Subscription managers and other ways to get rid of unnecessary subscriptions

Once you sign up for a subscription service, it's easy to forget about it and let that monthly charge run on, even if you're no longer reaping the benefits. This is where subscription managers come in. These handy services help you see, at a glance, what you're paying out for on a weekly, monthly, or even yearly, basis so you can better manage your finances. Here are five ways to manage your subscriptions. 

Manage your subscriptions natively

The simplest way to manage your subscriptions is to do it natively. This means using the existing subscription management settings built into your phone's operating system.

Android users 

Android users can do this via Google Play. Subscriptions on Google Play renew automatically unless you unsubscribe. To check what you're subscribed to via Google Play, open the Google Play app. 

At the top right of your screen, tap the profile icon. Tap on "Payments & subscriptions" and then "Subscriptions."

Here you can easily see what you're paying out for via the Google Play app and select any subscriptions you want to cancel. Some subscriptions may offer you the option to pause your subscription, and then resume paying when you expect to need the service again. 

iPhone users

Credit: Screenshot / Apple

On iPhones, there are two different areas to check out your subscriptions. First, you can manage your subscriptions to Apple’s proprietary services like Apple One, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple TV+, etc. To see these subscriptions, open your Settings app. 

Next, tap on your name at the top of the screen. Then look for "Subscriptions" and tap this to see which Apple services you're currently subscribed to. 

You can also manage in-app subscriptions via the  App Store app. Open the app and tap on your profile icon on the top right of the screen. On the next screen, tap "Subscriptions" to get an overview of your current sub situation. From here you can manage and cancel subscriptions.

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These native methods obviously only work for services you've signed up for via the official Android and iOS app stores, so we're also taking a look at services that can help you manage all your subscriptions. 

Best website: Track My Subs

Credit: Track My Subs

TrackMySubs is a subscription tracking and management tool aimed at small businesses, but it offers a sweet little free tier that's ideal for consumer use and comes highly recommended. 

The service is simple to sign up for and has an incredibly user-friendly, "click to add" and drag-and-drop-style interface. You can view your subscriptions on a calendar, and there’s an option to sort and see subscriptions via categories. Another option lets you set up reminder alerts when your subs are due to renew. During the set-up process, you can also note if you've signed up for a free trial subscription that you are planning to cancel before payment is due — handy if you do this often. 

Track My Subs offers a fabulous "Starter" level membership which is completely free, requires no credit card info and allows you to track up to 10 subscriptions. This is a brilliant entry-level option that will suit most average consumers. 

If you need more robust subscription tracking you can opt to upgrade. The Starter Plus package costs $5 a month and tracks 20 subs, the $10 a month Entrepreneur option gives you the ability to track 50, and if you want to track unlimited subscriptions, it'll cost you $15. 

Best multi-platform option: RocketMoney (formerly TrueBill

Credit: Truebill

RocketMoney (formerly Truebill) is a personal finance management service that is available online, and as a free iOS and Android app. Truebill’s free tier will suit most average consumers, but there is also a "Premium" tier that offers you more features. 

Truebill is not just focused on subscription management. It also offers broader personal finance management, such as tracking monthly bills and spending, but it's the subscription management features we're interested in. 

Truebill gives you a clear picture of all the recurring services you pay for. Truebull's aim is to consolidate your subscriptions into one hub that you can easily monitor, and manage. Then, if required, Truebill enables you to cancel your ongoing subscriptions from within the app. Truebill will notify you when an existing subscription goes up in price and can help you track any free trials you've signed up to. 

Mobile platform-specific options

The services mentioned above come recommended, but there are some platform-specific options also worthy of note.  

Best for Android: Subby

Credit: Subby

Subby is a very popular free-to-use subscription management app for Android smartphones that gives you the ability to manage an unlimited amount of subscriptions. Subby offers the functionality to get notified ahead of payment time so you always know what bills are coming your way. There are over 160 currencies to choose from, and the app also gives you detailed insights of your recurring expenses, showing you how much you spend on a monthly and yearly basis. 

Best for iOS: Recur

Credit: Recur

Recur — which is free, but with "Pro" features priced from $2.99 — is specifically designed for iPhones and iPads, with its styling following the iOS and iPadOS' native design guidelines. This is a very customizable option that allows you to set up daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly notifications for your subscriptions and be reminded a day before the subscription is due. This app is widget-enabled so you can track your subscription right from your homescreen.