# YNAB vs ImpulseLog

The clearest difference is rating: YNAB at 4.8 against ImpulseLog's 4.0. YNAB also leads on ratings volume (62K vs 4) and chart position (#5 vs unranked). ImpulseLog's advantage is monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and review sentiment (75% vs 51%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. YNAB sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and ImpulseLog sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

YNAB holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: YNAB has 62K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of YNAB's written reviews are positive against 75% of ImpulseLog's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | YNAB | ImpulseLog |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (62K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ynab/id1010865877/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impulselog-pause-impulse-buys/id6747727094/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **62K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 51.0% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#5** | — |
| Size | 155 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [You Need A Budget LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1226490621) | [Bradley Scott, Munn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822626668) |

## 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


### ImpulseLog

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/impulselog-pause-impulse-buys/id6747727094)

This app helps you curb impulse spending by logging potential purchases before they happen. Understand your spending triggers, build self-control with gamified features, and save money without shame or guilt.

**Highlights:** Log resisted impulse purchases, Connect urges to mood and context, Use wait timers for purchases, Gamified saving with streaks and achievements, Daily check-in ritual, Offline functionality, Data export

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ImpulseLog Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Insights Annual | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is YNAB free?

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

### Is ImpulseLog free?

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

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

YNAB is rated higher. YNAB averages 4.8 out of 5 from 62K ratings, while ImpulseLog averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do YNAB or ImpulseLog have ads?

Neither YNAB nor ImpulseLog shows ads.

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

YNAB ships an update weekly, and ImpulseLog weekly. Most recently, YNAB was updated on September 27, 2026 and ImpulseLog on September 18, 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.*