# YNAB vs Dollarwise

The clearest difference is rating: YNAB at 4.8 against Dollarwise's 3.8. YNAB also leads on review sentiment (51% vs 20%) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Dollarwise's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). 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 Dollarwise sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

YNAB holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: YNAB has 62K ratings behind it against 3.9K, 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 20% of Dollarwise's.

YNAB ships an update weekly, Dollarwise monthly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | YNAB | Dollarwise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (62K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ynab/id1010865877/reviews)** | [3.8 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dollarwise-budget-and-tracking/id6739215932/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **62K** | 3.9K |
| Positive reviews | **50.9% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#5** | #48 |
| Size | 156 MB | 53 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) | [Hammer Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784269702) |

## What reviewers say

### YNAB

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

**Currently charting:** #5 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


### Dollarwise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dollarwise-budget-and-tracking/id6739215932)

**Currently charting:** #48 Top Grossing · Finance (US App Store)

Effortlessly manage your finances with automatic account syncing and AI-powered insights. See your available spending money at a glance, track bills, debt, and savings, and gain actionable advice to improve your financial habits without complex charts.

**Highlights:** Automatic account syncing, Real-time spending overview, AI-enhanced financial suggestions, Debt and savings tracking, Categorized spending (Needs, Wants, Debt/Savings), Stress-free budgeting interface

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $14.99 | per month |
| DollarWise Monthly Membership | $14.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Membership | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| DollarWise Quarterly Membership | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly membership | $89.99 | per year |
| DollarWise Annual Membership | $89.99 | per year |
| DollarWise Central | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| DollarWise Central Upgrade | $149.99 | per 3 months |
| DollarWise Central Yearly | $499.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Intuitive interface
- 💡 Customizable budget categories
- 🚀 Straightforward budgeting experience
- 👍 Helpful for gaining financial control

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent log-out issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent transaction categorization
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Connectivity problems with bank accounts
- 🐛 Lack of advanced features

**Reported bugs**

- Accounts disappearing after app use
- Inability to add/remove linked accounts
- Transactions not syncing properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to stay logged in
- Improved transaction categorization
- More visualization options (charts, graphs)
- Savings goal tracking
- Recurring bill management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is YNAB free?

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

### Is Dollarwise free?

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

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

YNAB is rated higher. YNAB averages 4.8 out of 5 from 62K ratings, while Dollarwise averages 3.8 from 3.9K ratings.

### Do YNAB or Dollarwise have ads?

Neither YNAB nor Dollarwise shows ads.

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

YNAB ships an update weekly, and Dollarwise monthly. Most recently, YNAB was updated on October 24, 2026 and Dollarwise on October 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, YNAB or Dollarwise?

YNAB currently peaks at #5 in the App Store charts, and Dollarwise at #48. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*