5 Best Budget Apps in India: Track Expenses and Save Money Easily in 2025

Managing money can be tricky, but budget apps make it simple and stress-free. In India, where every rupee counts, using the right budgeting app can help you track expenses, save for goals, and avoid overspending. Whether you’re saving for a new gadget or planning a family vacation, these apps are your go-to tools. Let’s explore the best budget apps in India for 2025, how they work, and why you need one to achieve financial freedom.

Why Use Budget Apps in India?

Budget apps help you understand where your money goes each month. They track your spending, categorize expenses (like groceries, bills, or entertainment), and show you areas to save. In India, with rising costs and the popularity of digital payments like UPI, keeping tabs on expenses is more important than ever. A good budget app can:

Track Spending: See how much you spend on food, travel, or shopping.
Set Goals: Save for big purchases like a Samsung Galaxy S24 on Amazon or a family trip.
Save Time: Automate expense tracking by linking to your bank or UPI apps.
Avoid Debt: Stop overspending by setting budgets for each category.

With over 60% of Indians using digital payments (as per RBI reports), budget apps are a must to manage your finances smartly.

Top 5 Budget Apps in India for 2025

Here are the best budget apps in India that are easy to use, affordable, and packed with features to help you save money.

1. Walnut (Money Manager)

Walnut, now part of Cred’s family, is a popular choice for Indians. It automatically tracks expenses by reading SMS from your bank or UPI apps like Google Pay. You can set budgets for categories like groceries or dining out and get alerts when you’re close to overspending. Walnut also lets you split bills with friends, making it perfect for group outings.

Best For: Automatic expense tracking.
Cost: Free, with premium features at INR 299/year.
Where to Download: Available on Google Play and the App Store.

2. Moneycontrol

Moneycontrol isn’t just for stock market updates—it’s also a fantastic budget app. It lets you track expenses, manage investments, and set savings goals. You can link your bank accounts to see all your finances in one place. Moneycontrol also offers financial news and tips, helping you make smarter money decisions.

Best For: Tracking expenses and investments together.
Cost: Free, with optional premium plans.
Where to Download: Google Play and the App Store.

3. ET Money

ET Money is a versatile app for budgeting and investing. It tracks your expenses, categorizes them, and helps you plan for goals like buying a OnePlus Nord 4 on Amazon. ET Money also offers mutual fund investment options, making it a great choice if you want to grow your savings while managing daily expenses.

Best For: Budgeting and investing in one app.
Cost: Free, with in-app purchases for premium features.
Where to Download: Google Play and the App Store.

4. FinArt

FinArt is another great app that auto-tracks expenses by linking to your bank SMS or UPI apps like Google Pay. It categorizes your spending (e.g., food, travel) and provides summaries to show where you can save. FinArt also offers insights into your spending patterns, helping you cut unnecessary costs.

Best For: Detailed spending insights.
Cost: Free, with a premium plan at INR 499/year.
Where to Download: Google Play and the App Store.

5. GoodBudget

GoodBudget uses the envelope budgeting method, where you allocate money to categories like rent, groceries, or entertainment. Once the “envelope” is empty, you stop spending in that category. It’s simple and effective for those who want to control overspending.

Best For: Envelope budgeting method.
Cost: Free, with a premium plan at INR 599/year.
Where to Download: Google Play and the App Store.

How to Choose the Right Budget App for You

With so many options, picking the right app depends on your needs:

If you use UPI a lot: Choose Walnut or FinArt for automatic tracking via SMS.
If you also invest: Go for Moneycontrol or ET Money to manage expenses and investments together.
If you prefer simplicity: GoodBudget’s envelope system keeps things straightforward.

Also, check if the app is user-friendly, supports Indian banks, and offers features like goal setting or bill reminders. Most apps are free to start, so you can try a few before committing to a premium plan.

Tips to Maximize Savings with Budget Apps

Using a budget app is just the first step. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Set Realistic Budgets: If you spend INR 5,000 on groceries, set a budget of INR 4,500 to encourage saving.
Track Daily: Check your app daily to stay on top of your spending.
Link Accounts: Connect your bank or UPI apps for automatic tracking.
Plan Big Purchases: Save for items like a Samsung Galaxy Watch6 by setting monthly goals.
Review Monthly: Look at your spending reports to find areas to cut back, like eating out or subscriptions.

Read: Top 7 Ways to Save and Invest Money for Women

Top 7 Ways To Save And Invest Money For Women: A Guide To Wealth And Financial Prudence

Why Budgeting Matters in India

In India, where the cost of living is rising—especially in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore—budgeting is key to financial stability. For example, if you save INR 2,000 monthly by cutting unnecessary expenses, that’s INR 24,000 in a year—enough for a new JBL Bluetooth Speaker or a short vacation. Budget apps help you find these savings without much effort.

FAQs About Budget Apps in India

1. What are budget apps?

Budget apps are mobile tools that help you track your income, expenses, and savings. They categorize your spending and help you set financial goals.

2. Are budget apps safe to use?

Yes, most apps like Walnut and ET Money use encryption to protect your data. However, always check the app’s privacy policy and avoid sharing sensitive details like passwords.

3. Can I use budget apps for free?

Yes, apps like Moneycontrol and FinArt offer free versions with basic features. Premium plans unlock advanced tools like detailed reports or investment tracking.

4. Do budget apps work with Indian banks?

Most apps support major Indian banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI, as well as UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe.

5. How do budget apps help save money?

They show you where your money goes, helping you cut unnecessary spending. For example, you might notice you’re spending INR 3,000 monthly on dining out and decide to cook more at home.

Conclusion

Budget apps in India, like Walnut, Moneycontrol, and ET Money, make it easy to track expenses and save money in 2025. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase like a Redmi Note 13 Pro on Amazon or just want to manage daily expenses, these apps are a game-changer. Start with a free app, set your budgets, and watch your savings grow. Take control of your finances today and build a secure financial future!

5 Best Budget Apps in India: Track Expenses and Save Money Easily in 2025

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Why Use Budget Apps in India?