YNAB vs EveryDollar 2024: Which budgeting app is worthwhile?
Disclosure
This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links. Financial management is the cornerstone of financial freedom. YNAB and EveryDollar are two popular budgeting apps that promise to help users achieve their financial goals. In this comparison, we’ll explore how both apps approach budgeting, the features they offer, and their pricing structures.
| YNAB is Better for: | EveryDollar is Better for: |
| Forward planning and aging money | Zero-based budgeting approach |
| Comprehensive personal finance management | Simplicity and easy manual budgeting |
| Real-time updates and goal tracking | Dave Ramsey’s followers and Ramsey Solutions integration |
Understanding YNAB and EveryDollar
YNAB, short for “You Need A Budget,” and EveryDollar are budgeting tools designed to help you track your monthly income, spending, and savings goals. Both apps have similar goals –– to help users follow a zero-based budgeting system where every dollar has a purpose.
YNAB’s approach to budgeting emphasizes forward planning. The app aims to help users “age their money,” encouraging them to live off of last month’s income. YNAB offers a 34-day free trial, allowing users to test its capabilities.
EveryDollar, created by personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, also uses the zero-based budgeting approach. It prompts users to allocate every dollar of their income towards expenditure, savings, or debt repayment. The app offers a free version, but for automatic transaction import from bank accounts and credit cards –– users need to upgrade to EveryDollar Premium.
 |  | |
| Service Type | Personal finance management and budgeting | Personal finance management and budgeting |
| Fees | 34-day free trial then $11.99/month or $84/year | Free basic version and premium version at $79.99/year |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat support for all members | Email support for all members |
| Best Use | Individuals seeking an intuitive budgeting tool to plan their monthly budget effectively | Dave Ramsey followers and users preferring a simple approach to budgeting |
| Current Promotion | ||
| Modest Money Overall Rating |
| |
| Service Type | Personal finance management and budgeting |
| Fees | 34-day free trial then $11.99/month or $84/year |
| Customer Support | Email and live chat support for all members |
| Best Use | Individuals seeking an intuitive budgeting tool to plan their monthly budget effectively |
| Current Promotion | |
| Modest Money Overall Rating |
| |
| Service Type | Personal finance management and budgeting |
| Fees | Free basic version and premium version at $79.99/year |
| Customer Support | Email support for all members |
| Best Use | Dave Ramsey followers and users preferring a simple approach to budgeting |
| Current Promotion | |
| Modest Money Overall Rating |
YNAB vs EveryDollar Videos
Factor 1: Usability and Interface
- YNAB intuitive and user-friendly interface
- EveryDollar Simplified but limited interface
When it comes to budgeting apps, both YNAB and EveryDollar offer unique experiences. The usability and interface of a budgeting tool are significant, as this factor can influence how seamlessly a user can manage their finances.
YNAB: Superior User Experience
YNAB shines with its intuitive design and user-friendly interface. Even if you’re new to budgeting software, YNAB guides you with helpful pop-up explanations –– making it easier to get started. The platform allows you to seamlessly import financial data from your bank and credit card accounts, facilitating real-time tracking of your spending and budgeting progress.
EveryDollar: Simplicity with Limitations
EveryDollar offers a clean and simple interface that follows Dave Ramsey’s zero-based budgeting approach. It allows easy budgeting by directly entering income and expenses, but lacks the automatic transaction import in its free version, which can be a time-consuming process.
Factor 2: Features and Functionality
- YNAB extensive budgeting tools and custom categories
- EveryDollar basic budgeting with debt reduction focus
A popular budgeting app should offer robust features that help users manage their financial goals efficiently.
YNAB: Comprehensive Budgeting Tools and Features
YNAB is more than just a budgeting app –– it’s a comprehensive platform for managing your personal finances. It encourages users to “give every dollar a job,” helping them account for every penny earned and spent. With its custom categories, users can tailor their budgets to fit their needs and spending habits. Plus, the ability to track bills and savings goals offers a detailed picture of your financial health.
EveryDollar: Basic Budgeting with Emphasis on Debt Reduction
EveryDollar offers a straightforward approach to budgeting, focusing primarily on debt reduction. Its simplicity can be an advantage for those who are new to budgeting, but it may lack the depth in features for more experienced users. One key feature that sets it apart is its integration with Ramsey Solutions, providing users with access to a wealth of financial advice and resources.
Factor 3: Pricing and Subscription Plans
- YNAB offers extensive features at $11.99/month
- EveryDollar has a freemium model but charges $17.99/month for premium
The cost of a budgeting tool can be a decisive factor for many users.
YNAB: Reasonable Pricing with Extensive Features
YNAB requires a subscription, but it offers a 34-day free trial to help users get familiar with the platform. After the trial period, YNAB costs $11.99 per month, or $84 annually, which is a reasonable price considering the array of features and tools it offers for effective budget management.
EveryDollar: Free Version with Limited Features, Premium Version Available
EveryDollar follows a freemium model. The basic version is free, but it lacks automatic transaction imports. For this feature, you’d have to upgrade to EveryDollar Premium, which costs $17.99/month or $79.99 per year. While the premium version offers additional features such as phone support and integration with the Ramsey+ suite of tools –– its cost is notably higher than YNAB’s.
By considering these factors, it’s easier to determine which platform fits your budgeting needs and style better. The final decision will always hinge on personal preferences and specific financial goals.
Factor 4: External Customer Reviews & Ratings
External EveryDollar Reviews & Ratings
| Site | Rating | |
| Moneywise | 3.8 | |
| Tom's Guide | 3.5 | |
| Google Play | 3.4 from 11,020 reviews |
External YNAB Reviews & Ratings
| Site | Rating | |
| PC World | 5 | |
| Google Play | 4.8 from 15,059 votes | |
| Apple App Store | 4.8 from 46,308 reviews | |
| Trustpilot |  | |
| G2 | 4.6 from 28 reviews |
YNAB vs EveryDollar: Our Verdict
Both YNAB and EveryDollar are popular budgeting tools, each with their own set of strengths. EveryDollar follows Dave Ramsey’s approach to budgeting –– making it an excellent choice for his followers. Its simple interface is easy for beginners to navigate.
However, YNAB takes the lead with its comprehensive approach to budgeting. Its real-time updates, detailed reports, and goal tracking features offer more control over your financial accounts. Plus, YNAB’s lower price point and robust feature set make it a better value for the money.
Sign Up for YNAB
Ultimately, the best budgeting tool depends on your personal financial goals and budgeting style. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, feature-rich tool to help you achieve your financial goals, YNAB might be the right choice for you –– click here to get started.
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