Sweep is an app for iOS or Android that aims to simplify the whole process of keeping track of travel and expense outgoings. Sweep comes with the added benefit of being powered by Open Banking, which means that you can use the app to connect to your bank accounts and, theoretically at least, make light work of tracking both outgoings and money coming in too. 

• Want to try Sweep? Check out the website here

On face value, the makers of Sweep have aimed to streamline the travel and expenses process by amalgamating everything into one package. However, you can currently choose between using two variants: Sweep Expenses and Sweep Travel, which is a little confusing for those looking at the app for the first time. The automated expense tracking system is aimed at everything from freelancers and start-ups through to small and medium enterprises. 

Sweep also comes with a collection of reporting tools, for better account management. The Travel edition offers up more features including being able to book accommodation and other business trip necessities. Other options worth looking at include FreshBooks, Invoice Expert Lite, Paypal Invoicing and NCH Express Invoice.

Pricing

As we mentioned above, there are actually two different products to choose from: Sweep Expenses and Sweep Travel. Sweep Expenses is currently priced at £5/month/user, with the first 5 expenses of the month free of charge. This makes it a tool that’s suitable for small teams with minimal expenses to file. 

The other product, Sweep Travel is priced at £10/month/user (+2.5% booking) and includes access to Sweep Expenses. According to a spokesperson for the company, this was formerly named Sweep Premium. If you’ve got the need to process more expenses and generally want a more feature-loaded package then Sweep Travel is the package to go for. 

To put it simply: Sweep Travel lets you use all the features of Sweep Expenses.

Features

There are several key features that make Sweep a worthy option if you’re looking to tackle both travel and expense chores. There’s a self-service booking platform for travel-related issues plus an in-app trip and expense approval design. Tackling expenses can be done using Sweep’s smart payment categorization tools while there’s real-time transaction tracking too. 

The app seems to be a bit of a work in process with more features appearing all the time. Logging expenses can be done in the time-honored tradition of taking a photo on your smartphone or capturing them as a PDF to log online transactions. Sweep is handy in that it auto-populates a lot of the fields when you add new expenses, so feature-wise it does everything you’d expect from software of this type. 

Once you’ve got a selection of expenses, say from a month or an event, you’ll be able to produce a detailed report, which can then be distributed as a CSV file, PDF or sent by email. This details all of your expenses, which can then be approved by the relevant department. Easy.

Performance

Overall, Sweep seems to be pretty good at holding your hand when it comes to keeping track of expenses and works well via the app. A feature such as the dynamic manner in which it can notify you of expenses is a little thing, but it’s hugely practical. The interface is light and airy, so there are no real clunky irritations as you find your way around.

Ease of use

After downloading the app, for either iOS or Android, the first thing you’ll want to do is link to your bank accounts. The software interface is nicely laid out, so going through this process for more than one account is very straightforward. A simple screen tap allows you to add additional accounts as and when you need to. This is really the key to how Sweep works, because transactions are dynamically updated on-the-fly. 

That means you’re always going to be getting up to date information on your finances and any new transactions. The app lets you create projects areas within the software that allow you to manage your various travel and expense responsibilities. It’s therefore easy to quickly create a dedicated folder for month-by-month tracking or, for example, a dedicated project folder for a specific event or business trip.

Support

While there doesn't seem to be all that much to get confused about once you’re in the Sweep app the supporting website isn't quite as intuitive as we’d have hoped for. There’s the capacity for messaging the Sweep team using a browser window chat tool, plus an area that covers FAQs does the job of answering many of your questions. 

Sweep’s website is so minimal though you do feel as though you’re on your own a bit, which in the case of the new features that look set to be added on a rolling basis, feels like a bit of a shortcoming.

Final verdict

Sweep seems well targeted with its core focus being on SMEs, which don't have time and large budgets available in order to stay on tome of processing travel and expenses. Both variants of the app (Expenses and Travel) are based around secure Open Banking technology, which means that much of the legwork is fully automated. 

There are plenty of solid features too, with lots of one-click functionality for getting normally long-winded expense claims processes completed, along with instant currency conversions for all transactions. Add the powerful reporting options that are available and Sweep becomes a very appealing not to mention affordable expense tracking solution. 

While this is an app that’s very clearly still evolving, it’s pretty useful as is.

• These are the best expense tracker apps and software 

MoneyGram is one of the largest and longest running money transfer companies in the world. The very well seasoned service has a huge array of agent locations dotted right around the globe with all kinds of presence in at least 200 different countries. The business offers a selection of services such as sending and receiving cash along with the ability to pick up money from outlets too. 

Whilst it is used by large numbers of people around the world MoneyGram does also seem to attract its fair share of detractors and negative reviews. Nevertheless, anyone wanting speedy cash transfers, especially during coronavirus, should find it worthy of investigation. Competitor products include WorldRemit, Azimo, Venmo, Western Union, PayPal and Zelle.

