Let’s be honest, keeping track of money’s kinda hard these days. One moment you’ve got ₹5,000 in your wallet, and next thing you know… It’s just gone. Between online shopping, Swiggy orders, random subscriptions you forgot to cancel, and weekend plans, it adds up fast.
And if you are a student or just starting in your career? Oof, budgeting can feel like a full-time job. That’s where budgeting apps step in. They’re not just digital spreadsheets, they’re like your money’s personal trainer. Helping you track, plan, and save without needing a finance degree.
According to a 2024 Statista report, over 60% of Gen Z and Millennials now use personal finance apps to manage daily expenses, savings, and even split bills. Whether you’re trying to save for rent, a new phone, or just wanna stop feeling broke before the 20th of every month, these apps can seriously help.
In this guide, we’re showing you the top 5 budgeting apps that are worth downloading. No fluff, no complicated finance lingo, just real tools that work for real people.
1. Walnut – Budgeting Made for Indian Users
Best For: Students & working professionals in India
Price: Free with optional paid features
Available On: Android & iOS
Language Support: English, Hindi, and regional languages
Key Features
- Automatically tracks your SMS-based spends (like food orders, travel, bank alerts)
- Split bills with friends (super useful if you live in a flat)
- Categorises your spends – food, shopping, rent, the whole deal
- Shows daily/weekly/monthly breakdowns
- You can even track bank balances without opening 4 different apps
Why We Like It
Look, Walnut’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just super practical. You don’t have to enter stuff manually; it pulls your expense data straight from SMS alerts. So yeah, if you’re tired of typing out every ₹150 chai or ₹700 Zomato bill, this one’s a lifesaver.
What makes it work is how India-focused it is. It understands UPI, wallet spends, bank transfers, stuff most international apps don’t get right here. Plus, the app doesn’t throw graphs at you like you’re prepping for an MBA finance exam. It’s simple, neat, and does the job.
Tip: You can set monthly limits and get nudged when you’re spending too much. Think of it like your money’s passive-aggressive best friend, but in a good way.
2. Goodbudget – Old-School Envelope Budgeting, Now Digital
Best For: Couples, families, or anyone who likes planning ahead
Price: Free basic version, ₹600/month for premium
Available On: Android, iOS, Web
Works Globally (Not India-specific, but still super helpful)
Key Features
- Based on the envelope system, you divide your income into “envelopes” for rent, groceries, travel, etc.
- Syncs across devices – perfect if you’re managing shared expenses
- Monthly spending limits, saving goals, and expense history
- Let you plan before you spend – instead of fixing things after you overspend
- Works offline too!
Why We Like It
Goodbudget’s got that old-school vibe, but it works well for today’s chaos. If you’re the kind who likes to plan your money, or just tired of checking your bank balance with fear every weekend, this one’s for you.
It’s not automatic like Walnut, so yeah, you gotta enter stuff manually. But here’s the twist: that’s the point. It makes you think before you spend. That ₹1,000 impulse buy? You’ll feel it when you log in.
And it’s great for couples or roommates who split costs. You both can see what’s left in each category; no awkward chats about “bro, you haven’t paid rent yet.”
Tip: Use the free version for solo use. Upgrade if you’re sharing your budget or tracking savings goals more seriously.
3. Spendee – Your Money, But Prettier
Best For: Visual thinkers, solo users, frequent travelers
Price: Free basic version; ₹250–₹700/month for premium features
Available On: Android, iOS, Web
Works in India and globally with multi-currency support
Key Features
- Beautiful, color-coded interface that makes tracking kinda fun
- Connects to your bank account (supports major Indian banks too)
- Auto-categorises your spending (travel, food, bills, etc.)
- Shared wallets for couples/friends
- Budgeting goals – you set limits, and it tracks how close you are to blowing it
Why We Like It
If budgeting apps usually feel dull, Spendee is like the Pinterest of finance apps. It’s clean, it’s visual, and it somehow makes you want to look at your expenses weirdly satisfying.
It’s not just about being pretty, though. The real win is the ability to sync your bank accounts and digital wallets. That means less manual work and more accurate tracking, especially useful if your money’s all over the place, like most of us.
