Brighton Wealth Reviews 2026

8 Best Budgeting Apps That Help Australians Save More in 2025

8 Best Budgeting Apps That Help Australians Save More in 2025

Budgeting apps are becoming essential tools for Australians struggling to save money. According to an InfoChoice survey, more than one in four Australians don’t budget at all, while nearly one in six have less than $1,000 in savings, and one-third have less than $5,000.

Fortunately, the best budget apps do more than just track expenses. They utilise Open Banking to securely connect with your bank accounts, providing read-only access to your financial data. Top budgeting apps also offer customisable categories that help tailor your budget to specific financial goals and lifestyle needs. In fact, these good budgeting apps can significantly improve financial literacy and discipline by providing insights into spending patterns and automating the savings process.

The impact can be substantial. The average Australian saves approximately $720 per month, with residents in NSW and the ACT emerging as the biggest savers, putting away $813 and $895 per month, respectively. For those looking to join these successful savers, the right budgeting app, whether free or paid, could make all the difference in 2025.

Frollo

Frollo stands out as an Australian-made budgeting app that helps users take control of their finances through comprehensive tracking and thoughtful insights. This powerful money management tool connects with over 100 financial institutions to provide users with a comprehensive view of their financial health.

Frollo Key Features

Frollo offers a robust set of features designed to simplify financial management:

The impact of these features is substantial. On average, Frollo users reduce their credit card debt by AUD 703.34 and increase their savings by AUD 1,681.89 within the first six months of use. Furthermore, research by Frollo found that Australians using money management apps save an average of AUD 504.57 per month, with account balances increasing by 13% and savings growing by 21% after just three months.

Frollo Pricing

One of the most appealing aspects of Frollo is its cost structure – the app is entirely free to use. Unlike many competitors that offer limited free versions with premium paid tiers, Frollo provides complete access to all features without subscription fees.

How does Frollo remain free? The company generates revenue by building white-label applications for other companies using its free app technology. This business model allows them to offer a comprehensive budgeting solution at no cost to users while still maintaining a sustainable business.

WeMoney

wemoney budgeting app
Photo: WeMoney

WeMoney has positioned itself as Australia’s leading social financial wellness app, with an impressive track record of helping users manage finances and reduce debt. Downloaded by over 1,350,000 Australians, this comprehensive budgeting app combines expense tracking, debt management, and community support in a single platform.

WeMoney Key Features

WeMoney offers a robust suite of tools designed to simplify financial management:

WeMoney’s impact is substantial—92.3% of members report an improved financial life since joining, with many users successfully consolidating debts and lowering their interest rates.

WeMoney Pricing

WeMoney operates on a freemium model, offering both free and premium options:

The free version provides access to core features, including account connections, spending tracking, basic budgeting tools, monthly credit score updates, goal setting, and community access.

For enhanced functionality, WeMoney Pro costs AUD 15.27 per month (billed monthly) or can be purchased annually at a discounted rate. Pro features include:

New users can try WeMoney Pro for free for 7 days before committing to a subscription, which can be cancelled at any time. Additionally, RAC members receive a 20% exclusive discount on premium memberships.

Goodbudget

Based on the traditional envelope method, Goodbudget offers a digital twist to budgeting that encourages mindful spending through a visual representation of funds. This app stands apart from its competitors by focusing on manual tracking rather than automatic bank connections, making it suitable for users who prefer a hands-on approach to financial management.

Goodbudget Key Features

Goodbudget transforms the classic envelope budgeting system into a digital experience with several helpful tools:

Fundamentally, what makes Goodbudget stand out is its emphasis on planning spending rather than merely tracking it, encouraging users to think ahead about financial decisions.

Goodbudget Pricing

Goodbudget follows a freemium model with two distinct tiers:

Free Version:

Premium Version:

Essentially, the free version provides sufficient functionality for users with simple financial needs, whereas the premium subscription caters to those requiring more detailed budget management.

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Photo: ynab

YNAB (You Need A Budget) follows a distinct philosophy that sets it apart from other financial tools. Founded on four key principles, this budgeting app encourages users to assign every dollar a purpose, acknowledge true expenses, roll with the punches, and invest their money wisely.

YNAB Key Features

YNAB offers a robust set of tools designed around its zero-based budgeting approach:

On average, new YNAB users save AUD 917.39 in their first two months and over AUD 9173.94 after one year of consistent use. Furthermore, 92% of users report experiencing less financial stress since adopting the system.

YNAB Pricing

YNAB operates on a subscription model with straightforward pricing options:

YNAB costs AUD 22.92 per month or AUD 151.37 per year, with prices for new signups increasing to AUD 166.66 annually from August 2024. All new users receive a 34-day free trial—slightly longer than a standard month to give users time to experience a full budget cycle.

For eligible students, YNAB offers a 365-day free trial through their College Programme upon submission of valid proof of enrollment. No credit card is required when signing up directly through YNAB’s website, consequently making the trial truly risk-free.

