In every relationship, there’s always one person who loves to splurge and another who prefers to save. It sounds cute at first until the spender’s shopping habits clash with the saver’s plans to build an emergency fund. Soon, those little money differences can turn into real tension.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right budgeting app, both of you can stay on the same page, track spending easily, and finally find a balance that works for you both.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the eight best budgeting apps for couples, so you can start managing money as a team and build a stronger financial future together.
8 Best Budgeting Apps for Couples
- Monarch money
- Honeydue
- YNAB ( You need a budget)
- Goodbudget
- Zeta
- Splitwise
- PocketGuard
- EveryDollar
1. Monarch Money
Monarch is often called the best budgeting app for couples because it offers more than expense tracking.
It helps partners manage budgeting, saving, investments, and debt all in one platform.
With Monarch, you can see both shared and individual accounts in a single dashboard, making budgeting as a couple less overwhelming.
This budgeting app is for couples who want the most complete, professional money management system.
Stand-Out Features
- Visual tools for tracking shared and personal financial goals.
- Debt payoff calculators to help couples crush debt faster.
- Collaborative dashboards so both partners stay in sync.
Pros
- Extremely detailed financial overview.
- Customizable and flexible planning tools.
- Best choice for couples who want more than just budgeting tips.
Cons
- Costs $14.99/month (after trial).
- It might feel overwhelming for beginners.
2. Honeydue Budgeting App
Honeydue is one of the best budgeting apps for couples who want to stay connected. It lets you see accounts, set spending limits, and even chat about expenses inside the app.
Perfect for partners who want to make money talks feel lighter. It is ideal for couples who want transparency and daily money conversations.
Stand-Out features
- Honeydue has customizable account sharing (show everything or only part).
- Bill reminders to avoid late fees and debt.
- In-app messaging to discuss spending.
Pros
- Honeydue is free to use.
- Encourages ongoing communication about money.
- Helps couples stay accountable and on track with savings and debt.
- Fun, simple interface that doesn’t feel like a traditional finance app.
Cons
- Honeydue has limited advanced features compared to apps like Monarch or YNAB.
- Ads can be slightly distracting.
- It may not be suitable for couples with complex investment or financial tracking needs.
3. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
If debt is weighing on your relationship, YNAB could be the best budgeting app for couples looking to break free.
This app uses a proactive system where every dollar gets assigned a job, helping couples prioritise saving, bills, or debt payments.
This budgeting app is best for couples who are serious about managing debt and building better habits.
Stand-Out Features
- YNAB has a zero-based budgeting system.
- Debt repayment focus with step-by-step guidance.
- Real-time syncing across devices.
Pros
- YNAB helps couples eliminate debt quickly with clear strategies.
- Encourages communication and teamwork in budgeting as a couple.
- Offers a strong educational library with budgeting tips and money challenges.
- Empowers couples to save consistently and stay motivated through visual progress tracking.
Cons
- YNAB costs about $14.99/month (after the free trial).
- Takes a little time to learn, especially for first-time budgeters.
- Not as visually minimalistic as other apps, but incredibly powerful once mastered.
4. Goodbudget Budgeting App for Couples
If you and your partner love the idea of old-school money management but want a modern touch, Goodbudget could be the best budgeting app for couples who prefer simplicity over fancy charts.
Inspired by the classic envelope system, it helps you divide your income into “digital envelopes”, one for each spending category like groceries, date nights, savings, or debt repayment.
Goodbudget is especially helpful for budgeting as a couple because it teaches discipline. Instead of swiping freely, you both plan your spending ahead of time.
Each envelope represents a shared financial goal, whether it’s building an emergency fund or paying off credit card debt together.
Stand-Out features
- Digital envelope system that mirrors the physical cash-envelope method.
- Option to sync budgets between two phones, perfect for couples sharing responsibilities.
- Helps visualise progress toward shared financial goals like vacations, weddings, or buying a new car.
- Allows custom envelopes for fun categories like “romantic date” or “couples night out.”
Pros
- Free version available (with a paid upgrade for more envelopes).
- Encourages mindful spending and teamwork.
- Great for couples learning how to save or manage debt.
- Simple enough for beginners to understand, yet effective for serious goal-setters.
Cons
- Doesn’t automatically sync with your bank, so manual entry takes time.
- Limited advanced analytics compared to Monarch or YNAB.
- Not ideal for couples who prefer automation over hands-on budgeting.
5. Zeta
For couples who want one place to track both joint and personal accounts, Zeta shines.
It’s designed specifically for partners, offering features that help you save, budget, and even prepare for bigger milestones like buying a house.
Zeta is ideal for couples who share some, but not all, of their finances. Whether you’re newlyweds combining accounts or dating partners splitting bills, it adapts to your financial lifestyle.
