App Showcase: MonoBoost

What it does

MonoBoost is a finance app designed to tackle subscription fatigue. Its core function is to help users identify, manage, and cancel their recurring payments. The app provides tools to see all subscriptions in one place and offers both guided and automated assistance for canceling unwanted services, aiming to help users save money and simplify their financial lives.

Where it shines

The app's onboarding is a standout example of how to build a strong value case before presenting a paywall. It starts by framing the problem with real-world data from sources like CNN (00:35), making the user's situation feel understood. The personalization quiz (00:42 onwards) is peppered with small, reinforcing messages that maintain engagement. The transition to the paywall is handled cleverly with a screen that visualizes potential savings (01:54) and an animated "plan building" sequence that doubles as a social proof carousel (01:57).

UX highlights

• Dual cancellation options: At 02:33, the app offers a "Guide Me" feature with AI-powered instructions and a premium "Cancel For Me" service. This caters to both users who want control and those who prioritize convenience.
• Contextual reinforcement: During the onboarding quiz, selecting an answer like "Uncertain" triggers a reassuring message (00:45), making the experience feel empathetic and responsive.
• Visual value framing: Before asking for payment, a chart at 01:54 shows the potential downward trend of subscription costs with the app, visually communicating the return on investment.
• Intelligent exit-intent: Trying to close the paywall at 02:23 doesn't just dismiss it. It triggers a survey to understand the user's objection, followed by a targeted secondary offer (02:27).
• Clear settings navigation: The settings screen at 03:50 is clean and well-organized, providing straightforward access to linked accounts, categories, and support.

Monetization & growth

MonoBoost uses a soft paywall strategy, allowing users to complete the entire onboarding quiz before being asked to subscribe (02:06). The initial paywall presents three plans (Weekly, Monthly, Yearly) and uses a countdown timer to create urgency. A key growth loop is the paywall exit survey (02:23); when a user tries to leave, the app asks why and then presents a heavily discounted first-week offer, attempting to convert users who are on the fence about the price. Premium features, like fully automated cancellation, appear to be the primary driver for the subscription.

Who it’s for

The app is clearly aimed at individuals who feel overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions they manage or suspect they are overspending on recurring services. It targets users who are looking for practical tools to cut costs and gain a clearer picture of their finances. The simple interface and guided processes make it suitable for people who may not be finance experts but want actionable ways to save money.

Notes & opportunities

While the dual cancellation feature is strong, the "Cancel For Me" service shows many popular services as locked (02:33), requiring an upgrade. This is a standard freemium tactic, but it could create a moment of disappointment if a user's target service is locked. The main dashboard (03:33) is heavily blurred in the free version, pushing the upgrade CTA hard. While effective, this might frustrate users who want to explore the interface before committing, even after completing the detailed onboarding.