actual
SHA-256A local-first, open-source personal finance tool with multi-device sync, completely free. Uses envelope budgeting and supports self-hosting or desktop apps.
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v26.5.2 · 132 MB
Free, open-source, local-first budgeting app with sync—a great alternative to YNAB.
Core Features
- Local-first: data stored on your device, privacy guaranteed
- Free & open-source (MIT): no subscriptions, full control
- Multi-device sync: optional sync across devices
- Multiple deployment options: one-click, Docker, standalone apps
- Envelope budgeting: proven method to allocate every dollar
What It Can't Do
- •Self-hosting requires technical knowledge (Docker, domain, etc.). Sync requires a self-hosted server or paid hosting. Fewer advanced features than paid alternatives (e.g., investment tracking, bill reminders). Regular backups recommended.
Use Cases
- Daily personal/family budgeting and expense tracking
- Migration from paid tools like YNAB or Mint
- Users who value data privacy and want to avoid commercial tracking
- Tech-savvy users self-hosting budget service on NAS or server
Detailed Introduction
Actual Budget is a privacy-focused, local-first personal finance application that helps you manage your money without subscription fees. It's fully open-source (MIT), written in Node.js, and offers optional synchronization so you can use the same budget across devices. You can deploy it via one-click hosting (PikaPods), Docker self-hosting, or run it as a standalone desktop app for Windows, Mac, or Linux. Actual uses envelope budgeting—a proven method to allocate every dollar. Unlike paid services like YNAB, Actual is completely free and gives you full control over your data. The community is active, and the project has extensive documentation to help you get started or migrate from other budgeting apps.
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Getting Started
Download installer
Click the button above to download the installer for your system
Install the software
Install the appropriate package for your distro (dpkg / rpm / AppImage)
Step 1: Visit actualbudget.org/download and get the desktop app for your OS
Step 2: Install by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the wizard
Step 3: Launch the app, create a new budget file or import existing data
- Step 1: Visit actualbudget.org/download and get the desktop app for your OS
- Step 2: Install by double-clicking the downloaded file and following the wizard
- Step 3: Launch the app, create a new budget file or import existing data
SHA-256 checksum verified
Checksum extracted from GitHub official Release page
SHA256 Checksum
1a5fee88c3a7a8899673c37292378bf59e53c987d70e2d015a40d5b5bce864f6This checksum is extracted from the GitHub Release page. Verify file integrity after download.
All SHA-256 checksums on this platform are extracted from the project's official GitHub Release page, without any modification. You can independently verify them on the GitHub Releases page.
Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
Desktop app: uninstall via system settings or control panel. Self-hosted/Docker: stop container and remove volume. Always back up your budget files (.actual) first.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
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