Budgeting is essential these days, and many folks turn to budget apps for a convenient way to keep a budget on the go. But with so many apps to choose from, it would take months to thoroughly test them all to find the right one for you.
To save you some headache, here’s a quick comparison between two popular apps: Goodbudget and YNAB. Use the tables below to quickly see which app has the right features for you.
But first, what is Goodbudget?
Goodbudget is a budgeting app for iPhone, Android, and the Web. It uses the time-tested and familiar envelope budget method.
With Goodbudget, you’re able to create a budget that works (if you haven’t already!), sync and share that budget across multiple devices, save for big expenses, pay down debt, and more!
Goodbudget vs. YNAB
While Goodbudget and YNAB both utilize the envelope budget method, there are a few other similarities and differences to be aware of. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the features you might be looking for.
Similarities
Feature | Goodbudget | YNAB |
Sync with Banks | Y (Paid) | Y (Paid) |
Envelope Budget | Y | Y |
Share budget with 2+ Devices | Y | Y |
Upload Transactions via Bank File | Y | Y |
Debt Tracking | Y | Y |
Goal Tracking | Y | Y |
Manual Envelope Progress Bar | Y | Y |
Robust Reporting | Y | Y |
Full Envelope Customization | Y | Y |
Manual Transaction Entry | Y | Y |
Suggested Budget Categories | Y | Y |
Multiple Currencies | N | N |
Reconcile Accounts | Y | Y |
Track Investments Accounts | N | N |
Track Cryptocurrency | N | N |
Bill Pay | N | N |
Siri to Add Transactions | N | N |
Split Transactions into Multiple Envelopes | Y | Y |
Create Scheduled Transactions | Y | Y |
Track Non-Monthly Envelopes | Y | Y |
Envelope Transfers | Y | Y |
Account Transfers | Y | Y |
Paid Plan | Y ( $10/month, $80/year) | Y |
Differences
Feature | Goodbudget | YNAB |
Free Plan | Y | N |
Negative Balance Carryover | Y | N |
Cute Mascot | Y | N |
Who should try Goodbudget?
And because Goodbudget is built to be shared across devices, it’s great for couples who want to get on the same page about money, or for busy individuals who need a budget that works across different platforms.
Give Goodbudget a try
Does Goodbudget sound like the program for you? Give it a try now.
4 thoughts on “Goodbudget vs. YNAB. Which budget app is for you?”
A big difference between YNAB and GoodBudget: GB lets you schedule ahead your income as well as expenses. YNAB only lets you schedule future expenses. I argued with YNAB about it numerous times, because I couldn’t determine future cash flows. And no negative balances bothered me as well.
I’m considering a switch from GB to YNAB for the bank sync feature. If GB provided that I wouldn’t have any reason to look elsewhere.
Uh, you forgot that Goodbudget requires you to manually import all transactions which takes A LOT Of time. YNAB sync with your bank effortlessly. That make YNAB WAY more worthwhile.
Thanks for your post! Goodbudget’s Premium Plan allows you to link to your outside bank accounts so that transactions are automatically pulled down. You can read more about the Premium plan here: https://goodbudget.com/subscribe-for-more/