It also supports multiple currencies, so if you travel, shop from international sites, or just love scrolling Flipkart and Amazon back-to-back, it adjusts automatically.
Tip: Set up “Event Wallets” for special occasions like weddings, trips, or festivals. Helps you stay on top of big spending months.
4. Money Manager – Clean, Simple, and Surprisingly Powerful
Best For: Detail freaks, daily expense trackers, students on tight budgets
Price: Free with optional one-time upgrade (~₹499)
Available On: Android & iOS
Works offline, no account login needed
Key Features
- Manual expense tracking – super detailed by category, account, and payment mode
- View your expenses daily, weekly, or monthly
- Add cash/card/wallet balances to track where every rupee goes
- Comes with pie charts, bar graphs – helps spot patterns
- Password protection & backup options (your data’s safe)
Why We Like It
This app is a beast when it comes to tracking. Every chai, every Uber ride, every Netflix recharge, you can log it all. And once you get used to it (takes like 2 days), it’s addictively satisfying.
There’s no signup required, no annoying ads if you upgrade, and best of all, it’s offline. So even if your signal’s weak or you’re stuck on a train, you can still log your spending.
It’s especially useful for students or anyone on a tight monthly budget. You can see where your ₹10k went, and yeah, it’ll probably surprise you.
Tip: Use the “transfer” feature to record money moves between accounts, like Paytm to bank, cash to UPI, etc. Super neat.
5. Splitwise – Because Splitting Bills Shouldn’t Feel Like Math Class
Best For: Roommates, friend groups, couples, travel buddies
Price: Free with optional Pro version (~₹200/month)
Available On: Android, iOS, Web
Works worldwide, supports INR & UPI notes
Key Features
- Track shared expenses easily – rent, groceries, trips, dining out
- Add expenses by category with notes, receipts, and who paid what
- Keeps running totals of who owes who, and balances it out
- Integrates with UPI in India (so no more endless “GPay me” messages)
- Settle up in one tap and say goodbye to awkward reminders
Why We Like It
Splitwise is built for real life. Shared rent? Check. Group dinner where three people forgot their wallets? Sorted. Goa trip where one person paid for the car and another covered the hotel? It’ll break it down and tell you who owes what and to whom.
You can even create multiple groups, like one for your flatmates, another for your office lunch gang, and one just for your partner. It’s all organised, fair, and best of all, you never have to argue about money again.
The interface is simple, clean, and once everyone’s using it, it kinda becomes second nature. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Bonus tip: You can add recurring expenses like Wi-Fi, rent, or groceries, so you don’t have to keep entering them every month.
Conclusion
Let’s be real, managing money isn’t always fun, but it doesn’t have to feel like punishment either. These five apps? They’re designed to make your life easier, not harder.
Whether you’re splitting rent, tracking your coffee addiction, or saving for something big, the right app can help you stay on top without overthinking it. Try a couple out, see what fits your style, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.
If you’re new to this whole budgeting thing, start small. One app, one week, just tracking. That alone can change how you spend (and save).
Need help figuring out which app suits your lifestyle? Or want more student-friendly money tips? Drop us a message, we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best budgeting app for Indian students?
Walnut is one of the best budgeting apps for Indian students. It tracks your expenses automatically through SMS alerts and helps you stay on top of your monthly spending without manual entry.
2. Are budgeting apps useful for saving money?
Yes, budgeting apps are great tools to understand your spending habits, set limits, and make smarter money decisions. They help reduce impulsive spending and improve financial discipline.
3. Which budgeting app is good for splitting bills with friends?
Splitwise is the top choice for splitting bills. It tracks who owes what, supports group expenses, and makes settling up easy, no more awkward conversations.
4. Can I use budgeting apps without linking my bank account?
Yes, apps like Money Manager and Goodbudget allow manual entry and don’t require you to connect your bank. These are ideal for people who prefer privacy or cash-based tracking.
5. Are there any free budgeting apps available in India?
Absolutely. Most apps like Walnut, Splitwise, and Money Manager have strong free versions with plenty of features. Paid plans offer extras but aren’t always necessary.
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