scramblers: YNAB is the stronger fit, because planning every dollar before payday is the habit you're missing. Pair it with the Scrambler first fix, Bills First.
Not sure which one you are? Take the free Money Types quiz. It takes about two minutes.
Who each app fits
Who Copilot Money is for
Who Copilot Money fits
- You use an iPhone, iPad or Mac and like a polished dashboard.
- You want AI to tag your transactions automatically.
- You'd rather review your spending than plan every dollar ahead.
Who should skip Copilot Money
- You need an Android app.
- You want a hands-on, zero-based method.
- You want a free budgeting app.
Who YNAB is for
Who YNAB fits
- You want a plan where every dollar has a job before you spend it.
- You budget with a partner or family and want one shared subscription.
- You're ready to check in on your budget often.
Who should skip YNAB
- You want an app that runs in the background with little input.
- You don't want a regular check-in habit.
- You want a free budgeting app.
Who it's for
Pick the tab that sounds like you. Every answer comes from the app's own pages, and its source opens from the Source link.
Just me
Budgeting on your own? These are the basics people ask about first.
Is it free?
Copilot Money: Copilot Money costs $13 a month, or $95 a year billed yearly.
Source
copilot.money, checked .YNAB: YNAB costs $14.99 a month, or $109 a year paid annually, plus tax where applicable.
Source
ynab.com/pricing, checked .Does it connect to my bank and import transactions?
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.
YNAB: Yes. YNAB lets you connect your accounts and import transactions.
Source
ynab.com/pricing, checked .Can I export my data?
Copilot Money: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “Copilot allows you to export all of your transaction data as a spreadsheet on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Web.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/5944414-exporting-your-transaction-data, checked .YNAB: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “Learn how to export your plan and transactions to a CSV or TSV file in the web version of YNAB.” support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-export-plan-data-Sy_CouWA9, checked .Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?
Copilot Money: Yes. In-app chat and email.
Source
In their words: “Still have questions? Contact us in the app or at support@copilot.money.” help.copilot.money/en, checked .YNAB: Yes. Chatbot with human handoff and email.
Source
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!” support.ynab.com/en_us/tax-season-with-ynab-rkGAspIrT, checked .
Partners
Sharing money with a partner? Here's how each app handles a second person.
Can my partner use their own login details?
Copilot Money: No. Your partner signs in to your same account.
Source
In their words: “On the next screen, have them enter the email address associated with your Copilot account.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/4523792-sharing-your-account-with-a-partner, checked .YNAB: Yes. Your partner gets their own login.
Source
In their words: “No need to share a password-invite a close-knit group of up to five people to a YNAB Together group as part of your subscription!” ynab.com/features/subscription-sharing, checked .Can we keep shared and individual views?
Copilot Money: Yes. You can keep shared and individual views.
Source
In their words: “Custom Category Groups: You can create a group of categories for each individual to manage their own budget.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/4523792-sharing-your-account-with-a-partner, checked .YNAB: Yes. You can keep shared and individual views.
Source
In their words: “Members of your group can create or share unlimited plans. As Group Manager, you decide which of your plans to share with members.” ynab.com/features/subscription-sharing, checked .
Family
Bringing in more of the household? Here's what each app says about families and kids. See apps with custodial accounts for kids.
Does it have accounts or features for kids or teens?
Copilot Money: No.
Source
In their words: “THE SERVICE IS NOT FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18” copilot.money/terms-of-service, checked .YNAB: Yes. It has accounts or features for kids or teens.
Source
In their words: “As Group Manager, sharing your plan is optional, but you can access plans created by members-ideal for teaching teens about money!” ynab.com/features/subscription-sharing, checked .
Freelancer
Paid on an uneven schedule or running a side hustle? Here's what each app offers. See apps with a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k).
Can I mix business and personal expenses in this app?
Copilot Money: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
In their words: “You can use Tags to track business spending instead of using separate categories.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/10760959-separating-business-and-personal-spending, checked .YNAB: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-set-up-a-small-business-plan-rJ483f2Qh, checked .
Business
Running a small business? Here's what each app says about business money.
Can I mix business and personal expenses in this app?
