Send us a mail

support@homebudgettools.com

Contact Us

+1 (686) 871-5348

Facebook Twitter Youtube

Beancount

Beancount Beancount is not a typical finance app with windows, menus, and dashboards. It’s a text-based accounting system: instead of clicking through forms, users write their accounts and transactions in plain text files. At first this approach can feel unusual, but many finance enthusiasts like the transparency and control it brings. How it works in practice
download
Request Setup

Beancount

Beancount is not a typical finance app with windows, menus, and dashboards. It’s a text-based accounting system: instead of clicking through forms, users write their accounts and transactions in plain text files. At first this approach can feel unusual, but many finance enthusiasts like the transparency and control it brings.

How it works in practice

A Beancount file looks like a ledger written in a structured format. Accounts are declared — assets, liabilities, income, expenses — and transactions are added line by line. Because it follows strict double-entry rules, the data remains consistent and easy to audit. Reports and charts are generated later through companion tools, such as Fava, a web interface that visualizes Beancount data. This makes it popular among people who prefer to keep their finances close to code or version control systems.

Technical snapshot

Aspect Details
Platforms Cross-platform (any OS with Python support)
License Open-source (GPL)
Storage Plain text files
Import options Custom scripts, CSV, plugins
Export options Through Fava or external tools (HTML, charts, JSON)
Core strengths Double-entry, text-based input, automation via scripts
Multi-currency Fully supported
Privacy 100% local, no cloud dependency

Getting started

Beancount is installed like a Python package. After setup, users create a text file that serves as the main ledger. Transactions are written manually, though import scripts exist to pull data from banks. To view results, many pair it with Fava, which provides a browser interface with charts and reports. Backups are natural — since everything is plain text, files can be kept in Git or any version control system.

Who uses it

– People who enjoy text-driven workflows and want maximum control.
– Freelancers or tech-savvy users who already keep records in plain text or Git repositories.
– Those who value absolute transparency and dislike “black box” finance software.

Why people stay with it

Beancount is lightweight, hackable, and free. It doesn’t hide anything — what you see in the file is exactly what the system processes. The strict rules prevent accounting mistakes, while add-ons and scripts let advanced users shape it to their needs. With Fava or similar tools, it becomes a full dashboard while keeping the core simple.

Bottom line

Beancount is not for everyone — it asks for some discipline and comfort with text files. But for those who prefer clarity, precision, and openness over glossy interfaces, it’s one of the most flexible and reliable accounting systems available.

  • OS: Windows / Linux / macOS
  • Size: 11 MB
  • Version: 1.2.1
  • Download: 4,513 stars

Beancount Final Verdict — Open‑Source Cross‑Platform Finance System

beancount review: Comprehensive Functional Overview

Beancount is a free, open-source, and cross-platform finance system that allows users to track their expenses, income, and investments with ease. It’s designed to be a comprehensive alternative to traditional budgeting software, providing users with a wide range of features to manage their finances effectively. In this beancount review, we will explore the setup process, core tools, tracking workflow, pros, cons, and compare it to other free budgeting apps.

Installation Process Overview

Before diving into the features of Beancount, let’s take a look at the installation process. Beancount is available for download on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The installation process is straightforward, and users can follow these steps:

  • Download the Beancount installer from the official website.
  • Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Beancount.
  • Once installed, launch Beancount and create a new account.

Beancount also offers a portable version that can be run from a USB drive, making it easy to use on multiple devices.

Beancount быстрый старт

Core Features and Tools

Beancount offers a wide range of features and tools to help users manage their finances effectively. Some of the key features include:

  • Transaction tracking: Beancount allows users to track their transactions, including income, expenses, and investments.
  • Budgeting: Users can set budgets for different categories and track their spending.
  • Investment tracking: Beancount allows users to track their investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
  • Reporting: Users can generate reports to track their financial progress.

Beancount also offers a range of tools to help users manage their finances, including:

  • Account linking: Users can link their bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts to Beancount.
  • Automatic transaction importing: Beancount can automatically import transactions from linked accounts.
  • Transaction categorization: Beancount can automatically categorize transactions based on type.

