Our verdict: Actual Budget is the best free option for people who like the envelope method popularised by YNAB and want to keep their data. The desktop app works fully offline, but syncing between devices and bank sync require running your own server or paying a host.
About Actual Budget
Actual Budget is a local-first personal finance app built around envelope budgeting: you assign only money you actually have to categories, so the budget always matches your real income. Transactions, split transactions and transfers are entered in one fast editor, and rules can rename payees and categorise imports automatically. It imports QIF, OFX, QFX, CAMT.053 and CSV files and has built-in importers for YNAB4 and nYNAB.
The desktop app stores the budget on your computer and works without an internet connection. Syncing between devices, optional end-to-end encryption and bank sync through GoCardless (EU/UK) or SimpleFIN (US/Canada) need the separate Actual sync server, which you host yourself or rent from a hosting provider. The project is open source under the MIT License and run by volunteers.
What it does well
- Envelope budgeting. Assign real income to categories and roll leftovers into next month.
- Fast transaction editor. Enter splits and transfers quickly, with undo and redo.
- Imports and rules. QIF, OFX, QFX, CAMT.053 and CSV imports with automatic categorising rules.
- Reports. Net worth, cash flow and a custom report builder.
- Optional sync. Self-hosted server for multi-device sync, encryption and bank sync.
Who it is for
Good fit
Budgeters who like the YNAB envelope method and want a free app that keeps data under their control.
Look elsewhere
People who want bank sync and phone access without setting up or renting a server.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Local-first; works offline
- Fast, keyboard-friendly transaction entry
- YNAB importers and custom reports
Cons
- Sync and bank sync require a self-hosted or paid hosted server
- Envelope budgeting takes some getting used to
- Built-in bank sync covers only GoCardless (EU/UK) and SimpleFIN (US/Canada)
How to install Actual Budget
The download button fetches the latest Windows x64 installer from the official Actual GitHub release; the site also links a Microsoft Store version. On first start choose to work without a server to keep the budget local, or enter the address of your sync server. Use the YNAB importer if you are switching.
Questions about Actual Budget
Is Actual Budget free?
Yes. Actual Budget is free and open source under the MIT License. Only third-party hosting for the sync server costs money, and you can host it yourself instead.
Do I need a server to use Actual?
No. The desktop app works on its own. A server is needed only for syncing between devices and for bank sync.
Can I import my YNAB budget?
Yes. Actual has built-in importers for YNAB4 and nYNAB that keep your history.
