OSS TanbouOverview
Actual Budget is an MIT-licensed budgeting app that keeps personal-finance data local-first while optionally synchronizing changes between devices through a sync component. It supports PikaPods, Fly.io, self-hosted Docker, and local-only desktop deployments. The latest release as of September 16, 2026 is v26.9.0.
Features and best fit
Based on official documentation; not hands-on tested · Content checked:
Separate local-first data from synchronization so budgeting still works without a permanent server dependency
The README describes Actual as a local-first personal finance tool with a synchronization element that can move changes between devices. Local-only desktop apps are also provided, so a sync server is not required to start using it.
Sources: [2]
Build around envelope budgeting and choose desktop, self-hosted, or managed deployment
Envelope budgeting is a core workflow. The README documents four deployment paths: PikaPods, Fly.io, Docker self-hosting, and local-only Windows/macOS/Linux apps, letting users trade operational effort for convenience.
For people who want control over both their budget data and where synchronization happens
It fits personal-finance users who want a path from a single-device local app to a self-hosted sync server. The community documentation also provides migration paths from other budgeting tools.
Sources: [2]
Local-first and self-hosted do not mean operations disappear once you add sync
A desktop-only setup and a self-hosted multi-device setup have different operational surfaces. Running a server means managing backups, updates, TLS, and access control. Because financial data is accuracy-sensitive, reconciling imported or synchronized balances against source records remains prudent.
Sources: [2]
Official sources
- [1]actualbudget/actual — GitHub repository metadata(2026-09-16)
- [2]Actual Budget — README(2026-09-16)
- [3]Actual Budget v26.9.0 release(2026-09-16)
Supplemental curator note
Its strength is combining local-first data with optional multi-device sync and both desktop-only and self-hosted paths. Running a sync server also makes backups, TLS, and access control your responsibility.
Try it in 3 steps
- 1
Get the local-only app
For the shortest evaluation path, use the Windows/macOS/Linux local-only app linked by the README without requiring a sync server.
https://actualbudget.org/download/ - 2
Install the desktop app
Launch the desktop build for your operating system.
Install Actual for Windows / macOS / Linux - 3
Try envelope budgeting
Create a budget and accounts, then verify the local-first workflow. Add a managed or self-hosted sync server later if multi-device sync is needed.
Create a budget → Add accounts → Start envelope budgeting
Growth
Growth trends · Last 30 days
28,937 Stars
Trend data is still being collected.
Development activity
Last 90 days · weekly
- Commits (last 30 days)
- 80
- Open PRs
- 73
Development activity is still being collected.
Built with
Categories and tags
Categories
GitHub data
GitHub dataView detailed GitHub data
GitHub Topics
- budgeting
- finance
- money
- personal-finance
- Stars
- 28,937
- Forks
- 2,989
- Watchers
- 88
- Open issues
- 179
- Primary language
- TypeScript
- License
- MIT
- Repository last updated
- Sep 16, 2026
Related information
Write a related articleShare a guide or use case for this OSS in Markdown. Articles are published after administrator approval.
Explore next
- n8n204,525 Stars
A fair-code platform combining a visual canvas and code for service integrations, workflows, and AI agents.
TypeScript - Oh My Zsh189,748 Stars
A community framework for managing Zsh configuration through plugins, themes, and an update mechanism.
Shell - Ollama181,118 Stars
A runtime for downloading and running open models on a computer or server through a CLI and local API.
Go - AUTOMATIC1111 Stable Diffusion WebUI164,915 Stars
A Gradio UI for Stable Diffusion image generation, editing, model selection, extensions, and APIs.
Python - Dify155,932 Stars
A visual LLM application platform combining AI workflows, RAG, agents, model management, and observability.
TypeScript
Report incorrect information
Tell us if any listing information is incorrect or outdated.