Actual Budget
An open-source zero-based budgeting tool you run yourself, with no subscription attached.
- Category
- Budgeting
- Platforms
- Desktop, web, mobile
- Price
- Free, open source
- Official site
- actualbudget.org
What it does
- Uses the same envelope and zero-based approach as the paid budgeting apps.
- Stores your financial data locally or on a server you control, rather than on a company's infrastructure.
- Is fully open source, so the code can be inspected by anyone.
The free tier
The whole thing is free. There is no paid tier and no upsell.
Worth knowing before you sign up
- Self-hosting means setting up and maintaining a server, which is a real technical requirement rather than a small caveat.
- Bank syncing needs additional configuration and is not the plug-in experience the commercial apps offer.
- Support is community forums rather than a support team.
Who it suits
Technically comfortable people who want zero-based budgeting without a recurring subscription, and who would rather their financial data stayed on their own hardware.
Compiled from the developer's own site, app store listing and published pricing, cross-checked against independent reporting. Last checked September 2026. Pricing changes often and can vary by region — check what your own account is offered before subscribing. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.