TripIt vs TripCache: Honest Comparison 2025

Looking for a TripIt alternative that won't cost you $49/year? You're in the right place. After extensively testing both platforms, I'm sharing an honest comparison to help you decide which travel itinerary manager is right for you in 2025.

Quick Summary: Which Should You Choose?

Choose TripCache if:

• You want a completely free solution with no limitations
• You need CSV export capabilities for expense tracking
• You prefer unlimited document storage
• You're looking for a modern, intuitive interface

Choose TripIt Pro if:

• You need real-time flight alerts (note: TripCache is adding this soon)
• You want seat tracking and upgrade notifications
• You prefer an established brand with longer history

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

| Feature | TripCache | TripIt Free | TripIt Pro |

|---------|-----------|-------------|------------|

| Price | Free Forever | Free | $49/year |

| Email Forwarding | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |

| Trip Organization | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |

| Document Storage | ✅ Unlimited | ❌ No | ✅ Limited |

| CSV Export | ✅ Free | ❌ No | ❌ No |

| Real-time Alerts | 🔜 Coming | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |

| Offline Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |

| Calendar Sync | 🔜 Coming | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |

| Sharing Trips | 🔜 Coming | ✅ Limited | ✅ Full |

| Mobile Apps | 🔜 Beta | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |

| Dark Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |

1. Email-to-Trip Automation

TripIt

TripIt pioneered the email forwarding concept. Forward your booking confirmations to plans@tripit.com, and TripIt parses the details automatically.

Pros:

• Mature parsing technology
• Supports most airlines and booking platforms
• Good accuracy rate

Cons:

• Sometimes struggles with international bookings
• Manual edits can be cumbersome
• Limited customization options

TripCache

TripCache offers similar email forwarding with your unique address (e.g., trips-abc123@tripcache.app).

Pros:

• Modern AI-powered parser
• Excellent accuracy with international bookings
• Easy manual editing interface
• Supports more booking platforms

Cons:

• Newer technology (though highly accurate)
• Still building parser optimization

Winner: Tie - Both work well, TripCache has slight edge with international bookings.

2. Pricing: The Big Difference

This is where TripCache truly shines.

TripIt Pricing

• Free Plan: Very limited - no document storage, no real-time alerts, no sharing
• TripIt Pro: $49/year (or $4.99/month)
• Real-time flight alerts
• Seat tracking
• Point tracking
• Refund notifications

TripCache Pricing

• 100% Free Forever: Everything included
• All core features free
• Unlimited document storage
• CSV exports included
• No premium tier needed

Cost over 5 years:

• TripIt Pro: $245
• TripCache: $0

Winner: TripCache (obviously)

3. Document Storage

TripIt

• Free Plan: No document storage
• Pro Plan: Limited storage for boarding passes and confirmations

TripCache

• Unlimited storage for all users
• Store boarding passes, passports, visas, travel insurance
• Organized by trip automatically
• Secure encrypted storage

Winner: TripCache by a landslide

4. Expense Tracking & CSV Exports

This feature alone saves many users hours every month.

TripIt

• No CSV export functionality
• Manual expense tracking only
• Must copy data elsewhere for reports

TripCache

• One-click CSV export
• Filter by date range, trip type, or destination
• Perfect for business expense reports
• Tax documentation ready
• Includes flight costs, hotels, car rentals

Winner: TripCache (TripIt doesn't even offer this)

5. User Interface & Experience

TripIt

• Interface feels dated (hasn't changed much since 2010s)
• Mobile apps are functional but not particularly modern
• No dark mode support
• Information density can be overwhelming

TripCache

• Modern, clean gradient-based design
• Beautiful dark mode (auto-switching)
• Intuitive layout
• Smooth animations and transitions
• Mobile-first responsive design

Winner: TripCache for modern design sensibilities

6. Real-Time Flight Alerts

TripIt

• Pro only: Real-time notifications for delays, gate changes, cancellations
• Generally reliable
• Push notifications on mobile

TripCache

• Currently in development
• Expected Q2 2025
• Will be free for all users

Winner (Currently): TripIt Pro - But TripCache will match this soon

7. Mobile Apps

TripIt

• Mature iOS and Android apps
• Offline access works well
• Good app store ratings
• Regular updates

