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actual

actual

Secure, private budgeting for individuals and households

softwarePersonal FinancePersonal FinanceLocal-firstPrivate
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Our Verdict

Best for

Privacy-conscious budgeters

Skip if

Cloud-reliant users

What is actual?

Actual is a local‑first personal finance manager that stores all data on your own device, keeping your financial information private and under your control. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and via a web interface, giving you seamless access wherever you work. Designed for individuals and small households, Actual offers robust budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting tools without any subscription fees. With open‑source transparency and community‑driven support, you can trust the app to evolve while staying completely free.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
github stars27,710
api available❌ No
support optionsGitHub Issues, Community Discord
primary languageTypeScript

Key Features of actual

Syncs your financial data locally across Windows, macOS, Linux and the web without relying on cloud services.
Provides a drag‑and‑drop budgeting interface that lets you allocate funds to custom categories in real time.
Automatically imports transactions from CSV, OFX, and QIF files, supporting most banks and credit cards.
Generates detailed reports and visualizations, including cash flow, net worth, and spending trends.
Runs as a self-hosted sync server or fully local file, so multiple devices can share one budget without a third-party service.
Offers secure encryption of all stored data, ensuring privacy even if the device is lost or stolen.
Supports recurring transactions, scheduled transfers, and bill reminders to help you stay on top of payments.
Offers an API and community-built importers for pulling in data from other budgeting tools.

Use Cases for actual

1

Monthly Household Budget

Create and track a family budget, assigning limits to categories like groceries, utilities, and entertainment.

2

Freelancer Income Management

Record client invoices, track business expenses and monitor cash flow separately from personal spending.

3

Vacation Savings Planner

Set a savings goal for a trip and visualize progress with automatic expense categorization.

4

Debt Repayment Tracker

Schedule loan payments, see interest accrual, and prioritize debt payoff strategies.

Pros & Cons of actual

Pros

  • Completely free and open source
  • Data stays on your device for maximum privacy
  • Works offline and syncs locally across platforms
  • Highly customizable budgeting and reporting

Cons

  • No built‑in cloud backup; users must set up their own sync solution
  • Steeper learning curve compared to simple expense apps
  • Limited mobile app functionality (web version only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Actual really free?

Yes, all core features are free and the software is released under an open‑source license.

Can I use Actual on my phone?

Actual provides a responsive web interface that works on mobile browsers, but there is no native iOS/Android app.

How is my data kept private?

All data is stored locally and encrypted on your device; no data is sent to external servers unless you configure your own sync.

What support options are available?

Actual is a community-run open-source project; questions and bug reports go through GitHub Issues and the community Discord rather than a support desk.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

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About the Tool

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Platforms
WebWindowsMacLinux
Target AudienceIndividuals and small households

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Personal FinanceLocal-firstPrivateSecureBudgeting

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