The right app can help you budget, save, invest, and manage your finances effortlessly.
Managing money can be overwhelming, but the best personal finance apps make it easier to budget, track spending, invest, and save—all from your phone. Whether you want to automate savings, monitor subscriptions, or get better at budgeting, the right app can simplify your financial life.
Let’s explore the best personal finance apps in 2025 that can help you take control of your money.
In this article
Key takeaways
- Budgeting apps like YNAB and Mint help you track spending and create personalized budgets.
- Investment apps like Acorns and Robinhood make investing easy for beginners.
- Apps like Empower and Rocket Money help manage subscriptions, track net worth, and automate savings.
Best Personal Finance Apps for 2025
Here’s a look at some of the top-rated personal finance apps for budgeting, investing, and overall money management.
App Name | Best For | Key Features | Price |
YNAB (You Need a Budget) | Budgeting | Zero-based budgeting, goal tracking, real-time sync | $14.99/month or $99/year |
Mint | Expense Tracking | Automatic transaction syncing, credit score monitoring | Free |
Empower | Net Worth Tracking | Investment insights, financial planning, fee analyzer | Free ($8/month for premium) |
Rocket Money | Subscription Management | Auto-cancel subscriptions, spending insights | Free ($3-$12/month for premium) |
Acorns | Automated Investing | Round-ups, hands-off portfolio management | $3-$9/month |
Robinhood | DIY Investing | Commission-free stock and crypto trading | Free ($5/month for Robinhood Gold) |
Best Apps for Budgeting and Expense Tracking
A good budgeting app helps you track your income, expenses, and savings goals effortlessly.
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
YNAB follows a zero-based budgeting approach, meaning every dollar you earn gets assigned a job—whether it’s for bills, savings, or spending.
- Links to your bank accounts for real-time transaction updates.
- Helps users break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
- Offers educational resources to improve financial habits.
Best for: Those serious about taking control of their spending and planning ahead.
2. Mint
Mint is a long-time favorite for automatic expense tracking and budgeting.
- Syncs with your bank accounts and credit cards to categorize expenses automatically.
- Provides credit score monitoring and bill reminders.
- Generates spending insights to help you cut unnecessary expenses.
Best for: Those who want an easy, free way to track spending without setting up manual budgets.
Best Apps for Investment and Wealth Building
Investing apps make it easy to grow your money with minimal effort.
1. Acorns
Acorns helps beginners invest by automatically rounding up spare change from purchases and investing it in a diversified portfolio.
- Hands-off investing approach with robo-advisors.
- “Found Money” rewards program offers cashback from partner brands.
- Retirement and checking account options available.
Best for: People who want to start investing without actively managing their portfolio.
2. Robinhood
Robinhood popularized commission-free stock and crypto trading.
- No fees for stock or ETF trades.
- Fractional shares allow you to invest with as little as $1.
- Robinhood Gold offers margin trading and research tools for $5/month.
Best for: DIY investors looking for an easy way to trade stocks and crypto.
Best Apps for Net Worth and Subscription Management
Tracking your net worth and managing subscriptions can help prevent wasted spending.
1. Empower (Formerly Personal Capital)
Empower provides a complete picture of your financial health by tracking net worth, investments, and retirement planning.
- Links all financial accounts in one dashboard.
- Offers a fee analyzer to spot hidden investment fees.
- Free budgeting and investment tracking, with optional paid financial advising.
Best for: Those who want a high-level view of their finances, including net worth and retirement savings.
2. Rocket Money
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) specializes in identifying recurring subscriptions and canceling the ones you don’t use.
- Tracks all subscriptions and bills in one place.
- Negotiates lower bills on your behalf.
- Helps automate savings by setting aside small amounts regularly.
Best for: People who forget about unused subscriptions and want to cut unnecessary expenses.
How to Choose the Right Personal Finance App
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to money management. The best app for you depends on your financial goals.
If you want to… | Use this app |
Track spending and create a budget | YNAB or Mint |
Invest small amounts automatically | Acorns |
Trade stocks and crypto | Robinhood |
Monitor your net worth | Empower |
Cancel unused subscriptions | Rocket Money |
Tips for Using Personal Finance Apps Effectively
- Link your bank accounts for automatic updates on spending and income.
- Set financial goals like saving for a trip, paying off debt, or investing more.
- Use multiple apps if needed—one for budgeting, another for investing, and one for tracking net worth.
FAQ
What is the best free personal finance app?
Mint is one of the best free budgeting apps, offering automatic expense tracking, credit score monitoring, and bill reminders.
What is the best personal finance app for beginners?
YNAB is great for beginners who want to get serious about budgeting, while Acorns is ideal for those new to investing.
Are personal finance apps safe?
Yes, most apps use bank-level encryption to protect your financial data. Always enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Bottom Line
The best personal finance apps of 2025 make budgeting, saving, and investing easier than ever. Whether you need help tracking expenses, investing spare change, or canceling unused subscriptions, there’s an app for every financial goal. Start using one today, and take control of your money.