Why people switch from YNAB to Cadence
Cadence vs YNAB
| Cadence | YNAB | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2.49/m | ~$12.98/m |
| Available in Canada & USA | Yes | Yes |
| iOS, Android & Web apps | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-currency support | Yes | One per budget |
| TFSA, RRSP, FHSA tracking | Yes | Yes |
| AI training on your data | No | No |
| Official MCP integration | Yes | No |
| Passkey sign-in (all devices) | Yes | No |
| Works without bank syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Bank syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Budget & transaction tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Net worth tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Financial goals | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Insights & suggestions | Yes | No |
| Automations | Yes | No |
Competitor prices are approximate conversions. Pricing reflects annual plans billed yearly. Based on publicly available data as of March 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best YNAB alternative?
Cadence is a great YNAB alternative for people who want flexible budgeting without a strict method - and net worth, goals, bills and reporting in the same app. It works across Canada and the USA on iOS, Android and web.
Is Cadence cheaper than YNAB?
Yes, significantly. Cadence plans start at $2.49 CAD / $1.99 USD per month, compared with roughly $12.98 CAD / $9.08 USD per month for YNAB (annual billing).
Do I have to learn the YNAB method to use Cadence?
No. Cadence gives you flexible budgets, including rollover, without requiring a strict zero-based system. You can budget as loosely or as precisely as you like.
Does Cadence handle multiple currencies better than YNAB?
For many people, yes. YNAB uses a single currency per budget, while Cadence supports CAD, USD and GBP together and lets you choose your preferred display currency.
Can I switch from YNAB to Cadence?
Yes. You can import transactions from a CSV export, or connect your banks directly on the Cadence+ and Premium plans, and pick up where you left off.