YNAB vs Mint
If you're Googling this, you probably just found out Mint shut down. Millions of users are now looking for alternatives. YNAB is one option—but it's a very different app. Here's the honest breakdown.
YNAB
Zero-Based Budgeting System
Best for: People serious about changing their money habits who'll commit to a system
Pros
- Proven zero-based budgeting methodology
- Forces you to give every dollar a job
- Excellent educational resources
- Passionate community of budgeters
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- No free tier—$99/year minimum
- Requires daily engagement to work
- No expense splitting whatsoever
Mint
Free Budget Tracker (Discontinued)
Best for: Was best for casual budgeters who wanted a free overview
Pros
- Was completely free
- Easy automatic categorization
- Credit score monitoring
- Set-it-and-forget-it approach
Cons
- Discontinued in January 2024
- Data migrated to Credit Karma
- Had lots of ads in free version
- Never offered expense splitting
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | YNAB | Mint |
|---|---|---|
| Currently Available | ||
| Free Tier | ||
| Zero-Based Budgeting | ||
| Automatic Sync | ||
| Manual Entry Option | ||
| Goal Tracking | ||
| Expense Splitting | ||
| Credit Score | ||
| Educational Content | ||
| Mobile App Quality |
The Verdict
YNAB wins by default since Mint doesn't exist anymore. But that doesn't mean YNAB is right for you. It requires real commitment—you need to check it daily and assign every dollar. If you loved Mint because it was passive and free, YNAB will feel like homework. For former Mint users who want something modern, automatic, AND affordable, Savida offers a free tier with bank sync, plus expense splitting that neither app ever had.
Why Not Get the Best of Both?
Savida combines budget tracking, expense splitting, and AI coaching in one app. No more switching between apps or paying for multiple subscriptions.