Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to PocketGuard · 🛠️ dev tools
PocketGuard vs Actual
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. Here is how Actual ($0/mo open source) stacks up against PocketGuard ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Actual is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for PocketGuard. Switching from PocketGuard ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed PocketGuard.
Actual
$0.00/mo · Open Source
PocketGuard vs Actual Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | PocketGuard (Paid) | Actual (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 30.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from PocketGuard to Actual
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed PocketGuard.
How to deploy Actual
Clone https://github.com/actualbudget/actual or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Actual instead of vibe-coding a PocketGuard clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for PocketGuard or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 8 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Maybe.
PocketGuard vs Actual FAQ
Is Actual a good free alternative to PocketGuard?+
Yes. Actual is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for PocketGuard. 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 catch when switching from PocketGuard to Actual?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed PocketGuard.
How much do you save switching from PocketGuard to Actual?+
PocketGuard costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Actual is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Actual instead of PocketGuard?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/actualbudget/actual or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
