Comparison

Budjo vs YNAB: which budgeting style fits you?

YNAB is a strong budgeting app with a loyal following, and for plenty of people it's the right choice. This page is for people who like the idea of a deliberate budget but want something cheaper, simpler, and less interested in their bank login.

We make Budjo, so read this with that in mind. Where we couldn't confirm a YNAB detail, we marked it for verification instead of guessing.

How they compare

Feature comparison between Budjo and YNAB
FeatureBudjoYNAB
PricingFree plan. Individual $49/yr, Couple $69/yr, Family $99/yr (USD). Monthly options: $5.99, $8.99, $12.99.$109/yr or $14.99/mo. No free tier; 34-day free trial.
Bank connectionNone. You enter numbers yourself, or import CSV files on paid plans.Yes. Automatic transaction imports from linked accounts.
Platform supportRuns in the browser on any device. Nothing to install.Web app plus iOS and Android apps.
Offline supportWorks offline. Syncs when you're back online.Limited. You can view your budget and add transactions offline; everything syncs to their servers when you reconnect.
Data location and privacyYour data stays in your browser until you sign in. After that it syncs to our servers, where only you and any household members you invite can access it. Household members see all shared data in that budget. Not end-to-end encrypted. No in-app tracking, no AI.Stored on YNAB servers. Bank connections run through third-party data aggregators (Plaid and similar providers) once you authorise the connection.
Free tier limits1 account, 10 categories, 2 active goals, CSV export, works offline. Free forever.No free tier. 34-day free trial, no card required.
Household / sharingCouple plan: 2 adults on one budget, $69/yr. Family plan: up to 5 people, $99/yr.YNAB Together shares one subscription with up to six people in your household.

Competitor details last checked: June 2026

Who should pick YNAB

YNAB is the better fit if any of these sound like you:

  • You want automatic transaction imports. YNAB connects to your bank and pulls transactions in. Budjo never will; everything is typed in by you or imported from a CSV.
  • You want the full zero-based method, with the community, workshops, and content built around it.
  • You want polished native mobile apps rather than a browser app.

If those matter to you, pick YNAB. It's a good app; it just makes a different set of trade-offs than we do.

Who should pick Budjo

Budjo is the better fit if:

  • You don't want to hand your bank login to anyone. Budjo has no bank connection at all, so there's nothing to consent to and no aggregator in the middle.
  • You want a quick daily check, not a method to learn. Budjo turns your income, bills and spending plan into one daily number.
  • You budget with a partner or family. The Couple plan is $69/yr for two adults and the Family plan is $99/yr for up to five people on one budget.
  • You want a free tier that stays free: 1 account, 10 categories, 2 active goals, CSV export, and it works offline.
  • You're leaving YNAB and want your history to come along. Paid plans import YNAB CSV exports.

Frequently asked questions

See what your daily number would be

The free calculator takes your income, bills and spending plan and shows the result. No account needed.