How does Steady compare?
An honest look at how Steady stacks up against other NZ personal finance tools.
Last verified: April 2026
| Feature | Steady | PocketSmith | YNAB | Bank App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ bank auto-sync (Akahu) | ||||
| Multi-bank view | ||||
| Auto-categorisation | ||||
| AI chat assistant | ||||
| Voice input | ||||
| Savings goals | ||||
| Budget tracking | ||||
| Bill reminders | ||||
| KiwiSaver tracking | ||||
| Investment tracking | ||||
| Net worth tracking | ||||
| Cash flow forecast | ||||
| Gamification (XP, gems) | ||||
| NZD native | ||||
| Free tier | ||||
| Mobile app |
Steady vs PocketSmith →
PocketSmith is the established NZ player with powerful forecasting and calendar-based budgeting. Steady is newer but brings AI chat, voice input, gamification, and a simpler mobile-first experience. PocketSmith is better for detailed planners; Steady is better for people who want answers without spreadsheets.
Steady vs YNAB →
YNAB is the gold standard for zero-based budgeting but doesn't connect to NZ banks automatically. You'll need to manually import transactions. Steady auto-syncs with all major NZ banks. YNAB is better if you want rigid budgeting discipline; Steady is better for automatic tracking with less manual effort.
Steady vs MyBudgetPal →
MyBudgetPal is a disciplined envelope-style NZ budgeting tool with a strong manual-planning workflow. Steady takes the opposite approach — automatic bank sync via Akahu plus AI insights. MyBudgetPal is better for strict planners; Steady is better for automatic tracking and answers in plain English.
Steady vs BudgetBuddie →
BudgetBuddie is another NZ option focused on simple budgeting. Steady adds automatic bank sync, AI-powered answers, KiwiSaver and investment tracking, and gamification to keep you engaged over the long term.
Steady vs Sorted →
Sorted is a free resource from Te Ara Ahunga Ora (NZ Retirement Commission) with calculators and guides. It's excellent for education and planning but doesn't track your actual spending. Steady complements Sorted by connecting to your bank and tracking real transactions.
Steady vs Your Bank App
Bank apps are free and already connected — but they only show one bank at a time. If you have accounts at multiple banks, investments on Sharesies, or KiwiSaver with a different provider, you need an aggregator. Steady brings everything into one view with AI-powered insights on top.
No credit card needed. Connect your bank in 2 minutes.