# Sub Rosa — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Sub Rosa by Thursby Software Systems, Inc., rated 2.68/5 from 123 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sub-rosa/id505825393/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sub-rosa/id505825393.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 32 · 4★ 10 · 3★ 13 · 2★ 23 · 1★ 45 ## Newest reviews (21 of 50) ### 2/5 — Used to love it, but need some love *2022-09-16, version 5.1.7* Paid for pdf signing, but the app keeps minimizing whenever I go to sign. Also the browser needs updated for DTS. The expenses tab isn’t loading right. ### 2/5 — Good when it works!!!! *2022-06-10, version 5.1.7* App is really trash but I need it and it's convenient! What else can you do? Crashes every 5-10 minutes. Can't view pdf even though I have the subscription to see them. Hopefully they update it to make it more efficient to work properly with the device!!!! ### 3/5 — Convince with limits *2022-05-11, version 5.1.7* This app/device combo is continent but needs updated. There are new DOD websites, Flankspeed, that won’t fully work with the outdated web browser. For the money charged for the reader this should just work. Please fix! ### 3/5 — More Buggy than a govt computer *2022-04-04, version 5.1.6* I’ve been a beta user for a couple years now. Responses from the developers has been really fast and good. I can’t really blame them or the app from the ever-changing problems of trying to securely access govt systems. I do not rely on the app to get work done. It’s much too buggy to be reliable. Trying to reply to an email typically results in re-setting the app multiple times, and drafts are not saved. So best type the email in Notes, then copy and paste into the browser. For no reason whatsoever, any bookmark you add is quickly deleted the next time you open the app. Again, save them in Notes and then copy and paste into the browser. Do not rely on the “Google Search” box that is included in the browser, it will work sometimes, but again…use normal google in Safari or Chrome, and save the link in Notes. I just finished replying to an email. I “SECURE RESET” the browser before logging in, and still had to reset 2 more times in order to logon. It was an important email, so I had to go through the pain. The last issue I’ve had is the card reader. I had to modify the old lightning adapter and rig a USB-C data adapter. It’s held together with masking tape, but seems to work. Hopefully they’ve developed a regular USB-C version by now. **Developer response:** We apologize for the inconvenience. We rely on feedback from users like you to know when issues occur. We realize you’re experiencing issues that we’ve recently become aware of and our engineering team is working towards resolutions for all of them. They are all top priority and very important to us. Once we have a fix, support will individually notify each person affected. Please reach out to our support team at support@thursby.com if there is anything we can do for you in the meantime. Best, Luke ### 4/5 — A365 *2022-02-17, version 5.1.6* I used Sub Rosa during my deployment many times it helped me a lot in many missions. Now that I’m back home and this whole new A365 migration thing going on it’s a bum that many A365 apps don’t work like TEAMS for example, if you can fix that issue it will be an excelent app and tool for the field to use. ### 4/5 — Works for me *2022-02-12, version 5.1.6* I’ve been using this app for years with no issues. Thought I was going to have a problem when I transitioned to FlankSpeed, but it works. There are some glitches that need to be worked out: 1. The app drops imported bookmarks every couple of weeks. This is a bit of a pain because some of the bookmarks are wrong so I have to fix them every time I have to do another import. 2. DTS is very hard to navigate. I think it’s more of a problem with the DTS website than Sub Rosa. If DTS would make their site mobile accessible, it would probably work better. 3. Can’t figure out how to download files outside of Sub Rosa, to the phone. 