Rocket Money vs YNAB
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: YNAB (4.7/5)
We tested Rocket Money and YNAB side-by-side. YNAB comes out ahead overall, but Rocket Money may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Rocket Money | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 | 8.8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Rocket Money | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Negotiation | Yes | No |
| Subscriptions | Yes | No |
| Zero-Based Budget | No | Yes |
| Bank Sync | No | Yes |
| Goals | No | Yes |
| Reports | No | Yes |
| Education | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Rocket Money: Free – $12/mo
YNAB: $14.99/mo or $109/yr
Rocket Money Pros & Cons
Pros
- Average user saves $740/year
- Automatic subscription detection and cancellation
- Bill negotiation team (pay only if they save you money)
- Clean, intuitive mobile interface
- Credit score monitoring (Premium)
- Smart savings automation
Cons
- Premium costs $4-$12/month
- Bill negotiation takes 30-60% of first year savings
- Free tier limited to subscription tracking
- No investment tracking
- Some subscriptions harder to cancel than others
YNAB Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero-based method genuinely changes spending habits
- Average user saves $600 in first 2 months
- Excellent goal tracking with visual progress
- Supportive community and free workshops
- Cross-platform with real-time sync
Cons
- $14.99/month is expensive for a budgeting app
- Steep learning curve (2-3 weeks)
- Bank sync reliability varies
- No bill pay or money movement features
- Desktop app discontinued
Key Specifications
| Spec | Rocket Money | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $12/mo | $14.99/mo or $109/yr |
| Year Founded | 2015 | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Washington, DC | Lehi, UT |
Our Verdict
YNAB wins overall. Choose Rocket Money if you value Subscription-heavy consumers. Choose YNAB if you prioritize Debt payoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rocket Money better than YNAB?
Based on our testing, YNAB scores higher with a rating of 4.7/5 compared to Rocket Money's 4.2/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Rocket Money and YNAB?
Rocket Money is known for: Bill negotiation and subscription cancellation app.. YNAB is known for: The zero-based budgeting app that genuinely changes your relationship with money..
Which is cheaper, Rocket Money or YNAB?
Rocket Money pricing: Free – $12/mo. YNAB pricing: $14.99/mo or $109/yr.
Can I use Rocket Money and YNAB together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Budgeting Apps category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Rocket Money?
Average user saves $740/year. Automatic subscription detection and cancellation. Bill negotiation team (pay only if they save you money)
What are the pros of YNAB?
Zero-based method genuinely changes spending habits. Average user saves $600 in first 2 months. Excellent goal tracking with visual progress
Which budgeting apps should I choose?
Choose Rocket Money if you value Subscription-heavy consumers. Choose YNAB if you prioritize Debt payoff.