• Want to try MoneyGram? Check out the website here

Pricing

Transferring money invariably involves a cost for the convenience and MoneyGram is no exception. If you’re moving money, either domestically or internationally then you’ll be charged for the privilege. What you’ll pay depends on where the online transfer is being carried out, so fees will be dependent on where money is being sent from and where it’s supposed to end up. 

MoneyGram has engineered a tier-based fee system and moving money by bank is more likely to be cheaper than doing it on your credit or debit card. Recipients who get their transfer straight into a bank account are likely to keep fees lower too, as opposed to having physical cash available at the other end. 

You’ll also need to keep an eye on exchange rates as these can fluctuate according to how you’re paying for the transaction. MoneyGram also operates a rewards system that offers a percentage off future transactions if you’re planning on using it regularly.

Features

Flexibility is perhaps the main factor that attracts people to MoneyGram, thanks to its countless outlets around the world and the ability to transfer money quickly using a variety of methods. MoneyGram can be used in several different ways, including solely online as well as offering the ability to pick up cash at one of those many agent outlets. 

You can also move money to a traditional bank account, mobile wallets or to a Visa debit card if, for example, you’re using it in the UK. The convenience factor is boosted by the fact that transfers can be carried out to over 200 countries and in around 50 different currencies.

Performance

As with anything, if you’re prepared to pay more then the MoneyGram service can be a lot speedier. If you pay for a transfer using a card then it could mean that funds will go from A to B in around 10 minutes. However, using a credit card in order to do this will likely mean you pay a cash advance fee into the bargain. If you’re in no particular hurry and have advance warning about needing to move money using MoneyGram, then the more sedate but lower costing bank account route is the better option. That could take as long as five working days however.

Ease of use

While there is nothing too demanding about using MoneyGram to transfer cash, it’s also worth noting that the company has suffered some issues with security scares. There are also numerous scams that have been linked to money transfer services. If you need to transfer money you should be as diligent as possible and carry out the same level of checks as you’d make for any other online transaction. 

As for actually making a transaction online, you’ll need to register for an account, select a bank or MoneyGram outlet and then decide how you want to move your money. Transfers can also be set up online and you can then pop to a MoneyGram outlet and pay with cash. MoneyGram even offers the ability to send money via Facebook.

Support

While there’s nothing too involved with using MoneyGram, the company has thankfully done its bit when providing support options. There’s a whole hub online within its website. Including in here are options for contacting MoneyGram directly, for general questions, complaints or issues surrounding fraud. In the same area you’ll find a decent set of FAQs, which cover all of the major features of MoneyGram that you need to know about. There’s a live chat-style widget for instant contact too.

Final verdict

MoneyGram could prove useful if you need to send or receive cash but it is not without its downsides. The company seems to get a fair amount of negative reviews for a raft of reasons. However, the business has been around for a long time, and with such a large user base it’s hardly surprising that a percentage of customers will feel MoneyGram hasn't provided them with the best experience. 

While there are positives, especially thanks to the worldwide availability of MoneyGram, the services it provides can be costly and exchange rates aren’t always the most competitive. As with most exchange models, you get a bit of a mixed bag and, it seems, quite widely varying levels of customer satisfaction.

• We've also highlighted the best personal finance software  

MoneyGram is one of the largest and longest running money transfer companies in the world. The very well seasoned service has a huge array of agent locations dotted right around the globe with all kinds of presence in at least 200 different countries. The business offers a selection of services such as sending and receiving cash along with the ability to pick up money from outlets too. 

Whilst it is used by large numbers of people around the world MoneyGram does also seem to attract its fair share of detractors and negative reviews. Nevertheless, anyone wanting speedy cash transfers, especially during coronavirus, should find it worthy of investigation. Competitor products include WorldRemit, Azimo, Venmo, Western Union, PayPal and Zelle.

• Want to try MoneyGram? Check out the website here

Pricing

Transferring money invariably involves a cost for the convenience and MoneyGram is no exception. If you’re moving money, either domestically or internationally then you’ll be charged for the privilege. What you’ll pay depends on where the online transfer is being carried out, so fees will be dependent on where money is being sent from and where it’s supposed to end up. 

MoneyGram has engineered a tier-based fee system and moving money by bank is more likely to be cheaper than doing it on your credit or debit card. Recipients who get their transfer straight into a bank account are likely to keep fees lower too, as opposed to having physical cash available at the other end. 

You’ll also need to keep an eye on exchange rates as these can fluctuate according to how you’re paying for the transaction. MoneyGram also operates a rewards system that offers a percentage off future transactions if you’re planning on using it regularly.

Features

Flexibility is perhaps the main factor that attracts people to MoneyGram, thanks to its countless outlets around the world and the ability to transfer money quickly using a variety of methods. MoneyGram can be used in several different ways, including solely online as well as offering the ability to pick up cash at one of those many agent outlets. 

You can also move money to a traditional bank account, mobile wallets or to a Visa debit card if, for example, you’re using it in the UK. The convenience factor is boosted by the fact that transfers can be carried out to over 200 countries and in around 50 different currencies.

