YNAB vs Copilot vs Mint: Which Budgeting App Actually Works

The Hard Truth About Budgeting Apps

Most people who download a budgeting app stop using it within 2 months. The app isn't the problem—it's the friction.

I've spent years bouncing between budgeting tools. Here's what I learned.

The Contenders

Mint (Now Discontinued)

RIP Mint. It was free, which was great. It was also slow, unreliable, and the ads were annoying. Credit Karma absorbed it, and honestly, it's not worth the migration hassle.

Verdict: Skip it.

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

YNAB is expensive ($14.99/month) and has a learning curve. But here's the thing: it's the only app that actually changed my relationship with money.

The philosophy is simple: every dollar gets a job. Instead of tracking where your money went, you decide where it goes before you spend it.

Why it works:

Forces intentional spending
Great mobile app
Excellent customer support
Active community

The catch: You need to invest 2-3 hours upfront to set it up properly, and about 15 minutes a week to maintain it.

Copilot

Copilot is the new kid. It's beautiful, syncs reliably, and feels modern. It's also $10/month or $70/year.

Why it works:

Gorgeous interface
Fast bank syncing
Smart categorization
Investment tracking

The catch: It's more about tracking than planning. If you just want to see where your money goes, Copilot is great. If you want to change your behavior, YNAB is better.

My Recommendation

If you're serious about changing your finances: YNAB. The price is worth it if you actually use the system.

If you just want to see your spending: Copilot. It's the prettiest way to watch your bank account.

If you want free: Just use your bank's app. Seriously. It's fine.

Pro Tip

Whatever app you choose, commit to it for 3 months before deciding. The magic happens when checking your budget becomes automatic.

Ready to try it?

This is our top recommendation for a reason.

Try YNAB free for 34 days →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you