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YNAB VS Rectangle

Compare YNAB VS Rectangle and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

YNAB logo YNAB

Working hard with nothing to show for it? Use your money more efficiently and control your spending and saving with the YNAB app.

Rectangle logo Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.
  • YNAB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-12-23
  • Rectangle Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-20

YNAB features and specs

  • Effective Budgeting Methodology
    YouNeedABudget (YNAB) uses a unique budgeting approach based on four key principles that encourage intentional spending, which can lead to better financial health.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    YNAB has a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical proficiency.
  • Comprehensive Educational Resources
    YNAB offers a variety of educational resources, including tutorials, webinars, and workshops, which help users understand and implement effective budgeting strategies.
  • Goal Tracking and Reporting
    The app provides robust goal tracking and reporting features that help users monitor their financial progress and make necessary adjustments.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility
    YNAB is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Web, ensuring users can access their budgets anytime, anywhere.

Possible disadvantages of YNAB

  • Subscription Fee
    YNAB requires a paid subscription, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious users who are looking for a free budgeting tool.
  • Learning Curve
    The unique budgeting methodology may take some time for new users to fully understand and implement effectively.
  • Manual Data Entry
    Although YNAB supports bank import features, users may still need to perform some manual data entry, which can be time-consuming.
  • Limited Investment Tracking
    YNAB focuses primarily on budgeting and does not offer robust investment tracking features, which might be a limitation for users looking to manage their investments.
  • Missing Advanced Financial Tools
    While YNAB excels at budgeting, it lacks some advanced financial planning tools that could be useful for more experienced users requiring detailed financial analysis.

Rectangle features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages of Rectangle

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.

Analysis of YNAB

Overall verdict

  • YNAB is generally considered a valuable tool for individuals who want a structured, hands-on approach to budgeting and cash flow management. Its focus on zero-based budgeting and financial education makes it particularly effective for users who wish to actively engage with their personal finances and develop better spending habits.

Why this product is good

  • YNAB (You Need A Budget) is appreciated for its proactive budgeting method, which encourages users to allocate every dollar towards specific expenses or savings goals. The platform emphasizes the importance of giving every dollar a job, helping individuals gain control over their finances and plan for both short-term expenses and long-term financial goals. YNAB also offers features like real-time synchronization across devices, detailed financial reports, and educational resources to improve budgeting skills.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking a more disciplined approach to budgeting.
  • People who prefer proactive financial planning rather than reactive money management.
  • Users who want access to educational resources that improve financial literacy.
  • Those comfortable with a subscription-based financial service offering continuous updates and support.

Analysis of Rectangle

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

YNAB videos

+ Add

Beginners guide

More videos:

  • Review - YNAB Review (2024): The 4 Rules, Pros and Cons
  • Review - YNAB Budgeting App Review | NerdWallet
  • Review - YNAB Budget App: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

Rectangle videos

+ Add

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos:

  • Review - Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline Review #1
  • Review - Marvin Malton 160 Rectangle Flying Hour Watch Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to YNAB and Rectangle)

YNAB

Rectangle

Personal Finance
100 100%
Personal Finance
0% 0
Mac Tools
0 0%
Mac Tools
100% 100
Finance
100 100%
Finance
0% 0
Window Manager
0 0%
Window Manager
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using YNAB and Rectangle. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare YNAB and Rectangle

YNAB Reviews

Best YNAB Alternatives: Save More with Budgeting Apps in 2026
Letโ€™s be honest: paying $14.99 a month to learn how to stop spending money feels a little bit like buying a gym membership just to use the vending machine. If you are searching for the best YNAB alternatives, you have come to the right place. At SmartWalt, we love the methodology behind You Need A Budget (YNAB)โ€”the zero-based approach is a game-changerโ€”but we also think your...
Source: www.smartwalt.com
10 Best Mint Alternatives (Free & Paid)
YNAB is ideal for those looking just for a simple budgeting tool. YNABโ€™s interface is similar to a spreadsheet. The tool makes it easy to budget by category based on the money you actually have in the bank. It's not useful as an investment tracking app, however.
Source: robberger.com
11 Alternatives to QuickBooks in 2024
YNAB is easy to set up, syncs with all your bank and credit card accounts, and will guide you through the process of creating your first budget. Wirecutter says itโ€™s โ€œthe closest thing to having a positive-minded professional help you make your own budgeting spreadsheetโ€ and โ€œthe only budgeting app weโ€™d spend our own money on.โ€
Source: www.bench.co
Best Mint Alternatives to Keep Your Budget on Track
While Mint showed you where your money went after you spent it, YNAB uses the zero-based budgetingร‚ system to assign every dollar a "job." That can be more helpful if you're focusing on future spending. While it is a paid service, YNAB claims the average user can save $600 in the first two months and $6,000 in the first year.
Source: www.cnbc.com
10 Best Mint Alternatives To Manage Your Money in 2024
YNAB has a 34-day free trial, so you can see if itโ€™s right for you, and Mint users can import data using the Mint to YNAB migrator.
Source: 7saturdaysfinancial.com

