Actual Budget vs Square
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs
A
Actual Budget
Open-source envelope budgeting app
4.4
Editorial RatingQuick Comparison
Rating
4.4
vs4.6
Starting Price
Free
vsFree
Pricing Model
free
vsfreemium
Feature
Actual Budget
Square
Envelope budgeting
Bank sync (SimpleFIN)
End-to-end encryption
Multi-device sync
Transaction import (QIF/OFX/CSV)
Self-hosted sync server
POS System
Payment Processing
Online Store
Invoicing
Inventory Management
Team Management
Actual Budget Pros
- Completely free with all features
- Local-first — fast and responsive
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Dead simple self-hosting (single container)
- Active community development (MIT license)
- 70% cheaper than YNAB even with add-ons
Actual Budget Cons
- Mobile apps deprecated (web app only)
- Bank sync US/Canada only
- No investment tracking
- No REST API for automation
- Credit card handling assumes full payoff
- Plugin system not yet shipped
Square Pros
- Free POS system with no monthly fees
- Excellent hardware options for in-person payments
- Integrated online and offline selling
- Fast next-day deposits as standard
- Easy to set up and start accepting payments
- Growing ecosystem with payroll, banking, and loans
Square Cons
- Processing fees are higher than negotiated merchant accounts
- Limited customization on the free tier
- Account stability issues reported by some merchants
- International availability is limited
- Advanced features require paid add-ons
- Not ideal for high-volume or enterprise businesses