4. Can’t digitally sign PDFs. It pushes you to buy adobe access, but you shouldn’t need to since you can digitally sign on the free pc version of reader. If you’re USNR you can get the reader for free from Thursby. All in all, it’s better than having to lug a laptop everywhere or not having access at all. ### 3/5 — When it works it’s great! Doesn’t always work thou *2021-11-29, version 5.1.6* When it works it’s awesome, but I have been struggling to get it to function properly. ### 4/5 — Great product. *2021-11-08, version 5.1.6* Everything works great, thank you for writing this application. Are there any plans to allow it to work with Microsoft Teams web version? Will change rating to 5 stars once this is working. ### 3/5 — Microsoft Teams doesn’t work *2021-10-24, version 5.1.6* Army 365 finally works in Sub Rosa for most of the Microsoft apps except for Microsoft Teams. When accessing Teams, it will just sit at a black loading screen and the address bar says “initializing”and nothing ever loads. On iPadOS browser apps, you have to turn off “Prevent Cross-site Tracking” and select “request desktop site” for teams to work in the Chrome app in iPadOS. I’m not sure if this is the reason why we can’t access teams in the sub Rosa app or not. I don't see the options in Sub Rosa to make these changes like I can in the other browser apps so maybe that is part of the issue. Maybe they don’t allow these options for security reasons but I would give the Sub Rosa app 5 stars if they could get Microsoft Teams to work in their app. ### 2/5 — Got the reader…Now I need Sub Rosa??? *2021-10-16, version 5.1.6* After buying the very expensive CAC reader I now need to purchase Sub Rosa software to read email, sign documents and basically open all military websites. This software is a monthly charge and is not user friendly at all. Needed help and customer service number goes straight to voicemail. I need assistance quickly if you guys are even reading this. ### 2/5 — Good and bad, but the only solution for iOS *2021-07-07, version 5.1.6* Sub Rosa currently is the only solution for iOS mobile users. With that, I think Thursby could work closely with Apple to help with the format issues as well as connectivity. About 70% of the time, I receive some error “data is not in the correct format”(paraphrased) message and I have to hard close the app. This is both iPhone and iPad. I usually can get through 2-4 emails before it happens. ### 3/5 — Good when it works *2021-05-04, version 5.1.6* Very handy when it’s working. I’ve had a lot of issues lately with it crashing when trying to use Air Force CHES OWA. Just this morning along, it probably crashed 10 times within a 15 minute span. Hopefully the developers can get it corrected though ### 2/5 — Outlook problems with recent update *2021-02-23, version 5.1.5* The worked okay until the recent update to outlook. Email take much longer to open and the app started to crash in the process sometime. Opening emails take longer and sometimes do not open. ### 2/5 — Not sure it’s worth the money *2021-02-13, version 5.1.5* I like the idea but this is not a reliable way to check Outlook. 1/3 of the time is says Subrosa can’t connect to a secure server. 1/3 of the time it doesn’t read my CAC. When I do get into my email I can’t scroll down to read the full message or open any attachments so I just forward to my personal email unless it’s encrypted or contains PII obviously, then I’m just hosed. Really frustrating and almost not worth the hassle. ### 2/5 — Used to be great *2021-01-12, version 5.1.4* Following the recent update I am unable to scroll once an email is open in mail OWA. I can only read the top portion of what fits on my iPhone screen. Other screens scroll no problem. ???? ### 3/5 — App closes while I’m reading my email *2021-01-08, version 5.1.4* Hi I’m a new user to SubRosa. I am in love however there a couple issues. So far the app closes while I’m reading, I can’t view attachments, I can’t scroll down when reading my emails. If there are any suggestions, please help because his app has so much potential. ### 2/5 — Hangs and requires new install of app *2020-12-11, version 5.1.2* I have an Ipad Pro (2020), bought the Zaught lightning adapter and Thursby PK7. Software works less than half the time - if you remove the CAC card and then back to Sub Rosa, it won't refresh email - it says data is bad. The only solution is to delete the app and reinstall. ### 3/5 — We mail *2020-11-06, version 5.1.2* Still having trouble checking mail. A lot of times it says can’t find mail server. Any ideas? ### 3/5 — Proprietary Browser 👎🏼 *2020-09-22, version 5.1.1* Long, exasperating review from a ring knocker officer here! Actually, just want to say that Sub Rosa is great, but I wish your team would approach another company/team (e.g., Brave Browser) for a joint partnership — their team adds support for CAC reading via the Thursby CAC reader, and your team provides the technical know-how. Is this unrealistic? ### 4/5 — GOOD PRODUCT *2020-07-29, version 5.1.1* No one cares what ego-driven ring-knocker officers think, with their long, exasperating reviews. Suppose you take the time to order Thursby and don’t like it then that it is okay. At the same time, of you are as smart as you want us all to think that you are, you could have used someone else’s to determine you don’t like. In all, it’s the right product and, at times, very handy depending on the particular situation. I have had my share of connectivity issues at times. However, the same can be said for stand-alone OWA, VPN Access, etc. and government devices. Some people believe they are more intelligent than they really are and forget nuance English Grammar. **Developer response:** Thank you for your positive review.  