title: "Top Budgeting Apps Alternatives for Freelancers (2025 Update)"
date: 2025-03-15
excerpt: "Discover the best budgeting apps for freelancers in 2025. This comprehensive guide covers top alternatives, key features, and expert insights to help you manage your finances effectively."
tags: ["finance"]
image: ""
Top Budgeting Apps Alternatives for Freelancers (2025 Update)
Managing finances as a freelancer can be challenging, especially when it comes to budgeting and tracking expenses. With the right budgeting app, you can keep your financial health in check, ensuring you stay on top of your earnings and expenditures. In this guide, we will explore the top budgeting app alternatives for freelancers in 2025, providing you with in-depth reviews, comparisons, and expert insights.
Overview
Freelancers often face unique financial challenges, such as irregular income, varying expenses, and tax implications. Therefore, using a budgeting app tailored to these needs can help streamline financial management. Whether you are looking to track your expenses, set financial goals, or prepare for tax season, there is an app suited for your requirements.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best budgeting apps for freelancers, highlighting their key features, pricing, and overall usability.
Top Picks
| Name | Best For | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint | Comprehensive budgeting | Expense tracking, budget creation, credit score monitoring | Free |
| YNAB (You Need A Budget) | Zero-based budgeting | Goal setting, real-time expense tracking, educational resources | $14.99/month |
| PocketGuard | Simplified expense tracking | Automatic categorization, bill tracking, customizable spending limits | Free with premium option at $7.99/month |
| EveryDollar | Monthly budgeting | Easy-to-use budgeting, expense tracking, financial goal setting | Free with premium option at $129/year |
| Simple | Built-in budgeting tools | No-fee banking, goal setting, expense tracking with visual graphs | Free |
| GoodBudget | Envelope budgeting | Digital envelope system, budgeting on the go, cross-device syncing | Free with premium option at $7/month |
| Tiller Money | Spreadsheet-based budgeting | Automated spreadsheets, custom reports, expense tracking | $79/year |
| Wally | Expense tracking | Receipt scanning, manual entry, customizable categories | Free |
In-Depth Reviews
Mint
Best For: Comprehensive budgeting
Price: Free
Mint is a well-rounded budgeting app ideal for freelancers who want to track all aspects of their finances. It connects to your bank accounts, allowing for real-time tracking of expenses and income. Its budgeting feature lets you set financial goals and monitor your credit score.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Automatic updates and expense categorization
- Free to use
Cons:
- Ads can be intrusive
- Limited customization options for budgets
Expert Insight: Mint is perfect for freelancers who need a straightforward financial overview without spending money on software.
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best For: Zero-based budgeting
Price: $14.99/month
YNAB follows a unique zero-based budgeting approach, where every dollar is assigned a purpose. This app is excellent for freelancers looking to take control of their finances by planning ahead and prioritizing expenses.
Pros:
- Real-time expense tracking
- Educational resources and workshops
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fee
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Expert Insight: YNAB's focus on proactive budgeting makes it a strong choice for freelancers who have variable incomes and want to plan for future expenses.
PocketGuard
Best For: Simplified expense tracking
Price: Free with premium option at $7.99/month
PocketGuard provides a straightforward interface for tracking your finances. It allows you to see how much disposable income you have after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Automatic categorization of expenses
- Bill tracking feature
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Some users report syncing issues
Expert Insight: Ideal for freelancers who want an easy way to monitor their spending without getting bogged down in complexity.
EveryDollar
Best For: Monthly budgeting
Price: Free with premium option at $129/year
EveryDollar is designed for users who want to create a monthly budget quickly. The app allows you to set up a budget in minutes and track your spending against it.
Pros:
- Clean and simple design
- Easy budget creation
- Goal-setting features
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Requires manual expense entry unless you upgrade
Expert Insight: EveryDollar is a solid choice for freelancers who prefer a straightforward approach to monthly budgeting.
Simple
Best For: Built-in budgeting tools
Price: Free
Simple combines banking and budgeting features in one app. It allows users to set financial goals and track their spending with visual aids, making it easier to stick to a budget.
