Buckets vs YNAB

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.

YNAB is a budgeting service for web, Android, and iOS, with an API. Its method asks users to assign each dollar a purpose, supported by budgeting tools, bill tracking, net-worth reports, savings targets, and an integrated loan calculator. Users can link accounts to import transactions automatically from select banks in the US, Canada, UK, and EU; file-based import is available outside those areas. Balances, priorities, goals, and transactions sync across devices in real time. A spending plan can use a selected currency, but cannot mix currencies. YNAB offers a 34-day trial without a credit card when signing up directly, and does not charge unless users subscribe afterward. The annual plan costs $109 USD paid annually, or $9.08 per month before applicable tax; monthly billing costs $14.99 a month before applicable tax. College students with proof of enrollment can get a 365-day trial, and one subscription can be shared with up to six people. YNAB says it does not sell user data and keeps the app ad-free.