Head-to-head comparison
Actual Budget vs YNAB
Actual Budget is the app people move to when they like how YNAB works but not what it costs. It uses the same envelope method, it is open source and free, and you can run it entirely on your own hardware. The cost is setup and a missing native mobile app.
Actual Budget vs YNAB at a glance
| Actual Budget | YNAB | Wally (free) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (open source; paid hosting optional) | $14.99/mo or ~$109/yr | Free |
| Free version | Yes — entirely free | No — 34-day trial only | Yes — fully free, no subscription |
| Platforms | Web, desktop apps; mobile via browser only | iOS, Android, Web | iOS & Android |
| Account tracking | Optional, via third-party bridges | Automatic bank sync | Manual entry + CSV import |
| Budgeting approach | Envelope / zero-based | Zero-based (give every dollar a job) | Category budgets (incl. 50/30/20) |
| Bill reminders | Via scheduled transactions | Via scheduled transactions | Yes |
| Best for | Technical users who want to self-host their data | Hands-on, zero-based budgeters | Anyone who wants simple, free budgeting |
Which one should you pick?
Choose Actual Budget if…
Pick Actual Budget if you want envelope budgeting without a subscription and are comfortable self-hosting. You own your data outright, no company can change the price on you, and the budgeting model is close to what YNAB users already know.
Choose YNAB if…
Pick YNAB if you would rather pay than maintain anything. It has polished native apps on every platform, bank sync that works without a third-party bridge, and support you can contact. For most people the $109 a year buys away real friction.
Or skip both if…
Both of these demand ongoing effort, whether that is self-hosting or weekly budget maintenance. Wally is free, installs from the app store and uses simple category budgets, if envelope budgeting is more structure than you want.
Compare each against Wally
Full breakdowns of how each app compares with Wally on price, platforms and budgeting method.
Frequently asked questions
Is Actual Budget a good free YNAB alternative?
It is the closest free equivalent in method. Actual Budget uses the same envelope or zero-based approach and is open source with no subscription. The trade-offs are that you self-host it and there is no native mobile app, only a mobile browser experience.
Does Actual Budget sync with my bank?
Not on its own. Bank syncing works through third-party bridges such as SimpleFIN in North America or GoCardless and Enable Banking in Europe, some of which charge their own fee. YNAB includes bank sync in its subscription.
Is Actual Budget really free?
Yes. The software is open source and free to run yourself. You may choose to pay for managed hosting or a bank-syncing bridge, but the app itself has no cost and no paid tier.
Does Actual Budget have an iPhone or Android app?
There is no native app on either platform. You use Actual Budget through a mobile browser as a progressive web app. If a native mobile app matters, YNAB has one, and so do free apps like Wally.
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.
