Bobby vs Subblink
Last reviewed
Bobby and Subblink are both dedicated subscription trackers, but they make different trade-offs around privacy and automation.
Bobby is an iOS app built around manual entry. You type in each subscription yourself, set the renewal date, and the app keeps a local record that syncs via iCloud. Because Bobby does not connect to bank accounts or email, there are no external credentials to share. Subblink takes the opposite approach: it reads your Gmail receipts to find subscriptions automatically, then gives you a web-based dashboard with renewal alerts sent by email. Subblink does not link bank accounts or cancel subscriptions.
The choice comes down to what you value more: no bank or email access and a simple manual workflow (Bobby), or automatic discovery with less manual work (Subblink).
| Feature | Subblink | Bobby |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription detection | Automatic — reads Gmail receipts | Manual entry only |
| Manual entry | Yes | Yes — Bobby's primary input method |
| Platform | Web-based | iOS app (Android version unofficial/unmaintained) |
| Data storage | Cloud (Subblink servers) | On-device with iCloud sync; no bank or email access required |
| Renewal alerts | Yes — email reminders | Yes — push notifications from the app |
| Gmail/email integration | Yes — reads receipts to detect subscriptions | No |
| Bank/card linking | No | No |
| Team/shared access | Yes — Growth plan includes team features | No |
| Free tier | Yes — up to 5 subscriptions | Free to download; some features are paid |
Where Subblink fits best
- Automatic subscription detection from Gmail receipts means no manual data entry
- Web-based dashboard accessible from any device
- Email renewal reminders before each charge
- Team features for shared subscription visibility
Where Bobby fits best
- No bank access and no email access — a manual tracker that does not require sharing any external credentials
- Simple mobile-first interface that many users find easier than a web dashboard
- No email or external account credentials required
- Push notifications for renewal reminders work without email setup
Frequently asked questions
- Does Bobby connect to Gmail or any email account?
- No. Bobby is fully manual — you add each subscription yourself. It does not connect to email, bank accounts, or any external service. This is its key privacy advantage.
- Is Subblink available as a mobile app?
- Subblink is a web app that works on mobile browsers. It does not currently have a native iOS or Android app. Bobby is the stronger choice if you specifically want a native mobile experience.
- Which is better for someone who wants to avoid sharing credentials?
- Bobby requires no credentials at all. Subblink requires a Gmail connection (read-only access to emails). If sharing any external access is a concern, Bobby is the more private option.
See all your subscriptions in one view.
Subblink reads your Gmail receipts to find recurring charges automatically and sends renewal reminders before each billing date.
Start freeFree up to 5 subscriptions. No credit card.