Actual Budget vs Buckets

Actual Budget is a privacy-focused finance app built around envelope budgeting. It lets users assign only cash they have on hand, manage split transactions and transfers, and track bills and net worth. The app stores data on the local device and a selected Actual server, and it works without a network connection. Reports include net worth and cash flow, alongside a custom report engine, and users can export reports. Actual imports QIF, OFX, QFX, CAMT.053 and CSV files. Bank syncing requires actual-server and credentials from a chosen provider, and automatic syncing is off by default. Optional end-to-end encryption prevents the server from accessing encrypted budget data, but it does not cover bank sync tokens; losing the encryption password without a local copy means the encrypted data cannot be recovered. Desktop clients are available for Windows, macOS and Linux, with web access and several self-hosting options. The free, MIT-licensed plan costs nothing.

Buckets is budgeting software for tracking bills and managing personal finances. It includes budgeting tools, bill tracking, account syncing and report export. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android, with desktop and mobile applications. The listed price is $64 as a one-time payment, with no monthly subscription fee. A free trial is available for as long as needed to decide whether it suits you, but the purchase is not refundable. Finances stay on the user's computer, and users control their data. Bank sync options include free methods, private macros, file imports and SimpleFIN Bridge. One license covers the purchaser and immediate family members in the same home, and can be used on any number of eligible computers. Support is available through a chat bubble, and the software includes budgeting videos. Buckets is published by One Part Rain, LLC, which is testing Buckets by the Loaf pricing in some countries.