Performance

As with anything, if you’re prepared to pay more then the MoneyGram service can be a lot speedier. If you pay for a transfer using a card then it could mean that funds will go from A to B in around 10 minutes. However, using a credit card in order to do this will likely mean you pay a cash advance fee into the bargain. If you’re in no particular hurry and have advance warning about needing to move money using MoneyGram, then the more sedate but lower costing bank account route is the better option. That could take as long as five working days however.

Ease of use

While there is nothing too demanding about using MoneyGram to transfer cash, it’s also worth noting that the company has suffered some issues with security scares. There are also numerous scams that have been linked to money transfer services. If you need to transfer money you should be as diligent as possible and carry out the same level of checks as you’d make for any other online transaction. 

As for actually making a transaction online, you’ll need to register for an account, select a bank or MoneyGram outlet and then decide how you want to move your money. Transfers can also be set up online and you can then pop to a MoneyGram outlet and pay with cash. MoneyGram even offers the ability to send money via Facebook.

Support

While there’s nothing too involved with using MoneyGram, the company has thankfully done its bit when providing support options. There’s a whole hub online within its website. Including in here are options for contacting MoneyGram directly, for general questions, complaints or issues surrounding fraud. In the same area you’ll find a decent set of FAQs, which cover all of the major features of MoneyGram that you need to know about. There’s a live chat-style widget for instant contact too.

Final verdict

MoneyGram could prove useful if you need to send or receive cash but it is not without its downsides. The company seems to get a fair amount of negative reviews for a raft of reasons. However, the business has been around for a long time, and with such a large user base it’s hardly surprising that a percentage of customers will feel MoneyGram hasn't provided them with the best experience. 

While there are positives, especially thanks to the worldwide availability of MoneyGram, the services it provides can be costly and exchange rates aren’t always the most competitive. As with most exchange models, you get a bit of a mixed bag and, it seems, quite widely varying levels of customer satisfaction.

• We've also highlighted the best personal finance software  

Rydoo is an expense tracking platform that was formerly known as Xpenditure Small Business. In its new and improved incarnation Rydoo will appeal to both employers and employees who are looking for more efficient ways to manage their travel and expenses. The service is available in three different package options, meaning that it’s of use to business both big and small. It's a practical solution given the current situation with coronavirus.

Even in its most basic Team package Rydoo has the capacity to take the strain out of doing expenses and throws in lots of other practical tools as part of the deal. However, if you run a business and have lots of employees, who have to file expenses and travel requests then you’ll find that the higher-end options within the Rydoo portfolio could save you quite a lot of both time and money.

Rydoo sits alongside other similar products in this area including QuickBooks, Expensify, Hurdlr and Zoho Expense.

• Want to try Rydoo? Check out the website here

Pricing

There’s a Rydoo plan to suit any kind of user. It starts out with the Team package, which is recommended for up to 50 active users and allows the core tracking of expenses. It includes OCR scanning, mileage expenses and there’s an approval flow too. That’s currently $7/€6 monthly per active user, which is billed annually. There’s a 5 active users minimum. 

Next, there’s the Growth package, which is recommended for 50+ active users and delivers more advanced features including everything in the Team bundle along with a second level of approval, built-in expense policy rules and Per Diems. It currently costs $9/€8 monthly per active user, billed annually (or $11/€10 if billed monthly). 

Rydoo has a third option in the shape of Enterprise, which is designed for high-volume clients with 500+ active users. This will require you to get a quote from Rydoo, in line with your needs, but comes with everything in Growth plus direct bank transactions, ERP integrations, API access and more.

Features

The entry-level Rydoo experience has lots to recommend, with a raft of tools that let you do everything and anything related to expenses and travel outgoings. There’s approval flow, OCR scanning, mileage expense tracking, multi-currency conversion, the ability to detect duplicate expenses, cost center allocation, trip allocation, project allocation and multi-language support. 

Rydoo can also work out VAT automatically, allows the upload of CSV and PDF transactions, can issue cash advances and work with user permissions. Move on up to the other two packages though and you’ll be able to add on the likes of expense policy rules, Per Diems, trip approvals, additional account currencies and a controlling module too. Throw in custom bank transaction feeds along with a custom conversion rate and you’re looking at a pretty powerful set of features.

Performance

Used in its most basic capacity Rydoo easily has enough capability to take care of travel and expense matters for your business without hassle. However, it's also been engineered to work as a solution for large-scale companies, so the web-based dashboard and multi-level approval tools are pretty bulletproof in that respect. And, as this platform has been adapted from an earlier idea, the best bits seem to have got better.

Ease of use

Full marks should go to the Rydoo designers who have done a fantastic job with the latest incarnation of the service. The overall web dashboard feel is great on the eyes, with a modern look and controls that are simple and intuitive to use. Getting around the various menu options is quick, easy and, crucially, efficient even if you’re a newcomer to the way that Rydoo works. 

The interface has also been developed to work with a series of integrated tools such as Slack and Dropbox, while the other appealing aspect is that Rydoo can be easily configured to work in many different languages. Everyday tasks such as the often groaned about issue of getting receipts into the system is generally a smooth and trouble-free exercise, which gets Rydoo an additional thumbs up.

