Best Budgeting Apps in the UK: Compare Tools to Track Spending and Save More

Budgeting doesn't have to mean boring spreadsheets and guesswork. Thanks to modern budgeting apps, it’s easier than ever to track your spending, set financial goals, and manage your money — all from your phone.

Whether you’re trying to pay down debt, grow your savings, or simply understand where your money goes each month, there’s a budgeting app to suit your needs. In this guide, we compare the best budgeting apps available in the UK — covering their key features, who they’re best for, and how they can help you build healthier financial habits.

Why Use a Budgeting App?

Budgeting apps help you stay in control of your finances by:

• Categorising your spending automatically

• Sending real-time alerts and reminders

• Highlighting overspending before it becomes a problem

• Making it easier to stick to saving and debt repayment goals

For most people, the hardest part of budgeting is staying consistent — and these apps do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

Read our full guide on How to Create a Budget That Actually Works

Check out our top tips for How to Save Money Every Day

Best Budgeting Apps for UK Users

Here are the top-rated and most popular budgeting apps used across the UK — including free tools, Open Banking-connected apps, and digital banks with powerful in-built features.

1. Snoop

Snoop connects to your bank accounts using Open Banking and provides spending insights, budget summaries, and personalised money-saving suggestions.

Best for: Saving money on bills and everyday spending

Key Features:

• Smart alerts for bill increases and renewal dates

• Categorises spending across multiple accounts

• Daily and weekly spending insights

• Personalised "Snoops" offering money-saving tips

• Totally free to use

MoneyHelper Budget Planner also recommends using tools like Snoop to build long-term financial habits.

2. Emma

Emma brands itself as your “financial advocate” and offers a colourful, user-friendly interface for managing multiple accounts in one place.

Best for: Visual spend tracking and subscription monitoring

Key Features:

• Connects to current accounts, savings, credit cards and crypto wallets

• Tracks subscriptions and alerts you to unused ones

• Provides weekly spending breakdowns

• Offers cashback and rewards

• Free and premium plans (starting from £6.99/month)

Emma is a great choice if you’re a visual learner and want intuitive graphs and insights.

3. Money Dashboard Neon

Money Dashboard is one of the longest-standing UK budgeting tools, now revamped as Money Dashboard Neon.

Best for: Detailed budgeting and net worth tracking

Key Features:

• Syncs with 40+ UK banks

• Tracks net worth and balances in one place

• Set budgets by category (groceries, bills, etc.)

• See historical spending patterns over time

• Free to use with no hidden fees

  
  

[Link: Best Cashback Apps for UK Shoppers]

Find out How to Reduce Your Energy Bills in the UK

4. Monzo

Monzo is a digital bank, but its app also includes some of the best built-in budgeting tools of any UK current account.

Best for: Real-time spending alerts and budgeting with your main account

Key Features:

• Automatically categorises spending by type

• Create custom budgets for each category

• Instant notifications when you spend

• ‘Pots’ feature for savings and bills

• Offers salary sorting and bill splitting

Monzo’s budgeting features are ideal for people who want to manage everything in one app — without linking third-party services.

5. Starling Bank

Another leading UK digital bank, Starling offers excellent money management tools with a focus on flexibility and control.

Best for: Business owners or freelancers, and those using Starling as a main account

Key Features:

• Spaces feature for separating savings and bills

• Instant spend notifications

• Spending insights by category and merchant

• Tools for tracking spending trends

• 24/7 customer support in-app

If you're looking for a fee-free bank with strong budgeting tools, Starling delivers both.

Honorable Mentions

These apps are also worth considering depending on your specific needs:

• YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Powerful zero-based budgeting method (paid, more hands-on)

• Plum – Uses AI to automate savings and investment

• Cleo – Chatbot-based financial coach with budgeting insights and challenges

• Revolut – Offers budget setting and analytics with global currency support

What Features Should You Look for in a Budgeting App?

Not all budgeting apps are created equal. Consider what matters most to you:

Key Features to Compare:

• Free vs. paid versions

• Ease of use and user interface

• Bank and account syncing

• Subscription tracking

• Bill alerts and reminders

• Goal setting and savings pots

• Cashback or rewards integrations

• Desktop and mobile access

How to Get the Most from Your Budgeting App

Once you’ve chosen the right app, these strategies can help you stay consistent:

• Review your spending weekly

• Set budget limits that are realistic, not restrictive

• Use spending categories that match your lifestyle

• Track subscriptions and cancel unused ones

• Create separate savings pots for upcoming expenses

• Set clear financial goals — short- and long-term

Using a budgeting app alongside a realistic household budget plan can dramatically improve how you manage your money.

One Overlooked Tip Most People Miss

Set up a daily or weekly alert.

Many apps allow you to receive a daily digest or weekly report summarising your spending. This small habit can prevent overspending, keep you accountable, and help you spot unusual charges early — especially when juggling multiple accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are budgeting apps safe?

Yes, apps using Open Banking must be regulated by the FCA and follow strict data security guidelines. Always check the provider is authorised via the FCA Register.

Do budgeting apps work with all UK banks?

Most major UK banks are supported. However, check your bank is listed before signing up.

Do I need to pay for a budgeting app?

Many offer free versions with solid features. Premium plans may include extras like net worth tracking, advanced insights, or cashback.

What’s the difference between a digital bank and a budgeting app?

Digital banks like Monzo or Starling include budgeting features in your current account. Budgeting apps like Emma or Snoop connect to all your accounts to give a full financial picture.

Can a budgeting app help me save money?

Yes — many users find they save more simply by tracking their spending and being more aware of habits. Some apps also offer cashback and rewards to boost savings further.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right budgeting app can transform your relationship with money. Whether you're trying to break the cycle of overspending, build savings, or take control of your debt, the right tool can make the process smoother, smarter, and even enjoyable.

Start by choosing one app that fits your current financial goals and lifestyle. Use it consistently for a few weeks — and you may be surprised by how much more control and clarity you gain over your finances.

Read our guide on How to Create a Budget That Actually Works

Learn How to Save Money Every Day

[Link: Best Cashback Apps for UK Shoppers]

Disclaimer:  Smart With Money may receive compensation through affiliate links, sponsored content, or advertising featured on this site. This does not influence our editorial standards. All reviews and recommendations are based on independent research, and we aim to provide accurate, objective information to help you make informed financial decisions.

Please note:  All content on SmartWithMoney.co.uk is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.