5 Best Budgeting Apps for iOS & Android That’ll Actually Help You Save

Let’s be honest: managing money isn’t exactly fun. Between bills, random cravings, and those impulse buys on TikTok, it’s easy to lose track. But what if your phone could help you budget better?

Good news—it totally can.

Here are 5 of the best budgeting apps that work on both iOS and Android, and can seriously help you stay on top of your finances (without the boring spreadsheets).

1. Mint – The Classic All-Rounder

If you’ve ever Googled “budgeting app,” chances are you’ve seen Mint. It’s one of the OGs—and for good reason.

Why people love it:

• Automatically tracks spending and categorizes it

• Syncs with your bank accounts and credit cards

• Gives you a full overview of where your money’s going

• Sends you reminders for bills and budgets

Perfect for: Anyone who wants an easy, no-fuss overview of their finances in one place.

2. YNAB (You Need A Budget) – For the Serious Budgeter

This app is a little different. Instead of just tracking your spending, it helps you plan every dollar you earn. It’s about giving every dollar a job.

What’s cool:

• Forces you to be intentional with your money

• Helps you break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle

• Awesome tutorials and community support

Heads up: It’s not free. But many say it’s totally worth it.

Perfect for: People who want full control over every cent and don’t mind paying for it.

3. PocketGuard – For People Who Overspend (A Lot)

Always feel broke a week after payday? PocketGuard is your new best friend.

Why it’s helpful:

• Shows you how much “spending money” you actually have after bills, savings, and goals

• Tracks subscriptions (and reminds you to cancel useless ones)

• Simple, clean interface

Perfect for: People who want to avoid overdraft drama and overspending.

4. Goodbudget – The Envelope System, But Digital

Remember the envelope method where you split your cash into envelopes for different things? Goodbudget takes that old-school idea and brings it to your phone.

Features:

• Set up virtual envelopes for groceries, rent, fun stuff, etc.

• Track spending manually (no bank sync)

• Great for couples budgeting together

Perfect for: People who like being hands-on and want to feel in control of every category.

5. Fudget – For Budgeting Without the Fluff

If you want super simple, this one’s it. No charts, no complicated categories—just income and expenses. That’s it.

Why it's nice:

• Lightweight and quick

• Doesn’t ask for your bank info

• Great for quick budgets, travel planning, or side hustle tracking

Perfect for: Minimalists or anyone just starting out with budgeting.

Which One Should You Use?

It depends on your vibe:

• Want automated tracking? Try Mint.

• Need full control? Go with YNAB.

• Always overspending? PocketGuard’s got you.

• Budgeting with your partner? Goodbudget.

• Hate clutter? Fudget.

The best budgeting app is the one you’ll actually use. So try a few, see what sticks, and start getting a little more intentional with your money.

Final Thoughts

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean cutting all the fun out of life. With the right app in your pocket, you can still spend on things you love—just without the panic at the end of the month.

Start small, stay consistent, and let tech do the heavy lifting.

Share this post