Is PocketGuard or Pocket Clear better for budgeting?

It depends on your approach. PocketGuard excels at showing your 'In My Pocket' amount after bills via automatic bank syncing. Pocket Clear is better for people who want manual control, privacy, and built-in couples expense tracking without connecting bank accounts.

Does PocketGuard require bank linking?

Yes, PocketGuard's core functionality depends on linking your bank accounts to automatically track income, bills, and spending. Pocket Clear never requires bank linking — everything is entered manually for maximum privacy and control.

Which is cheaper, PocketGuard or Pocket Clear?

PocketGuard Plus costs $7.99/month or $34.99/year for premium features. Pocket Clear is free for core features with an optional premium at a lower price point, making it more affordable for budget-conscious users.

Can I use PocketGuard offline?

PocketGuard requires internet connectivity to sync with your bank accounts and update transactions. Pocket Clear works fully offline since all data is entered manually and stored on your device, syncing only when you choose.

Does PocketGuard sell my data?

PocketGuard collects financial data through bank connections and uses third-party services for account linking. Pocket Clear is privacy-first — no bank credentials are ever requested, and your financial data never leaves your device.

Which app is better for couples, PocketGuard or Pocket Clear?

Pocket Clear is specifically designed with couples features including shared expense tracking, split views, and joint budgets. PocketGuard is primarily a single-user app and doesn't offer native couples functionality.

PocketGuard vs Pocket Clear: Which Is Right for You?

Similar names, different approaches. Here's how PocketGuard and Pocket Clear compare.

PocketGuard: Overview

Bank linking for automatic tracking
"In My Pocket" shows spendable cash
Bill negotiation features
Free tier with ads, Plus is $7.99/month

Pocket Clear: Overview

Manual expense tracking
No bank linking required
Partner Mode for couples
Secondary currency for expats
Free tier no ads, Pro is $0.99/month

Key Differences

Feature	PocketGuard	Pocket Clear
Bank Linking	Required	None
Privacy	Data shared with Plaid	Data on your device
Automation	Automatic sync	Manual entry
Ads	Yes (free tier)	Never
Couples	Limited	Partner Mode
Multi-currency	No	Yes

Choose PocketGuard If

You want automatic tracking and don't mind bank linking.

Choose Pocket Clear If

You want privacy, simplicity, and don't mind 30 seconds of manual entry. Pocket Clear also works as an offline expense tracker and supports couples tracking with Partner Mode. See our full Mint alternatives comparison for more options.

Start Tracking Together

Download Pocket Clear free. Simple expense tracking for couples and expats.

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