Comparison
Budgey vs YNAB
YNAB is a method. Budgey shows what's left of your paycheck so you can sell the yes.
YNAB is a method. You give every dollar a job, follow the rules, and build discipline. That culture is powerful, and it is work. YNAB has no permanent free plan. After a 34-day trial, the subscription is $14.99/month or $109/year (checked September 6, 2026).
Budgey plans by paycheck. Auto from real money shows what's left of your paycheck, so you can say yes without the spiral. The question is not whether Tuesday's coffee was assigned. It is whether dinner out fits this paycheck. Core is $5/mo or $20/yr with live bank sync for 1 bank. Plus is $10/mo or $100/yr for 2 or more banks or budgets.
If you want YNAB's four rules, pick YNAB. If you want what's left of your paycheck, pick Budgey.
Budgey vs YNAB, feature by feature
| Feature |  Budgey | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Core number | what's left of your paycheck | Assigned categories (zero-based) |
| Period | Payday to payday | Monthly assignments |
| Setup | Auto from real money (1 bank on Core) | Manual assign and bank sync |
| Feel | Sell the yes | Assign every dollar a job |
| Starting price | Core $5/mo or $20/yr | No permanent free plan; 34-day trial |
| Paid | Plus $10/mo or $100/yr | $14.99/mo or $109/yr |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web |
YNAB pricing and features verified September 2026 and may have changed — check their site for current details.
Which one should you pick?
Choose Budgey if…
- ✓You get paid biweekly, weekly, or on an irregular schedule and hate fake months
- ✓You want what's left of your paycheck in one glance
- ✓You prefer Auto from real money and a review over assigning every dollar
- ✓You want Core at $5/mo or $20/yr, with live bank sync for 1 bank
Choose YNAB if…
- ✓You want the four rules and a method community
- ✓You like moving money between categories by hand
- ✓You are ready for a paid subscription after the trial
- ✓You care more about zero-based discipline than what's left of your paycheck
Budgey vs YNAB: your questions
Is Budgey a cheaper YNAB alternative?+
Budgey Core is $5/mo or $20/yr. Plus is $10/mo or $100/yr. YNAB is $14.99/mo or $109/yr after a 34-day trial, with no permanent free plan (checked September 6, 2026). Plus yearly at $100 is less than YNAB at $109. Monthly, Core is $5 and Plus is $10, versus YNAB at $14.99.
Can Budgey do zero-based budgeting?+
No. Budgey budgets by paycheck. Auto from real money builds each period's plan and shows what's left of your paycheck. If assigning every dollar to zero is non-negotiable, YNAB may fit better. See budgeyapp.com/ynab-alternatives.
Which is better for beginners?+
If you need a number tonight, start with Budgey. If you want to learn a budgeting method for the long run, start with YNAB.
Does Budgey sync banks?+
Live bank sync for 1 bank and Auto from real money are on Core. Plus is for 2 or more banks or budgets. Core is $5/mo or $20/yr on iOS, Android, and Web.
Can I import my YNAB data into Budgey?+
Yes. Export your register from YNAB as CSV, then upload the file in Budgey. File import is on Plus. See the guide at budgeyapp.com/switch/from-ynab.
See what's left of your paycheck
Auto from real money shows what's left of your paycheck, so you can sell the yes. Core is $5/mo or $20/yr. Plus is $10/mo or $100/yr.
Core $5/mo or $20/yr · Plus $10/mo or $100/yr · iOS, Android, and Web