Pros:
- Fee-free banking
- Integrated budgeting tools
- Visual spending insights
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. customers
- Some features may be unavailable in certain regions
Expert Insight: Simple serves as a one-stop-shop for freelancers who want to manage their finances without juggling multiple apps.
GoodBudget
Best For: Envelope budgeting
Price: Free with premium option at $7/month
GoodBudget uses the envelope budgeting system, which helps users allocate funds for various expenses. This digital approach makes it easier to stick to your budget.
Pros:
- Cross-device syncing
- Easy to set up and use
- Good for cash-based budgeting
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Requires manual entry
Expert Insight: GoodBudget is great for freelancers who prefer a cash-based budgeting system and want to track spending across multiple devices.
Tiller Money
Best For: Spreadsheet-based budgeting
Price: $79/year
Tiller Money is perfect for freelancers who prefer to work within Google Sheets or Excel. It automates the process of pulling financial data into customizable spreadsheets.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Automated data entry
- Great for detailed financial analysis
Cons:
- Requires spreadsheet knowledge
- Not suitable for those who prefer mobile-first apps
Expert Insight: Tiller Money is ideal for freelancers who enjoy the flexibility and customization that spreadsheets offer.
Wally
Best For: Expense tracking
Price: Free
Wally is an expense tracker that helps freelancers keep tabs on their spending. It features receipt scanning and manual entry options for detailed tracking.
Pros:
- Receipt scanning feature
- Simple expense tracking
- Customizable categories
Cons:
- Limited budgeting features
- Some users experience syncing issues
Expert Insight: Wally is a practical choice for freelancers who primarily need to monitor their daily expenses.
How We Picked
In selecting the best budgeting apps for freelancers, we considered the following criteria:
- User Experience: We assessed the ease of use and overall design of each app.
- Key Features: We looked for essential features that cater to freelancers, such as expense tracking, goal setting, and tax preparation tools.
- Pricing: We compared the cost of each app, considering both free and premium options.
- Customer Feedback: We examined user reviews and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and performance.
- Expert Opinions: We included insights from financial experts to provide a well-rounded view of each app.
Alternatives
While the above apps are some of the best for freelancers, other alternatives worth considering include:
- Zoho Books: Great for invoicing and expense tracking with advanced features for small businesses.
- Wave: A free accounting software with invoicing and receipt scanning tailored for freelancers.
- FreshBooks: A user-friendly platform focused on invoicing and expense management for freelancers.
FAQs
1. What is the best budgeting app for freelancers?
The best budgeting app for freelancers largely depends on individual needs. However, YNAB and Mint are often highly recommended for their comprehensive features and ease of use.
2. Are free budgeting apps effective?
Yes, many free budgeting apps like Mint and PocketGuard offer effective features for tracking expenses and budgeting. However, premium versions often provide additional functionalities.
3. Can I use budgeting apps on my mobile device?
Most budgeting apps, including Mint and YNAB, have mobile versions, making it easy for freelancers to track their finances on the go.
4. How do budgeting apps help freelancers with taxes?
Many budgeting apps include features that allow you to categorize expenses, making it easier to prepare for tax season by keeping track of deductible expenses.
5. Do I need to link my bank account to use budgeting apps?
While many budgeting apps offer the ability to link bank accounts for automatic tracking, you can often manually enter expenses if you prefer not to link your accounts.
6. Can budgeting apps help with saving money?
Yes, budgeting apps can help freelancers identify spending patterns, set savings goals, and monitor progress, ultimately assisting in saving money over time.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right budgeting app as a freelancer can significantly impact your financial management. Each app mentioned in this guide offers unique features suited to different needs, from comprehensive budgeting to simplified expense tracking. Whether you prefer a zero-based budgeting approach with YNAB or the straightforward design of Mint, the right tool can help you maintain control over your freelance finances in 2025 and beyond.
Evaluate your needs, explore the options, and select the budgeting app that aligns best with your financial goals. Happy budgeting!