# YNAB vs BetterBudgets

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BetterBudgets at 100% against YNAB's 51%. BetterBudgets also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). YNAB's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (62K vs 5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. YNAB sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and BetterBudgets sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BetterBudgets holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: YNAB has 62K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of YNAB's written reviews are positive against 100% of BetterBudgets's.

YNAB ships an update weekly, BetterBudgets every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | YNAB | BetterBudgets |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (62K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ynab/id1010865877/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betterbudgets-budget-planner/id6504831143/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **62K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 50.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#4** | — |
| Size | 156 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [You Need A Budget LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1226490621) | [Tinstac LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1717669821) |

## What reviewers say

### YNAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ynab/id1010865877)

**Currently charting:** #4 Top Grossing · Finance (US App Store)

This app helps users gain control of their finances by creating flexible spending plans, tracking expenses, and managing debt. It aims to reduce financial stress and empower users to reach their goals. Features include account linking, manual transaction entry, and collaborative planning for multiple users.

**Highlights:** Create and share unlimited spending plans, Automatically import transactions, Manually add transactions, Loan Planner for debt paydown, Visualize progress towards goals, Real-time updates for shared plans

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| YNAB Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| YNAB Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| YNAB Subscription | $109.00 | per year |
| YNAB Subscription | $109.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💰 Helps save money
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient budgeting system
- 🤝 Helpful for couples/families
- 🧠 Changes financial mindset

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Steep learning curve
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with some banks
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🕰️ Reconciliation process could be improved
- 📱 Mobile app lacks some features of web version

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent disconnections from bank accounts
- Syncing issues between mobile and web versions

**Requested features**

- Fortnightly budgeting options
- Improved reporting and analytics
- Ability to upload files/documents
- Undo/redo functionality
- Biometric login for mobile app


### BetterBudgets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/betterbudgets-budget-planner/id6504831143)

This personal finance app helps you plan for the future by creating up to 5 personalized debt payoff plans. It projects your financial future up to 10 years out based on your income, bills, and debts, without needing bank account access. Stop reacting to your finances and start planning toward your goals.

**Highlights:** Personalized debt payoff plans, Future financial projection, Paycheck-by-paycheck breakdowns, Debt payoff timelines, Financial calculators, Budget archive, Community tips and guides

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thrive Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Thrive Annual | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is YNAB free?

YNAB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BetterBudgets free?

BetterBudgets is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, YNAB or BetterBudgets?

BetterBudgets is rated higher. YNAB averages 4.8 out of 5 from 62K ratings, while BetterBudgets averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do YNAB or BetterBudgets have ads?

Neither YNAB nor BetterBudgets shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, YNAB or BetterBudgets?

YNAB ships an update weekly, and BetterBudgets every 2 months. Most recently, YNAB was updated on October 25, 2026 and BetterBudgets on October 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*