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Best Budget Planner Apps for the Envelope Budget System

Written by Metizer Staff.

best envelope budget app

Managing your finances can feel overwhelming, but the envelope budgeting system offers a simple yet effective way to stay on top of your spending.

By allocating your income into “envelopes” for specific categories like groceries, entertainment, or savings, you can keep track of every dollar and ensure you stick to your budget.

Fortunately, in today’s digital age, there are numerous apps that digitize this tried-and-true method, making it easier than ever to manage your money.

From Goodbudget’s user-friendly interface to YNAB’s detailed financial planning tools, these apps cater to different needs—whether you prefer manual control or automated tracking. Some, like EveryDollar, focus on simplicity, while others, such as MoneyPatrol, offer advanced analytics.

Whether you’re looking for a good budgeting app to replace spreadsheets or need a budget planner that helps you stay disciplined, there’s an option for everyone.

To save you time, we’ve rounded up the 7 best envelope budget apps that can streamline your financial planning and give you control over your money.

7 Best Budget Apps for the Envelope Budget System

Here are the 7 Best Envelope Budget Apps that you can try:

AppKey FeaturesCostRating (App Store/Google Play)
GoodbudgetDigital envelopes, spending reports, multi-device syncingFree; Plus: $8/month or $70/year4.7 / 4.4
YNABBank syncing, real-time updates, goal tracking, educational resources$14.99/month or $109/year4.8 / 4.7
EveryDollarCustomizable categories, bank syncing (Premium), goal trackingFree; Premium: $17.99/month or $79.99/year4.7 / 3.7
MoneyPatrolAutomated categorization, alerts, customizable dashboards, real-time expense tracking$84/year after free trial5.0 / 1.7
PocketGuardSpending limits, fraud detection, savings goals integrationFree; Plus: $12.99/month or $74.99/year4.6 / 3.6
HoneydueShared accounts, bill reminders, in-app chat for financesFree4.5 / 3.9
EnvyUnlimited envelopes, manual tracking onlyFree with optional upgradesNot widely rated

1. Goodbudget

Goodbudget is a digital take on the traditional envelope budgeting system, allowing users to allocate funds into virtual envelopes and track spending manually. It’s ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach without linking bank accounts.

  • Key Features: Digital envelopes, spending reports, multi-device syncing.
  • Cost: Free (limited features); Plus plan at $8/month or $70/year.
  • Rating: 4.7 (App Store), 4.4 (Google Play).

Best For

Beginners and couples who want to share budgets and manage finances collaboratively.

Pros

  • Simple interface and easy to use.
  • Collaborative features for shared budgeting.

Cons

  • No bank syncing: manual transaction entry required.

2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

YNAB combines envelope budgeting principles with zero-based budgeting, helping users assign every dollar a job. It syncs with bank accounts and provides real-time updates for detailed financial control.

  • Key Features: Bank syncing, real-time updates, goal tracking, educational resources.
  • Cost: $14.99/month or $109/year (34-day free trial).
  • Rating: 4.8 (App Store), 4.7 (Google Play).

Best For

Dedicated budgeters looking for in-depth financial control and goal tracking.

Pros

  • Highly educational with tutorials and resources.
  • Flexible budgeting tools and real-time syncing.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Higher cost compared to other apps.

3. EveryDollar

EveryDollar simplifies zero-based budgeting with a user-friendly design and optional automation through its premium version, which syncs with bank accounts.

  • Key Features: Customizable categories, bank syncing (Premium), goal tracking.
  • Cost: Free; Premium at $17.99/month or $79.99/year.
  • Rating: 4.7 (App Store), 3.7 (Google Play).

Best For

Fans of Dave Ramsey’s financial philosophy or those seeking straightforward budgeting tools.

Pros

  • Easy setup and intuitive interface.
  • Integrates seamlessly with Ramsey+ for additional resources.

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version.
  • Bank syncing issues reported by some users.

4. MoneyPatrol

MoneyPatrol offers a robust envelope budgeting system with automated expense tracking, customizable dashboards, and detailed analytics for better financial insights.

  • Key Features: Automated categorization, alerts, customizable dashboards, real-time expense tracking.
  • Cost: $84/year after free trial.
  • Rating: 5.0 (App Store), 1.7 (Google Play).

Best For

Users seeking detailed insights and automation in their budgeting process.

Pros

  • Comprehensive reports and analytics tools.
  • Supports over 15,000 financial institutions for account syncing.

Cons

  • Poor Google Play rating due to usability issues on Android devices.

5. PocketGuard

PocketGuard helps users avoid overspending by showing how much money is left after accounting for bills, goals, and necessities in its “In My Pocket” feature.

  • Key Features: Spending limits, fraud detection, savings goals integration.
  • Cost: Free; Plus plan at $12.99/month or $74.99/year.
  • Rating: 4.6 (App Store), 3.6 (Google Play).

Best For

Overspenders who need quick financial snapshots and simplified budgeting tools.

Pros

  • Automated tracking of expenses and income.
  • Intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.

Cons

  • Limited customization options for advanced users.
  • No support for multiple currencies.

6. Honeydue

Honeydue is designed specifically for couples to manage joint finances together by sharing selected financial information like expenses, budgets, and bills.

  • Key Features: Shared accounts, bill reminders, in-app chat for finances.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Rating: 4.5 (App Store), 3.9 (Google Play).

Best For

Couples managing joint finances collaboratively while maintaining some privacy over individual accounts.

Pros

  • Partner-friendly features like shared budgets and expense tracking.
  • Completely free to use without hidden fees.

Cons

  • Reports of bugs and lack of frequent updates.
  • Focused more on tracking than forward planning or goal setting.

7. Envy

Envy is a minimalist app that digitizes the cash envelope system without requiring account linking or subscriptions, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users.

  • Key Features: Unlimited envelopes, manual tracking only.
  • Cost: Free with optional upgrades.
  • Rating: Not widely rated but praised for simplicity by users.

Best For

Privacy-conscious users preferring manual control over their budgets without automation or account linking.

Pros

  • No subscriptions required; completely free to use basic features.
  • Simple interface that’s easy to navigate.

Cons

  • No automation or advanced features like bank syncing.
  • Limited functionality compared to other apps on this list.

By adopting the budget envelope method, you can gain better control over your spending, stick to your budget, and achieve your financial goals.

Explore these top-rated apps today and find the one that best fits your budgeting style for a more organized and stress-free approach to money management.

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