🤝 no affiliate links · no paid placements · every entry lists honest trade-offs · updated 2026-08

YNAB alternatives

Killing $109/yr (~$1308/yr) — here are 2 verified escapes, honest trade-offs included.

the answer medium migration
Actual Budget · Free ⭐ 28.4K stars

The open-source envelope budgeter YNAB users keep switching to.

you stop paying $109/yr → keep ~$1308/yr

head-to-head

Actual Budget
price Free
self-hostable yes
license MIT
verified 2026-08
migration medium effort

free & open source (2)

Actual Budget oss ⭐ 28.4K self-host MIT
Free

The open-source envelope budgeter YNAB users keep switching to.

trade-offs: Reports less refined

github →
Firefly III oss ⭐ 24.4K self-host AGPL-3.0
Free

Track every cent with budgets, rules and beautiful charts.

trade-offs: More configuration than YNAB

github →
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faq

What is the best free alternative to YNAB?

Actual Budget is the top free option — The open-source envelope budgeter YNAB users keep switching to.

How much can I save by switching from YNAB?

YNAB costs $109/yr, so switching to a free alternative saves roughly $1308/year per seat.

Can YNAB be self-hosted?

Yes — Actual Budget and Firefly III can be self-hosted for free.