CoreBalance vs
Ghostfolio
Do you want to run your own wealth management server with advanced metrics, or would you rather open a web page and calculate your monthly contribution in two minutes?
CoreBalance
The zero-install, local-first calculator built for the Spanish investor
It opens in your browser: no server of your own, no Docker, no signup. Your data lives in your browser's IndexedDB, it imports CSV files from Spanish brokers, and its specialty is contribution-based rebalancing, with interest-bearing accounts and Spanish tax awareness (fund transfers).
Ghostfolio
The open-source wealth manager built for self-hosting
An open-source wealth manager (AGPL license) designed to be self-hosted with Docker, with a paid cloud option. Very strong in performance metrics (TWR/ROAI), multi-account management, and a complete net worth overview. If you want self-hosting with advanced metrics, it is excellent.
Direct Comparison Table
| Feature | CoreBalance | Ghostfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | None: it opens in your browser | Self-hosting with Docker (or paid cloud) |
| Price | Free and ad-free | Free self-hosted (AGPL); cloud subscription |
| Data Privacy | Local-first: data lives in your browser, no signup | On your server (if self-hosted) or in their cloud |
| Rebalancing Calculation | Its specialty: contribution-based rebalancing, to the cent | Shows allocation drift, without calculating the contribution |
| Performance Metrics | Basic (value, average cost, drift) | Advanced: TWR, ROAI, index benchmarking, multi-account |
| Language | Native Spanish (and English) | English-first; partial translations |
| Spanish Brokers | Importers for MyInvestor, DEGIRO, Trading 212, and IBKR | Generic CSV; no MyInvestor-specific support |
| Spanish Taxation | Built around fund transfers and buy-only rebalancing | No concept of the Spanish tax-free fund transfer |
Difference in the Workflow
We compare what it takes to get started with each tool and calculate this month's contribution.
Ghostfolio
- Deploy the Docker container with its PostgreSQL database and Redis (or pay for the cloud).
- Maintain the server: updates, backups, and remote access.
- Import your transaction history and map the assets.
- Review the allocation drift and manually calculate how much to contribute to each asset.
- Requires a technical profile and maintenance time.
CoreBalance
- Open CoreBalance in your browser (mobile or PC). Nothing to install.
- Enter your positions (or import your broker's CSV).
- Type this month's contribution and get the exact purchases per asset.
- Copy the operations and perform them in your bank or broker.
- Total time: two minutes, with no server to maintain.
Pros & Cons: Which suits you best?
Choose CoreBalance if you want:
- Zero installation: Open a web page and calculate your contribution in two minutes, without Docker, without your own server, and without signing up.
- Spanish focus: Native Spanish, MyInvestor importers alongside DEGIRO/Trading 212/IBKR, interest-bearing accounts with accrued interest, and rebalancing built around fund transfers.
- Contribution-based rebalancing: Its specialty: it tells you exactly how much of each asset to buy with this month's savings, without selling or realizing capital gains.
Choose Ghostfolio if you want:
- Advanced performance metrics: TWR, ROAI, and benchmarking against a reference index, something CoreBalance does not offer.
- Complete net worth overview: Real multi-account support: it groups several brokers, accounts, and even crypto into a single net worth dashboard.
- Self-hosting with full control: If you enjoy maintaining your own server with Docker and want an open-source (AGPL) platform under your control, Ghostfolio is excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know Docker for either of them?
Only for self-hosted Ghostfolio: you will need to deploy and maintain its Docker container (or pay for its cloud version). CoreBalance requires no installation at all: it opens in your browser and your data is stored locally on your device.
Can I use both tools at the same time?
Yes, they complement each other well. You can use Ghostfolio as your global wealth dashboard with its TWR metrics and benchmarking, and CoreBalance for the key moment of the month: calculating to the cent how to split your contribution between funds without selling anything.
Ready to rebalance your portfolio easily?
Try CoreBalance 100% free. No accounts, no servers to maintain, and 100% private in your browser.