YNAB can be an excellent spending tracker if you set it up in a way that makes sense to you. It's main power, however, is in planning for the future and budgeting.
I wouldn't describe YNAB as automated. That said, it's easy once you build the habit. What works for me:
1. Save physical receipts. Make notes on the receipt about any split categories (e.g. Groceries versus household) right away so you don't forget. Input them into YNAB as time allows, usually same or next day.
2. Once a week, on the same day to make it simple, download and import the transactions from previous week from credit cards, bank, etc. This catches any online shopping, regular bills, or other things that don't have physical receipts.
3. Once imported, double check budget tab to make sure I'm no over budget anywhere. If I am, adjust budget.
4. At month end, set categories for next month. Rinse, repeat.
YNAB quickly gets overwhelming, however, if you have lots of different accounts that you use, like if you're travel hacking. That's where something like Mint or Personal Capital's automation, even with the miscategorization that might need manual fixing, would be better.