Moneydance vs Quicken 2023: Which budgeting app is better?

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
 
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In the world of personal finance management, it’s crucial to have a reliable software solution that caters to your unique financial needs. Moneydance and Quicken are two popular software applications designed to help users track their income, expenses, and investments. In this Moneydance vs Quicken review, we’ll compare these platforms, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses concerning functionality, user experience, and pricing.

Moneydance is Better for:Quicken is Better for:
Manual transaction entry and categorizationComprehensive personal finance management
Investment tracking and analysisIntegration with TurboTax and other tax software
Multi-currency supportBill payment and reminder services

By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of each platform and be able to determine which is the better fit for your financial goals.

Moneydance Logo Quicken Logo
Service Type Personal finance management software Personal finance management software
Fees One-time purchase: $65 Subscription-based: Multiple pricing tiers
Customer Support Email, knowledge base, forums Phone, chat, online community, knowledge base
Best Use Budgeting, investment tracking, bill management Comprehensive financial management, tax planning
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Modest Money Overall Rating
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Factor 1: Functionality

Moneydance: Comprehensive Personal Finance Management

  • Quicken: Robust Feature Set with Investment Focus
  • Both platforms offer budgeting and bill management features

Moneydance

Moneydance is a comprehensive personal finance management software that offers a wide range of features, including online banking, bill payment, account management, budgeting, and investment tracking. The platform supports multiple currencies and allows users to set up reminders for recurring transactions, such as mortgage payments or utility bills.

Moneydance also offers robust reporting features, making it easy for users to analyze their spending habits, identify trends, and make informed financial decisions. Additionally, the platform provides seamless integration with third-party applications, such as TaxAct and TurboTax, making tax preparation more manageable.

Quicken

Quicken is a well-known personal finance management software that offers a robust feature set, including budgeting, bill management, investment tracking, and financial planning tools. The platform is designed for both novice and experienced users, providing an extensive library of pre-built reports and customizable templates.

With a focus on investment management, Quicken offers powerful tools to help users track their investment performance, monitor asset allocation, and conduct research on individual securities. Additionally, the platform offers a built-in tax planner, helping users estimate their tax liabilities and plan for potential deductions and credits.

Factor 2: User Experience

Moneydance: Intuitive Interface with Customization Options

  • Quicken: Steeper Learning Curve
  • Both platforms offer mobile apps for on-the-go access

Moneydance

Moneydance boasts an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, even for users who are new to personal finance management software. The platform’s customizable dashboard allows users to tailor the layout to their preferences, ensuring they have quick access to essential features and information. Moneydance also offers responsive customer support, with a comprehensive knowledge base and responsive email support.

The platform’s mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices, enables users to manage their finances on-the-go. The app syncs with the desktop version, ensuring users have access to their financial information whenever and wherever they need it.

Quicken

While Quicken offers a wealth of features and tools, its interface can be overwhelming for some users, particularly those new to personal finance management software. The platform has a steeper learning curve, and users may need to invest time in learning how to navigate the software and utilize its various tools effectively.

Quicken also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access their financial information while on-the-go. However, some users have reported syncing issues between the desktop and mobile versions, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve.

Factor 3: Pricing

Moneydance: One-time Purchase with Free Updates

  • Quicken: Subscription-based Pricing Model
  • Both platforms offer a money-back guarantee

Moneydance

Moneydance utilizes a one-time purchase pricing model, meaning users pay a flat fee for the software and receive free updates for life. The software costs $65.00, and there are no additional subscription fees or hidden charges. This pricing model makes Moneydance an attractive option for users looking for a cost-effective solution for managing their finances without ongoing expenses. Additionally, Moneydance offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, providing users with peace of mind when making their purchase.

Quicken

Quicken, on the other hand, operates on a subscription-based pricing model, with multiple tiers offering varying features. The Starter plan costs $47.88 per year, while the Deluxe and Premier plans are priced at $59.88 and $83.88 per year, respectively. The platform also offers a Home & Business plan for $119.88 per year, catering to users who need to manage both personal and business finances.

While Quicken’s subscription model ensures users always have access to the latest features and updates, it also means ongoing costs for users. However, Quicken does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the platform and determine if it meets their needs before committing to a subscription.

Moneydance vs Quicken: Our Summary

In the battle between Moneydance and Quicken for the best personal finance management software, Moneydance emerges as the winner due to its comprehensive feature set, intuitive user experience, and cost-effective pricing model.

Moneydance’s one-time purchase pricing model is a significant advantage, offering users lifetime access to the software without recurring subscription fees. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a budget-friendly solution. Additionally, Moneydance’s interface is user-friendly and customizable, making it easier for users to navigate and tailor the platform to their preferences.

While Quicken does provide a wealth of features, particularly in investment management, its subscription-based pricing model and steeper learning curve might deter some users. Furthermore, syncing issues between the desktop and mobile versions can be frustrating for those who require seamless access to their financial information across devices.

Click here to get started with Moneydance today.

Moneydance is the better choice for users seeking a comprehensive, easy-to-use, and cost-effective personal finance management solution. With its robust features, customizable interface, and one-time purchase model, Moneydance offers a more accessible and budget-friendly option for managing your finances effectively.

Learn More About Moneydance

Learn More About Quicken

Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. After working many years in the website marketing industry, he decided to take on blogging full time and also get his finances headed in the right direction. Also check out his contributions to Equities.com and Benzinga.