Budgeting comparison
Goodbudget vs Monarch Money
Updated
Data as of
Goodbudget checked Monarch Money checked
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Goodbudget
Budgeting app
Visit site for Goodbudget (opens in a new tab)
Monarch Money
Budgeting app
Visit site for Monarch Money (opens in a new tab)
Short answer
- Pick Goodbudget if you want a free version.
- Pick Monarch Money if you want a separate login for your partner, business spending tracked next to personal spending, or the higher App Store rating (4.9, compared with 4.6).
- The biggest difference is price: Goodbudget has a free version, and Monarch Money lists $14.99 a month.
Full disclosure: Taylor Price, who runs Priceless Tay, owns Fifecta, so keep that in mind as you read this comparison.
Goodbudget vs Monarch Money at a glance
- Goodbudget
- Price
- $10a month, or a free version
- Free trial
- None
- Rating
- 4.6 of 5App Store, 13,528 ratings
- Platforms
- 3Web, Android, iPhone
- Monarch Money
- Price
- $14.99a month
- Free trial
- 7 days
- Rating
- 4.9 of 5App Store, 116,791 ratings
- Platforms
- 3Web, iOS, Android
What it costs
- GoodbudgetLower price
$10a month
Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year.
$80 a year at the yearly list price, or $240 over 3 years, before tax.
Source
goodbudget.com/signup, checked . - 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.
$99.99 a year at the yearly list price, or $299.97 over 3 years, before tax.
Source
monarch.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 | Goodbudget | Monarch Money |
|---|---|---|
| Savings goals | Yes | Yes |
| Shared budgets | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
Monarch Money also lists AI features, investment tracking and 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.
- Goodbudget: goodbudget.com/what-you-get, checked Nov 3, 2026.Savings goals: Goal Envelopes take a budget amount and a due date, and Annual Envelopes save for yearly costs. 'With the Free version of Goodbudget, you'll be able to track up to 10 More Envelopes for savings or goals.' Premium is unlimited. goodbudget.com/help/customize-your-goodbudget/goals-and-annuals, checked Nov 3, 2026.Data export: Export CSV from the Transactions list. goodbudget.com/help/customize-your-goodbudget/export-transactions, checked Nov 3, 2026.
- Monarch Money: monarch.com/pricing, checked Nov 3, 2026.Data export: CSV download of transaction and balance history, on the web. help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/15526600975764-Downloading-Transaction-or-Account-History, checked Nov 3, 2026.API or MCP: Official MCP connector (server https://api.monarch.com/mcp) for Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor and Gemini CLI; read access, writes with permission. Finicity data not available through it. help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/50207234679956-Monarch-MCP-Connector, checked Nov 3, 2026.
Goodbudget and Monarch Money, side by side
| Detail | Goodbudget | Monarch Money |
|---|---|---|
| Free trialDiffers | 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. Sourceforums.goodbudget.com/t/premium-level/2994, checked . | Monarch MoneyMonarch offers a free 7-day trial, and you need a payment method to start it. Sourcemonarch.com/pricing, checked . |
| PlatformsDiffers | GoodbudgetGoodbudget lists Web, Android and iPhone. Sourcegoodbudget.com/signup, checked . | Monarch MoneyMonarch Money lists Web, iOS and Android. Sourcemonarch.com, checked . |
| Bank syncingDiffers | GoodbudgetPremium only. Goodbudget Premium includes automatic bank sync for US banks only, and the free version does not list it. Sourcegoodbudget.com/signup, checked . | Monarch MoneyYes. Monarch says it syncs with multiple financial data providers to connect with more than 13,000 financial institutions. Sourcemonarch.com, checked . |
| App store ratingDiffers | GoodbudgetGoodbudget has 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store from 13,528 ratings. SourceApp Store listing, checked . | Monarch MoneyMonarch Money has 4.9 out of 5 on the App Store from 116,791 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
Goodbudget
No official screen found yet
Monarch Money
From Monarch Money's help centerA Customize dashboard dialog with toggles for widgets such as Getting started guide, Investments, Budget, Net worth and Spending trend.help.monarch.com, as of
Accounts
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Connect your bank (with a Premium subscription)" showing a Select Account screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Select Account screen for linking a bank account to Checking, with an Add New Bank Connection link.App Store listing, as of
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Your entire financial life. One clear view." showing the Accounts screen with a net worth chart and account rows.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Accounts screen: net worth of $748,606 with a line chart, time range buttons and Cash account rows.App Store listing, as of
Transactions
