Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Inventory Now vs HotStock

Inventory Now 4.7★ · Free + IAP 80
Winner Inventory Now
HotStock 4.7★ · Free to download 60

Inventory Now is the better choice for small business inventory management due to its robust features and responsive customer support, while HotStock is a specialized tool for tracking hard-to-find retail items, but its premium features, especially auto-buy, are often unreliable.

Full reviews: Inventory Now · HotStock

Inventory Now excels as a small business inventory management app, offering features like custom categories and responsive support, though some users desire more advanced customization and photo options. HotStock is designed for tracking scarce retail products, with many users successfully getting alerts, but its paid auto-buy feature frequently fails, leading to frustration and wasted money.

Head to head

Features edge: Inventory NowR3R5R6R9
Inventory Now Inventory Now offers core inventory management features like adding categories, sub-categories, and photos, with multi-location tracking and low stock warnings R5. Users appreciate the ability to sync inventory across multiple devices and platforms R32R35. However, some users desire more advanced features such as multiple photos per item, color and size options, customizable fields, and the ability to track individual sales or customer details R3R6R9.
HotStock HotStock's primary feature is providing real-time stock alerts for hard-to-find items, which many users confirm works effectively R72R80. It also offers an auto-buy feature for premium subscribers . However, the auto-buy feature is frequently reported as unreliable or ineffective, often failing to secure items even when available R69R73R79R85. Users also note that the free version is very limited, often only allowing one item to be tracked or providing delayed alerts .
Ease of Use edge: Inventory NowR5R6R18R24
Inventory Now Many users find Inventory Now easy to use and user-friendly for managing their inventory R5R6. The app is described as simple and helpful for organizing workflow R35. However, some users have experienced issues with the app freezing when taking barcode pictures or finding it difficult to customize certain aspects R18R24. A few users also found it not user-friendly or difficult to edit mistakes .
HotStock HotStock is generally considered easy to use for setting up alerts and navigating . Users appreciate the quick notifications that redirect them directly to retailer websites . However, some users find the free version's limitations frustrating, making it difficult to track multiple items without paying . The auto-buy feature, when attempted, requires the app to be open and the screen on, which can be inconvenient .
Reliability tieR8R10R11R13
Inventory Now Inventory Now has mixed reviews on reliability. While some users report long-term satisfaction and consistent performance R8R11, a significant number of users have experienced critical issues. These include inventory data being lost or deleted R10, syncing problems between devices R13, and the app crashing or freezing . Some users also reported that calculations for cost were not working .
HotStock HotStock's reliability is primarily tied to its alert system, which many users confirm works effectively and quickly R80. However, the auto-buy feature, a key premium offering, is widely reported as unreliable and often fails to secure purchases, leading to user frustration R69R73R79R85. Some users also report not receiving alerts or receiving false notifications .
Price/Value edge: Inventory NowR1R2R4R16
Inventory Now Inventory Now offers a free version with a limit of 20 items, after which a subscription is required R1R2. The annual subscription cost is $60 R1. Some users find the price reasonable for the features offered R2, especially for small businesses . However, others are frustrated by the sudden shift from a free model to a paid subscription, losing access to their inventory without warning R4R16. The iPad version is also noted as being expensive and not a universal app .
HotStock HotStock is free to download but severely limits functionality without a premium subscription, often allowing only one item to be tracked or providing delayed alerts . Premium subscriptions, including auto-buy, cost around $10.99 monthly R73. While some users find the premium worth it for securing hard-to-find items R80, many feel it's a waste of money due to the unreliability of the auto-buy feature R73R79R85. Users are also frustrated by not being able to check item availability for tracking before subscribing .
Support edge: Inventory NowR7R11R13R14
Inventory Now Inventory Now receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its customer support. Users frequently praise the developer, Logan, for being responsive, helpful, and directly involved in resolving issues and implementing new features R11R14. They report quick responses to emails and even app updates based on feedback . However, a few users did report receiving no support after multiple emails R7R13.
HotStock HotStock's customer support is widely criticized. Multiple users report sending emails with questions or issues, particularly regarding the auto-buy feature or adding new items, and receiving no response . This lack of support is a significant point of frustration for paying subscribers .
Pick Inventory Now if

You need a robust inventory management system for a small business, value responsive customer support, and can work within its current feature set or are willing to pay for the full version R5R8R11R14.

