Software Spending Out of Control? This $59 Tool Can Help
Software Subscriptions aims to solve the common problem of tracking multiple software tools and their associated costs.
Managing software subscriptions can be a significant challenge for any business owner or entrepreneur. With the increasing number of SaaS tools we rely on, keeping track of costs, renewal dates, and license keys becomes more complex each year. Today, I'm reviewing Software Subscriptions, currently available as a lifetime deal on AppSumo for $59.
Introduction [0:00]
Software Subscriptions aims to solve the common problem of tracking multiple software tools and their associated costs. While the price point of $59 gets you started, there are different tiers available depending on your team size and needs. For this review, I tested the tier one plan, which should be sufficient for most small teams.
SoftwareSubscriptions
Get Software Subscriptons on AppSumo
Basic Setup [0:39]
Getting started with Software Subscriptions is straightforward. You can load all your existing software subscriptions into the system. As an example, I added our YouTube Premium subscription, which costs $22.99 monthly for the family plan. The system allows you to track:
- Next billing date
- Payment method details
- Subscription status
- Activation date
- Additional comments
- Invoice attachments (helpful for tax purposes)
Admin Panel [1:21]
The admin panel provides a comprehensive overview of your software spending. Key features include:
- Department categorization
- Subscription tracking
- Annual and monthly cost breakdowns
- Total subscription counts
- Addition date tracking
This organization helps particularly with bookkeeping and maintaining clear records for tools like Xero or QuickBooks.
License Management [2:04]
The license key management feature, while present, has some limitations. Instead of functioning as a password manager for WordPress plugins (as some might expect), it focuses on:
- Adding tools with license keys
- Assigning keys to users
- Tracking associated costs
- Managing department assignments
One notable limitation is that the system currently doesn't support multiple license assignments to the same user, which could be restrictive for some use cases.
Adding Subscriptions [3:11]
The process of adding new subscriptions offers several convenient options:
- Manual entry
- CSV import (ideal for QuickBooks or Xero data)
- Chrome extension integration
The system includes a substantial directory of pre-configured apps, though you can add any custom subscription. The interface guides you through entering essential details like:
- Subscription name
- URL
- Plan type
- Pricing (monthly, annual, or lifetime)
- Start date
- Payment method
Payment Methods [4:34]
The payment tracking system is thoughtfully designed for financial management:
- Records last four digits of cards
- Tracks expiration dates
- Helps prevent subscription lapses
- Provides clear visibility of which card is used for each subscription
This feature proves particularly valuable for avoiding unexpected service interruptions due to expired cards.
SoftwareSubscriptionsGet Software Subscriptons on AppSumo
Custom Fields [6:02]
The custom fields feature allows additional data storage, though its implementation could be more user-friendly. While you can add custom key-value pairs, accessing this information isn't as straightforward as it could be, requiring users to enter the edit mode to view custom field data.
Calendar View [6:43]
One of the more useful features is the calendar view, which offers:
- Visual representation of upcoming charges
- Multiple view options (day, week, month)
- Clear overview of payment schedules
- Easy identification of high-cost periods
This visualization helps with financial planning and ensures you're never caught off guard by major annual renewals.
Chrome Extension [8:00]
The Chrome extension streamlines the process of adding new subscriptions:
- Quick access while browsing
- Same functionality as the main interface
- Convenient for immediate subscription tracking during purchases
Future Updates [8:20]
The roadmap includes several promising features:
- Email receipt forwarding
- PDF/receipt import capabilities
- Integrations with:
- Xero
- FreshBooks
- Zapier
These additions could significantly enhance the tool's utility, particularly for automation and accounting purposes.
Final Thoughts [9:17]
Software Subscriptions earns a 6.4/10 rating from me. While it effectively addresses the core need of subscription tracking, there are areas for improvement:
Strengths:
- Clean, straightforward interface
- Effective subscription tracking
- Useful calendar visualization
- Reasonable pricing
- Helpful Chrome extension
Areas for Improvement:
- Limited documentation
- Confusing license key management
- Custom fields implementation needs work
For $59, Software Subscriptions offers good value for business owners and entrepreneurs struggling to maintain control over their software costs. While not perfect, it solves a real problem that many of us face with managing multiple subscriptions.
SoftwareSubscriptionsGet Software Subscriptons on AppSumo
The tool is particularly suited for:
- Small business owners
- Digital entrepreneurs
- Teams managing multiple software tools
- Anyone looking to optimize their software spending
Remember, this is a purpose-built tool for a specific need. If keeping track of your software subscriptions is a pain point in your business, Software Subscriptions could be a worthwhile investment.
Have you tried Software Subscriptions? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
