budget zero vs ynab
a simpler, private ynab alternative.
YNAB made zero-based budgeting popular, and it’s a great app. But at $109 a year, with bank linking at its center, it isn’t for everyone. Budget Zero keeps the method (give every dollar a job) and drops the rest: no bank login, no account to create, and Pro from $29.99 a year.
Here’s an honest look at both, including what you give up by switching.
side by side
| feature | budget zero | ynab |
|---|---|---|
| price | $3.99 a month, $29.99 a year, or $79.99 once | $14.99 a month or $109 a year |
| free option | free plan (1 account, 20 transactions) and a 1-month Pro trial | 34-day free trial; no free plan |
| budgeting method | zero-based envelopes | zero-based envelopes |
| bank linking | never; you enter transactions | yes, with manual accounts as an option |
| account required | no; your Apple Account and iCloud | yes, a YNAB account |
| where your data lives | your devices and your private iCloud | YNAB’s servers |
| devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Android, web |
| leftover money carries over | not yet | yes |
| share with a partner | not yet | up to 6 people |
| reports | not yet | yes |
| import from another app | not yet | yes, bank file import |
which one is right for you
choose budget zero if you
- don’t want to hand any app your bank login
- like entering spending yourself; it keeps you honest
- use an iPhone, iPad or Mac
- want the zero-based method without a $109 bill every year
- would rather pay once ($79.99 Lifetime) than subscribe
stick with ynab if you
- want transactions to import from your bank automatically
- budget with a partner on a shared plan
- use Android or want a web app
- rely on reports, or on leftover money rolling into next month
- value YNAB’s workshops and teaching
what you give up by switching
We’d rather you know now than find out later.
- No bank sync. Every transaction is entered by hand. It takes a few seconds each, and it’s on purpose, but it is more work than automatic imports.
- Apple devices only. There’s no Android app and no web app.
- No shared budgets yet. Budget Zero syncs through your own iCloud, so a partner can’t join your budget today.
- No reports or rollover yet. Each month starts fresh, and spending charts are still to come.
- A young app. Budget Zero is made by an independent developer and has far fewer reviews than YNAB.
switching from ynab in about 10 minutes
- Download Budget Zero and open it. No sign-up.
- Add your checking, savings and cash accounts with today’s balances.
- Create a budget for each YNAB category you actually use: rent, groceries, savings and so on.
- Assign money to each budget until “ready to assign” reaches $0.
- Log spending as it happens. That’s it.
You don’t need to bring your history. Start this month with today’s balances; your old YNAB data stays in YNAB if you ever want it.
try it free
Start with the free plan, or try Pro free for a month. No account, no bank login.
download on the app storequestions
Can I import my YNAB data into Budget Zero?
Not yet. You set Budget Zero up by hand: add your accounts with today’s balances, recreate your categories as budgets, and assign your money. Most people are done in about 10 minutes.
Does Budget Zero connect to my bank?
No. Budget Zero never asks for your bank login. You enter transactions yourself, which many people find keeps them closer to their spending.
Can my partner and I share a budget?
Not yet. Budget Zero syncs through your own iCloud, so it works across your own iPhone, iPad and Mac, but shared budgets between two people aren’t supported today. YNAB supports sharing with up to six people.
Is Budget Zero free?
You can start free with one account and up to 20 transactions. Budget Zero Pro unlocks unlimited accounts and transactions for $3.99 a month, $29.99 a year or $79.99 once (US prices; your local price shows in the app). The subscriptions include a one-month free trial.
Where is my budget stored?
On your devices, synced through your private iCloud. The app uses analytics and crash reporting to improve; the privacy policy has the details.
Is Budget Zero affiliated with YNAB?
No. Budget Zero is an independent app.
more about budget zero
YNAB is a trademark of its owner. Budget Zero is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by YNAB. Competitor details come from public information as of October 2026 and may change; check ynab.com for current pricing and features.