If you have time, I would like to know about the issues that you're experiencing that keep us from being a 5-star app. -- Carl Ketterling, Director Customer Support, Thursby Software (carl@thursby.com) ### 2/5 — Very good idea, marginally operational. *2020-07-28, version 5.1.1* Is there no way to incorporate this hardware with the already existing browser? Or at least a browser that is already established? Being pigeonholed to using this app as a browser obviously proves to be too much to seamlessly work as well as the commercial browsers that already operate on government systems. Simply plugging in a CAC card reader shouldn’t justify the work required to create a whole new browser, especially if this app is the result. Please fix this. Also, the card reader is expensive enough, there’s no need to charge for the app. There is no way you’re not making good money on this small piece of plastic covering a microchip. Make the hardware work seamlessly, charge nothing for the app. The customer reviews alone will yield you plenty of referrals to future customers who will buy your product. **Developer response:** Unfortunately, your suggestion is not yet possible. None of the established browsers include the hooks necessary to provide access to a smart card. We continue to watch for changes in browser development that would make this process better for all involved. -- Carl Ketterling, Thursby Software (carl@thursby.com) ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Not impressed with the performance and support *2023-01-21, version 5.1.7* Some of the Sub Rosa websites already saved in the browser do not work. Army email access is extremely buggy and unreliable. DTS does not work as advertised, at all. DTS access is extremely unreliable and unacceptable. Right off the bat, DTS states that the browser is not compatible with DTS. The Message Center is popped open and in the way of the top of the page blocking the view of some of the page. When I access DTS document, it goes straight to the review function at the bottom of the side bar, and I can’t do anything else. Nothing above Per Diem, works or can be accessed. I can only access other areas in the side bar by using the back button within DTS, and once it reaches Expenses, it crashes. So I can’t access anything from the beginning of the side bar to Per Diem. If I try to access anything by pointing at it, it doesn’t respond. A red bar shows as pressed by it doesn’t respond. Only the side bar works as described before. All these above, is in the iPad. On the iPhone, it is horrible and worst. I reached out support for both issues (email and DTS) via email with screenshots of the substandard performance, and they never replied. I agree with what I read somewhere else, this lure you to believe you can do a lot and in reality is not ready for sound at all. ### 1/5 — As of 2022 - buggy and unusable *2022-06-16, version 5.1.7* I’m not sure what happened with the transition to Army 365, there are good days and bad days with this browser. This is supposed to be a DoD endorsed browser (hence ability to read encrypted emails, etc) but I feel the software developers are not up to date with the latest changes. A lot of “null” errors and issues on some days pulling up websites and Army 365 email. Other days it works with no issues. Bottom Line: Not reliable if traveling with iOS devices as a standalone solution. Credibility is probably one of the biggest things service members require. **Developer response:** Thank you for reaching out. I am sorry that you are not completely satisfied with our Sub Rosa solution. We would be happy to look into the issues you are facing. If reaching particular websites would add more value to your purchase, please reach out to our support team at support@thursby.com or (817) 478-5070 so that we can look into this for you. All of our support is done at no additional cost by our team in Arlington, TX. We can address most issues in under 15 minutes. At this time, not all government sites are optimized for iOS and Android and this would therefore be out of our control. Please keep in mind, mobile devices do not support Java or Flash. If a website requires either of those you will not be able to access these due to mobile restrictions on Apple & Android. Our newest