Top 5 Budgeting Apps for iOS

Finding the budgeting app that fits all your needs for iOS devices is a trial-and-error process. Fortunately, every app offers unique features for every circumstance, whether investing in stocks or wanting to share information with a roommate or partner. These are the best on the App Store for refining a budget at various prices and functionalities.

Mint is owned by the financial moguls behind TurboTax and Quickbooks and provides one of the most comprehensive budgeting suites on the market. Because of this inherent link, you can also sync your financial data to help with tax season.

Like most budgeting apps, it links bank accounts so it can track expenses. It categorizes them, so you visualize where your money goes. It can also suggest a budget based on current spending.

One of the unique features of Mint is its partnership with Billshark, giving users the agency to negotiate bills with providers. The app also incorporates big-picture financial aspects like credit score summaries, credit card balances and investment analytics. Numbers like this can assist in setting in-app spending goals and limits, motivating you to save and succeed with every paycheck.

The app has a free version with ads or a premium edition for $4.99 per month.

YNAB is the app to download if you’re looking for an elaborate interface with countless educational resources, like videos and financial planning articles. After linking accounts, it categorizes much like Mint. However, you can manually input expenses and income, especially if you use other apps to make money or have inconsistent side gigs.

YNAB is inspired by the classic budgeting system of separating your income over categories — as if you’re taking cash and slotting it in labeled envelopes. Therefore, this app is more hands-on than others, forging an awareness mindset around how you spend money. 

The app’s flexibility helps you easily account for unexpected expenses — move a few dollars from one envelope to another. It also offers exhaustive customer support every day of the week. 

The price is steeper than other apps after the free 34-day trial. The premium version costs $14.99 monthly, but the first year is complimentary if you’re a college student.

Personal Capital offers more advanced financial features, primarily for tracking investments. Downloading this app should be a priority if your goal is wealth advancement. It connects to any account — checking, credit cards, retirement and investment — to form a portfolio. Apps shouldn’t replace an in-person adviser, but this one is an insightful supplement for becoming familiar with your financial standing.

The app lacks some capabilities, like savings goals. You may consider using it in conjunction with others that provide more curated saving and spending features since Personal Capital isn’t made with that objective in mind. Regardless, it’s a priceless tool for understanding net worth and the scope of your investments that other apps don’t provide. 

Plus, it’s free on iOS and desktop.

Become financially savvier with the zero-based budgeting strategy — allocate every cent toward a goal. The idea embraces spending every dollar — hence the name — to lock in financial freedom. It doesn’t monitor credit scores or evaluate net worth, but if you want an easier-to-navigate interface, EveryDollar can provide it.

The app has detailed data about your spending habits, so it can provide recommendations based on your allocations for achieving your goals.

The free version allows manual entry and offers limited features, but it is still usable. Premium pricing depends on monthly commitments — three months is $59, six months is $99.99, and 12 months is $129.99.

Honeydue was explicitly made for couples with joint finances to engage in transparency and planning. Even though this is its purpose, users can also analyze their personal finances. The app collaborates with Sutton Bank and lets users create joint accounts if they don’t have one.

It’s simple to understand the financial standing of joint costs due to bill pay reminders and the ability to split expenses. Plus, it includes an in-app chat feature, allowing users to discuss financial details in a space for talking about money.

It lacks several features other apps have, such as setting savings goals. Honeydue also doesn’t have a desktop-accessible version, but using the app is free to save money while maintaining your budget.

Each budgeting system has nuances that attract different personalities and mindset styles. Visual thinkers may prefer charts, while others like the simplicity of numbers on a spreadsheet. No matter which you choose, one of these apps will surely simplify any antiquated budgeting system — plus, it’s always with you in the palm of your hand.