The Best Budgeting Apps for UK Households in 2025

Introduction

Managing your money doesn’t need to be complicated. With the cost of living still high in the UK, budgeting apps are a powerful tool to help households track spending, set savings goals, and stay in control of their finances — all from your phone.

Whether you're trying to build an emergency fund, pay down debt, or just see where your money’s going, these are the best UK budgeting apps in 2025 — tried, tested, and trusted.

1. Emma – Best for Overall Money Management

Emma links all your bank accounts and credit cards to show a clear picture of your finances in one place.

💡 Features:

• Categorises your spending

• Alerts for subscriptions you may have forgotten

• Tracks income and budgets automatically

• Offers both free and paid versions

📲 Great for: Everyday users who want simple, smart money tracking.

2. Moneyhub – Best for Personalised Insights

Moneyhub goes beyond basic budgeting. It uses open banking to connect your accounts and gives tailored financial insights to help improve your money habits.

🔍 Features:

• Forecasts future spending

• Net worth tracker

• Real-time updates

• Premium features for goal-setting and pensions

📲 Great for: Users serious about understanding and growing their finances.

3. Snoop – Best for Finding Savings

Snoop doesn’t just track your money — it actively helps you save money by analysing your spending and offering personalised ways to cut costs.

💰 Features:

• “Snoops” flag deals on energy, insurance, mobile and more

• Smart notifications about price hikes

• Free version with strong features

📲 Great for: Anyone wanting help lowering bills and spotting savings.

4. YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Best for Zero-Based Budgeting

YNAB is a top choice if you want to be very hands-on with your money. It gives every pound a job — helping you plan rather than react.

📊 Features:

• Full budgeting control

• Goal tracking

• Detailed reports

• Free 34-day trial, then subscription-based

📲 Great for: Budgeters who want total control and don’t mind a learning curve.

5. Plum – Best for Automated Savings

Plum is part budgeting tool, part AI savings assistant. It automatically moves small amounts into savings based on your spending habits.

💷 Features:

• AI-based savings rules

• Investment options

• Bill-switching service for energy and insurance

• Budgeting and analytics tools

📲 Great for: People who want to save money without thinking about it.

6. Monzo – Best Banking App with Built-In Budgeting

Monzo isn’t just a budgeting app — it’s a full UK bank account with powerful budgeting features built in.

💳 Features:

• Instant spend notifications

• Set monthly spending targets

• Savings pots

• Split bills and shared tabs

📲 Great for: Those who want to combine daily banking and budgeting in one.

How to Choose the Right App

When picking a budgeting app, think about:

• Do you want automation or hands-on control?

• Do you want savings tools, or just spending insight?

• Are you willing to pay for premium features?

Most apps are free to try, so don’t be afraid to test a few before committing.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, managing your money has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to save more, cut your bills, or just stay on top of your spending, there’s a budgeting app in the UK that can help you do just that — and often for free.