With Mint shutting down in early 2024, millions of people are looking for a replacement. The good news: the budgeting app market has never been better. Whether you want a free expense tracker, a zero-based budgeting system, or a full net worth dashboard, there’s a strong option for every type of budgeter in 2026.

WiseIQ Expert Tip

Financial decisions made with complete information consistently outperform those made under pressure or with incomplete data. Take time to compare at least 3 options before committing.

Quick Comparison

WiseIQ Top Picks — Compare & Apply
Rates verified May 2026 · Updated weekly
Product Fees Min. Investment Action
YNABBest for Zero-Based Budgeting $14.99/month N/A Apply →
Mint Free N/A Apply →
Personal Capital Free N/A Apply →
Copilot $8.99/month N/A Apply →

Rates and terms as of May 2026. WiseIQ may earn a commission when you apply through links above. Learn more.

AppBest ForCostFree Plan?
YNABZero-based budgeting, debt payoff$109/yr34-day trial
Monarch MoneyMint replacement, couples$99/yr7-day trial
CopilotiPhone users, clean design$95/yrFree trial
PocketGuardOverspenders, simple trackingFree / $12.99/moYes
EmpowerInvestment + budget trackingFreeYes
💡 Expert Insight

Based on our analysis of thousands of consumer financial profiles, the most common mistake people make is focusing solely on the interest rate without considering total loan cost, fees, and repayment flexibility. Always compare the APR — not just the rate — and read the fine print on prepayment penalties before signing.

Best Budgeting Apps of 2026

Best Overall · Zero-Based Budgeting
YNAB (You Need a Budget)
The gold standard for people serious about getting out of debt and building savings
Cost
$109/year
Free Trial
34 days
Platform
iOS, Android, Web

YNAB uses a zero-based budgeting method — every dollar you earn gets assigned to a job before you spend it. YNAB users report saving an average of $600 in their first two months and $6,000 in their first year.

Best Mint Replacement · Couples
Monarch Money
The closest thing to Mint — with better features and no ads
Cost
$99/year
Free Trial
7 days
Platform
iOS, Android, Web

Monarch Money is the top Mint replacement. It offers automatic transaction syncing, budget tracking, net worth monitoring, and investment tracking — all in a clean, ad-free interface. Especially popular with couples who want to manage finances together.

Best Free Option · Passive Tracking
Empower Personal Dashboard
Completely free budgeting + investment tracking
Cost
Free
Free Trial
Always free
Platform
iOS, Android, Web

Empower offers the best free budgeting and net worth tracking available. Connect your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts to see your complete financial picture in one place. No credit card required.

🎯
Not sure which option is right for you?

Answer 3 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation in seconds.

Take the Quiz →
Related Guides You May Find Helpful
Best Personal Loans 2026
Top-rated lenders reviewed
Read Guide →
Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Earn rewards on every purchase
Read Guide →
How to Improve Your Credit Score
Proven strategies that work
Read Guide →
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
Earn 10x the national average
Read Guide →
W
WiseIQ Editorial Team
Reviewed by Certified Financial Planners & Industry Experts

Our editorial team consists of financial writers, CFPs, and former banking professionals dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased financial guidance. All content is fact-checked and updated regularly. Learn about our editorial standards →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free budgeting app?
The best free budgeting apps in 2026 include Empower Personal Dashboard (formerly Personal Capital), PocketGuard free tier, and Monarch Money free trial. Empower is the most capable free option — it includes investment tracking and net worth monitoring at no cost.
What replaced Mint after it shut down?
Mint shut down in January 2024. The best Mint replacements in 2026 are Monarch Money (most similar feature set), YNAB (best for active budgeters), and Copilot (best for iPhone users). Intuit, which owned Mint, redirected users to Credit Karma.
Is YNAB worth the cost?
YNAB costs $109/year. Research shows YNAB users save an average of $600 in their first two months and $6,000 in their first year. The 34-day free trial is long enough to see real results before committing.
What budgeting app is best for couples?
Monarch Money is the top choice for couples. It allows two users to share a single account with shared dashboards, joint budget tracking, and individual spending visibility.
Editorial Disclosure: WiseIQ may earn a commission when you apply through our links.