Money Tree
A YNAB alternative: Money Tree
YNAB rewards people who plan every dollar. If you would rather try something for a week and check in for a minute a day, Money Tree takes a lighter approach.
Last reviewed
Why people look for a YNAB alternative
- There is no free plan: after the 34-day trial it costs USD 14.99 a month or USD 109 a year.
- Zero-based budgeting asks you to assign every dollar, which takes regular time to keep up.
What Money Tree offers instead
- A 7-day trial of everything: connect as many banks as you like and use Safe to Spend, budgets, goals and net worth.
- Safe to Spend gives you one number for today, after upcoming bills, budgets and your buffer, instead of assigning every dollar.
- Daily streaks, XP, coins and private leaderboards with friends make checking in a habit.
- Home-screen widgets for Safe to Spend and budgets.
When to stay with YNAB
Choose YNAB if you want a strict zero-based method, a web app, or one subscription shared across a household.
- A well-known, structured method with plenty of teaching material behind it.
- One subscription can be shared by up to six people.
- A full web app as well as iOS and Android.
- A long free trial with no card required.
YNAB and Money Tree in brief
| Feature | Money Tree | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | A 7-day trial, then Plus as a monthly or yearly subscription; the store shows the price in your currency. | USD 14.99 a month or USD 109 a year, plus tax where applicable. |
| Plans and trial | No. Every account starts with a 7-day trial of everything, then Plus is a subscription. | No free plan. A 34-day free trial with no card required when you sign up directly. |
| Bank connections | Automatic, read-only sync through secure bank data providers. Connect as many banks as you like. | Direct Import through MX and Plaid for banks in the US and Canada, and through TrueLayer and Plaid for select banks in the UK and Europe. |
| Platforms | iPhone, Mac and Android, from the App Store and Google Play. | iOS, Android and web. |
| Budgeting style | Safe to Spend for today, category budgets with suggested limits, savings goals and a pay-period planner. | Zero-based: give every dollar a job before you spend it. |
| Where it works | Wherever its bank data providers cover your bank. The app shows the regions it supports when you connect. | Usable anywhere, priced in USD. Direct Import covers select banks in the US, Canada, the UK and parts of Europe. |
Switching
Money Tree does not import from other apps. Connect your bank and your transactions arrive automatically, so there is nothing to move across. Plus shows twelve months of history from the day you connect.
Questions
What is a good alternative to YNAB?
It depends on why you are leaving. Choose Money Tree if you want a 7-day trial and a light daily habit, with one Safe to Spend number instead of assigning every dollar. Choose YNAB if you want a strict zero-based method, a web app, or one subscription shared across a household.
Can I move my data from YNAB to Money Tree?
Money Tree does not import from other apps. Connect your bank and your transactions arrive automatically, so there is nothing to move across. Plus shows twelve months of history from the day you connect.
How much does Money Tree cost?
Money Tree has a 7-day trial of everything, with nothing held back. After the trial, Plus is a monthly or yearly subscription.
Sources
Checked on 6 October 2026. Prices and features change; check each provider before you decide.
- https://www.ynab.com/pricing (pricing, trial, platforms, sharing with up to six people, give every dollar a job)
- https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-direct-import-works-H1IGYLgnxl (Direct Import through MX and Plaid)
- https://support.ynab.com/en_us/direct-import-in-europe-Syae1z_A9 (Direct Import in the UK and Europe through TrueLayer)
- https://www.ynab.com/whats-new/more-banks-europe-edition (Plaid added for European banks)
- https://apps.apple.com/app/id6794328903 (Money Tree features, Plus and the 7-day trial)
YNAB is a trademark of its owner. Money Tree is not affiliated with or endorsed by YNAB. This page compares publicly available information and is not financial advice.