Pick HotStock if

You are trying to secure a highly sought-after retail product and are willing to rely primarily on restock notifications, understanding that the auto-buy feature may not be reliable R72R80.

Evidence note: Inventory Now has a much smaller review base compared to HotStock, which could skew perceptions. HotStock's reviews are heavily dominated by discussions around a single product (Canon G7X Mark III), which might not fully represent its performance for other items.

Frequently asked

What are the main limitations of Inventory Now's free version?
Inventory Now's free version limits users to tracking only 20 inventory items, after which a subscription is required to continue using the app R1R2.
Does HotStock's auto-buy feature work reliably?
HotStock's auto-buy feature is frequently reported by users as unreliable and often fails to purchase items even when they come into stock, leading many to consider it a waste of money R69R73R79R85.
Can Inventory Now sync across multiple devices?
Yes, Inventory Now supports syncing inventory across multiple devices, including iPhones, Macs, and Windows PCs, allowing teams to have live inventory updates R32R35.
Is HotStock useful for tracking all types of products?
HotStock is primarily effective for tracking specific, high-demand retail items that frequently go out of stock, such as certain cameras or gaming consoles, but some users found it ineffective for items like Pokemon cards or specific electronics R61R72R73R80.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R3] Inventory Now 3/5 · US Needs some extra features: I like this. What I think needs to be added and/or changed 1) be able to add multiple photos of items (I sell swim wear I need to see the front and back of the item) 2) add color option 3) add size option 4) make fields customizable That’s all I can think of that is missing for my needs in an app right now.
  2. [R5] Inventory Now 5/5 · US Inventory Now: This app is easy to use. You can add your own categories and sub-catagories.
  3. [R6] Inventory Now 3/5 · US Would give 5 but need to take more pix of items: Great user friendly app but you should be able to add more than one photo. I need to take multiple pix of my items. Please add this option
  4. [R9] Inventory Now 3/5 · US Neat app, missing a few key features.: Overall a cool app for small biz inventory. I can think of two features that would make it 100% more useful for me: 1 per item type, the ability to have multiple "warehouses" (ex On Display, Stock Room A, Stock Room B, etc) 2 having the Location being a user-definable multi-value instead of a type in (ala Category). Having to type in the location is a sort
  5. [R18] Inventory Now 3/5 · US It has a great start: It's has a great start, but getting really aggravating that it's screen freezes when I try to take picture of barcodes. If they could fix this I would definitely give it more stars!!
  6. [R24] Inventory Now 3/5 · US Great app but there's room for improvement: Love the photo and sync feature. Would be nice if it allowed you more options to customize how you want to see your inventory. For example, can I sort by item #? Also when you search for an item. It should display the results first and allow you to select the item Instead of just opening up the item details, that way if you fat finger your search criteri
  7. [R8] Inventory Now 5/5 · US Awesome App: This app has really helped my business, it’s an awesome app and I suggest everyone looking for an inventory app to get his one, you will not regret it! My business wouldn’t survive if it wasn’t for this app, it has benefited so much. This is the way to go and I wouldn’t change for anything. Thank you so much!
  8. [R10] Inventory Now 1/5 · US A Nightmare!!!: I would give this a negative reviews if I could!! I pulled up the app today to find that all of my inventory is gone!!!! It shows I have absolutely 0 items in inventory!!! That is hours and hours of work all gone!! Truly a nightmare! I will be looking for a new inventory management system today!
  9. [R11] Inventory Now 5/5 · US Fantastic app and support: I’ve been using this app for years now and it just gets better and better. The support and request for new features is amazing. I could absolutely not live without this!
  10. [R13] Inventory Now 1/5 · US Doesn’t sync, messed up my inventory, CS does not respond: We have only 2 devices, and this app can’t keep track of inventory and sync 2 iPhones. My inventory is messed up! Customer service doesn’t even reply. And it is a PAID SOFTWARE!!
  11. [R1] Inventory Now 1/5 · US Subscription cost for over 20 items is $60 a year: Just looking for free simple app.
