5 Best YNAB Alternatives for Debt Payoff (2025)

Tired of paying $109/year for YNAB? You're not alone. While YNAB's zero-based budgeting method works well for many people, thousands of users are looking for alternatives that cost less or focus more specifically on debt payoff.

This guide compares the best YNAB alternatives in 2025, with honest pros and cons for each option.

Why People Switch From YNAB

Before diving into alternatives, let's understand why users leave YNAB:

• Price increased significantly: YNAB now costs $109/year (up from $84), with no free tier
• Steep learning curve: The Four Rules methodology takes time to master
• Overkill for debt focus: If your main goal is debt payoff, full zero-based budgeting may be more than you need
• Manual reconciliation required: Some users want more automation
• No debt-specific optimization: YNAB treats debt payoff as one budget category among many

If any of these resonate with you, here are your best options.

Quick Comparison: YNAB Alternatives

1. DebtGone — Best for Debt Payoff Focus

If your primary goal is getting out of debt as fast as possible, DebtGone is purpose-built for that mission.

What makes it different: While YNAB asks "where should every dollar go?", DebtGone asks "when will you be debt-free, and how can you get there faster?"

Key Features

• Debt-free date front and center: Your target date is always visible, updating as you make progress
• Recurring income & expense tracking: Enter your monthly income and expenses to see exactly how much surplus you have for extra payments
• Scenario planning: Test "what if I paid an extra $200/month?" before committing
• Multiple payoff strategies: Compare snowball vs avalanche vs custom approaches
• One-time payments: Model tax refunds, bonuses, or windfalls and see their impact on your debt-free date
• Reserve capital planning: Build an emergency fund while paying down debt
• Multi-currency support: Track debt in different currencies

Pricing

• 34-day free trial: Full access to all features
• Monthly: $10/month
• Annual: $73/year (just $0.20/day)
• Lifetime: $120 one-time payment

Pros

• Laser-focused on debt payoff (not general budgeting)
• Lower learning curve than YNAB
• Shows exactly when you'll be debt-free
• Generous 34-day free trial
• Simple manual entry keeps you engaged with your debt

Cons

• Less comprehensive than YNAB for overall budgeting
• Newer app with smaller community
• No bank sync (manual updates required)
• Not ideal if you want envelope-style budgeting

Best for: People whose #1 priority is eliminating debt quickly and want tools specifically designed for that goal.

2. Goodbudget — Best for Envelope Budgeting

If you love YNAB's envelope concept but want something cheaper, Goodbudget offers digital envelope budgeting at a lower price.

Key Features

• Digital envelopes: Allocate money to spending categories
• Household sync: Share budgets with family members
• Debt tracking: Unlimited debt accounts in free and paid versions
• Cross-platform: Web, iOS, and Android

Pricing

• Free: 10 envelopes, 1 account, 2 devices
• Plus: $80/year for unlimited everything

Pros

• True envelope budgeting methodology
• Strong family/household sharing features
• $29/year cheaper than YNAB
• Generous free tier

Cons

• Manual entry only (no bank sync)
• Basic debt tracking (no optimization)
• No scenario planning
• Envelope method has a learning curve

Best for: Couples or families who love envelope budgeting and want to save money vs YNAB.

3. Undebt.it — Best Free Option

Undebt.it is a web-based debt calculator that's helped hundreds of thousands of people create payoff plans—mostly for free.

Key Features

• 8 payoff methods: More strategy options than any competitor
• No account required: Use the calculator without signing up
• Debt Snowflakes: Track one-time extra payments
• YNAB integration: Import data from YNAB

Pricing

• Free: Full calculator, basic tracking
• Plus: $12/year for reminders, bill tracking, savings challenges

Pros

• Incredibly affordable ($12/year premium)
• Most payoff method options
• Works with YNAB data
• No-commitment calculator

Cons

• Web only (no native mobile apps)
• Manual entry required
• No income or expense tracking
• Basic interface

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a simple debt calculator without paying much.

4. EveryDollar — Best for Dave Ramsey Fans

EveryDollar is Dave Ramsey's budgeting app, built around his debt snowball philosophy.

Key Features

• Zero-based budgeting: Similar philosophy to YNAB
• Debt snowball focus: Built around Ramsey's baby steps
• Paycheck planning: Budget by pay period
• Financial Peace integration: Works with Ramsey's courses

Pricing

• Free: Manual transaction entry
• Premium: $79.99/year with bank sync (requires Ramsey+ subscription)

Pros

• Simpler than YNAB
• Strong debt snowball integration
• Cheaper premium than YNAB
• Good mobile apps

Cons

• Bank sync requires premium subscription
• Only supports debt snowball (not avalanche)
• Heavily tied to Ramsey ecosystem
• Less flexible than YNAB

Best for: Dave Ramsey followers who want an app aligned with his methodology.

5. Copilot — Best for Apple Users

Copilot is a modern finance app designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem.

