Managing your money has never been more important. In 2025, with rising costs and unpredictable expenses, using a good budgeting app can help you track where your money goes and how to save more. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or managing a household, the right app can make budgeting simple and stress-free.
This guide will show you the best budgeting apps in India that can help you take control of your finances. We’ve compared features, pros, cons, and who each app is best for. Whether you want something that connects to your bank account, or a simple tool to track daily expenses, there’s an app here for you.
Let’s explore the top budgeting apps that can help you build healthy money habits in 2025.
Why Budgeting is Crucial in 2025?
The cost of living in India is going up every year. From groceries to rent and even your weekend trips—everything adds up quickly. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to spend more than you earn.
That’s where budgeting comes in. Budgeting helps you:
- Understand your income and expenses clearly.
- Set short-term and long-term financial goals.
- Avoid debt and save more money.
- Plan for emergencies and future investments.
In 2025, budgeting apps are more powerful than ever. Most of them offer smart features like automatic expense tracking, personalized advice, savings goals, and even investment options. Instead of using Excel sheets or writing down every rupee, these apps do the hard work for you.
Many Indians are already using apps to manage their money better—and it’s time you do too.
How to Select the Best Budgeting Apps in India?
Before listing the top apps, let’s look at what makes a budgeting app truly helpful. There are many options in the Play Store and App Store, but only a few stand out based on important factors like:
1. User-Friendly Interface:
The app should be easy to navigate, with simple steps to add income and expenses. A clean dashboard makes it easier to understand your money habits.
2. Core Features:
The best apps offer tools like:
- Expense tracking
- Budget planning
- Bill reminders
- Savings goals
- Reports and charts
3. Data Security:
Since you’re sharing financial data, the app must use encryption and secure servers. Always check the privacy policy before using any app.
4. Indian Bank Integration:
Look for apps that can connect with Indian banks. This helps you track expenses automatically using SMS or bank statements.
5. Free vs. Paid Options:
Some apps are free forever. Others may offer premium features like detailed reports or financial coaching. Choose based on what you really need.
6. Offline and Online Access:
Good apps allow you to access data even when offline and sync when you’re back online.
With these points in mind, let’s now explore the top budgeting apps in India for 2025.
Top Money Management Apps in 2025
If you’re searching for the best budgeting apps in India, the following options are trusted by thousands and offer reliable features to track and manage your finances. Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Money View
Money View is one of the most popular budgeting apps in India. It automatically tracks your expenses using SMS alerts and gives you a complete overview of your financial health. Whether you’re managing a monthly salary or trying to save on daily expenses, Money View offers smart tools to keep your budget on track.
Overview
Money View connects to your bank accounts securely, reads transaction SMS (with permission), and shows a detailed expense breakdown in simple categories.
Key Features
- Auto-track expenses using SMS and bank sync
- Credit score checking feature
- Budgeting and spending limit setup
- Personal loan and investment options
Pros
- Very simple to use
- Automatic updates from SMS and bank accounts
- Credit score and loan eligibility insights
Cons
- Needs access to personal SMS, which may concern some users
- Loan suggestions can feel promotional
Ideal For
Users looking for an all-in-one money management tool with budgeting, loans, and expense tracking in one place.
2. Walnut (Now Axio)
Walnut, rebranded as Axio, is another excellent Indian expense tracker app. It helps you monitor your spending habits and also offers quick personal loans.
Overview
Walnut categorizes your expenses, reminds you about upcoming bills, and helps manage your monthly budget without too much manual effort.
Key Features
- Automatic expense tracking using SMS
- Daily, weekly, and monthly spending insights
- Loan offers with easy application process
- ATM and bank balance locator
Pros
- Great for users who want hands-free tracking
- Works well with Indian banks
- Bill reminders help avoid late payments
Cons
- Needs SMS and contact access
- App may show frequent loan ads
Ideal For
People who want a budgeting app that also supports instant personal loans in emergencies.
3. Wally
Wally is a well-known international budgeting app that also works well in India. It’s perfect for those who prefer manual control over every expense and value design and clarity.
Overview
Unlike the previous apps, Wally doesn’t automatically read SMS. Instead, it allows you to add expenses manually or scan receipts. This gives more privacy but needs more effort.
Key Features
- Manual entry for full control
- Set and track financial goals
- Scan receipts to log expenses quickly
- Multi-currency support for travelers
Pros
- Focused on visual insights with clean reports
- Useful for people with variable income
- Good privacy due to no SMS tracking
Cons
- Manual entry takes time
- No Indian bank integration
Ideal For
People who prefer privacy, want control over each transaction, and are okay with adding expenses manually.
4. ET Money
ET Money is a complete personal finance app designed for Indian users. While it’s mainly known for its investment features, it also includes budgeting and expense tracking tools that are helpful for beginners and experienced users alike.
