Get early access

Compare

Looking for an AppClose alternative?

GrownUps is a free alternative to AppClose. AppClose ended its long-standing free model in January 2026 and now charges a monthly subscription. GrownUps is free for both parents, works for one parent before the other joins, keeps a complete, exportable record, and — unlike AppClose — moves no money through the app, so a reimbursement never becomes a billing dispute.

GrownUps is in development. Leave your email and we’ll tell you the day it’s ready — that’s the only email you’ll get.

GrownUpsAppClose
PriceFree$8.99 per month
Free tierYes, foreverEnded January 2026
Works before your co-parent joinsYesLimited
Custody calendar with recurring patternsYesYes, but glitchy in reviews
Expense ledgerFull lifecycle + running balanceYes, with in-app payments
Money moves through the appNo — by designYes
Data exportComplete, free, foreverReported to truncate
Cancel in-appWill be, if you ever subscribeReported as difficult

Last verified 24 July 2026

What AppClose does that we don’t (yet)

AppClose bundled everything into one tier, with built-in reimbursement payments and parenting-plan templates — genuinely convenient. GrownUps keeps the coordination — a clean logged → requested → approved → settled expense ledger with a running balance both parents see — but deliberately moves no money, which avoids the payment-dispute complaints AppClose’s in-app payments drew.

What we’d choose GrownUps for

Free for both parents, where AppClose ended its free model. Complete, multi-page exports. An unread badge that provably clears. And, if GrownUps+ ever arrives, cancelling in one tap — never the thing you have to email support to escape.

Switching

Export your data from AppClose, set up your schedule in GrownUps in about five minutes, and invite your co-parent when you’re ready.

What it costsShared expensesAll comparisons

Questions

Good to know.

Is GrownUps a free alternative to AppClose?

Yes. Where AppClose charges a subscription, GrownUps is free for both parents — calendar, messaging, handovers and expenses — with no per-parent fee, and your record is free to export forever.

Does GrownUps charge each parent separately?

No — there is no per-parent fee, ever. One price for a family, or no price at all.

Can I use GrownUps before my co-parent joins?

Yes. Every core feature works for one parent alone first; when your co-parent joins, everything lines up automatically.

The honest version

Free, for both parents. No per-parent fee.

Try the calendar, messaging, handovers and expenses free — and export your record any time, at no cost.

Get early access

Get early access.Free at launch.

GrownUps is in development. Leave your email and we'll tell you the day it's ready — that's the only email you'll get.