Rectangle Reviews

Best 6 Mac Window Managers
Rectangle shows that you donโ€™t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and dropping. Just like Magnet, you can split your screen up into quarters, thirds, or halves.
Source: mackeeper.com
Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac
Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps โ€“ such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and Rectangle โ€“ offer this functionality.
Source: www.maketecheasier.com
The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from Rectangle's shortcuts.
Source: www.makeuseof.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Rectangle seems to be a lot more popular than YNAB. While we know about 479 links to Rectangle, we've tracked only 1 mention of YNAB. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

YNAB mentions (1)

  • Show HN: Wealthfolio 2.0- Open source investment tracker. Now Mobile and Docker
    Clickable link: https://ynab.com I'm a huge fan of You Need A Budget, it was instrumental in giving me control over my finances. It feels like a superpower to see all my money in one place and not care which bank account the dollars actually reside. Also makes it easier to take advantage of various offers (Credit card or things like HYSA) since I know all the records will live in YNAB and I have full control... - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Is $250 a month in disposable income livable for a family of 3?
    You'll be going into a tight budget time, so get a really good system in place. If you don't have that you love already, I recommend YNAB (youneedabudget.com). It's envelope based and is really good for planning ahead for irregular expenses and for "rolling with the punches" if something comes up. It works differently than traditional monthly budget, so take time to use all the resources to learn the system. ... Source: about 3 years ago
  • LPT Request: What is your favorite life hack that has saved you money, time, or made your day-to-day activities easier?
    I also said in a comment below, I use YNAB to track my financial life. This strategy only works if you have enough confidence in your finances to know that if I gave you a card with 100k credit limit, you would never spend more on it than what you have in your bank and has been budgeted for. If not, I cannot overstate how important it is to get your budget in order beforehand. Thereโ€™s zero money saved if you pay... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Fund future vacations
    If you arenโ€™t already giving every dollar you make a job, earning more money will only get you so far. Check out YNAB, read all the free content about learning to plan and budget. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Tracking savings goals
    Track it by hand or in software. I started out with just a spreadsheet, but since then moved my whole budget to YNAB (youneedabudget.com), where you track all your individual savings goals as well as how your money will be used to cover regular (and irregular) expenses. Now the whole plan is in one place, and covers everything from how much is set aside for gardening supplies for this summer to the big... Source: over 3 years ago

Rectangle mentions (479)

  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to paste, etc. https://support.apple.com/en-au/102650#text 2. Karabiner elements (FOSS) fixes keyboard mappings outside of the Settings: https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/ 3. I have the... - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app โ€” https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they donโ€™t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    I use https://rectangleapp.com/ and enjoy it. I have shortcuts to move windows to the left/right half of the screen, and cycle between monitors. This, combined with native cmd+tab and cmd+` is enough for me. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Make macOS consistently bad (unironically)
    Rectangle [1] is pretty much essential for me because of this. I use only a few keypresses (maximize window, move to one of the halves of the screen horizontally) but that is enough. My mouse very rately interacts with the borders of any window, or those buttons. I had to click on the green one that you mentioned in order to see what it did (yuck). [1] https://rectangleapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Make macOS consistently bad (unironically)
    I use Rectangle [1] for window management. I only use three shortcuts: full screen, left half of the screen, and right half of the screen. My editors and chrome are always running in one of these modes. But for other apps like Messages, Notes, Music, etc - yeah I don't usually expand them to full screen. [1] https://rectangleapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing YNAB and Rectangle, you can also consider the following products

Mint - Free personal finance software to assist you to manage your money, financial planning, and budget planning tools. Achieve your financial goals with Mint.

Magnet Window Manager - Magnet Developers

HomeBank - Free, easy, personal accounting, for everyone

yabai - A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

GnuCash - A personal and small-business financial-accounting software, licensed under GNU/GPL and available for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, BSD, and Solaris.

BTT Remote - A remote control for you Mac, using your iPhone or iPad

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