TripCache

• Native apps in beta testing
• Web app works excellently on mobile
• iOS and Android launching Q1 2025
• PWA capabilities

Winner (Currently): TripIt - More established mobile presence

Real User Reviews

TripCache Users Say:

"I was paying for TripIt Pro for years. Switched to TripCache and saved $50/year. The CSV export alone is worth it for my business travel." - David M., Sales Executive

"Coming from TripIt, I was skeptical about 'free.' But TripCache is legitimately better AND free. The interface is gorgeous." - Lisa T., Digital Nomad

TripIt Users Say:

"TripIt has been reliable for me for years, but the free plan is too limited. Considering switching to TripCache." - Reddit user

"TripIt Pro is great but expensive. Wish they had a middle tier." - App Store review

Migration: Switching from TripIt to TripCache

Making the switch is straightforward:

Step 1: Sign up for TripCache (30 seconds)

Step 2: Update your email filters

• Change forwarding from plans@tripit.com to your TripCache address
• Or set up a rule to forward to both during transition

Step 3: Manually add important upcoming trips

• Export your TripIt itineraries
• Forward them to TripCache, or add manually

Step 4: Cancel TripIt Pro (if applicable)

• Avoid next renewal, save $49

Time required: 10-15 minutes

Which Features Are Coming to TripCache?

TripCache is actively developing:

1. Real-time flight alerts (Q2 2025)
2. Native mobile apps (Q1 2025)
3. Calendar integration (Q1 2025)
4. Trip sharing (Q2 2025)
5. API access (Q3 2025)

All features will be free forever.

The Honest Truth: Pros and Cons

TripCache Advantages

✅ Completely free with no limitations

✅ Modern, beautiful interface

✅ Unlimited document storage

✅ CSV export functionality

✅ Dark mode

✅ Excellent for business travelers

TripCache Disadvantages

❌ Newer platform (less established)

❌ Mobile apps still in beta

❌ Real-time alerts not yet available

❌ Smaller user community

TripIt Advantages

✅ Established brand (since 2006)

✅ Mature mobile apps

✅ Real-time flight alerts (Pro)

✅ Large user base

✅ Calendar integration

TripIt Disadvantages

❌ Free plan is severely limited

❌ Pro costs $49/year

❌ Dated interface design

❌ No CSV export

❌ No dark mode

❌ Limited document storage even on Pro

Final Verdict: Which is Better?

For most travelers, TripCache is the better choice in 2025.

Here's why:

1. It's completely free - Saves you $49/year minimum
2. CSV exports - Essential for business travel
3. Unlimited document storage - Peace of mind
4. Modern interface - More enjoyable to use
5. Upcoming features - Real-time alerts coming soon

TripIt Pro might be better if:

• You absolutely need real-time flight alerts NOW
• You prefer established brands
• You don't mind paying $49/year

Try Both (It's Free!)

Since TripCache is free and TripIt has a free plan, you can:

1. Sign up for both
2. Forward emails to both platforms
3. Test each for a few weeks
4. Decide which works better for you

Most users we surveyed chose TripCache after trying both, primarily due to the cost savings and modern interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is TripCache really free forever?

A: Yes, 100% free with no hidden costs or premium tiers planned.

Q: Can I use both TripCache and TripIt?

A: Absolutely! Forward to both during transition.

Q: What about TripIt vs TripCase?

A: TripCase shut down in April 2025. TripCache was built as the modern replacement.

Q: Does TripCache sell my data?

A: No. Privacy is a core value - we never sell user data.

Q: Will TripCache always be free?

A: Yes, this is our commitment. Core travel organization features will always be free.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you're tired of paying for TripIt Pro or frustrated by TripIt Free's limitations, give TripCache a try:

1. Sign up at trip-cache.com (takes 30 seconds)
2. Get your forwarding email
3. Forward your next booking and see it work
4. Export a CSV if you need expense reports

Save $49/year and get a better travel management experience.

Last updated: January 2025. Feature comparison based on current offerings. TripCache features are expanding rapidly - check trip-cache.com for latest updates.