Buddy

Originally from Sweden, Buddy offers a distinctive approach to financial management by enabling users to create and share budgets with partners or loved ones. This stylish app provides both manual transaction tracking and bank synchronisation options, making it flexible for different budgeting preferences.

Buddy Key Features

The app delivers several practical tools for effective budget management:

For those concerned about privacy, Buddy stands out from many competitors as it offers the option to manually add transactions without requiring a connection to bank accounts.

Buddy Pricing

Buddy operates on a freemium model with straightforward pricing options:

The app is free to download, offering basic functionality for users who want to test its features. Nevertheless, accessing the complete range of tools requires a premium subscription.

Current pricing for Buddy Premium varies across sources, with the most recent data indicating costs of AUD 15.27 per month or AUD 76.43 per year. An alternative source lists a more affordable rate of AUD 7.63 per month or AUD 53.50 per year. Given this discrepancy, prospective users should check current pricing on the official app page.

The subscription enables users to access all premium features, including unlimited categories and enhanced tracking capabilities.

Gather

Gather takes wealth management beyond simple budgeting, offering Australians a comprehensive view of their financial landscape through a sleek, intuitive interface. This app helps users build wealth without relying on complicated spreadsheets, instead providing real-time tracking and insights.

Gather Key Features

Gather combines several powerful tools to give users complete financial visibility:

The impact of these features is noteworthy—78% of users report feeling less anxious about money after switching to Gather, meanwhile 70% say it helps them feel more confident making financial decisions.

Gather Pricing

Gather employs a straightforward subscription model:

Gather costs AUD 22.92 per month or AUD 15.27 per month when billed annually (saving AUD 91.74 per year). Initially, all users receive a 5-week free trial with no credit card required.

Beem

Developed by central Australian banks, Beem offers instant payment capabilities alongside budgeting features, creating a seamless experience for managing money. Formerly known as Beem It, this digital wallet has evolved beyond simple payments to include financial tracking tools and features.

Beem Key Features

Beem combines several practical financial tools that simplify money management:

Beem Pricing

Beem offers multiple subscription tiers to match different financial needs:

The app is free to download, offering basic functionality. For premium features, Beem provides several subscription options:

Billroo

Photo: billroo

Created by financial experts, Billroo is an AI-powered budgeting app designed specifically for Australians seeking to gain control over their finances and achieve their financial goals.

Billroo Key Features

Billroo offers several intelligent tools to simplify money management:

Billroo Pricing

Billroo operates on a straightforward subscription model:

The app offers a 14-day free trial with complete access to all features. Following this trial period, users can choose between:

Conclusion – Top Budgeting Apps

Finding the right budgeting app certainly makes a significant difference when trying to save money. As highlighted throughout this review, Australians now have access to numerous quality options tailored to different financial situations and preferences.

Choosing between these top budgeting apps ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Frollo stands out as a comprehensive free option with strong Open Banking integration, while WeMoney excels at debt management and building a financial community. Goodbudget appeals to those who prefer manual tracking through the envelope system, whereas YNAB offers a proven methodology, albeit without direct bank synchronisation in Australia.

Additionally, apps like Buddy provide excellent solutions for couples managing shared expenses, albeit currently limited to iOS users. Gather takes a broader approach by including property and investment tracking alongside everyday budgeting. Meanwhile, Beem combines payment capabilities with expense tracking, and Billroo leverages AI to deliver personalised financial insights specifically for Australians.

Regardless of which app you choose, the most critical factor remains consistency. Regular engagement with your chosen budgeting tool will likely yield the best results. Taking this first step toward financial organisation could help you join the ranks of successful Australian savers who put away hundreds of dollars monthly and build a more secure financial future.

What are the top budgeting apps available for Australians in 2025?

The top budgeting apps for Australians in 2025 include Frollo, WeMoney, Goodbudget, YNAB, Buddy, Gather, Beem, and Billroo. Each offers unique features to help users manage their finances and save money effectively.

How do these budgeting apps help Australians save more money?

These apps help Australians save more by offering features such as expense tracking, goal setting, debt management tools, and financial insights. Many users report significant improvements in their savings and overall financial health after consistently using these apps.

Are there free budgeting apps available for Australians?

Yes, several of the top budgeting apps offer free versions. For example, Frollo is completely free to use, while others, such as WeMoney and Goodbudget, offer free tiers with basic features. However, premium features often require a subscription.

Can these budgeting apps connect directly to Australian bank accounts?

Most of these apps, such as Frollo, WeMoney, and Gather, can connect directly to Australian bank accounts using Open Banking technology. However, some apps, such as YNAB, may require manual entry or third-party services for users in Australia.

Which budgeting app is best for couples managing shared finances?

Apps like Buddy and WeMoney are particularly well-suited for couples managing shared finances. They offer features for splitting expenses, shared budgeting, and transparency in joint financial management.

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