SubSpend vs Bobby: Which Subscription Tracker Wins?
By the SubSpend team · June 20, 2026
SubSpend vs Bobby: Which Subscription Tracker Wins?
SubSpend and Bobby are both manual subscription trackers that never link your bank. Bobby is iOS-only, minimal, and a cheap one-time purchase (~$1.99) — great for a simple visual list. SubSpend is cross-platform (works on the web), adds renewal/free-trial reminders, spending analytics, duplicate detection, family sharing, and multi-currency, for a one-time $24/year or $39 lifetime. Choose Bobby for simplicity on iPhone; choose SubSpend for depth and cross-platform access.
SubSpend and Bobby both track subscriptions without ever linking your bank — the difference is depth and reach. Bobby is a minimal, iOS-only app that keeps a tidy visual list for a tiny one-time price. SubSpend is cross-platform and adds reminders, spending analytics, duplicate detection, and family sharing. Pick Bobby for simple iPhone tracking; pick SubSpend if you want more than a list.
Same privacy stance, different ambitions
Neither app touches your bank — you add subscriptions by hand in both. The real split is scope: Bobby is deliberately minimal and iPhone-only; SubSpend is cross-platform and feature-rich. So this isn't privacy vs. convenience; it's simple-and-cheap vs. complete-and-portable.
| SubSpend | Bobby | |
|---|---|---|
| Bank connection | Not required | Not required |
| Platforms | Web / cross-platform | iOS only |
| Renewal & trial reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Spending analytics | Yes | Limited |
| Duplicate detection | Yes | No |
| Family sharing | Yes | No |
| Pricing | $24/yr or $39 lifetime | ~$1.99 one-time |
Bobby details are based on public information as of June 2026 and may change — check the App Store for current features and pricing.
Bobby is the better notebook. SubSpend is the better dashboard.
Where Bobby still shines
Bobby earns its loyal following by doing one thing well. If you're on iPhone and just want to see what you pay and get a nudge before renewals, it's hard to beat — and it's nearly free.
Pros
- Dead-simple, clean, and fast to set up.
- A tiny one-time price (~$1.99) for Pro.
- Native iOS feel; great reminders.
Cons
- iOS only — nothing on web or Android.
- No analytics depth, duplicate detection, or family sharing.
Where SubSpend pulls ahead
SubSpend is for people who want the picture, not just the list. It works anywhere there's a browser, in any currency, and turns your entries into real insight — monthly and yearly totals, duplicate flags, and a shared household view — while still never connecting to your bank.
Which should you pick?
- On iPhone, want the simplest possible list for a couple of dollars? Bobby.
- Want reminders plus analytics, duplicates, family sharing, and access on any device? SubSpend.
- Not on iOS at all? SubSpend (Bobby isn't an option).
Want more than a list — analytics and family sharing, still no bank link?
Try SubSpendBoth are good answers to the same problem. Bobby keeps what you already know organized; SubSpend helps you find what you didn't — the duplicate, the forgotten trial, the yearly renewal you never see coming.
Frequently asked questions
No — both are manual trackers. You add each subscription yourself, so neither stores bank or card details. That keeps your data private and lets both work in any country and currency.
Yes, especially if you're not on iPhone or you want more than a list. SubSpend is cross-platform and adds spending analytics, duplicate detection, family sharing, and multi-currency, while keeping Bobby's no-bank-connection privacy.
No. Bobby is iOS-only. If you use Android, Windows, or want to manage subscriptions in a browser, SubSpend works across platforms while Bobby doesn't.
Bobby is cheaper upfront — a small one-time purchase (~$1.99). SubSpend is $24/year or $39 lifetime (one-time) and includes analytics, duplicate detection, and family sharing. Prices are as of June 2026; check each store for current pricing.
No. Both remind you before charges so you can cancel yourself; neither cancels services or negotiates bills on your behalf. For done-for-you cancellation you'd need a bank-linked app like Rocket Money.
Yes. SubSpend has family sharing so a household can see and manage shared plans together. Bobby doesn't offer family sharing — it's built around a single person's list on iPhone.