Copilot Money: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
In their words: “You can use Tags to track business spending instead of using separate categories.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/10760959-separating-business-and-personal-spending, checked .YNAB: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-set-up-a-small-business-plan-rJ483f2Qh, checked .Can I share my finances with my accountant?
Copilot Money: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “Copilot allows you to export all of your transaction data as a spreadsheet on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Web.” help.copilot.money/en/articles/5944414-exporting-your-transaction-data, checked .YNAB: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “Learn how to export your plan and transactions to a CSV or TSV file in the web version of YNAB.” support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-export-plan-data-Sy_CouWA9, checked .
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.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Another option: Fifecta
If neither Copilot Money nor YNAB feels right, here is one more option to look at. Fifecta gives every paycheck a plan with FUNDS, and it starts from your Money Type, so the plan matches how you already handle money.
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 Copilot Money users say
Based on 500 App Store reviews, 4 Reddit posts and 4 Hacker News posts dated Nov 2025 to Oct 2026, read Oct 2026. We collected the Reddit data with Apify, a scraping service, on Oct 24, 2026.
- Of the 508 reviews and posts we read, 104 mention how easy or hard the app is to use.
- Of the 508 reviews and posts we read, 94 mention the price, fees or the subscription.
- Of the 508 reviews and posts we read, 55 mention customer service or support.
Positive
“I switched to Copilot when Mint shut down. This app is much better than Mint ever was.”
Critical
“App was great until Schwab stopped connecting. Reverification fails. ... Support is completely unhelpful.”
Mixed
“Copilot is great if you just wanna open it and get a “this minute” picture of your money but it could be better.”
Where these come from
- Copilot Money reviews on the App Store, read Oct 24, 2026. The public feed returns the 500 most recent US reviews. We kept every one dated inside the window.
- Hacker News search for Copilot Money, read Oct 24, 2026. Public search of comments and posts. 7 named the app; we kept 4 where the writer shares their own use of it.
- Reddit search for Copilot Money, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (harshmaur/reddit-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a keyword search for "Copilot Money app", posts and comments from after Oct 24 2025. It returned 100, most of them about something else. We kept 2 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 Copilot Money, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (streamers/youtube-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a search for "Copilot Money app review" from the past year, up to 8 videos. It returned 8. We kept 0 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/mosscollection in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 24, 2026.
- u/rayin in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/cailian13 in r/portfolios on Reddit, Oct 21, 2026.
- u/Kooky-Ad-725 in r/MuseAgent on Reddit, Oct 13, 2026.
- arjie on Hacker News, May 16, 2026.
- greedo on Hacker News, Apr 6, 2026.
- exabrial on Hacker News, Feb 9, 2026.
- grvdrm on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
What YNAB users say
Based on 500 App Store reviews, 35 Reddit posts, 2 YouTube videos and 25 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 562 reviews, posts and videos we read, 134 mention how easy or hard the app is to use.
- Of the 562 reviews, posts and videos we read, 103 mention the price, fees or the subscription.
- Of the 562 reviews, posts and videos we read, 90 mention debt, money stress or feeling in control.
Positive
“There is admittedly a learning curve, but once you learn how YNAB works it is life changing. I finally have ownership over my finances.”
Critical
“I was using YNAB for like 10 years but I got tired of it never syncing properly with Plaid and my bank...”
Critical
“Yeah, I'll probably switch to Actual at some point in the next couple of years as a result of the price change.”
Where these come from
- YNAB reviews on the App Store, read Oct 24, 2026. The public feed returns the 500 most recent US reviews. We kept every one dated inside the window.
- Hacker News search for YNAB, read Oct 24, 2026. Public search of comments and posts. 72 named the app; we kept 25 where the writer shares their own use of it.
- Reddit search for YNAB, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (harshmaur/reddit-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a keyword search for "YNAB", posts and comments from after Oct 24 2025. It returned 93, most of them about something else. We kept 35 where the writer shares their own use of the app or a clear opinion of it. We left out moderators, bots, company accounts, referral posts and people promoting their own apps.
- YouTube search for YNAB, collected Oct 24, 2026. Collected with Apify (streamers/youtube-scraper) on Oct 24 2026: a search for "YNAB review" from the past year, up to 8 videos. It returned 8. We kept 2 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/mosscollection in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 24, 2026.
- u/DrDrCr in r/FPandA on Reddit, Oct 24, 2026.