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Practice conscious spending" showing an Add Transaction form.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn Add Transaction form with Type, Payee, Amount, Envelope, Account, Date and Schedule fields.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Practice conscious spending" showing the Android Add Transaction form.Google Play listing, as of
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Review transactions with a swipe." showing a transaction review card for Peloton with a "Marked as Reviewed" card over it.App Store listing, as of
Budget
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Sync & share a budget" showing the Envelopes screen with Food, Fun and Bills envelopes and progress bars.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Envelopes screen with envelope groups, amounts left and bars, and a bottom tab bar.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Create a budget that works" showing an Edit Budget screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn Edit Budget screen listing envelopes with amounts, an Add Envelope link and Total Budgeted 1508.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Choose your style" showing the Envelopes screen in dark mode.App Store listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Sync & share a budget" showing the Android Envelopes screen.Google Play listing, as of 
Google Play marketing imageGoogle Play image with the headline "Plan before you spend" showing the Android Fill Envelopes screen.Google Play listing, as of
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "A budget that flexes with your life" showing the June Budget screen.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe June Budget screen: $4,640 left to budget, then Income, Expenses and Goals bars and an Income table.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerThe mobile January 2026 budget with Left to budget at the top and Income and Expenses tables.help.monarch.com, as of 
App Store marketing imageThree budget bars for Income, Expenses and Goals, each with spent or contributed and remaining amounts.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerA green card reading $5,220 Left to budget.help.monarch.com, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerBudget rows under Bills & Utilities and Food & Dining with budget, actual and remaining columns and progress bars.help.monarch.com, as of
Goals
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Track your debt progress" showing a Debt Progress chart for a car loan.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Debt Progress report with a payoff line to 2026 and a table showing the car loan balance and finish date.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Save for big expenses" showing a Vacation envelope with its history.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Vacation envelope with 2,000.00 saved and a dated list of fills and income.App Store listing, as of
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Track progress on your biggest goals" showing a Vacation goal with amounts saved and a timeline chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Vacation goal screen: $3,000.00 of $6,000.00, four amount tiles and a stepped timeline chart.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerAn Allocate funds dialog moving $2,000 from Joint Checking to an Emergency fund goal.help.monarch.com, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerA card showing $91,336.27 available for goals, two accounts, and Allocate funds and Edit goal accounts buttons.help.monarch.com, as of
Reports and insights
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "See your spending" showing a Spending report pie chart for May 2024.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageA Spending report with a pie chart, total spending of 628.57 and a table of envelopes by share.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Stay on budget" showing an Income vs Spending report with monthly bars.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn Income vs Spending report with paired monthly bars and a table of income, spending and net.App Store listing, as of
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "See where every dollar flows" showing a Reports screen with a Sankey cash flow chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Reports screen with Cash Flow, Spending and Income tabs and a Sankey chart from income into categories like Housing and Food & Dining.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerThe web Reports Cash Flow view with income, expense and net totals and a bar chart by month.help.monarch.com, as of
Bills and recurring
Goodbudget
No official screen found yet
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Spot every subscription. Cut what you don't need." showing Complete and Upcoming bill cards.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageTwo cards: Complete bills like Apple Card and Mortgage, and Upcoming charges like Netflix, Disney+ and Peloton with due dates.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerA monthly calendar with colored dots under the days that have recurring items.help.monarch.com, as of
Investments
