Budgeting Apps That Actually Work for UK Users (Free & Paid)

Budgeting apps can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your money, tracking spending, and boosting your savings. Here’s a roundup of the best free and paid budgeting apps that actually work for UK users in 2025.

📱 1. Monzo (Free with optional upgrades)

Best for: Beginners and mobile banking users

Monzo is a digital bank that comes with built-in budgeting tools. You can:

• Create spending categories and limits

• Get instant spending notifications

• Set savings goals in "Pots"

• Round up transactions to save spare change

Paid plans (Monzo Plus, Monzo Premium) offer extra analytics, credit tracking, and travel perks.

💡 2. Snoop (Free)

Best for: Finding money-saving insights

Snoop connects to your bank accounts and "snoops" on your spending to suggest ways to save:

• Alerts on subscriptions you may want to cancel

• Weekly spending summaries

• Personalised tips and deals

It’s read-only, so it can’t move your money—great for peace of mind.

💷 3. Plum (Free & Paid options)

Best for: Automated saving and investing

Plum uses AI to analyse your spending and automatically save small amounts. Features include:

• Auto-savings based on your habits

• Round-ups and cashback

• Investment and pension options

Paid tiers offer more control and insight, including custom savings rules and budgeting features.

📊 4. Emma (Free & Pro version)

Best for: All-in-one financial tracking

Emma is a colourful, intuitive app that helps you track spending across all your accounts, including crypto and investments. Features:

• Subscriptions tracker

• Bank fee alerts

• Categorised budgets and custom tags

Emma Pro adds syncing with offline accounts, exporting data, and more budget customization.

🧾 5. Moneyhub (Paid – Free trial available)

Best for: In-depth financial planning

Moneyhub is ideal for those who want detailed control and forecasting. It supports:

• Budget planning by category and timeframe

• Net worth tracking

• Custom goal setting

It’s FCA-regulated and popular with financial advisers.

💰 6. YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Paid Only

Best for: Serious budgeters willing to commit

YNAB uses a zero-based budgeting system that gives every pound a job. It’s great for long-term planning and financial discipline:

• Strong desktop and mobile apps

• Education-focused (workshops, guides)

• Manual and automatic tracking

Though it costs around £10/month, many users say they save much more.

Final Thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to budgeting apps. Start with a free tool to get into the habit, then consider paid upgrades if you want deeper insights or automation. The best budgeting app is the one you’ll actually use consistently.

Choose smart, track regularly, and your finances will thank you.