Overview
ET Money lets you track your expenses, set budgets, invest in mutual funds, buy insurance, and monitor your financial health—all in one app.
Key Features
- Track and categorize your expenses automatically
- Invest in mutual funds without paperwork
- Buy insurance for health, life, and term plans
- Credit score tracking and tax saving tools
Pros
- Trusted Times Group product
- Easy to use for both beginners and investors
- Clean interface with Indian-focused features
Cons
- Budgeting is not the main focus
- Requires login and some KYC for investment tools
Ideal For
Users who want to manage both budgeting and investments from a single app.
5. Goodbudget
Goodbudget is based on the traditional envelope method of budgeting. It’s great for people who want to set strict spending limits across different categories like groceries, transport, and rent.
Overview
Unlike many apps that sync with your bank account, Goodbudget is a manual app. It makes you actively enter your expenses and assign them to different envelopes or categories.
Key Features
- Envelope-based budgeting
- Manual expense entry and tracking
- Sync data across multiple devices
- Export data in Excel and PDF formats
Pros
- Encourages disciplined spending habits
- Simple and clutter-free interface
- No SMS or bank permissions required
Cons
- No automatic expense tracking
- Limited features in the free version
Ideal For
People who want a traditional, no-frills budgeting method and don’t mind entering data manually.
6. Monefy
Monefy is a clean, fast, and lightweight budgeting app known for its beautiful interface and simplicity. It’s great for users who just want a daily spending tracker.
Overview
Monefy allows you to add expenses quickly using an intuitive pie-chart-based dashboard. It doesn’t connect to banks but makes manual tracking fun and visual.
Key Features
- Quick expense entry with categories
- Budget planner with monthly goals
- Backup data with Dropbox or Google Drive
- Password protection for privacy
Pros
- Very user-friendly with attractive design
- Fast and lightweight app
- Works offline
Cons
- No automatic syncing with bank SMS
- Limited free features
Ideal For
Users who want a beautiful, manual budgeting app with simple tracking.
7. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
YNAB is a powerful budgeting app built around financial discipline. While it’s not India-specific, it offers smart features that work well globally, including in India.
Overview
YNAB focuses on teaching users to “give every rupee a job.” It helps you plan each rupee you earn and forces you to think ahead, making it ideal for long-term budgeting.
Key Features
- Real-time budgeting system
- Goal tracking and debt payoff tools
- Educational resources and workshops
- Sync across devices and banks (limited in India)
Pros
- Proven budgeting method with strong community
- Great for long-term financial planning
- Helpful tutorials and tips
Cons
- Expensive for Indian users (in USD)
- Requires time to learn the method
Ideal For
Serious budgeters who want to commit to long-term money management using a structured system.
8. Spendee
Spendee is a modern budgeting app that stands out for its visually appealing interface and ability to manage shared wallets. It’s ideal for families, couples, or roommates who want to track group expenses.
Overview
Spendee lets you create custom wallets for different purposes like travel, household expenses, or events. You can invite others to share the wallet and manage money together.
Key Features
- Shared wallets for group budgeting
- Bank syncing and manual tracking
- Smart budgeting and alerts
- Visual charts and analytics
Pros
- Great for joint or shared budgets
- Attractive user interface
- Supports multiple currencies
Cons
- Bank syncing may not support all Indian banks
- Premium features require subscription
Ideal For
People who want to manage household or group budgets with others in a transparent and easy way.
9. Bishinews Expense Manager
Bishinews Expense Manager is a powerful and highly customizable app for users who like to control every detail of their budget. It’s a feature-rich option for those who want to go beyond basic budgeting.
Overview
The app offers tools like bill reminders, customizable categories, detailed charts, and even password protection for privacy.
Key Features
- Multiple accounts and currencies
- Expense tracking with custom categories
- Income and cash flow reports
- Backup to SD card or cloud
Pros
- High customization
- Works offline
- Very detailed financial reports
Cons
- Interface feels outdated
- Takes time to set up and learn
Ideal For
Advanced users who want full control over every financial detail and don’t mind spending time setting it up.
10. Wallet by BudgetBakers
Wallet by BudgetBakers is an intelligent money management app that automatically syncs with your bank and provides deep insights into your spending habits.
Overview
This app supports bank sync with many Indian and international banks, giving you a real-time view of your money. It also includes goal tracking and bill reminders.
Key Features
- Automatic bank syncing
- Financial goal setting
- Advanced reports and insights
- Shared budgets and family accounts
Pros
- Highly automated with smart features
- Works well for both individuals and families
- Clean and professional design
Cons
- Requires premium subscription for full access
- Some banks may require manual linking
Ideal For
People who want a smart, automated budgeting experience with real-time data from their bank.
