The iPhone budget app that works without a signal
Tavala on an iPhone is built for the moment you pay: open it, type coffee 4.80, and it is logged before the phone is back in your pocket, on a plane or in a basement shop as much as on Wi-Fi. Face ID keeps it shut, the Home Screen widget shows what you spent today, and nothing about your money leaves the phone until you choose to sync.
The App Store listing is not public yet. Tavala runs in Safari today, with the same ledger.
Built for one hand and no signal
The round + in the bottom bar opens the capture bar wherever you are. One line carries the amount, the currency, the date and the category, in six languages, and dictation works with number words. Every screen reads from the copy on the phone, so a lost connection changes nothing; with an account, changes upload when you are back online. The iPhone layout is portrait.
Face ID, passkeys and a widget that shows no balance
The app lock asks for Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode when Tavala opens and covers the app the moment you switch away, so the app switcher never shows your balances. You can sign in with a passkey instead of a password. The Today's spending widget comes in small and medium sizes, shows what you spent today and this month in your main currency, never a balance, and a tap opens Add transaction, even while the app is locked.
And on an iPad
The same app turns every way on an iPad, with a rail or a sidebar beside the ledger and keyboard shortcuts with a keyboard attached. Both need iOS 15 or later; with Tavala Plus your iPhone, iPad, Mac and browser stay in step.
| What | Tavala |
|---|---|
| Requirement | iOS 15 or later |
| Layout | Portrait, one-handed |
| Lock | Face ID, Touch ID or passcodeImmediately, after 1 minute or after 5 |
| Sign-in | Password, passkey, authenticator app |
| Widget | Today's spending, small or mediumNo Lock Screen widget |
| Apple Watch | No Watch app |
iPhone budget apps compared
Where each app runs, and what it needs before it can show you a budget.
| What | Tavala | YNAB | Copilot | Monarch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, webA native Mac app; the web at app.tavala.io | iPhone, iPad, Android, webApple Watch; its app list shows no desktop app | iPhone, iPad, Mac, webA native Mac app; no Android | iPhone, iPad, Android, webNo Mac or Windows app |
| Works offline | Every screenChanges sync when you are back online | Advertised"even offline!" on its features page | Not stated | Not stated |
| Currencies | Every currency in one space155 currencies and 96 cryptocurrencies; 2 per space on the free plan | One per planIts advice for several: a separate plan for each | USD only"does not convert foreign currency transactions" | No conversionShows every amount as $; USD or CAD accounts advised |
| Price | Free; Plus $39.99 a yearor $6.99 a month on the web | $109 a yearor $14.99 a month; 34-day trial | $95 a year$13 a month in the App Store; 1-month trial | $99.99 a yearor $14.99 a month (Core); Plus $199.99 a year |
Questions about Tavala for iPhone
- Does Apple have a built-in budget app?
- No. Apple does not make a budgeting app. The Wallet app shows Apple Card spending by week, month or year and by category, for Apple Card holders in the United States. A budget across your other accounts, cash and currencies needs an app such as Tavala.
- Is there an Apple Watch app?
- No. Tavala has no Apple Watch app. The Home Screen widget and the capture bar are the quick ways in on an iPhone.
- Can I scan receipts?
- No. There is no receipt scanner; typing the amount in one line is faster than photographing the receipt.
Go further
- Tavala for MacThe same ledger, with the menu bar and shortcuts.
- Expense trackerEverything the capture bar reads.
- Private by designWhat leaves your phone, and what never does.
- Add the home screen widgetThe Today's spending widget shows what you spent today and this month, and one tap opens Add transaction. It is available on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Lock Tavala with Face ID, a fingerprint or a passcodeTurn on the app lock so Tavala asks for Face ID, Touch ID, your fingerprint or your device passcode every time it opens. Not available in a browser.
- Add an expense in one lineTap +, type a line such as "coffee 4.80" in one of six languages and tap the arrow. Tavala reads the amount, currency, category, wallet and date.
Start with what you spent today.
There is no account to create and no card to enter. Pick your currency, add what you paid, and Home shows what is left.