If you're looking for a subscription tracker in 2026, Bobby and CustomSubs are two of the most popular options. But they're very different apps with different philosophies. This guide breaks down exactly how they compare so you can pick the right one.
The Quick Summary
Bobby was one of the first subscription tracking apps on iOS and built a loyal following. However, development has stalled since 2021, and users have been dealing with broken notifications, no Android support, and data loss on reinstalls. CustomSubs was built specifically to fix those problems — with reliable notifications, cross-platform support, backup/restore, and a strong privacy-first approach.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bobby | CustomSubs |
|---|---|---|
| Reliable notifications | Broken (top complaint) | Timezone-aware, tested |
| Platform support | iOS only | iOS + Android |
| Data backup | Data loss on reinstall | JSON export anytime |
| Cancellation help | None | URLs, phone, checklists |
| Analytics | Basic | Full insights + charts |
| Active development | No updates since 2021 | Actively developed |
| Privacy | Unknown | 100% offline, documented |
| Multi-currency | Limited | 31 currencies |
| Price | $7.49/year | Free |
Notifications: The Biggest Difference
The number one complaint about Bobby in App Store reviews is broken notifications. Users report that reminders simply stop firing, especially after iOS updates. Since Bobby hasn't been updated since 2021, these issues go unfixed.
CustomSubs takes a different approach. Notifications are timezone-aware and scheduled locally on your device using the OS's native notification system. You get three reminders per subscription: 7 days before, 1 day before, and the morning of the charge. There's also a one-tap test button so you can verify notifications are working. For full details on how notifications work, see our features page.
Privacy: A Core Difference
CustomSubs is 100% offline. It makes zero network calls, requires no account, and stores all data locally on your device. We can't access your financial data because we never collect it. Bobby's privacy posture is less clear — the app hasn't been updated in years and its privacy disclosures are outdated. Read our full privacy policy for the details.
Platform Support
Bobby is iOS-only and shows no signs of expanding to Android. CustomSubs supports both iOS and Android, making it the better choice if you use multiple devices or plan to switch platforms. Your subscription data is portable — export from one device and import on the other.
Data Safety and Backup
One of the most frustrating Bobby issues is data loss. Reinstall the app or get a new phone and your subscriptions may be gone. CustomSubs lets you export your data as a JSON file at any time. Save it to iCloud, Google Drive, or email it to yourself. Restore on any device in seconds.
Cancellation Help
Bobby tracks what you spend but offers no help when you decide to cancel a subscription. CustomSubs includes step-by-step cancellation guides with direct URLs, phone numbers, and interactive checklists for popular services. It's the difference between knowing you're overspending and actually doing something about it.
Pricing
Bobby charges $7.49/year. CustomSubs is completely free — no ads, no paywalls, no freemium tricks. We believe a privacy-respecting utility app should be accessible to everyone.
The Verdict
Bobby pioneered the subscription tracker category and deserves credit for that. But in 2026, with no updates, broken notifications, no Android support, and no backup system, it's hard to recommend over CustomSubs. CustomSubs is free, actively developed, works on both platforms, respects your privacy, and actually reminds you before you get charged.
Still have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions.
Ready to switch?
Download CustomSubs free and start tracking your subscriptions in under a minute.