Key Features

• Beautiful design: Native iOS/Mac experience
• Automatic categorization: AI-powered transaction sorting
• Net worth tracking: See complete financial picture
• Investment tracking: Includes investment accounts

Pricing

• $95/year (no free tier, 1-month trial)

Pros

• Best-in-class Apple design
• Automatic bank sync
• Comprehensive financial tracking
• Active development

Cons

• Apple only (no Android or web)
• Slightly cheaper but similar to YNAB pricing
• Debt payoff is secondary feature
• No Windows or Android support

Best for: Apple users who want a beautiful, comprehensive finance app.

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How to Choose the Right YNAB Alternative

Ask yourself these questions:

What's your primary goal?

• Eliminate debt fast → DebtGone
• Envelope budgeting on a budget → Goodbudget
• Simple debt calculator → Undebt.it
• Follow Dave Ramsey's plan → EveryDollar
• All-in-one Apple finance app → Copilot

What's your budget?

• Free/cheap → Undebt.it ($12/year), Goodbudget (free tier)
• Under $80/year → DebtGone ($73/year), EveryDollar ($79.99), Goodbudget ($80)
• Under $110/year → YNAB ($109), Copilot ($95)
• One-time payment → DebtGone ($120 lifetime)

Do you need bank sync?

• Yes → EveryDollar (premium), Copilot
• No / Prefer manual → DebtGone, Goodbudget, Undebt.it

How tech-savvy are you?

• Want simple → Undebt.it, EveryDollar
• Comfortable with learning → DebtGone, Goodbudget
• Power user → Copilot

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DebtGone vs YNAB: Detailed Comparison

Since DebtGone offers the most differentiated approach from YNAB, here's a deeper comparison:

When YNAB is Still the Better Choice

YNAB remains excellent if you:

• Want a comprehensive system for ALL your finances
• Plan to use it long after debt is paid off
• Value the large community and educational content
• Have time to learn the full methodology
• Can afford $109/year during debt payoff

When DebtGone is the Better Choice

DebtGone makes more sense if you:

• Want laser focus on debt elimination
• Want to start immediately without learning a new system
• Need to see exactly when you'll be debt-free
• Want "what-if" scenario planning for one-time payments
• Have multi-currency debt
• Prefer simple manual tracking over complex bank connections

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Making the Switch From YNAB

If you decide to switch, here's how to make it smooth:

1. Export your YNAB data: Download your transaction history
2. List your current debts: Note balances, interest rates, minimum payments
3. Set up your new app: Most alternatives let you start in under 10 minutes
4. Don't cancel YNAB immediately: Run both apps for a month to compare
5. Cancel YNAB before renewal: Set a reminder for your renewal date

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is YNAB worth $109 a year?

For many people, yes. YNAB users report saving $600+ in their first month on average. However, if you're focused specifically on debt payoff, a dedicated debt app may provide better value at lower cost.

What's the best free alternative to YNAB?

For general budgeting, Goodbudget's free tier (10 envelopes) works for many users. Undebt.it offers a completely free debt calculator. DebtGone offers a 34-day free trial with full features, then requires a subscription.

Can I import my YNAB data to another app?

Undebt.it offers YNAB integration. For other apps, you'll typically need to manually set up your accounts, but this usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Why did YNAB raise their prices?

YNAB increased from $84 to $99 to $109/year over recent years, citing increased costs and continued development. The price increases have pushed many users to seek alternatives.

Is the debt snowball or avalanche method better?

Mathematically, avalanche (highest interest first) saves more money. Psychologically, snowball (smallest balance first) provides motivation through quick wins. The best method is the one you'll stick with. Apps like DebtGone let you compare both approaches.

Do I need bank sync for debt payoff?

No. Many people find manual entry actually helps them stay more aware of their debt. Apps like DebtGone send reminders to update your balances, keeping you engaged without the complexity of bank connections.

Can I use YNAB and a debt app together?

Yes. Some people use YNAB for daily budgeting and a dedicated debt app for payoff optimization. However, this means paying for two apps and managing two systems.

What if I have debt in multiple currencies?

YNAB has limited multi-currency support. DebtGone handles multiple currencies natively, which matters if you have international student loans or overseas credit cards.

How long does it take to learn a new budgeting app?

YNAB typically takes 2-4 weeks to feel comfortable with. Simpler apps like Undebt.it can be used immediately. DebtGone falls in between—most users see their debt-free date within 10 minutes of signing up.

Will switching apps hurt my debt payoff progress?

No. Your debt balances don't change based on which app you use. The important thing is to keep making payments. A short transition period won't impact your progress.

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The Bottom Line

YNAB is a powerful budgeting tool, but it's not the only option—especially if your main goal is debt payoff.

Choose DebtGone if you want debt-focused tools with scenario planning at $73/year (or $120 lifetime).

Choose Goodbudget if you love envelope budgeting and want to save $29/year.

Choose Undebt.it if you want the cheapest possible option ($12/year).

Choose EveryDollar if you follow Dave Ramsey's methodology.

Choose Copilot if you're all-in on Apple and want beautiful design.

The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently. Try free tiers before committing, and remember: the app matters less than the action of paying down debt.

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• Alternative to Debt Payoff Planner - Compare debt tracking apps
• Alternative to Undebt.it - DebtGone vs web-based calculators
• Alternative to Goodbudget - DebtGone vs envelope budgeting
• How to Pay Off Debt Faster: 7 Proven Strategies - Learn the best debt payoff methods