A free alternative to PocketGuard Plus
Wally vs PocketGuard
PocketGuard reduces your finances to one number — how much is safe to spend — which is a genuinely good idea if that is all you want. Most of its budgeting depth sits behind PocketGuard Plus at $74.99 a year. Wally gives you category budgets and reports for free.
Wally vs PocketGuard at a glance
| Wally | PocketGuard | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Plus $12.99/mo, $74.99/yr, or $149.99 lifetime |
| Free version | Yes — fully free, no subscription | Limited free version; most features need Plus |
| Platforms | iOS & Android | iOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch |
| Account tracking | Manual entry + CSV import | Automatic bank sync (US, Canada, UK) |
| Budgeting approach | Category budgets (incl. 50/30/20) | “In My Pocket” safe-to-spend number |
| Bill reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Anyone who wants simple, free budgeting | People who want one safe-to-spend number |
Why choose Wally over PocketGuard
- Wally is free with no lifetime purchase or subscription to weigh up.
- Full category budgets rather than a single safe-to-spend figure.
- Reports and multiple accounts included at no cost.
- No paywall on core budgeting and bill reminders.
Where PocketGuard has the edge
No app is perfect for everyone. Here is where PocketGuard may suit you better:
- The single “In My Pocket” number is genuinely clarifying.
- Automatic bank sync covering US, Canadian and UK banks.
- A one-off lifetime plan is available if you dislike subscriptions.
- Built-in debt payoff planner.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wally a free alternative to PocketGuard?
Yes. Wally is free on iOS and Android with category budgets, bill reminders and reports included. PocketGuard keeps most of its features in PocketGuard Plus, which costs $12.99 a month, $74.99 a year, or $149.99 once for lifetime access.
Does PocketGuard have a free plan?
PocketGuard offers a limited free version, but the features it includes have changed over time and most budgeting depth requires PocketGuard Plus. Check the current plan details in the app before relying on the free tier.
Does Wally show how much is safe to spend?
Wally shows your spending against each category budget and your balance across all accounts, so you can see what is left. It does not condense that into a single safe-to-spend number the way PocketGuard’s In My Pocket feature does.
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.