Support

Even with the basic edition of Rydoo you’ll be able to make use of both mail and chat support. Indeed, the Rydoo website has plenty of options for getting in touch with them, including numbers for regional offices located right around the globe. If you’re still at the stage of deciding whether or not Rydoo might be a good fit for your business needs then you can contact them to request a demo of the service. Or just give the free trial a whirl. 

The Rydoo website also has a stack of information under menu options that include a blog area, whitepapers, case studies, webinars, a dev center and, finally, a dedicated help center too. While there’s plenty of standard help for everyone, if you’re a business owner who’s got the Enterprise plan then you’ll be able to enjoy more support from a dedicated account manager.

Final verdict

Rydoo has been skillfully engineered to make it a product that will appeal to users around the globe who need to tackle the often-stressful issue of expenses. Even in its most simple version, Rydoo comes with more than enough tools and functionality to make light work of travel and expense duties. 

However, if you’re running a larger business then the Enterprise edition packs in a huge amount of value added features, including support from an allocated account manager. It offers great value on every level as well as being appealing to employees who would otherwise baulk at the thought of tackling their latest set of expenses.

• We've also highlighted the best budgeting software  

Hurdlr has grown from being an expense tracking app that appeals to the likes of freelancers, realtors, hosts, drivers and couriers into a software solution that appeals to users right across the business spectrum, just as long as you’re based in the US or Canada. 

While it’s used by a lot of individuals there is now an Enterprise edition of the app, which is aimed at companies who need to keep track of employee expenses. With its automated workflow tools and real-time status updates Hurdlr allows all sorts of people to keep on top of their expenses. Despite the onset of coronavirus there's the ability to track every overhead, such as mileage costs and then also link transactions to financial accounts. 

Alongside a free edition, the other paid-for options in the Hurdlr portfolio make it an affordable solution for all types of workers. Competitors to Hurdlr include QuickBooks, Rydoo, Expensify, Pocketguard and Zoho Expense.

• Want to try Hurdlr? Check out the website here

Pricing

There’s a chance to explore Hurdlr for free before you need to buy it, which is a great way to check out its charms. If you like what you see there’s a Premium edition of Hurdlr, which you can upgrade to at any time from the free version. 

Premium is currently priced at $5 a month, billed annually. It’s $8 per month if you prefer to work on a month-by-month basis. Hurdlr also comes in a Pro edition, which is $10 per month and is billed annually with no monthly payment option available. 

Company owners might also want to explore the options delivered by the Hurdlr Enterprise model, for which you’ll need to contact the company to get more details, depending on the size of your business and its requirements.

Features

Hurdlr comes with a raft of features, although if you plump for the free edition then you’ll get a minimalistic experience that’s short on the sort of tools available in the paid-for editions. Hurdlr therefore explains that going free is best for part-timers and those with side-gigs. Or the curious perhaps. 

A better bet is to head straight for the Premium version, which covers plenty of expense and mileage tracking territory. You get unlimited auto-mileage tracking, auto expense tracking, auto income tracking along with real-time calculations for State and self-employment taxes, all of which makes it undeniably practical. 

The Pro version delivers the same as Premium, but adds in full double entry accounting, invoicing and delivers advanced reporting too, so for the slightly larger monthly outlay you get quite a lot in return.

Performance

You shouldn't get much in the way of problems running the app edition of Hurdlr on your phone as it’s been put together very well indeed. Put it alongside the desktop package that runs via your browser and you’ve got a pairing that’s ideally suited for the time poor who want a lively, dynamic software solution. In fact, Hurdlr is so sprightly it might turn tackling your expenses into an enjoyable experience, which is saying something.

Ease of use

With its fresh and funky design Hurldr gets off to a great start when you're first setting it up. A new user can sign up initially via a browser-based route that takes you through a few simple steps with one-click options to answer. 

But the really good stuff happens within the app, which has been very nicely executed. It looks great, works a treat and runs in tandem with the desktop operation, so the whole Hurdlr package seems ideally suited to both novice users and seasoned company professionals. 

The Enterprise edition will doubtless go down well with employees too, who often find the task of keeping track of business expenditure an annoying distraction to their daily workflow activities.

Support

While Hurdlr is generally a breeze to install and use there might be the odd occasion where a visit to the support station could be needed. Thankfully, Hurdlr has done a solid job with its help center hub, which contains all sorts of useful tips, tricks and advice for getting you head around all of the features and functions. 

Of particular use are the instructional videos, which give you a real hands-on look at core features, and these answer quite a lot of common questions very nicely. If none of that sizeable selection of content suffices then Hurdlr also features an in-app chat capability, plus there’s a support email too.

Final verdict

Hurdlr is impressive and deserves to hit a wider audience, rather than the one that’s currently limited to the US and Canada. With a range of attractive pricing plans, plus that free version that lets people try out the basic range of features, Hurdlr is suitable for all sorts of users. 

Once you’ve equipped yourself with the paid for version, especially the Premium edition, you’ll have a killer selection of power tools at your disposal from more basic considerations such as mileage auto tracking and automatic categorization of your many and varied expenses through to real-time tax estimates, reminders and even the ability to file your taxes and send reports to your CPA.

