A free budgeting app that needs no server to run
Wally vs Actual Budget
Actual Budget is free and open source, and if you are happy to self-host it you own your data completely. The trade-off is setup: there is no native mobile app, and bank syncing needs a third-party bridge. Wally is free too, and works on your phone straight from the app store.
Wally vs Actual Budget at a glance
| Wally | Actual Budget | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free (open source; paid hosting optional) |
| Free version | Yes — fully free, no subscription | Yes — entirely free |
| Platforms | iOS & Android | Web, desktop apps; mobile via browser only |
| Account tracking | Manual entry + CSV import | Optional, via third-party bridges |
| Budgeting approach | Category budgets (incl. 50/30/20) | Envelope / zero-based |
| Bill reminders | Yes | Via scheduled transactions |
| Best for | Anyone who wants simple, free budgeting | Technical users who want to self-host their data |
Why choose Wally over Actual Budget
- Nothing to host, configure or maintain — install from the app store and start.
- Native iOS and Android apps rather than a mobile web page.
- CSV import without setting up a bank-sync bridge.
- Simpler category budgeting if envelope budgeting feels like too much.
Where Actual Budget has the edge
No app is perfect for everyone. Here is where Actual Budget may suit you better:
- Fully open source, so you own and control all of your data.
- Free forever with no company able to change the pricing.
- Mature envelope budgeting with a strong community.
- Runs entirely locally if you want it to.
Frequently asked questions
Is Actual Budget really free?
Yes. Actual Budget is open source and free to run yourself. You may pay separately for managed hosting or for a bank-syncing bridge, but the software itself costs nothing.
Does Actual Budget have a mobile app?
Actual Budget does not have native iOS or Android apps. You use it in a mobile browser as a progressive web app. Wally is a native app on both platforms.
Should I choose Wally or Actual Budget?
Choose Actual Budget if you want to self-host, own your data outright and are comfortable with the setup. Choose Wally if you want free budgeting on your phone with nothing to configure.
Start budgeting the fun way
Join thousands of people who are taking control of their finances with Wally. Free to download on iOS and Android.
