The Best 4 Budgeting Apps in the UK (And Why One Stands Above the Rest)
Get your free mogul account →I’ve tested dozens of them over the years — some good, some gimmicky, and some... well, best left unmentioned. Here’s a rundown of the four best budgeting apps available in the UK right now, based on real usability, smart features, and actual day-to-day helpfulness.
1. 🏆 Mogul — The Future of Budgeting (and Your Finances)
Let’s get straight to the point: Mogul is the most intelligent personal finance app available in the UK right now.
It’s not just a budgeting app — it’s more like having a financial planner in your pocket. Mogul takes your income, spending, debts, savings, and pension contributions and actually tells you what it all means. Not in spreadsheet gobbledygook — but in plain, actionable language.
What makes Mogul different?
- ✅ AI-powered insights: Instead of just tracking what you spend, Mogul shows you what’s working, what’s hurting your future, and what to change — backed by real data.
- ✅ A real ‘Where You Stand’ report: Ever wondered how your finances stack up against other people your age, income, or region? Mogul gives you a percentile-based breakdown — without judgement, just facts.
- ✅ Future modelling: Want to see what would happen if you overpaid your mortgage, upped your pension by 2%, or invested your cash reserves? You can simulate that.
- ✅ Retirement calculator that actually means something: This isn’t a basic “guess your age and get a bar chart” tool. Mogul’s retirement calculator is built on your actual income, pension contributions, employer matching, expenses, and lifestyle targets — and projects how your retirement could really look. Want to retire early? It’ll tell you how much you’d need. Think you’ll coast till 70? It’ll show you what that means in pounds and pence.
- ✅ Super clean design: It’s fast, easy to understand, and doesn't bombard you with ads or try to upsell you nonsense.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to actually understand their finances — not just track them. Perfect for professionals, young families, or anyone looking to grow wealth without faff.
2. 🧮 Emma — Great for Tracking & Subscription Spotting
Emma markets itself as your “best financial friend” — and in many ways, it delivers on that promise.
What it's really good at is aggregating all your bank accounts, cards, and subscriptions into one simple feed. It's ideal if you've got a few different bank accounts floating around and want to know what you're actually spending across the board.
What it does well:
- 🔎 Automatically categorises spending (mostly accurately)
- 💡 Flags forgotten subscriptions — Spotify trials, random food boxes, that gym you never visit
- 🎯 Sets simple goals and spending limits
What it's not:
It’s not a planning tool. It won’t tell you whether your pension contributions are too low or whether overpaying your mortgage makes sense. But for pure spending visibility, Emma’s excellent.
Who it’s for: People who want a clear view of what’s going on, and those bleeding money on “free trials.”
📱 Try Emma →
3. 💰 Moneyhub — Feature-Packed and FCA-Regulated
If you're into the details and want something a bit more “finance pro” in feel, Moneyhub is a powerful option. It's regulated by the FCA and offers integrations with pensions, mortgages, and even investments.
The catch? It’s a bit clunky to look at — but that’s forgivable when you realise how much depth is packed into it.
Highlights:
- 🧩 Supports Open Banking plus investment platforms, pensions, and property values
- 📈 Net worth tracking built-in
- 🛠️ You can customise your categories to death if you like that kind of thing
What it's missing:
It doesn’t guide you in the same way Mogul does. It shows you the data — but leaves the thinking to you. A lot of people will find it pretty overwhelming.
Who it’s for: Spreadsheet nerds, DIY finance types, or anyone with complex assets.
📱 Explore Moneyhub →
4. 👀 Snoop — The Bargain-Hunter’s App
Snoop is all about helping you save money. It connects to your bank accounts, watches your spending, and recommends cheaper providers for things like energy, broadband, and insurance.
It’s the Martin Lewis of budgeting apps: frugal, clever, and always sniffing out a deal.
Best bits:
- 🕵️♂️ “Snoops” you can enable to spot better deals
- 🔔 Bill reminders and cash flow notifications
- 🏷️ Tells you where your biggest leaks are — without judgement
Limitations:
It's not a full budgeting tool — there’s no retirement planner or wealth simulator — but it is great for trimming waste.
Who it’s for: Deal chasers, energy switchers, and anyone looking to cut costs without spreadsheets.
📱 Check out Snoop →
✍️ Final Thoughts
The truth is, all four of these apps have something going for them. If you’re just starting out and want visibility, Emma’s a great shout. If you're chasing savings, Snoop might do the trick. Moneyhub’s got the tools for the finance nerds.
But if you’re serious about taking control of your money, building wealth over time, and making decisions that actually move the needle — Mogul is in a league of its own.
It's not just the smartest app — it’s one of the few that genuinely respects your intelligence.
And that’s worth a download.
Want help choosing the right tool for you?
Mogul's free Financial Health Check can show you where you stand today — and what’s possible tomorrow.
Your future self will thank you.