• We've also highlighted the best budgeting software  

HomeBank is a completely free accounting software package aimed at helping people get their personal finances in order and who subsequently want to keep them that way. It features an easy-to-use interface that comes complete with lots of cool visual tools that let you produce charts to illustrate your current state of monetary play. 

Admittedly, HomeBank doesn’t come with quite the same level of sophistication found within rival paid-for applications, but as a quick accounting resource for folks with basic requirements it ticks a lot of boxes. Other comparable products include  Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), BankTree, AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard, Buxfer or Moneydance.

• Want to try HomeBank? Check out the website here

HomeBank: Pricing

With no price tag attached to it HomeBank lets you install, launch and use its full set of features without parting with any cash. However, like many software applications that have been developed in this way there’s an invitation to make a donation if you’re pleased with the way if performs. The HomeBank website has a Donate page where a minimum amount of 2€ / 2$ per month is suggested, which seems reasonable enough.

HomeBank: Features

For a free program the feature set found inside HomeBank is generally impressive. If you’re starting out then it lets you import data from the likes of Quicken, Microsoft Money and other comparable products. However, you’ll find that this does require quite a lot of manual intervention, which is perhaps one of the downsides of a completely free application. 

Bank statements using common OFX/QFX, QIF and CSV formats can be imported too, while HomeBank can also handle multiple currencies. The software can be tailored to work with a variety of different account types including bank, cash, asset, credit card and liability options. 

You can schedule transactions and use a transaction template for simplified workflow. Topping it all off is the range of reporting options that let you turn your finances into a series of visual charts, so understanding your money matters becomes that little bit easier.

HomeBank: Performance

HomeBank has been honed primarily for Windows users, although it does work on other platforms such as GNU/Linux and can be also be used on Mac OS X with a bit of fettling. Installation on a Windows machine proved largely seamless, with the option to launch on a desktop or a portable or mobile drive being part of the process. 

We did get a random error at the tail-end of setup, however, although the program went on to launch and work as expected. We found one of the best ways to get to know the ropes and see how the software performed with a decent chunk of existing data was to use the test files within HomeBank. This option can be selected when you launch the program initially.

HomeBank: Ease of use

Launching HomeBank within the Windows environment reveals a rudimentary but practical interface that comes with all of the common tools you’d expect from a basic-level accountancy bundle. 

After a quick familiarization exercise you’ll be able to manage all of the features and functions via a top menu, which takes you into core functions such as money management, the checking of transactions and report generation. 

Just as easy to monitor are the status of your accounts, which are contained in a central screen area, along with a neat visual pane on the right that shows the distribution of your finances. It’s all relatively plain sailing, though does require a bit of time to get fully acquainted with which menu does what.

HomeBank: Support

Just like many other free software programs out there, HomeBank doesn’t come with the same levels of support that are found with paid-for applications. There’s a pretty solid area on the HomeBank website that covers most, if not all frequently asked questions, which should be enough to answer most queries. 

While this information of pretty comprehensive, it might be a bit of a handful for less experienced users, although if you’ve got time and a bit of patience you can generally get to the bottom of most HomeBank-related quandaries. Alternatively, you’ll just have to pick your way through the program and basically figure it out for yourself.

HomeBank: Final verdict

HomeBank bills itself as free, easy, personal accounting for everyone and it manages to live up to that without any problems. While it's got a small mountain of useful tools, plus dependable functionality, HomeBank really comes into its own on the reporting front. 

If you get befuddled with figures and find things much easier to digest via a colourful pie chart or an impressive bar graph then you’ll warm to this sizeable aspect of the software. Alongside that, there are powerful menu options that break down all of your spending into neat and tidy categories, so HomeBank is an organizational mini marvel considering it doesn’t cost anything to use.

• We've also highlighted the best personal finance software  

Buxfer personal finance is an online package that can be used to pick through your spending activities and help you organize and budget for the future. Along with tackling your personal finances, Buxfer can also be used to keep an eye on all of your bank accounts. On top of that, it can track other financial interests, including investments plus savings too. 

While it is possible to link to your bank accounts Buxfer, the service is not currently set up for the Open Banking scheme, which might make it less of an obvious choice than other comparable products that use a secure API. This feature doesn’t come with the free edition anyway. Indeed, if you’re looking to enjoy all of its power tools then you’ll want to head for the Prime edition of the software, rather than the basic though still pretty appealing free version.

On the competition front check out Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), BankTree, AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance for some comparisons.

• Want to try Buxfer? Check out the website here

Buxfer: Pricing

Alongside a working demo version of Buxfer you can also enjoy its charms with a free basic account edition, which delivers exactly that. However, if you’re looking to squeeze more from Buxfer there are currently four other package options available. 

These start out with Plus, which is $4.99 a month when billed annually, with Pro costing $5.99 per month when billed annually and finally a Prime edition, which will set you back $11.99 per month. As is frequently the case, all prices are lower if you pay annually. 

