CountAbout Review 2026: The Quicken User's Cloud Alternative
Last reviewed on October 1, 2026.
Quick Verdict
CountAbout serves a specific audience exceptionally well: Quicken users seeking a cloud-based alternative. As one of the few cloud budgeting apps that imports Quicken (QIF) files and Mint CSV exports, it can preserve years of financial history. While the interface feels dated and mobile apps are basic, its powerful desktop-like features and reasonable pricing make it valuable for traditional budgeters.
✓ Pros
- Imports Quicken QIF files
- Imports Mint data (crucial after shutdown)
- Powerful reporting features
- Split transactions and tags
- No ads or data selling
- Low pricing ($19.99-$54.99/year)
- Running balance in registers
- 45-day free trial, no card needed
✗ Cons
- Dated interface design
- Basic mobile apps
- Limited bank connections
- No investment tracking
- Steep learning curve
- No bill pay features
- Small development team
The Quicken Migration Story
CountAbout was created specifically for users frustrated with Quicken's move to a subscription model and lack of robust cloud options. It's one of the few web-based budgeting apps that can import your Quicken history (transactions, categories and accounts) from a QIF export, so long-time Quicken users don't have to start from scratch.
With Mint's shutdown in March 2024, CountAbout also became a refuge for Mint users, offering the ability to import Mint data exports. This unique capability makes it invaluable for anyone with extensive financial history in these legacy systems.
Core Features Analysis
Register-Based Accounting
Like Quicken, CountAbout uses a checkbook register approach:
- Running balance for each account
- Manual transaction entry with auto-complete
- Split transactions with multiple categories
- Memo fields for detailed notes
- Check number tracking
- Reconciliation with statement balances
- Transfer tracking between accounts
- Void and delete transaction options
Budget Management
Traditional envelope-style budgeting similar to Quicken:
- Monthly and annual budget views
- Category groups and subcategories
- Budget vs actual comparisons
- Rollover unused amounts
- Income and expense budgets
- Copy budgets from previous periods
- Budget reports and analysis
Reporting Power
CountAbout's reporting rivals desktop software:
- Income/Expense reports by period
- Category spending analysis
- Cash flow statements
- Net worth over time
- Tax reports with customizable categories
- Payee reports
- Custom date ranges
- Export to CSV/Excel
Data Import Excellence
Unmatched import capabilities:
- Quicken files: QIF and QFX formats with full history
- Mint data: Complete transaction import from CSV
- Bank files: OFX, QFX, QIF, CSV formats
- Preserves: Categories, tags, notes, splits
- Deduplication: Smart matching to prevent duplicates
Pricing Structure
Basic
- Manual transaction entry
- File import (QIF, CSV and similar)
- Budgets, registers and reports
- Web and mobile access
Premium
- Everything in Basic
- Automatic transaction downloads from your banks
- Auto-categorization rules
Free Trial: 45 days of Premium with no credit card required, after which you choose Basic or Premium (per CountAbout at the time of review).
The CountAbout Experience
Web Interface
The web app is CountAbout's strength, resembling desktop Quicken:
- Multi-panel layout with customizable views
- Keyboard shortcuts for power users
- Multiple windows/tabs support
- Batch operations for efficiency
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are functional but basic:
- Transaction entry on the go
- Account balance viewing
- Basic reports
- Photo receipt attachment
- Limited compared to web version
- Sync can be slow
Bank Connections
Premium plan includes automatic downloads:
- Covers thousands of US institutions
- Uses a third-party data aggregator
- Daily automatic updates
- Connection stability varies by bank
- Manual import always available as backup
Migrating from Quicken
- Export from Quicken: Create QIF file for all accounts
- Sign up for CountAbout: Choose Basic or Premium
- Import QIF file: Upload through web interface
- Review import: Check categories and account balances
- Set up connections: Add bank downloads if using Premium
- Adjust settings: Customize categories and budgets
Tip: Import as much Quicken history as you want to keep, then compare account balances against Quicken before you stop using it. Investment tracking in CountAbout is limited.
Who Should Use CountAbout?
Perfect For:
- Quicken refugees: Seamless transition from desktop
- Mint orphans: Import and continue after shutdown
- Data preservationists: Keep decades of history
- Register fans: Prefer checkbook-style tracking
- Privacy conscious: No ads or data selling
- Power users: Need advanced reporting
Not Ideal For:
- Mobile-first users: Apps are secondary
- Modern UI seekers: Interface feels dated
- Investment trackers: Very limited features
- Beginners: Steep learning curve
- Automation lovers: Requires manual work
CountAbout vs Competitors
| Feature | CountAbout | Quicken | Simplifi | YNAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price/month | $1.67-$4.58 (billed yearly) | $5.99+ | $3.99 | $9.08 |
| Quicken Import | ✓ | N/A | ✗ | ✗ |
| Running Balance | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Investment Tracking | View only | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ✗ |
| Mobile Apps | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Reports | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
Pricing and Trial at a Glance
- Basic: $19.99/year, manual entry and file import
- Premium: $54.99/year, adds automatic downloads from your banks
- Trial: 45 days of Premium, no credit card required
- Imports: Quicken QIF files and Mint CSV exports
Tips for CountAbout Success
- Start with manual entry: Learn the system before automating
- Import history first: Bring in old data before new transactions
- Set up categories carefully: Match your tax needs
- Use memo fields: Add context to transactions
- Reconcile monthly: Keep accounts accurate
- Export regularly: Backup your data monthly
- Learn keyboard shortcuts: Speed up data entry
- Use splits: Accurately track complex transactions
Common Issues
Slow performance
Large data imports can slow the system. Break imports into yearly chunks if needed.
Bank connection problems
Some banks have connection issues. Use manual file import as a reliable backup.
Mobile limitations
Do complex work on web; use mobile for quick entry only.
Learning curve
Watch tutorial videos and start with basic features before advancing.
Security and Privacy
- SSL encryption for all data
- No advertising or data selling
- Read-only bank access
- Two-factor authentication
- Regular backups
- US-based servers
- PCI compliance
- Manual data export anytime
CountAbout FAQ
How much does CountAbout cost?
At the time of review CountAbout listed two plans: Basic at $19.99 a year (manual entry and file import) and Premium at $54.99 a year (adds automatic transaction downloads). New users get a 45-day free trial of Premium without a credit card.
Can CountAbout import Quicken and Mint data?
Yes. You can import a QIF export from Quicken, including transactions, categories and accounts, and CSV exports such as the transaction file Mint users could download before Mint shut down in March 2024. Check balances after importing.
What do CountAbout budget app reviews say?
Reviewers, including us, like its low price, Quicken-style registers, reporting and lack of ads, and criticize its dated interface and basic mobile apps. We rate it 3.8 out of 5: a good fit for former Quicken users and anyone who prefers a checkbook-style register. If you want a simpler start, see our guide to starting a budget.
Final Verdict
CountAbout earns 3.8 out of 5 stars for serving a specific niche exceptionally well. For Quicken users seeking a cloud alternative or Mint refugees needing to preserve their data, CountAbout is one of the few cloud options that can carry your financial history forward.
The interface won't win design awards, and the mobile apps need work, but the core functionality is solid. Power users who value features over aesthetics will appreciate the robust reporting, split transactions, and register-based approach that modern apps have abandoned.
At $19.99/year for Basic or $54.99/year for Premium, it's one of the cheapest paid budgeting apps. If you're coming from Quicken or Mint and want to preserve your data while moving to the cloud, CountAbout is worth the learning curve. Just don't expect a modern, mobile-first experience.