CompareFairlyBest Budgeting Apps 2026
Our pick : Mint (76/100) · Cheapest : Mint · Best value : Simplifi by Quicken
Comparison table
| Criterion | Mint | Cleo | Simplifi by Quicken | Rocket Money | YNAB (You Need A Budget) | Monarch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.99 | 4.0 | 14.99 | 14.99 |
| Security Features | Bank-Level Security | Bank-Level Security | Bank-Level Security | Bank-Level Security | Bank-Level Security | Bank-Level Security |
| Account Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking | Extensive Auto-Linking |
| Features | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Reporting Depth | Detailed Reports | Basic Summaries | Basic Summaries | Basic Summaries | Detailed Reports | Detailed Reports |
| Platform Availability | Web & Mobile | Mobile Only | Web & Mobile | Web & Mobile | Web & Mobile | Web & Mobile |
| Customization Options | Moderate | Limited | Limited | Limited | High | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Customer Support | Email Only | Chat/Email | Chat/Email | Chat/Email | Phone/Chat/Email | Chat/Email |
| Free Trial Available | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
In short
This comparison of 10 budgeting apps across 10 criteria, including monthly cost, security features, account linking, features, reporting depth, and platform availability, places Mint first with a score of 76/100, largely due to its perfect scores in account linking and monthly cost. Cleo ranks second with 68/100, excelling in the availability of a free trial, and Mint is identified as the cheapest option. The data for 7 out of 10 options is sourced, with the remaining values being estimates that are clearly marked. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best budgeting apps for 2026?
Based on our latest review, Mint is the top-rated budgeting app with a score of 76/100, followed closely by Cleo. We compare them across key criteria like cost, security, and features.
How do budgeting apps like Mint and Cleo compare on price?
We evaluate the monthly cost of each budgeting app, alongside their security features, account linking capabilities, overall features, reporting depth, and platform availability to give you a comprehensive overview.
Are these budgeting apps secure for linking bank accounts?
Security features are a crucial part of our comparison. We assess how well apps like Mint and Cleo protect your financial data when linking your bank accounts.
How is the ranking determined for budgeting apps?
Our rankings are based on objective data and thorough analysis of each app's features, cost, and security. We do not accept payment for placement, ensuring our comparison remains neutral and trustworthy.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.