Spreadsheet (DIY) Review (2026)
The free, flexible, zero-privacy-risk alternative to tracker apps.
Our Verdict
A subscription spreadsheet in Google Sheets or Excel is completely free, infinitely customisable and shares no data with any third party. It's also time-consuming to build, requires manual maintenance and offers none of the notification, reporting or cancellation-guide features of a dedicated app. Worth it as a one-time audit tool; impractical for ongoing management.
Pros
- ✓Completely free
- ✓Full privacy — no third-party data sharing
- ✓Infinitely customisable
- ✓Works across all devices via Google Sheets
- ✓No subscription to manage
Cons
- ✗No renewal reminders or notifications
- ✗Manual setup and maintenance
- ✗No cancellation guide integration
- ✗No automatic currency conversion
- ✗Time-consuming to build and maintain
- ✗No mobile-optimised interface
The Case For a Spreadsheet
A Google Sheets subscription tracker costs nothing, shares nothing and works everywhere. For a one-time subscription audit — where you're trying to understand what you pay for — a spreadsheet is a perfectly good tool. Set up columns for service name, amount, currency, billing date and annual cost. Sort by cost. Cancel what you don't use. Done.
The Case Against a Spreadsheet
The problem with spreadsheets is ongoing use. Without reminders, you'll miss renewals. Without a mobile-first interface, you won't update it consistently. Without a dedicated tool, the spreadsheet will gradually become out of date. Most people who start with a spreadsheet either maintain it with significant effort or stop using it within a month.
The Better Alternative
A dedicated tracker like SubTracker.io solves all of a spreadsheet's weaknesses: renewal reminders, mobile interface, currency handling and cancellation guide integration — all for €3.99/month. For most users, the time saved and the reminders alone justify the cost within the first month.
Pricing in 2026
Who Is This For?
One-time subscription audits or users who want maximum customisation at zero cost
Ongoing management — lack of reminders means renewals will slip through
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a spreadsheet good enough for tracking subscriptions?
For a one-time audit, yes. For ongoing management, the lack of reminders and mobile experience makes a dedicated app like SubTracker.io significantly more practical.
Where can I get a free subscription tracker spreadsheet template?
We offer a free Google Sheets template at subscriptiontracker.eu/tools/free-subscription-tracker-template.
Decided on Spreadsheet (DIY)? Start tracking your subscriptions today.
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