GnuCash vs YNAB

GnuCash is free personal and small-business accounting software for tracking bank accounts, stocks, income, and expenses. Its double-entry accounting requires every transaction’s debits and credits to balance. Small-business tools cover customers, vendors, jobs, invoicing, bill payment, tax and billing terms, and budgeting. Users can create customizable balance sheets, profit and loss, and portfolio valuation reports, as well as charts. GnuCash imports QIF and OFX files with transaction matching; German users can use HBCI to download statements and initiate transfers and direct debits. Data is stored in XML by default. Support for SQLite3, MySQL, and PostgreSQL databases is experimental, and some reported corner cases can cause data loss. The GNU GPL-licensed software has installation options for Linux and installers for macOS and Windows. The main application is unavailable for iOS and iPadOS, while the separate Android app appears abandoned according to the project FAQ. The project is maintained, documented, and translated by volunteers.

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.