- u/WBedsmith in r/MonarchMoney on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Veriosity in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/InfintiteToast in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/tyberrymuch_ in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/catit_ in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/BurningUpMyLife in r/budgetingforbeginners on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/trambalambo in r/FPandA on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/MastodonFarm in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/big_like_a_pickle in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/rayin in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/virtualnumber8 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/elijahjane in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/cLWnOe8mmae7WOJi25kk in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/DannyOdd in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/twentytwo_a in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Wrenchinspokesby in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Electrical-Flan-102 in r/liquidbudget on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Miserable-Expert4101 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/varkeddit in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Rovelocal in r/MoneyDiariesACTIVE on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Chessie37 in r/personalfinance on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/InterpASL77 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/CarminSanDiego in r/personalfinance on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/SingleUmpire7464 in r/personalfinance on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Critical_Purple_8600 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Ok_Aioli_8431 in r/zerosumappbudget on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Ok-Independence6375 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/MerelyMisha in r/ExecutiveDysfunction on Reddit, Oct 23, 2026.
- u/Buddy_Kane_the_great in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 22, 2026.
- u/rlebeau47 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 21, 2026.
- u/olive20597 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 21, 2026.
- u/Icyhoticycold in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 21, 2026.
- u/SnooStrawberries4146 in r/ynab on Reddit, Oct 20, 2026.
- "YNAB Review: Is It the Best Budgeting App?" by Rayan-Solutions on YouTube, Oct 4, 2026.
- liamwire on Hacker News, Aug 4, 2026.
- throw0101a on Hacker News, Aug 2, 2026.
- dmix on Hacker News, Aug 1, 2026.
- "Best Budgeting Apps in the U.S.: Mint vs YNAB (Honest Review)" by The Financial Journey on YouTube, May 5, 2026.
- terrabitz on Hacker News, May 1, 2026.
- mpyne on Hacker News, Apr 2, 2026.
- deweller on Hacker News, Mar 17, 2026.
- MattiaHall on Hacker News, Jan 10, 2026.
- x187463 on Hacker News, Jan 8, 2026.
- mpyne on Hacker News, Jan 4, 2026.
- twodave on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- vladvasiliu on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- mpyne on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- 360MustangScope on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- spiffytech on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- huhkerrf on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- huhkerrf on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- bronco21016 on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- sxg on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- x187463 on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- ajdude on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- huhkerrf on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- huhkerrf on Hacker News, Jan 2, 2026.
- Ronnie76er on Hacker News, Nov 22, 2025.
- kcrwfrd_ on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
- joshstrange on Hacker News, Nov 21, 2025.
Try the free Budget Prompt Generator
Pick your Money Type, your goal, and the AI you use, and get budgeting prompts to copy into ChatGPT, Claude, or another assistant. Open the Budget Prompt Generator on its own page.
FAQ
Does Copilot Money work on Android?
Copilot Money's home page lists iPhone, iPad, Mac and Web, and it doesn't list an Android app. If you use an Android phone, check Copilot Money's site before you sign up.
Can I share one YNAB subscription with my household?
Yes, YNAB's pricing page says you can share one subscription with partners, families and other close-knit groups of up to six people.
Can a partner use my Copilot Money account?
Copilot Money's help center says a partner can sign in to your same account with a Magic Link, and any device that signs in has full control of the account.
Do Copilot Money and YNAB have free trials?
Yes, both offer one. YNAB lists a 34-day free trial, and Copilot Money says you can test drive the app before you connect an account and then start a free trial, without listing the trial length.
Can I export my data from Copilot Money and YNAB?
Yes, both help centers describe an export. Copilot Money says you can export all of your transaction data as a spreadsheet, and YNAB says you can export your plan and transactions to a CSV or TSV file in its web version.
Where can I see the current prices for both apps?
The price row in the table above shows each app's current price from its own site, with the date we checked it, because prices can change.
More comparisons
Similar comparisons
Keep comparing
- Read our Copilot Money review.
- Read our YNAB review.
- See Copilot Money alternatives, closest category first.
- See YNAB alternatives, closest category first.
- Browse our guide to the best budgeting apps.
- 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.
Sources and confidence
- Last checked
- Sourced facts
- 12 facts, each linked and dated
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
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
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.