Goodbudget
No official screen found yet
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Investments, accounts, net worth - all connected." showing the Investments screen with a portfolio chart.App Store listing, as of 
App Store marketing imageThe Investments screen: a $270,239.50 portfolio value and a chart comparing the portfolio with the S&P 500.App Store listing, as of
Sharing with a partner
Goodbudget
No official screen found yet
Monarch Money
App Store marketing imageApp Store image with the headline "Manage money together. No drama." showing a photo of a family with cards for Shared, Melanie and Jon and two account rows.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerThe web Transactions page with a transaction open and an Owner menu offering Shared, Jon and Melanie.help.monarch.com, as of 
App Store marketing imageAn owner switcher with Shared, Melanie and Jon, above a Net Worth card with a joint checking and a savings account.App Store listing, as of 
From Monarch Money's help centerA credit card list where each card has owner avatars and a balance.help.monarch.com, as of
AI assistant
Goodbudget
No official screen found yet
Monarch Money
From Monarch Money's help centerThe AI Assistant panel on the web with past chats on the left and suggested questions like "How much did I spend on coffee last month?"help.monarch.com, as of
Other screens
Goodbudget
App Store marketing imageThe bottom tab bar with Envelopes, Transactions, Accounts, Reports and More.App Store listing, as of
Monarch Money
No official screen found yet
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?
Goodbudget: Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year.
Source
goodbudget.com/signup, checked .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.
Source
monarch.com/pricing, checked .Does it connect to my bank and import transactions?
Goodbudget: Premium only. Goodbudget Premium includes automatic bank sync for US banks only, and the free version does not list it.
Source
goodbudget.com/signup, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. Monarch says it syncs with multiple financial data providers to connect with more than 13,000 financial institutions.
Source
monarch.com, checked .Can I export my data?
Goodbudget: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “To export your transaction history in Goodbudget, click on the "Export CSV" link that's above the Transactions list.” goodbudget.com/help/customize-your-goodbudget/export-transactions, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can export your data.
Source
In their words: “You can download your transaction and balance history from Monarch as a CSV file for your own records, for taxes, or to use in a spreadsheet.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/15526600975764-Downloading-Transaction-or-Account-History, checked .Is there support from the app's makers if I need help?
Goodbudget: Yes. Community (Free) and email (Premium).
Source
In their words: “Email support” goodbudget.com/signup, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. In-app help (instant answer) and support ticket.
Source
In their words: “Click Contact Support to get an instant answer or submit a ticket.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/19985735202068-Monarch-FAQs, checked .
Partners
Sharing money with a partner? Here's how each app handles a second person.
Can my partner use their own login details?
Goodbudget: No. Your partner signs in to your same account.
Source
In their words: “If you've already done that, you'll be able to share your budget with your partner by having them login to Goodbudget on their device using the same username / email address and password you created when you registered.” goodbudget.com/help/mobile-apps/share-budget-w-partner, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. Your partner gets their own login.
Source
In their words: “Partners will each have their own login, but can view each other's data and contribute their own accounts and transactions to a shared space.” monarch.com/features/collaboration, checked .Can we set up joint budgets and goals?
Goodbudget: Yes. You can work toward goals together.
Source
In their words: “When you do that, you'll both be able to add transactions, and make changes to your budget as needed.” goodbudget.com/help/mobile-apps/share-budget-w-partner, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can work toward goals together.
Source
In their words: “Contribute toward goals together in Monarch, even if you keep your money in separate accounts.” monarch.com/features/collaboration, 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?
Goodbudget: No.
Source
In their words: “The Services are intended solely for users who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.” goodbudget.com/terms-of-use, checked .Monarch Money: No.
Source
In their words: “if you are under the age of 18, please do not attempt to register for the Services” monarch.com/terms, 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 track irregular income without messing up my monthly budget?
Goodbudget: Yes. It has official guidance for budgeting irregular income.