Best Expense Tracker Apps in India: Quick Comparison
| App Name | Best For | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money View | All-in-one financial tracking | SMS-based tracking, credit score, loans | Free |
| Walnut (Axio) | Expense tracking + loan features | SMS tracking, bill reminders, personal loans | Free |
| Wally | Manual budgeting with visuals | Goal setting, receipt scan, multi-currency | Free |
| ET Money | Budgeting with investments | Expense tracking, mutual funds, insurance | Free |
| Goodbudget | Traditional envelope budgeting | Envelope method, multi-device sync | Free/Paid |
| Monefy | Beautiful manual expense tracker | Quick entry, pie charts, offline use | Free/Paid |
| YNAB | Long-term financial planning | Real-time budgeting, debt tools | Paid |
| Spendee | Shared budgets and group tracking | Shared wallets, alerts, smart analytics | Free/Paid |
| Bishinews Expense Manager | Power users with full control | Multiple accounts, detailed reports | Free |
| Wallet by BudgetBakers | Bank syncing and automation | Bank sync, family sharing, financial goals | Free/Paid |
How to Choose the Right App for Budgeting?
Choosing the right budgeting app depends on your lifestyle, financial habits, and comfort with technology. Here’s how to narrow it down:
Identify Your Needs
Ask yourself what you expect from a budgeting app. Do you want to track daily expenses manually or prefer automation? Are you focused on saving, reducing debt, or just understanding your cash flow?
Check for Bank Integration
If you want everything tracked automatically, look for apps that can sync with your Indian bank account and read SMS transaction alerts. This saves time and improves accuracy.
Consider Privacy and Data Security
Budgeting apps often request access to financial data. Choose apps that offer data encryption, privacy policies, and give you control over permissions.
Look at the Cost
Most apps are free, but some charge for premium features. If you’re just starting out, a free app like Money View or Monefy is good. If you’re serious about tracking long-term goals, an investment in YNAB or Wallet could be worth it.
Test the Interface
Download 1–2 apps and see which feels right. A clean, intuitive dashboard is essential for daily use.
Tips for Effective Budgeting
Even the best app won’t help unless you build the right habits. Here are some simple yet powerful tips for managing your money better:
Set Realistic Budgets
Don’t create tight budgets you can’t stick to. Be honest about your lifestyle and give yourself room to adjust.
Review Your Expenses Weekly
Use your app to review what you spent each week. It’ll help you catch patterns and stay on track.
Use Alerts and Reminders
Turn on app notifications for bills, savings targets, or overspending. These alerts can keep your finances under control without extra effort.
Create Categories that Make Sense
Customize expense categories based on your own spending—food, transport, shopping, subscriptions, etc. It makes the data more useful.
Start with One Goal
Want to save ₹5,000 a month? Or reduce food spending by 10%? One clear goal is better than ten vague ones.
FAQs – Best Personal Finance Apps for Budgeting
Are these budgeting apps safe to use in India?
Yes, most of the apps listed here use secure encryption and follow privacy standards. Always check the app’s permissions and privacy policy before use. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary access.
Do I need to link my bank account to use these apps?
Not always. Apps like Money View or Wallet can connect to your bank or SMS inbox for automation. Others like Wally or Goodbudget work manually without any bank link.
Which is the best free budgeting app in India?
Money View and Walnut are among the best free apps with automatic tracking. Monefy is also a great free app for manual tracking.
Can these apps help with saving money?
Yes, most apps allow you to set monthly budgets, track expenses, and identify where you’re overspending. This helps you save money over time by staying on track.
Do these apps work offline?
Many apps like Monefy and Goodbudget support offline use. However, features like bank syncing or cloud backup require internet.
Which app is best for family budgeting or shared expenses?
Spendee and Wallet by BudgetBakers offer shared wallets or accounts that are ideal for couples, roommates, or families who want to manage joint budgets.
Do I need to pay to use all features?
Some apps offer premium versions with extra features like advanced reports, multi-device sync, or goal tracking. Start with the free version and upgrade only if you need more tools.
If you’re ready to manage your money better, now is the perfect time to try one of these budgeting apps and start your financial journey with confidence.
Conclusion: Best Budgeting Apps in India 2025
Budgeting doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. With the right budgeting app, you can take full control of your money, reduce unnecessary spending, and start saving for things that really matter. Whether you’re looking for an app that works automatically with your bank, one that supports manual entry, or a tool to manage shared expenses with your family, there’s something for everyone.
In 2025, the best budgeting apps in India—like Money View, Walnut, ET Money, and others—offer more than just tracking. They help you plan, save, invest, and stay financially healthy. Start by picking one that fits your lifestyle, test it for a week, and build a habit of checking your finances regularly.
Taking that first step today can lead to big financial changes tomorrow. Start budgeting smartly and make your money work for you.
