Does YNAB run on Linux?

Verdict: Yes

Yes. YNAB is a web app with no desktop program on any system, so it works the same on Linux in Firefox or Chrome with your budget and phone apps untouched.

YNAB by You Need A Budget · Money & tax · Works in a browser

YNAB lists itself as running on iOS, Android and the web. There is no installed program for Windows either, so there is nothing you are giving up by moving.

Sign in at ynab.com in Firefox or Chrome and your budget, categories, accounts, targets and reports are all there. Bank imports keep working because they happen on YNAB's side, not on your computer. Your phone app carries on as before, and your subscription covers the account rather than a machine.

Most browsers will let you install the page as its own window from the address bar menu, which gives you a YNAB icon in your dock and a window without browser clutter.

The only real catch is that you need a connection to use it, which was already true on Windows. If you would rather keep your money on your own computer and stop paying a subscription, the envelope-style budgeting YNAB does is something HomeBank and KMyMoney both offer, in plainer clothes.

What to use instead of YNAB

HomeBank

Different way of workingFree

Free, simple and installed on your own machine. Budgets, scheduled payments and clear charts. No bank connection, so you import statements yourself.

Your files: Imports QIF, OFX and CSV files. YNAB can export your budget as CSV to get the history across.

KMyMoney

Different way of workingFree

More thorough than HomeBank, with proper account ledgers and reports. A busier window to learn.

Your files: Imports QIF, OFX and CSV. Categories usually need tidying after an import.

GnuCash

Different way of workingFree

Full double entry accounting, free and long established. Overkill for a household budget unless you want the rigour.

Your files: Imports QIF and OFX files from a bank.

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