Simplifi is a modern take on Quicken's legacy, but it still requires bank connections and stores your data on their servers. Budgero takes a different approach: zero-based budgeting with zero-knowledge encryption.
No credit card required. Zero-knowledge encryption on all plans.
Or self-host for free with full features.
Different philosophy, different approach to your finances.
Simplifi stores your financial data on Quicken servers where it can be accessed. Budgero encrypts everything on your device before syncing. We literally cannot see your data.
Simplifi tracks your spending after the fact. Budgero assigns every dollar a job before the month starts, giving you full control over where your money goes.
Simplifi is US focused and works primarily with USD. Budgero supports 168 currencies with live exchange rates and automatic conversion, working anywhere in the world.
Simplifi needs Plaid to connect to your bank and pull transactions automatically. Budgero is manual-first by design. You stay in control of what data enters your budget.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Budgero | Quicken Simplifi |
|---|---|---|
| Annual price | $80/yearOr free with Self-Host | $47.88/year |
| Monthly price | $9.99/mo | $3.99/mo |
| Budgeting method | Zero-basedEvery dollar gets a job | Spending planTracks spending after the fact |
| Zero-knowledge encryption | We cannot see your data | Data stored on Quicken servers |
| Bank sync required | Manual-first by design | Core functionality depends on it |
| Multi-currency support | 168 currencies with live FX rates | USD only |
| Works offline | Cloud-only, needs internet | |
| Investment tracking | Manual | AutomaticSyncs with brokerages |
| Shared budgets | ||
| Self-host option | Free forever with full features | |
| Works worldwide | US focused |
Simplifi is a solid product. Here is where it genuinely does better than Budgero:
Real Users, Real Budgets
People who switched from YNAB and other tools share their experience.
I used YNAB for years and love zero-based budgeting. Budgero nails the same methodology with a design I actually enjoy using. I keep coming back because I'm a budget geek. The SQL Explorer is a dream if you have a technical background.
I started with YNAB and then tried a bunch of different tools over the past year. Budgero is the closest to perfect for my use case while also matching what I want visually. Transaction entry is fast, the savings goals with sub-sections are exactly what I need, and the whole experience just feels right.
The app is really advanced in both functionality and UI. I was impressed by how polished the whole experience feels. This is a serious budgeting tool with a design that competes with anything on the market.
The latest update made a noticeable difference. Animations are smoother, everything feels faster. Nice to see a budgeting tool where the developer actually cares about performance.
Try Budgero free for 14 days. Zero-based budgeting, zero-knowledge encryption, and 168 currencies with no bank connection required.
Want all features for free? Self-host Budgero with full sync, multi-currency, and collaboration.