feature, PDF signing/editing, required a significant amount of development, more so than the typically free updates that continue to expand support and maintain the application. Due to this new development, the decision was made to roll PDF signing/editing into Sub Rosa and not as a separate app purchase. This was done for the convenience of all Sub Rosa users across all Sub Rosa products. In the end, we really want you to enjoy the solution and get the most from it so please contact our support team so they can assist you in accomplishing more than you are today. Should you feel that our solution is not worth your one-time cost, please reach out to sales@thursby.com and we would be happy to process a refund for you. Thank you for being a Thursby customer. Best, Luke ### 1/5 — Sub-Rosa, Sub Par *2022-03-31, version 5.1.6* I literally detest this browser at the moment. Every webpage. “can’t verify authenticity”. “Continue” browser shuts down webpage. I can’t seem to make it switch between email and the page I was on for multi factor authentication. “We’re sorry, network connection was lost.” I’ve spent over 40 minutes trying to log into a government website and this browser is not making the process any simpler or easier. Go buy a laptop and spend $20 on a CAC reader. Seriously. ### 1/5 — DTS doesn’t work *2021-12-17, version 5.1.6* Literally the whole reason I bought this was to do my vouchers away from home. I’m able to log on to DTS but nothing works. I paid way to much for this thing for it to not work as advertised. ### 1/5 — Not worth it *2021-02-21, version 5.1.5* For what I spent on this thing you’d think this reader would be a game changer. It made my wallet lighter and not in a good way. I purchased this after reading that it will let me access AKO and access my email and sign with my CAC. The signing part cost extra $$$. 😡 The reader does work but why put an outdated cord in the box? Micro / usb-a?!? It’s useless to me. Why not give us an iPad cord that folds the reader to the back?!? Just saying. The reader only allows you to access mail and AKO through their browser and not Safari. It does kinda work but does a very messy job at it which is not good for us military people. ### 1/5 — Can’t scroll messages anymore *2021-02-03, version 5.1.4* This latest update appears to have broken something. Cant scroll messages or open attachments. Do not update to this version until fixed! ### 1/5 — Trash *2020-12-09, version 5.1.2* It won’t let me access my email or ako, every time I try to access either of those an error will pop up or the page will keep refreshing and I can’t even use it, fix this well your app is a waste of money and time for everyone ### 1/5 — Garbage *2020-07-24, version 5.1.1* Bought the expensive card reader for my iPhone to be able to read encrypted emails without having to log into my work laptop, it worked fine for a month and now nothing, no recent updates to fix the problem. Customer service is aware of the problem but what now??? Avoid at all cost too expensive of a product to serve its intended purpose, sigh! Back to square one! ### 1/5 — Terrible *2020-07-08, version 5.1.1* Was working fine and then when I got a new CAC card the issues begin. They don’t support the new CAC cards, then I reached out to support and left me with this: “Unfortunately there isn't a fix yet. Engineering is working on adding support to our apps for the new G+D cards. Once there is a fix we'll email blast everyone affected. Very sorry for the inconvenience.” First they blamed my reader which I knew was not the problem, then finally they did a log and found out their software is the issue. What a terrible way to conduct business, specially with the amount of money I spent on their product and software. **Developer response:** I'm sorry that we didn't have the correct information initially. The problem you experienced is, in fact, a problem with the Identiv iAuthenticate. Identiv is working on a firmware update to resolve the issue. Users with the Thursby TSS-PK7 or other Thursby-branded hardware should not experience this behavior. -- Carl Ketterling, Thursby Software (carl@thursby.com) ### 1/5 — Downward spiral *2020-05-18, version 5.1.1* I bought the card reader a few years ago. The app worked fine and I was able to get the bare mins done while on travel. I now can’t access OWA. Email access was the only reason I got this reader. Waste of money as it obsoleted itself. