Comparison
FreeBudget vs Goodbudget
Flexible budgeting with bank syncing vs envelope budgeting with manual entry. Here is how they compare.
| Feature | FreeBudget | Goodbudget |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0/mo | $10/mo |
| Annual cost | $0/yr | $80/yr |
| Free tier | Full access - small fee for bank syncing | Limited (10 envelopes) |
| Bank syncing | ||
| Budget tracking | ||
| Net worth tracking | ||
| Custom categories | ||
| CSV import/export | ||
| Spending reports | ||
| Shared household budgets | ||
| Envelope budgeting | ||
| Debt tracking | ||
| Multi-device sync | ||
| No ads | ||
| No third-party data selling | ||
| Credit card required to start | No | No - required for premium features |
| Budgeting method | Flexible | Envelope |
How FreeBudget and Goodbudget Compare
Both apps help you manage your spending, but they are built around very different budgeting philosophies.
Goodbudget is a digital envelope budgeting app that has been around since 2009 (originally called EEBA). It is one of the oldest and most respected budgeting apps, with a loyal community of users who love the envelope method. The app deliberately does not include bank syncing because its creators believe that manually entering transactions helps you stay connected to your spending.
FreeBudget takes a different approach. It gives you the flexibility to budget in whatever way works for your life, with the option to sync your bank accounts, import CSVs, or enter transactions manually. It does not impose a specific methodology.
The core difference is philosophy vs flexibility. Goodbudget believes the envelope method is the best way to budget, and the entire app is built around that conviction. FreeBudget believes the best budget is the one you will actually stick with, so it lets you build the system that works for you.
Why choose FreeBudget?
Flexible Categories Instead of Envelopes
Goodbudget is built around the envelope budgeting system. You divide your income into virtual envelopes, and when an envelope is empty, you stop spending in that category. This method works for many people, but it can feel restrictive when life does not fit neatly into envelopes. FreeBudget lets you set up categories and limits however you want, without the envelope structure.
Bank Syncing Available
Goodbudget is a manual-entry-only app. There is no bank syncing at any price tier. FreeBudget offers optional bank linking through Plaid (with a small per-account fee to help cover our costs), plus manual entry and CSV imports. You get to choose how your data gets in.
Net Worth and Reports Included
FreeBudget includes net worth tracking across all your accounts, assets, and liabilities, plus detailed spending reports. Goodbudget does not offer net worth tracking or spending analytics. If you want to see your full financial picture, FreeBudget provides that out of the box.
No Envelope Limits on the Free Plan
Goodbudget's free plan limits you to 10 envelopes (categories) and one account. Upgrading to the Plus plan ($10/month) removes these limits. FreeBudget gives you unlimited categories and accounts for free.
When Goodbudget might be the better choice
You love the envelope method
If envelope budgeting is how you think about money, Goodbudget is one of the best digital implementations of that system. The envelopes feel intuitive and the app is designed from the ground up for this approach.
You prefer manual entry
There is real value in manually entering every transaction. It forces you to think about each purchase and builds awareness of your spending habits. If you believe in this approach and do not want the temptation of bank syncing, Goodbudget is built for you.
You want a proven, established app
Goodbudget has been around since 2009 and has a dedicated community. It is a mature, stable product with years of refinement. If longevity and track record matter to you, Goodbudget has earned its reputation.
The bottom line
Goodbudget is a great choice if you love envelope budgeting and prefer manual entry. FreeBudget is a better fit if you want flexible budgeting with more features (unlimited categories, net worth tracking, reports) without paying a monthly subscription. Both are honest, privacy-respecting apps that genuinely want to help you manage your money.
Frequently asked questions
What is envelope budgeting?
Envelope budgeting is a method where you divide your income into "envelopes" for different spending categories. When the money in an envelope runs out, you stop spending in that category or move money from another envelope. Goodbudget digitizes this process. It is a proven method that works well for people who want strict spending control.
Does Goodbudget have bank syncing?
No. Goodbudget is a manual-entry budgeting app. You enter every transaction by hand. This is intentional since the creators believe manual entry helps you stay more aware of your spending. FreeBudget offers manual entry, CSV imports, and optional bank syncing.
Can I share my budget with a partner?
Yes, both apps support shared budgets. Goodbudget syncs across devices so couples can share the same envelopes. FreeBudget also supports shared household budgets with multi-device access.
Is Goodbudget good for beginners?
Goodbudget works well if you are comfortable with the envelope concept. However, it requires manual entry for every transaction and has a specific budgeting structure you need to follow. FreeBudget is more flexible in how you set up and manage your budget, which some beginners find easier to start with.
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.