Stand-Out Features
- Zeta has a joint bank account option.
- Bill splitting and shared budgeting tools.
- Tracking tools for shared and personal financial goals.
Pros
- Designed specifically for couples, no “one-size-fits-all” approach.
- Completely free, including the joint account feature.
- Excellent for mixed financial arrangements (shared + individual).
- Encourages communication and reduces money-related misunderstandings.
Cons:
- Limited investment and wealth-tracking features.
- U.S.-based, so not ideal for couples outside the country (yet).
- It may feel basic for couples who prefer more advanced financial planning tools like Monarch.
6. Splitwise
Budgeting as a couple can get tricky when it comes to splitting bills fairly. Maybe one partner earns more, or one usually pays for groceries while the other covers rent.
That’s where Splitwise shines. It’s one of the best budgeting apps for couples who want clarity and fairness in shared spending.
Splitwise takes the awkwardness out of “who owes what.”
You can add expenses, assign who paid, and let the app automatically calculate who needs to pay back and how much.
Whether it’s a romantic date, a trip, or monthly bills, Splitwise helps couples stay organised without unnecessary arguments about money.
Stand-Out Features
- Splitwise is effortless expense tracking and automatic bill splitting.
- Option to categorise expenses (e.g., food, date nights, travel).
- Clear IOU tracking with payment reminders.
- Supports multiple currencies for couples who travel or live abroad.
- Syncs across devices, so both partners always stay updated.
Pros
- Splitwise’s free version covers all core features.
- Prevents misunderstandings about shared expenses.
- Great for couples who travel or live apart.
- Clean, user-friendly interface with minimal setup.
Cons
- Splitwise isn’t ideal for long-term financial planning or deep savings tracking.
- Lacks advanced tools for setting broader financial goals.
7. PocketGuard
If you’ve ever asked, “How much can we spend today without going broke?” PocketGuard answers it for you.
This app calculates your “in your pocket” money after bills, savings, and debt payments, making it a stress-free way to handle budgeting as a couple.
It’s perfect for couples who want to save smarter, avoid overspending, and focus on achieving financial goals without the stress of spreadsheets.
Stand-Out Features
- The app automatically calculates how much you can safely spend after paying bills and setting money aside for savings or debt.
- PocketGuard organizes expenses into categories like groceries, utilities, and entertainment.
- You can create joint goals, like saving for a vacation, a romantic date, or an emergency fund.
- See your progress as you pay down loans or credit card debt.
Pros
- Designed for people who want budgeting made easy.
- Helps couples understand spending habits instantly.
- Encourages teamwork by letting couples track shared goals together.
- Free version available, with optional upgrades for extra tools.
Cons
- Limited advanced features.
- Less customizable than apps like Monarch or YNAB.
8. EveryDollar Budgeting App to Budget Smarter
EveryDollar, designed by Dave Ramsey, is one of the best budgeting apps for couples who want to assign every dollar a purpose.
It follows zero-based budgeting, making it ideal for financial goals like debt freedom or saving for a romantic date night.
Couples who want structure, discipline, and debt payoff strategies.
Stand-Out Features
- Zero-based budgeting system.
- Goal tracking for debt and savings.
- Free version available.
Pros
- Very easy to use.
- Great for debt payoff.
- Simple design for couples new to budgeting.
Cons:
- Paid plan required for bank syncing.
- Less flexible for spontaneous spending.
What Are The Best Budgeting Tips for Couples
Using the best budgeting app for couples is only part of the journey. You have to follow simple budgeting tips that make money management smoother. Here are some of them:
- Be open and honest about spending habits.
- Create shared financial goals (saving for a vacation, paying debt).
- Review your budget weekly as a team.
- Celebrate small wins, like saving enough for a romantic date night.
- Stay flexible when unexpected expenses come up.
Final Thoughts on the Best Budgeting App for Couples
At the end of the day, the best budgeting app for couples is the one that fits your relationship style.
Whether you’re saving for a house, planning a romantic date, or crushing debt together, these apps make money management easier.
Remember, budgeting as a couple isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust, achieving shared dreams, and creating a stronger bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Budgeting Important for Couples?
Yes. Budgeting helps couples stay on the same page, reduce stress, save more, and work together toward financial goals.
2. How Do We Choose the Best Budgeting App for Couples?
Think about your needs, debt repayment, saving, or expense tracking, and pick the app that matches your goals.
3. What is the Best Budgeting App for Couples Overall?
Monarch is the most complete option for couples who want full financial tracking, while Honeydue and Zeta are excellent free, couple-focused apps.
4. Can These Apps Help Us Pay Off Debt?
Definitely, apps like YNAB and EveryDollar are specifically built to help couples stay on top of debt payoff.