The more you pay, the more features you get, although the Pilot edition comes pretty well stacked for most average users. At the other end of the pricing spectrum, Prime delivers power tools such as Smart Alerts, the ability to make payments and complex control of investments.

Buxfer: Features

Buxfer’s dashboard area is where you manage all of its tools and functionality. Like other personal finance packages, the layout features a fairly common theme, with core functions laid out in a neat and tidy structure. Along the top of the menu alongside the Dashboard menu there are one-click links to Insights and Budgets along with Forecast and Goals options. Buxfer subsequently allows you to manage expenses, budgets and also forward-looking forecasts all within the main pane. 

Adding accounts and transactions can be done on-the-go via the app, which makes it invaluable, while there’s also compatibility with over 15,000 banks around the world. There’s a reporting option too, which helps build up a bigger picture of your finances. The more feature-heavy paid-for editions mean you’re able to track money, pay bills and also create IOUs amongst other things.

Buxfer: Performance

The boffins behind Buxfer have done a fine job of producing financial management software that runs a treat, especially if you’ve decided to add it to your phone. Indeed, both the iOS and Android editions perform very well during day-to-day use. Dipping into the desktop web-browser edition, meanwhile, proves to be a largely fault-free exercise, which is more than ably displayed if you decide to try out the demo version before signing up for a Buxfer account. Not having any software to download means Buxfer relies on connectivity to keep it steaming along.

Buxfer: Ease of use

Fans of simple sign-up procedures will like the way that Buxfer can be accessed using Google, Facebook, Microsoft or Yahoo log-in routes, or by creating an account from scratch after entering an email and password. On the Buxfer home page you can also try out a demo version of the service, which is a great way to familiarize yourself with the options on offer, plus there’s a little guided tour thrown in for good measure. The browser-based dashboard is simplicity itself to get around, while the app editions of the Buxfer service have all been well thought out and robustly engineered too.

Buxfer: Support

For a free and easy-to-use program, in its most basic edition, Buxfer doesn't need too much in the way of hand-holding to master, which means you probably won't need to contact them. Besides, the website contains a good deal of information and FAQs on core functionality, plus you get a quick whistle-stop tour if you try the demo. You’ll need to shell out for the Prime bundle in order to enjoy live chat and phone support, however, although with that currently being priced at $9.99 per month the cost isn’t exactly prohibitive if you're going to be a heavy user of Buxfer’s services.

Buxfer: Final verdict

Buxfer is a great solution for organizing your finances and dealing with other less frequently dealt with money matters, all rolled into one handy cross-platform bundle. The app side of things offers most of the appeal, though Buxfer has had lots of love given to its browser dashboard too, meaning it’s a doddle to use in any environment. Buxfer assures users that it calls upon industry-standard security measures to make it safe to use, including 128-bit encryption. 

However, if you need all of its tools and options then head for the Prime edition, which adds in multi-factor authentication, along with live chat and phone support, plus the ability to make payments and carry out full backups. Less demanding users will, however, find the base-level or the budget editions equally as handy.

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Buddi is a personal budgeting software application, which on first impressions as you graze its supporting website looks to be definitely residing at the low-budget end of the spectrum. It is free though, which goes some way to explaining the low-key look that’s on offer, but it's valuable to anyone watching the pennies.

• Want to try Buddi? Check out the website here

However, spend some time exploring this personal finance and budgeting program and there’s actually quite a lot to like. The good thing is that it’s super easy to use, and seems to have been tailored more towards novice users than high-fliers who are all over their finances. Added to that, Buddi has more than enough features to cover most needs.

Other options out there include Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance if you want to check those out too.

• Also check out our roundup of the best accounting software for small business

Buddi: Pricing

When it comes to what Buddi will cost you then the answer is absolutely nothing, as it’s completely free to use. Understandably though, the developer would appreciate a small donation if you find that Buddi ticks the boxes you need whilst you get your personal finance house in order. Details on how to ping over a goodwill gesture can be found on the Buddi website.

Buddi: Features

Buddi has been developed as an open source software solution, which means that it comes with an ‘everything on’ build that doesn't skimp on the features, even though it’s free. Buddi can be used on just about any machine, although the trade-off is that it needs to have Java 1.6 or higher installed, which is not to everyone’s taste. 

If it is though then you should be able to run in on Windows, Macs and Linux computers and more besides. The software can be configured for multiple languages too, which opens up its appeal, while it can also be secured during installation if you opt for encryption and password access. 

From there you can spend time configuring the interface that will in turn allow you to create and manage financial accounts, create budgeting categories, enter transactions and also produce accounts. You can also insert scheduled transactions where you need to insert recurring financial events. 

Considering this has been developed via the open source route the features and functions of Buddi are quite impressive, with a workmanlike but effective interface that’s neat and tidy. Buddi can also be supplemented with a few plugins, which have been developed in-house as well as by third parties.

Buddi: Ease of use

Getting started with Buddi is easy enough, although there’s a plentiful supply of online tutorial help that’ll walk you through the interface and features if you’re finding your feet a bit. First task is to set up your accounts and after that you're free to populate your workspace with all of your financial records. 

