Why These Two Apps Dominate the Debt Payoff Space

When it comes to dedicated debt payoff tracking apps, Undebt.it and Debt Payoff Planner consistently rank as the top two free options. Both help you organize your debts, model payoff strategies, and visualize your timeline. But they are built differently and serve slightly different users.

This comparison covers everything you need to decide: features, pricing, usability, platform availability, and the type of user each one is best suited for.

Undebt.it Overview

Undebt.it is a free web-based debt payoff calculator and tracker. It was built specifically for people who want to compare multiple payoff strategies and see detailed amortization schedules for every debt. The interface is utilitarian but functional—it prioritizes depth of information over visual polish.

Key features:

  • Six payoff strategies: snowball, avalanche, highest payment, highest balance, lowest APR, and custom
  • Side-by-side strategy comparison showing total interest and payoff date for each
  • Full amortization schedule for every debt
  • Extra payment and lump sum simulator
  • Progress tracking with monthly payment log
  • Printable payment plan
  • No account connections—100% manual and private

Pricing: Free tier is comprehensive. Plus plan ($12/year) adds unlimited debts beyond the free limit and removes ads.

Debt Payoff Planner Overview

Debt Payoff Planner is a mobile app available on iOS and Android. It focuses on a clean, easy-to-use experience that you can interact with daily from your phone. It supports the two most popular strategies (snowball and avalanche) and includes visual elements like balance charts and milestone trackers that make progress feel real and motivating.

Key features:

  • Snowball and avalanche strategy support
  • Visual payoff chart showing when each debt disappears
  • Milestone tracker (first debt paid off, 25% done, halfway, etc.)
  • Extra payment simulator
  • Push notifications for upcoming payments
  • Clean, modern interface

Pricing: Free tier limited to 3 debts. Pro version ($11.99/year) removes the 3-debt limit and adds calendar view and additional features.

Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureUndebt.itDebt Payoff Planner
PlatformWeb (browser)iOS and Android app
Free tierYes (limited debts)Yes (3 debts max)
Paid tier$12/year$11.99/year
Strategies supported6 methodsSnowball + Avalanche
Strategy comparisonYes (side by side)No
Amortization scheduleYesNo
Visual progress chartBasicStrong
Milestone trackingNoYes
Push notificationsNoYes
Bank account syncNoNo
Lump sum simulatorYesYes

When to Choose Undebt.it

Undebt.it is the better choice if you:

  • Have more than 3 debts and want to track them all for free
  • Want to compare multiple payoff strategies side by side before committing
  • Are analytical and want to see full amortization tables
  • Primarily work from a computer rather than your phone
  • Want the most data-rich free tool available

When to Choose Debt Payoff Planner

Debt Payoff Planner is the better choice if you:

  • Prefer managing finances on your phone
  • Have 3 or fewer debts (and can use the free tier)
  • Are motivated by visual progress and milestones
  • Want push notifications to remind you of payments
  • Prefer a clean, simple interface over data density

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. Some people use Undebt.it to set up their initial plan and compare strategies, then switch to Debt Payoff Planner for daily mobile tracking. Since neither syncs to bank accounts, you simply enter the same debt information in both. This hybrid approach gives you the analytical power of Undebt.it and the mobile convenience of Debt Payoff Planner.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If neither app fully meets your needs:

  • Vertex42 Debt Reduction Spreadsheet: Free Excel/Google Sheets template that rivals Undebt.it in functionality for spreadsheet users
  • YNAB: More expensive ($109/year) but adds full budgeting integration alongside debt tracking
  • Tally: Free and automates credit card payoff, but limited to credit card debt

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Undebt.it really free?

Yes. Undebt.it’s free tier includes all core functionality including multiple strategies, amortization schedules, and lump sum simulators. The Plus plan at $12/year removes ads and the debt count limit. Most users find the free tier sufficient.

Does Debt Payoff Planner share my financial data?

Debt Payoff Planner does not connect to your bank accounts and does not share your debt information with third parties. You manually enter your debt data, which stays on your device (iOS) or in your account (Android). Undebt.it is similarly private and does not require bank account connections.

Which app is better for the debt snowball method specifically?

Both apps support the snowball method well. Debt Payoff Planner’s milestone tracker and visual charts make the emotional rewards of the snowball method feel more tangible. Undebt.it lets you compare the snowball vs. avalanche side by side to see the exact cost difference before committing to the snowball.