If you’re trying to get your finances under control, chances are you’ve looked at both Goodbudget and YNAB (You Need a Budget). One is free. One costs over $99/year. So which one is actually worth it — especially if you’re broke but serious about making progress?

💸 Goodbudget: Envelope Budgeting Without the Price Tag

Goodbudget is a digital version of the classic envelope system. You manually assign money into “envelopes” (groceries, rent, gas, etc.), and track your spending manually.

• ✅ Free plan includes 10 envelopes and 2 devices
• ✅ Great for couples or low-tech users
• ❌ No bank syncing, so it’s manual only

📈 YNAB: The Power Budgeting Tool

YNAB is for people who want a hands-on but powerful system. It syncs with your bank, lets you assign every dollar a job, and forces you to think forward with your money.

• ✅ Excellent for zero-based budgeting
• ✅ Smart reports and age-of-money tracking
• ❌ $14.99/month or $99/year after free trial

⚖️ Verdict: Who Should Use What?

Choose Goodbudget if you want a free, simple, no-login-required envelope tool that keeps you disciplined. It’s great for beginners, couples, or cash-based budgeting.

Choose YNAB if you’re ready to go all in, track every cent, and have a small budget to invest in the process. It shines if you’re managing variable income or tackling serious debt goals.

Want more no-fluff budgeting tools that won’t waste your time (or paycheck)? Read the full roundup here: Best Budgeting Tools for Broke Millennials.