There’s even the ability to create quite complex records and reports, including colourful pie charts that make sense of all your data in an easy-to-digest fashion. While Buddi appears as though it might be fairly limited in terms of functionality, if you follow the easy-to-use online tutorials you’ll find it’s also great for handling more complex tasks. 

Recording refunds is a good example, which allows you to factor into your finances any items that you might have been taken back to a store. A small point, but useful in gaining a clearer vision of your finances.

Buddi: Support

Buddi is open source so unsurprisingly there’s not too much in the way of support in the traditional sense of the word. Nevertheless, the Buddi website is pretty comprehensive in terms of telling you what you need to know about its inner workings. There’s also a general forum too, which is useful for garnering more information, plus tips and tricks about the personal finance software. You can do your bit in return by letting Buddi’s creator know of any bugs you might have encountered along the way.

Buddi: Final verdict

Buddi might have humble origins, but it has grown to be loved by many users who aren't put off by the fact that it requires Java to be installed. Considering it’s an open source product, which also means that it’s completely free to use, Buddi has everything a paid-for off-the-shelf product has and can even be customized further if you’re handy with your coding. 

Anyone after a simple to use but powerful product that can run on just about any platform should give it a go. If you need to get your finances in order and don’t mind the fact that there’s no mobile edition of the app then Buddi is a neat little software bundle.

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BankTree is another one of several personal finance software packages on the market, which allow you to keep tabs on your money with ease. Despite the way that its website doesn't really sell the product quite as well as you might expect, BankTree is powerful, performs well and comes with a wide variety of features that make it appealing to users across the board. 

You can choose from BankTree Mobile for Android and iOS as well as either a desktop downloadable software edition, or an online variation on the theme. This is compatible with any system that supports a web browser. There are trial versions of both packages and a good level of security is built into either option. The competition includes Mint, You Need a Budget (YNAB), AceMoneyLite, Money Dashboard or Moneydance if you want to check those out too.

• Want to try BankTree? Check out the website here

BankTree: Pricing

You can get the BankTree download for £35 currently, and for that the company says it will provide you with free email support, free updates along with any bug fixes needed to boost the performance of BankTree Desktop Personal Finance Version 3.0. The price allows you to install the software on one computer, although additional installations are priced at just £5, which seems reasonable enough. 

There’s a fully functioning 30-day trial of the software available too, which gives you the ability to road test it first before signing up for the paid-for edition. The other option is to go for the BankTree Online Personal Finance Software package, which is browser-based rather than being downloadable software. 

Pricing for BankTree Online can be broken down into three options. There’s a free trial for 7 days. The ‘value’ Starter package comes in at £3.50 per month or £35 per year, while a Premier option is £4.50 per month or £45 per year.

BankTree: Features

One of the least appealing aspects of BankTree is the supporting website that delivers your initial taster of what to expect. If you can bear with the slightly annoying web pages though you’ll find that there’s plenty of appeal from the service itself. Fans of downloadable desktop software will be happy with its conventional edition. 

However, the really good stuff comes from within BankTree Online, the personal finance package that works via any web browser and on any platform. It’s got a stack of features that include the ability to setup cash or investment accounts, plus there’s the capacity for importing bank statements from your online bank or other financial packages, including the likes of Quicken or Microsoft Money. Major UK and US banks are supported along with over 2,500 other financial institutions covering 55 countries. 

Once you’ve configured it, BankTree lets you record your income and expenditure, keep an eye on your balances and also budget with precision-level accuracy. There’s also support for multiple currencies, making it appealing to a wider audience.

BankTree: Performance

BankTree Desktop Personal Finance Software can be used on Windows machines, including Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Version 3.0 has been improved and shouldn't deliver any major surprises, while the accompanying app works on both Android and iOS and is also able to work with both the downloadable software and the online system. BankTree also uses 2048 bit encryption and supports two-factor authentication. Expect dependable performance if you’ve opted to go for the Online edition.

BankTree: Ease of use

BankTree has a main dashboard area, which might not be the most inspiring of workspaces but does give easy access to all of the features and functions. The menu system is pretty simplistic and allows you to tackle core tasks, such as splitting transactions so you can more accurately file them into suitable categories. When it comes to producing reports then the service is also easy to work with. 

If you want to augment the online service with a more mobile option then the app is ideal, which comes with solid capabilities, though requires some time to get to grips with.

BankTree: Support

Rather like its website, the support that comes from BankTree is a little bit of a hotchpotch of ideas. While there is plenty of tutorial support in the shape of instructional videos and suchlike, the documentation proves rather testing to get through. 

The knowledgebase, for example, does have a lot of information lurking inside, it’s just that the delivery is a little bit lacking. The YouTube tutorial videos are rather easier to sit through and there’s one for just about any aspect of the service. 

You’ll find a ticketing system too, for anyone needing to drop the support team a line. You can get ahead of the queue with the £10 premium ticket option, otherwise you’ll have to just wait in line by submitting a free ticket instead. At the time of writing there doesn’t appear to be any phone support available.

