# Actual: Free Open Source Alternative to Mint, PocketGuard, Rocket Money

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/actual
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Actual (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Mint, PocketGuard, Rocket Money. Privacy-focused personal finance app using envelope budgeting, multi-device sync, optional end-to-end encryption, and bank sync for US, EU, and UK users.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Actual
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://actualbudget.org/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/actualbudget/actual
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 30.1k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/actualbudget/actual or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Mint.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (3)
Replacing these paid tools with Actual saves up to $75/mo ($900/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Mint](https://caniforkit.com/mint) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Mint vs Actual](https://caniforkit.com/vs/mint-vs-actual) |
| [PocketGuard](https://caniforkit.com/pocketguard) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare PocketGuard vs Actual](https://caniforkit.com/vs/pocketguard-vs-actual) |
| [Rocket Money](https://caniforkit.com/rocket-money) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Rocket Money vs Actual](https://caniforkit.com/vs/rocket-money-vs-actual) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Actual free and open source?
Actual is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Privacy-focused personal finance app using envelope budgeting, multi-device sync, optional end-to-end encryption, and bank sync for US, EU, and UK users.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Actual?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Mint.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)