Source
In their words: “If you get small or irregular paychecks, you can let them collect in Available.” goodbudget.com/help/budgeting-with-goodbudget/unallocated-money, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. It has official guidance for budgeting irregular income.
Source
In their words: “If your income is variable, you'll need to estimate your annual earnings.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/32125337244052-Using-Flex-Budgeting, checked .Can I mix business and personal expenses in this app?
Goodbudget: No.
Source
In their words: “Organizations, companies, and/or businesses may not use the Services for any purpose other than those contemplated in this Terms of Use or Privacy Policy.” goodbudget.com/terms-of-use, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
In their words: “Business tracking is available to Monarch Plus members.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/48344411171092-Business-Tracking, checked .Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Goodbudget: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “we can give you a few pointers on how to use Goodbudget reports alongside your tax software so the process is a little smoother” goodbudget.com/blog/2026/03/gb-bulletin-gb-cant-file-your-taxes-for-you, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Prepare for tax season using the Business Tax Prep report, which maps your transactions to IRS Schedule C line items for easy export.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/48344411171092-Business-Tracking, 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?
Goodbudget: No.
Source
In their words: “Organizations, companies, and/or businesses may not use the Services for any purpose other than those contemplated in this Terms of Use or Privacy Policy.” goodbudget.com/terms-of-use, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can track business spending next to personal spending.
Source
In their words: “Business tracking is available to Monarch Plus members.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/48344411171092-Business-Tracking, checked .Can I export my transactions for tax prep?
Goodbudget: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “we can give you a few pointers on how to use Goodbudget reports alongside your tax software so the process is a little smoother” goodbudget.com/blog/2026/03/gb-bulletin-gb-cant-file-your-taxes-for-you, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can export your transactions for tax prep.
Source
In their words: “Prepare for tax season using the Business Tax Prep report, which maps your transactions to IRS Schedule C line items for easy export.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/48344411171092-Business-Tracking, checked .Can I share my finances with my accountant?
Goodbudget: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “To export your transaction history in Goodbudget, click on the "Export CSV" link that's above the Transactions list.” goodbudget.com/help/customize-your-goodbudget/export-transactions, checked .Monarch Money: Yes. You can export your data and send the file.
Source
In their words: “You can download your transaction and balance history from Monarch as a CSV file for your own records, for taxes, or to use in a spreadsheet.” help.monarch.com/hc/en-us/articles/15526600975764-Downloading-Transaction-or-Account-History, 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.
Which fits your Money Type?
There are four Money Types: Strategist, Spender, Saver and Scrambler. Each card matches one type to what the sources say about these two apps.
StrategistMonarch Money lists investment tracking. That fits a Strategist, who wants to watch the whole plan grow.
First fix: Save the Raise.
SpenderBoth Goodbudget and Monarch Money list goals. A goal gives a Spender a reason to pause before buying, which is the Sleep on It fix.
First fix: Sleep on It.
SaverNeither app's sources confirm a feature we match to this type yet, so the quiz is the better place to start.
First fix: Put It to Work.
ScramblerBoth Goodbudget and Monarch Money list bank syncing. Seeing every account in one place helps a Scrambler pay bills first.
First fix: Bills First.
Not sure which one you are? Take the free Money Types quiz. It takes about two minutes.
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 Goodbudget nor Monarch Money 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.
FAQ
How much does Goodbudget cost?
Goodbudget has a free version. Goodbudget Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
How much does Monarch Money cost?
Monarch Core costs $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year billed annually. Monarch Plus costs $199.99 a year billed annually. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
Does Goodbudget have a free trial?
Goodbudget 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. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
Does Monarch Money have a free trial?
Monarch offers a free 7-day trial, and you need a payment method to start it. We checked this on Nov 3, 2026.
More comparisons
Similar comparisons
Keep comparing
- See Goodbudget alternatives, closest category first.
- See Monarch Money 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
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
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
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.
