YNAB review

YNAB ranks third and is the most structured way to swap a spreadsheet for an app. It follows zero-based budgeting: you assign every dollar you have to a category, then set targets for savings goals and track progress at a glance. Its loan planner calculates how much interest and time each extra debt payment saves. Transactions import automatically from select US, Canadian, UK and EU banks, and anyone elsewhere can use file-based import. The app syncs in real time across computer, phone and tablet and works offline. Sharing is generous, with up to six people on one subscription, and the 34-day trial needs no credit card when you sign up through YNAB. College students can get a free 365-day trial. The method takes more effort to learn than an automatic plan, there is no free tier, and monthly billing is $14.99. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test the app hands-on.

Who it is for

zero-based budgeters and families sharing one plan

Price

$109 a year ($9.08 a month) or $14.99 billed monthly; 34-day free trial, no card needed.

Annual Plan $9.08 USD*/month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Targets for spending and savings goals with progress at a glance
• Loan planner shows interest and time saved for every extra dollar paid
• Direct bank import for select US, Canadian, UK and EU banks, plus file-based import
• Real-time sync across computer, phone and tablet, including offline use
• Spending and net worth reports

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 34-day free trial with no credit card when you sign up directly
• Strength: One subscription covers up to six people
• Strength: College students can get a free 365-day trial
• Weakness: No free plan after the trial
• Weakness: Monthly billing costs $14.99
• Weakness: Cannot mix multiple currencies in a single spending plan

Key facts

• Price: $109 a year or $14.99 a month
• Free trial: 34 days, no credit card
• Sharing: Up to 6 people
• Bank import: Select US, Canadian, UK and EU banks
• Students: Free 365-day trial

Where it ranks

YNAB is No. 3 in our Best Budgeting Apps verdict.