BankTree: Final verdict

BankTree is a bit of a mixed bag, with numerous positives going for it along with a few negatives that might put off more casual users. The features and interface are all generally good, but some tweaks to the package might make it more widely appealing. Anyone using BankTree for the first time will find that it takes a while to get setup and running. 

If BankTree can do a little bit of fettling to minimize the list of manual intervention needed and spruce up sections of the software then this could become much better than it is currently. It’s worthy of a free trial inspection nonetheless.

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Adminsoft Accounts will immediately appeal to anyone who doesn't have much in the way of budget to work with when it comes to taking care of bookkeeping. That could be very useful during the coronavirus crisis. This is a completely free to use package that has a huge stockpile of accounting tools, all within a Windows-based interface, which can be mastered without too much in the way of software experience. 

All you need to do is put up with some advertising, which justifies the completely free tag, and navigate past the Adminsoft Accounts website that is a little too busy for its own good. With no real outlay involved needed Adminsoft Accounts works well for small business owners who also have tax matters to sort, or the likes of clubs or charities that need a practical solution without having to pay for it.

• Want to try Adminsoft Accounts? Check out the website here

Pricing

Adminsoft Accounts makes a big thing about being completely free to use and it lives up to that admirably. If you really like it the website gives you the opportunity to make a donation. But, of course, to make this sort of software provision viable they have work with advertisers to generate revenue, so if you don't mind ads running in the background as you work then Adminsoft Accounts can be used as is, with all of the features and functions available. 

However, if you'd rather progress to an advertisement-free model then you can purchase a registration key. Pricing for Adminsoft Accounts is £199/£259 for a single user, £369/$479 for three users, £539/$699 for six users and £709/$919 for ten users. 

Adminsoft Accounts with AutoManager functionality comes in at £249/$319 for a single user, £459/$599 for three users, £669/$899 for six users and £879/$1139 for ten users. Adminsoft Accounts with Shop/Café Manager functionality is currently £229/$299 for a single user, three users is £419/$549, six users is £609/$789 and ten users is £799/$1029.

Features

Considering that Adminsoft Accounts is free there is no shortage of features present within the surprisingly impressive interface. As you pick through the inner workings you’ll find that it’s a double entry accounting system that features Accounts Receivable (Sales Ledger), Accounts Payable (Purchase Ledger) and General Ledger (Nominal Ledger) functionality. 

There’s also the ability to manage stock control and inventory, tackle purchase order processing, invoicing and even human resources if your business dictates it. Add on the ability to cover payroll duties and you’ve got an impressive software package that works across multi-currencies too. 

In addition, Adminsoft Accounts has the capacity for using special modules that work specifically for the likes of retail, café and restaurant businesses. It’ll take on point of sale and workshop operations for anyone working in the auto trade too. 

Seeing as Adminsoft Accounts seems to be aimed primarily at UK users it is also fully compliant for the governments Making Tax Digital vision and the VAT functionality is similarly tailored to suit that direction. At the same time, Adminsoft Accounts can still be used in other countries working with different currencies.

Performance

For what is basically a free program that can be run on most Windows machines you’ve got to give credit to Adminsoft Accounts for producing a dependable package. Considering it’s got a lot going on, especially if you’ve decided to configure all of its component parts then Adminsoft Accounts is very robust based on what we’ve experienced. The software publishers also note that you can run the software on Mac or Linux/Unix machines using Windows emulation, if that’s more your thing.

Ease of use

Some freeware programs can be quite painful to both install and use on a daily basis, but not so for Adminsoft Accounts. In fact, the software designers have done a great job with this program, having engineered an interface that’s a doddle to master. 

Getting it onto your machine and fired up is also straightforward, and the user guide that helps you get there is hugely helpful. This walks you through everything from setting up the accounts software through to entering data for the first time and then how to populate all of the relevant sections for customers, plus invoicing, VAT and all the rest of it. In short, it’s very simple but extensive at the same time.

Support

While Adminsoft Accounts is generally a pretty easy software program to get to grips with there’s every possibility that you might want some support along the way. And, if you think because it's a free program that’s going to be virtually non-existent there is actually a good level of help available should you need it. 

First point of call is the website itself, which comes with chunky support pages that deal with many of the everyday aspects of Adminsoft Accounts. The website also features a user guide, plus a community forum too. Add it all together and the levels of assistance are not bad at all really, even though the website itself is a little bit too busy for its own good. 

There’s an email support address should you need to write to them with a query and the site also suggests they have phone support available via a series of partners around the globe. Presumably that comes at a cost depending on the source.

Final verdict

All things considered, Adminsoft Accounts has a lot going for it, especially if you're UK-based and need to get on top of the Making Tax Digital vision for the country. If you’re farther afield then there’s lots to like too, with a simple-to-configure interface that can handle all sorts of currency and a host of powerful tools and functions that allow businesses of all sizes to tackle everyday accounting chores. 

Add on the ability to keep your business running with the nuts and bolts stuff, including invoicing, keeping track of inventory and even handling payroll and HR duties and you’ve got a very decent application.

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