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Add to SafariWhen comparing You Need A Budget vs GnuCash, the Slant community recommends GnuCash for most people. In the question“What are the best personal finance/budgeting software tools?” GnuCash is ranked 1st while You Need A Budget is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose GnuCash is:
GnuCash supports Linux, OSX and Windows and is also free on those platforms.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Fantastic support, community, and training options
Pro Cloud sync to Dropbox
There is an optional cloud syn with Dropbox.
Pro Syncs all info to desktop application
This companion mobile app will sync it's data with the desktop application so users can update their info on the fly.
Pro Multiple mobile device sync
A whole family of devices can all sync to the same account. This way everyone can stay abreast of how much money is available.
Pro Multi-platform and free
GnuCash supports Linux, OSX and Windows and is also free on those platforms.
Pro Double entry accounting
By fully using the double entry accounting features in GnuCash, you can know (for example) not only that you spent $25 at Hugemart but that you spent $13 on groceries, $2 on disinfecting wipes, and $5 on motor oil. Later on, you can use data from that transaction and others to find out how much you're spending each month on food, home supplies, and car maintenance, along with other expense categories.
Pro Investment support
Pro Small business accounting
Pro Auto backup
GnuCash has auto backup settings so users can set it and forget it.
Pro Easily set up
GnuCash walks the user through setting up their accounts making setup extremely easy for new users.
Cons
Con Not a stand alone application
This app is unable to be used unless the user already owns and uses the desktop application.
Con Data must be input manually
Other apps grab information directly from banks.
Con Report customization is complex and difficult
Setting the options for existing reports requires use of a multi-tab interface with poor usability. Creating new reports requires programming that will be beyond the abilities (or desire to spend time and effort) of many users.
Con Double entry accounting may be confusing or difficult for non business owners
For those that are unfamiliar with double entry bookkeeping it may be difficult to understand making using GnuCash a bit confusing on how it works.
