EnvelopeBudget vs EveryDollar
Compare envelope budgeting with Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting approach. Which method works best for you?
EnvelopeBudget
Pricing
$4/month
or $40/year
92-day free trial, no credit card required
Key Features
- Envelope budgeting method
- Flexible transaction entry (manual, file import, SimpleFIN sync)
- No upselling or add-ons
- AI financial coaching included
- Real-time sync across devices
- Dark mode support
- Privacy-focused approach
Best For
People who want a simple, affordable budgeting app without being pushed toward expensive financial products.
EveryDollar
Pricing
$17.99/month
14-day free trial
Free version available (limited)
Key Features
- Zero-based budgeting
- Bank sync (premium only)
- Baby Steps integration
- Ramsey+ ecosystem
- Heavy marketing for add-ons
- No dark mode
Best For
Dave Ramsey fans who want to follow the Baby Steps program and don't mind paying premium prices.
Detailed Comparison
Budgeting Philosophy
EnvelopeBudget uses the envelope method where you allocate money to specific categories before spending. This visual approach helps prevent overspending and builds awareness of where your money goes.
EveryDollar follows Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting approach where you "give every dollar a job." While similar in concept, it lacks the visual envelope metaphor that many find helpful.
Pricing & Value
EnvelopeBudget at $4/month (or $40/year) is straightforward and affordable. You get all features for one low price with no upselling or hidden costs. The 92-day trial lets you truly test the app.
EveryDollar at $17.99/month is over 4x more expensive. The free version is severely limited (no bank sync, no reports), essentially forcing you to upgrade. The 14-day trial is barely enough time to evaluate.
Transaction Entry & Bank Sync
EnvelopeBudget offers flexibility - manual entry, bank file imports (OFX, QFX, CSV), or automatic sync via SimpleFIN. All features are included at the base price of $4/month.
EveryDollar reserves bank sync for premium users only. Free users must manually enter everything. Even at $17.99/month, the bank sync can be unreliable and doesn't support all institutions.
Marketing & Upselling
EnvelopeBudget focuses solely on budgeting. There's no ecosystem of expensive courses, books, or financial products being pushed. You get a budgeting app, period.
EveryDollar is part of the Ramsey Solutions ecosystem. Expect constant marketing for Financial Peace University ($129.99), books, live events, and SmartVestor Pros. The app feels like a gateway to sell you more products.
User Experience
EnvelopeBudget offers a modern interface with dark mode support and responsive design. The focus on simplicity means you spend less time managing the app and more time managing your money.
EveryDollar has a dated interface with no dark mode. The Baby Steps integration, while useful for Ramsey followers, adds complexity and can feel preachy to those who just want to budget.
Privacy & Data Usage
EnvelopeBudget takes a privacy-first approach. Your financial data is yours, and it's not used to market financial products or services to you.
EveryDollar is deeply integrated with Ramsey's marketing machine. Your financial situation may influence which products and services are marketed to you across the Ramsey ecosystem.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | EnvelopeBudget | EveryDollar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $4 (or $40/year) | $17.99 |
| Free Trial | 92 days | 14 days |
| Budgeting Method | Envelope | Zero-based |
| Bank Sync | Manual, File Import, SimpleFIN | Premium Only |
| Dark Mode | ||
| AI Coaching | ||
| Marketing/Upselling | None | Heavy |
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for a simple, affordable budgeting app, EnvelopeBudget is the clear winner. At $4/month, you get a focused tool that helps you budget effectively without the constant upselling.
EveryDollar makes sense only if you're already deep in the Dave Ramsey ecosystem and want everything integrated. For everyone else, paying over 4x the price for a budgeting app that constantly tries to sell you more products doesn't make financial sense.
The irony is that Dave Ramsey teaches living below your means and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Yet his budgeting app is one of the most expensive options available, marketed alongside costly courses and services.
Choose EnvelopeBudget if you want to actually save money while learning to budget. The 92-day free trial gives you plenty of time to develop good habits without any pressure to buy additional products.