Comparison
FreeBudget vs EveryDollar
Flexible budgeting for free vs zero-based budgeting at $17.99/month. Here is how they stack up.
| Feature | FreeBudget | EveryDollar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0/mo | $17.99/mo |
| Annual cost | $0/yr | $79.99/yr |
| Free tier | Full access - small fee for bank syncing | Basic (no bank sync) |
| Bank syncing | ||
| Budget tracking | ||
| Net worth tracking | ||
| Custom categories | ||
| CSV import/export | ||
| Spending reports | ||
| Paycheck planning | ||
| Financial coaching | ||
| No ads | ads on Free tier | |
| No third-party data selling | ||
| Credit card required to start | No | No - required for premium features |
| Budgeting method | Flexible | Zero-based |
How FreeBudget and EveryDollar Compare
Both apps help you budget your money, but they take fundamentally different approaches to how budgeting should work.
EveryDollar is the budgeting app from Ramsey Solutions, built around Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting philosophy. It is one of the most well-known budgeting apps in the US and has helped millions of people take control of their finances through a structured, disciplined approach.
FreeBudget is a flexible budgeting tool that does not prescribe a particular method. You can set up categories and spending limits in whatever way makes sense for your life. If you want to do zero-based budgeting, you can. If you want to track only a few key categories and leave the rest flexible, that works too.
The biggest practical difference comes down to bank syncing on the free tier. EveryDollar's free plan requires manual entry for every transaction. FreeBudget offers manual entry and CSV imports for free, with optional bank linking for a small per-account fee to cover costs. Neither app gives you free automatic bank syncing, but FreeBudget gives you more ways to get your data in without paying a monthly subscription.
Why choose FreeBudget?
Budget Your Way
EveryDollar follows the zero-based budgeting method where every dollar of income must be assigned to a category before the month begins. This works well for some people, but it can feel rigid if your income varies or your spending does not fit neatly into fixed categories. FreeBudget lets you budget however works for you, whether that is zero-based, category-based, or something in between.
More Features Without the Premium Price
EveryDollar charges $17.99/month (or $79.99/year) for bank syncing and its full feature set. On the free plan, you have to enter every transaction manually. FreeBudget gives you budgeting, net worth tracking, CSV imports and exports, and detailed reports without a subscription. Bank linking has a small per-account fee to help cover our costs.
No Philosophy Required
EveryDollar is built around Dave Ramsey's financial principles. If you follow his approach, the app fits naturally. If you do not, the structure can feel prescriptive. FreeBudget is a neutral tool. It does not teach you a method or push you toward a particular philosophy. You bring the approach, and FreeBudget supports it.
Net Worth and Data Portability
FreeBudget includes net worth tracking so you can see your full financial picture across accounts, assets, and liabilities. It also lets you export your data as CSV at any time. EveryDollar does not offer either of these features.
When EveryDollar might be the better choice
You follow the Dave Ramsey method
If you are working through the Baby Steps or follow Dave Ramsey's financial philosophy, EveryDollar is built specifically for that framework. It keeps you aligned with the method and includes educational content to support the journey.
You want structured accountability
EveryDollar's zero-based approach forces you to think about every dollar before you spend it. For people who need that level of structure and accountability, the rigidity is a feature, not a limitation.
You want financial coaching
EveryDollar's premium plan includes access to financial coaching and guided tools that FreeBudget does not offer. If you want personalized guidance alongside your budgeting tool, that is a genuine advantage.
The bottom line
EveryDollar is an excellent budgeting app if you want a structured, zero-based approach and are willing to pay for the full experience. FreeBudget is a strong alternative if you want flexible budgeting with more features on the free tier, including net worth tracking and CSV exports. Both help you take control of your money. The right choice depends on how you prefer to budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is zero-based budgeting?
Zero-based budgeting means you assign every dollar of your income to a specific category (rent, groceries, savings, etc.) until your income minus your budget equals zero. EveryDollar is built around this method. It works well for people with stable, predictable income who want maximum control. FreeBudget supports this approach if you want it, but does not require it.
Can I use EveryDollar for free?
EveryDollar offers a free plan, but it is limited. The free version does not include bank syncing, which means you need to enter every transaction manually. The premium plan ($17.99/month or $79.99/year) adds bank connectivity, custom reports, and paycheck planning.
Does FreeBudget work with Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps?
FreeBudget is not designed around any specific financial methodology. You can use it to track Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps, envelope budgeting, the 50/30/20 rule, or any other approach. It is a flexible tool that adapts to your method, not the other way around.
Which app is easier to get started with?
FreeBudget is designed to be intuitive from the first minute. You can create an account, set up a few budget categories, and start tracking right away. EveryDollar requires you to assign every dollar of income before you begin, which can take more upfront effort but provides a structured starting point.
Ready to take control of your finances?
Join the growing community who've simplified their money with FreeBudget. It takes less than a minute to start.