Goodbudget is one of the original digital envelope apps, and it still has a free-forever plan. That plan stops at 10 regular + 10 annual/goal envelopes, 1 account, and 2 devices. Unlimited envelopes cost $8/month or $70/year (Plus), and bank sync needs Premium at $10/month or $80/year (US banks only).
EnvelopeBudget uses the same envelope method with unlimited envelopes on every plan for $4/month or $40/year. If you're weighing apps for two, see the best budgeting apps for couples.
Why people look for a Goodbudget alternative
You've outgrown 20 envelopes
A realistic household budget with sinking funds easily passes 20 envelopes. On Goodbudget, that means paying for Plus or Premium. Every EnvelopeBudget plan includes unlimited envelopes.
Bank sync costs $10/month on Goodbudget
Goodbudget's bank sync is only on Premium ($10/month or $80/year), and Plus has none. EnvelopeBudget connects banks through SimpleFIN for an extra $1.50/month or $10/year, about $5.50/month or $50/year in total.
You want a more modern app
EnvelopeBudget has a modern web app with dark mode plus iOS and Android apps, repeating transactions, a Debt Center, and separate logins for each person you share a budget with.
EnvelopeBudget vs Goodbudget at a glance
| EnvelopeBudget | Goodbudget | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4/month or $40/year | Free; Plus $8/mo or $70/yr; Premium $10/mo or $80/yr |
| Lifetime option | $60 one-time (first 500 members) | None |
| Envelopes | Unlimited on every plan | 10 regular + 10 annual/goal (Free); unlimited (paid) |
| Bank sync | Optional, via SimpleFIN (+$1.50/mo or $10/yr) | Premium only, US banks ($10/mo) |
| Free option | 34-day free trial, no credit card | Free-forever plan; 30-day money-back guarantee on paid |
| Devices | All your devices | 2 (Free) / 5 (paid) |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
Who should stay with Goodbudget
- Your whole budget fits in Goodbudget's free plan (10 regular + 10 annual/goal envelopes, one account) and you don't want to pay anything. EnvelopeBudget has no free-forever plan.
- You're happy entering every transaction by hand and Plus already covers what you need.
- Your household is used to Goodbudget's interface, and switching tools would cost more goodwill than it saves money.
How to switch to EnvelopeBudget
- Start your free trial. Create an EnvelopeBudget account. You get 34 days with every feature, and no credit card.
- Recreate your envelopes. There's no Goodbudget importer, but copying your envelope names and monthly amounts usually takes 10–15 minutes. Use your Goodbudget envelope list as the checklist.
- Set starting balances. Fund each envelope with what it holds in Goodbudget today, so nothing is lost in the move.
- Bring in transactions. Connect your bank through SimpleFIN, import OFX/QFX files from your bank, or keep entering transactions by hand.
- Cancel Goodbudget when you're confident. Run both for a pay cycle. Goodbudget's paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee if you switch soon after renewing.
Frequently asked questions
Is EnvelopeBudget cheaper than Goodbudget?
Compared with the paid plans, yes. EnvelopeBudget is $4/month or $40/year, versus $8/month or $70/year for Goodbudget Plus and $10/month or $80/year for Premium. Goodbudget's Free plan costs nothing, and EnvelopeBudget has no free-forever plan.
Does Goodbudget have bank sync?
Yes, on Premium only ($10/month or $80/year), for US banks. The Free and Plus plans are manual entry. EnvelopeBudget's bank sync goes through SimpleFIN for an extra $1.50/month or $10/year.
How many envelopes can I have?
EnvelopeBudget has unlimited envelopes on every plan. Goodbudget's Free plan allows 10 regular and 10 annual/goal envelopes; its paid plans are unlimited.
Can I import my Goodbudget data?
There's no direct Goodbudget importer. Most people recreate their envelopes in a few minutes, set starting balances, then connect their bank or import OFX/QFX files.