  12. [R2] Inventory Now 4/5 · US Locks: This app looks great but I couldn’t try the features. The price is reasonable. However, the app locks at 20 items of inventory in the free version. I didn’t realize that would happen so I didn’t try all the features before it locked. I also did not have a chance to export the inventory before it locked, so it wasted 2 hrs of my time.
  13. [R4] Inventory Now 1/5 · US Bad Support: I used the free version for years. They decided to make it a paid service without giving any warning now my inventory is locked up with no way to retrieve it. I would pay except they are 2 different apps.
  14. [R16] Inventory Now 1/5 · US They should not update: I stopped using this app after recent update. New updated app is literally “New app, with different data format and payment plan. I bought iphone and ipad app. But my app status is now ‘trial’ and ask to subscribe monthly payment. I talked to the developer about the data format but he didn’t understand still. So I gave off. He should leave the old app and build new one.
  15. [R7] Inventory Now 1/5 · US No support: I downloaded and paid for the full package based on the reviews. I received several welcome emails mentioning I could email anytime to receive help with questions/concerns. I have sent 4 emails about a very simple question and have never received any support. Very disappointed and haven’t used the app since.
  16. [R14] Inventory Now 5/5 · US Great app/ Great support: I’ve been using this app for a couple years now for a small business, it’s fantastic, 10 fold better than any other app I’ve tried and the customer service is hands down the best I’ve encountered, hats off to Logan for his app design/maintenance and above all his customer service
  17. [R69] HotStock 1/5 · US Doesn’t actually work: Paid for the membership and everytime the item stocks it can’t auto buy for me and sells out. What a waste
  18. [R73] HotStock 1/5 · US Waste of Money - Premium Does not work: Don’t waste your time or money on the premium service! I purchased this app thinking I could use it to AutoBuy Pokemon cards and other electronics that I wanted that are in high demand. I paid $10.99 and it was NOT worth it. Every time something becomes available it says the autobuy feature was not able to purchase because of low stock. Isn’t that the reason
  19. [R79] HotStock 2/5 · US Don’t pay for the auto buy: 4 weeks and it’s got me absolutely nothing. It’s trash for target and always needs you to sign back in mid restock. It can’t get a single thing on Amazon always says “low stock unable to buy” yet I was able to buy it myself. It does alert me before my Reddit group but that’s about all it’s worth.
  20. [R85] HotStock 1/5 · US Auto buy is a complete scam: If you believe this app will help you secure Pokemon while you sleep you need to keep dreaming. First it gets stuck in the Walmart ques and times out. Best Buy sells mainly by invite. It can not even try Costco or Sam’s. A,a on is only third party sales. That leaves target which drops in the middle of the night. Perfect you might think but not a chance. Save you
  21. [R32] Inventory Now 5/5 · US SIMPLY AMAZING!: I have a fairly large tire shop with thousands of tires in inventory. I used to work this inventory using excel, but this app is a game changer! Not only can I use it on my iPhone and Mac, it works online with window’s based PC’s as well! Now my associates and myself can have the inventory synced up in our office and in our phones!
  22. [R35] Inventory Now 5/5 · US SIMPLE!: Expanding my business has never been easier. Currently transfering all my inventory from a desktop excel sheet to this program! Now myself, as well as my staff, can have live inventory updates! Imagine, I run a tire business & warehouse, and there are a ton of different sizes, brands, and models. If this program can handle this, it can definatly handle smaller loads! A BIG PLUS, this p
  23. [R61] HotStock 1/5 · US NOT for needoh or pokemon: This product is a total waste of time if you’re looking for needoh/pokemon. I have had better luck going against the bots myself, and using a free Facebook group for notifications. I want a refund.
  24. [R72] HotStock 5/5 · US Glad this exists: App is fantastic. Has helped me get the limited edition Halo Xbox series X back in 2020 and now today helped me get the assassins creed black flag resourced collectors edition for Xbox series X. If you are trying the find a product this is the app for you.
  25. [R80] HotStock 5/5 · US Amazing!!!!: I have been looking for the mark g7x for months!! I downloaded this app and paid the 5.99 to set up restock notifications. Two days after setting it up I was able to get two grey ones directly from canon thanks to the notification from this app.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store