Tracking Workflow

Beancount’s tracking workflow is designed to be easy to use and intuitive. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Link your accounts: Link your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts to Beancount.
  2. Import transactions: Beancount will automatically import transactions from linked accounts.
  3. Categorize transactions: Beancount will automatically categorize transactions based on type.
  4. Track spending: Use Beancount’s budgeting tools to track your spending.
  5. Generate reports: Use Beancount’s reporting tools to track your financial progress.

Pros and Cons

Beancount has a range of pros and cons that make it a unique finance system. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages:

Pros Cons
Free and open-source: Beancount is completely free and open-source, making it a great option for users who want to avoid subscription fees. Steep learning curve: Beancount can be complex to use, especially for users who are new to finance systems.
Comprehensive features: Beancount offers a wide range of features to help users manage their finances effectively. Limited mobile support: Beancount’s mobile app is limited, and users may find it easier to use the web version.
Cross-platform compatibility: Beancount is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. No customer support: Beancount is a free and open-source system, and users may not have access to customer support.

Comparison to Other Free Budgeting Apps

Beancount is just one of many free budgeting apps available. Here’s a comparison of Beancount to some other popular options:

App Features Pros Cons
Beancount Transaction tracking, budgeting, investment tracking, reporting Free and open-source, comprehensive features Steep learning curve, limited mobile support
Mint Transaction tracking, budgeting, credit score monitoring Easy to use, comprehensive features Subscription fees, limited investment tracking
Personal Capital Transaction tracking, budgeting, investment tracking Comprehensive features, easy to use Subscription fees, limited reporting

Final Verdict

Beancount is a comprehensive and feature-rich finance system that is well-suited for users who want to manage their finances effectively. While it may have a steep learning curve, Beancount’s free and open-source nature makes it a great option for users who want to avoid subscription fees. However, users who are looking for a more user-friendly interface may want to consider other options.

Beancount Review Summary
Pros: Free and open-source, comprehensive features, cross-platform compatibility
Cons: Steep learning curve, limited mobile support, no customer support
Rating: 4.5/5

Beancount быстрый старт

Other programs

Ledger Live (Free personal use)

Ledger Live (Free personal use) Ledger Live is the companion app built for Ledger hardware wallets, but even on its own it works as a free portfolio manager. Instead of focusing on daily expenses like most budgeting apps, Ledger Live is all about digital assets. It keeps track of balances, transactions, and price movements across different cryptocurrencies in one simple interface. Everyday use
Read more

Kresus

Kresus Kresus is an open-source finance app that runs in the browser. It isn’t trying to look like a polished commercial product, but that’s also its charm. Everything is transparent, the code is public, and data can stay exactly where the user wants it — on their own server if they choose. For many, that sense of control is the main reason to pick it over cloud-only tools. Everyday use
Read more

Financier.io (Free plan)

Alzex Personal Finance Free Alzex Personal Finance Free is a lightweight version of the Alzex family finance manager. It was designed with households in mind, offering a way to track daily expenses and budgets without diving into complex accounting. The focus here is clarity: categories, budgets, and simple reports that help families or individuals keep finances under control. How it feels in use
Read more

Buckaroo

Buckaroo Buckaroo is a small, straightforward budgeting tool that focuses on one thing: keeping track of spending with as little friction as possible. It doesn’t try to compete with glossy finance apps or heavy accounting suites. Instead, it gives people a clean, simple way to assign money to categories and watch how it flows out over time. For many, that minimalism is exactly what makes it appealing. Everyday use
Read more

Plain Text Accounting (hledger)

Plain Text Accounting (hledger) hledger belongs to the Plain Text Accounting family of tools, and it feels quite different from the usual budgeting apps. There are no bright dashboards or endless menus here — everything lives in plain text files. At first glance it may look unusual, almost old-fashioned, but that simplicity is also its biggest strength. Transactions are written line by line, and from there the system can build reports, charts, or balance sheets with complete accuracy. Everyday u
Read more

Actual Budget (Free version)

Actual Budget (Free version) Actual Budget feels very different from the typical money apps you find in app stores today. There’s no subscription to worry about, no ads, and no constant push to connect with a cloud account. Everything stays on your computer, in simple local files. For many people that’s the main reason to use it — control and privacy come first, while all the core features are still included in the free version. Everyday use
Read more

Submit your application