Last verified: April 2026. Pricing and features may have changed since.
Steady vs PocketSmith — Which NZ Finance App Is Better?
Both Steady and PocketSmith are built for New Zealanders and connect to NZ banks through Akahu. But they take very different approaches to helping you manage your money. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
Choose Steady if you want…
- AI-powered answers about your money in plain English
- Automatic categorisation without manual rules
- Gamification to stay motivated with your finances
- A modern, mobile-first experience with less setup
Choose PocketSmith if you want…
- Long-term financial projections (up to 60 years)
- Calendar-based budgeting and event scheduling
- A mature platform with 15+ years of development
- Dedicated native mobile apps for iOS and Android
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Steady | PocketSmith |
|---|---|---|
| NZ bank sync (Akahu) | Yes | Yes |
| AI chat assistant | Yes | No |
| Voice input | Yes | No |
| Auto-categorisation | AI-powered | Rule-based |
| Cash flow forecasting | Yes | Yes — up to 60 years |
| Calendar budgeting | No | Yes |
| Gamification (XP, gems) | Yes | No |
| KiwiSaver tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Net worth tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Investment tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bill reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Free tier | Yes — with bank sync | Yes — manual only |
| Paid plan from | $12.99/mo NZD | $12.95/mo NZD |
| Mobile app | Web app (PWA) | iOS & Android |
| Established since | 2025 | 2008 |
Bank connectivity and transaction syncing
Both Steady and PocketSmith use Akahu to connect to New Zealand banks, so you get the same coverage — ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac, and many more. Where they differ is what happens after your transactions arrive. PocketSmith uses rule-based categorisation where you set up matching rules over time. Steady uses AI to automatically categorise transactions from day one, learning from your spending patterns without requiring manual setup.
Forecasting and planning
This is where PocketSmith genuinely shines. Their calendar-based forecasting engine lets you project your finances up to 60 years into the future. You can model "what if" scenarios like changing jobs, buying a house, or retiring early. Steady takes a different approach — focused on understanding your money right now, with AI-powered insights that answer questions about your current spending, trends, and whether you're on track for near-term goals. If long-range financial modelling is your priority, PocketSmith is hard to beat.
AI and smart features
Steady is built around AI from the ground up. You can ask questions like "How much did I spend on groceries last month?" or "Am I on track for my holiday fund?" and get instant answers in plain English. Voice input lets you interact hands-free. PocketSmith doesn't currently offer an AI assistant, though their reporting and visualisation tools are comprehensive for people who prefer to explore data visually.
Motivation and engagement
Managing money is one of those things most people know they should do but struggle to stick with. Steady tackles this with gamification — you earn XP for financial actions, collect gems, build streaks, and unlock achievements. It turns the mundane task of checking your finances into something you actually want to do. PocketSmith takes a more traditional approach, which works well for detail-oriented planners who are already motivated.
Pricing and value
Both apps offer free tiers, but they differ significantly. PocketSmith's free plan is limited to manual transaction entry — no bank feeds. Their Premium plan (with bank feeds and forecasting) starts at NZ$12.95/month. Steady's free tier includes basic bank sync and spending tracking out of the box. Steady Plus at $12.99/month unlocks unlimited AI questions, additional bank connections, and advanced features like investment tracking and forecasting.
Track record and maturity
PocketSmith was founded in Dunedin in 2008 and has grown into one of the most respected personal finance tools globally, with users in over 100 countries. They have a mature platform, dedicated mobile apps, and a deep feature set refined over 15+ years. Steady is newer to the market but is building on modern AI technology and a mobile-first design philosophy. If you value a proven track record, PocketSmith has it. If you want the latest in AI-powered finance management, Steady is pushing the envelope.
Frequently asked questions
Is Steady better than PocketSmith for New Zealanders?
It depends on what you need. PocketSmith excels at long-term financial forecasting with up to 60-year projections and calendar-based budgeting. Steady is better for everyday AI-powered money management, automatic categorisation, and a modern mobile-first experience with gamification. Both connect to NZ banks via Akahu.
Do both Steady and PocketSmith connect to NZ banks?
Yes. Both Steady and PocketSmith connect to major New Zealand banks through Akahu, New Zealand's open banking platform. This means automatic transaction syncing from ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac, and other supported institutions.
What does Steady offer that PocketSmith doesn't?
Steady offers an AI chat assistant that can answer questions about your finances in plain English, voice input for hands-free money management, gamification with XP, gems, and streaks to keep you engaged, and automatic AI-powered transaction categorisation. Steady also has a free tier with core features included.
Is PocketSmith or Steady cheaper?
Both offer free tiers. PocketSmith's free plan supports manual entry only (no bank feeds). Their paid plans start at NZ$12.95/month. Steady's free tier includes basic bank sync and spending tracking. Steady Plus is $12.99/month for unlimited AI questions, bank connections, and advanced features.
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