actual vs Cashew
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Actual is a local‑first personal finance manager that stores all data on your own device, keeping your financial information private and under your control. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and via a web interface, giving you seamless access wherever you work. Designed for individuals and small households, Actual offers robust budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting tools without any subscription fees. With open‑source transparency and community‑driven support, you can trust the app to evolve while staying completely free.
Cashew is a lightweight budgeting app that helps users monitor income, expenses, and cash flow across devices. Its clean interface makes it easy to categorize spending and set financial goals without a steep learning curve. Designed for both personal finance enthusiasts and small business owners, Cashew syncs data across Android, iOS, and the web, ensuring you stay on top of your money wherever you are.
- Completely free and open source
- Data stays on your device for maximum privacy
- Works offline and syncs locally across platforms
- Highly customizable budgeting and reporting
- Free to use with no hidden fees
- Cross‑platform availability ensures data is always up‑to‑date
- Simple, intuitive UI requires minimal onboarding
- Customizable categories fit both personal and business needs
- No built‑in cloud backup; users must set up their own sync solution
- Steeper learning curve compared to simple expense apps
- Limited mobile app functionality (web version only)
- Limited advanced analytics compared to premium competitors
- No built‑in automatic bank syncing; transactions must be added manually or via notifications
- Export formats are basic and lack direct integration with accounting software
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to actual
View all →
Alternatives to Cashew
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCashew offers a free, mobile‑first budgeting app with simple UI and cross‑platform sync, while actual provides a free, desktop‑focused, privacy‑first tool with local sync and richer reporting.
Key differences
- •Cashew is a mobile app with built‑in calendar view; actual is a desktop/web app with limited mobile support.
- •Actual stores data locally with encryption and optional self‑hosted sync; Cashew relies on cloud sync across devices.
- •Actual imports transactions from CSV/OFX/QIF automatically; Cashew requires manual entry or bank notifications.
- •Actual offers detailed cash‑flow and net‑worth reports; Cashew provides only basic charts and CSV/PDF export.
- •Cashew supports multiple currencies and accounts for freelancers; actual targets individuals/households without multi‑currency focus.
Pricing & value
Both are free with no hidden fees; value depends on required features.
Ease of use / learning curve
Cashew’s simple UI and mobile focus require minimal onboarding versus actual’s steeper learning curve.
Features & depth
Actual provides richer import options, detailed reports, and encryption; Cashew offers basic charts and limited analytics.
Integrations & ecosystem
Actual supports CSV/OFX/QIF imports and community importers; Cashew lacks automatic bank syncing and has basic export only.
Collaboration
Actual’s self‑hosted sync server enables multiple devices sharing a budget without third‑party services; Cashew syncs via cloud but no collaboration server.
Scalability
Cashew handles multiple accounts and currencies, suitable for freelancers and small businesses; actual targets individuals/households.
Support
Actual offers GitHub Issues plus a community Discord; Cashew only provides GitHub Issues.
Security & privacy
Actual encrypts all data locally and can run without cloud; Cashew syncs data through cloud services.
Migration / lock‑in
Actual’s export/import of standard formats and open‑source code ease migration; Cashew only exports CSV/PDF.
Choose actual if…
Privacy‑concerned households or power users wanting detailed reports and local sync.
Choose Cashew if…
Individuals or freelancers needing a quick, mobile budgeting app with multi‑currency support.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either tool?
Both Cashew and actual are free with no hidden fees.
Can I sync my budget across multiple devices without using the cloud?
Actual offers local sync via a self‑hosted server; Cashew syncs through cloud services.
Which app provides more detailed financial reporting?
Actual generates detailed cash‑flow, net‑worth, and spending trend reports; Cashew provides only basic charts.