Independent budgeting app verdicts
We compared every major budgeting app.
Here's the one that fits.
Monarch, YNAB, Copilot, Rocket Money, and Simplifi — compared on pricing, features, and who they're actually built for. Pricing verified monthly. No app has ever paid for placement.
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Our editorial standards
from app makers
No app has ever paid for placement, priority, or a favorable verdict on this site. Rankings reflect feature analysis and verified pricing.
pricing checks
Every price verified against official sources. Last checked February 2026. You'll see the date on every comparison page.
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Affiliate-funded, editorially independent. The editorial team picks winners before affiliate links are added. Full disclosure on every page.
Side-by-side verdicts
Every matchup, one clear winner
vs 
#1 Most compared
Monarch Money vs YNAB
Monarch wins on shared access + investment tracking. Pick YNAB for strict envelope budgeting.
Read full verdict vs 
Monarch Money vs Rocket Money
Monarch wins on budgeting depth. Pick Rocket Money for bill negotiation + subscription cancellation.
Read full verdict vs 
Monarch Money vs Copilot Money
Monarch wins on shared access + web app. Pick Copilot for the best mobile design.
Read full verdict vs YNAB vs Rocket Money
YNAB wins on methodology + debt payoff. Pick Rocket Money for hands-off savings.
Read full verdict vs 
Monarch Money vs Simplifi by Quicken
Monarch wins on features. Pick Simplifi if you want solid basics at half the price.
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Personalized picks
Which app is right for you?
If you're managing a household
Top pickMonarch's shared access lets both partners see the same budgets, accounts, and net worth.
If you're paying off debt
YNAB's zero-based methodology forces every dollar into a job — the fastest path to debt freedom.
See why it beats Rocket MoneyIf you track investments
Monarch and Copilot include portfolio tracking. YNAB doesn't. Here's which one wins.
See the full feature breakdownIf you're on a tight budget
Simplifi costs $3.99/mo — less than half the price of Monarch. Here's what you give up.
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