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Works well and just as advertised *2020-11-10, version 5.1.2* Like many Apple users, I’ve been waiting for a method by which I can access my government email via my iPhone or iPad. Finally, Thursby produced a terrific product and this accompanying software app seamlessly allows me to access any website that requires a common access card (CAC). Thanks. ### 5/5 — Product works for iPad Pro! *2020-08-06, version 5.1.1* Outstanding and personalized service. Product works as advertised for iPad Pro 2020. I can access all DOD cac enabled sites. ### 5/5 — Great Concept, But Still NEEDS work *2020-05-17, version 5.1.1* The Sub Rosa browser tends to crash after I sign into my email through OWA. And if the browser doesn't crash then I often get this "pkwebmail error" and it says to try again later. PLEASE FIX this!!! It would also be nice if Sub Rosa would allow full access features when entering sites like DTS, GEARS, & AFFMS. Most features are limited when entering these sites. ### 5/5 — Customer Service Top Notch *2020-05-14, version 5.1.1* I check my email daily with the laptop but I hate pulling it out and setting it up. So I thought this would be more convenient and easier, and it was initially. I started having issues with my reader not reading my CAC and receiving errors, so I did my research first to attempt to fix the issues. After I tried everything, I contacted tech support and Kim replied immediately and kept consistent contact attempting to fix the issue over about 3-4 days. Once we tried everything she transferred me to Luke in Sales and he sent me out a replacement and free label and package to send back my old reader. Again, their customer services was excellent and extremely responsive to my needs!!! **Developer response:** We greatly appreciate your feedback! Should you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. -- Carl Ketterling, Director Customer Support ### 5/5 — Essential for all active duty, retired, DoD employees, and/or DoD affiliates *2020-04-19, version 5.1.1* The users who gave this app a low rating fail to realize that the DoD IT standards are constantly improving. If you ignore the frequent updates, you’re poor user experience is on you. I have no regrets on the purchase of the hardware. I appreciate the developer’s efforts in keeping up with DoD standard. This app is essential for all active duty, retired, DoD employee, or DoD affiliate. **Developer response:** Thank you for choosing Thursby Software Systems! We greatly appreciate you taking the time to reach out. We certainly value your feedback and couldn't agree more. Should you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at support@thursby.com or +1 817.478.5070. Best, Luke ### 5/5 — Great Product I’ve Used for Years *2020-04-16, version 5.1.1* In this time of maximized telework and work-from-home, my Thursby device and Subrosa software have again proven indispensable. Previously and certainly in the future I will continue to use this for frequent TDY and international travel. Thank you for creating a product that allows me to work without setting up my laptop. Best, Bill ### 5/5 — Awesome Productivity Product *2020-02-28, version 5.1.1* Solid product that gives you CAC ACCESS when you need or want it! They back up their product with 5.0 customer service. Call and you will be impressed with their prompt, efficient and superb team. I have used this product for the last 5 years! **Developer response:** Wow thank you for your kind words and long-time support! We greatly appreciate your feedback and are glad that are continuing to have success with our solution. Should you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out directly at support@thursby.com or +1 817.478.5070. Best, Luke ### 5/5 — Must have for CAC access via mobile device *2020-01-24, version 5.1.1* **Update** Re-written for 5.1 This app combined with a Thursby CAC reader revolutionized my experience with daily access to mail (including encrypted) and other CAC enabled sites. I recommend it to all my colleagues to simplify their lives and anyone who has gotten the app and reader completely agrees. Now with the ability to fill and digitally sign a PDF!! Home run. I’d be remiss not to mention the fantastic support team who has quickly addressed any issues that have come up over the last years. **Developer response:** Thank you for being a long time Thursby customer. We greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you for reaching back out! Should you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out directly at support@thursby.com or +1 817.478.5070. Best, Luke ### 5/5 — Reviews *2020-01-02, version 5.1* I have my second cac reader. Both are iPhone litening connectors. Got a new one for firm ware needed for ipad pro C type adaptor. Use on both phone and ipad. Very convenient ### 5/5 — Fantastic product from a great company! *2020-01-02, version 5.1* I've traveled the world for last 24 years extensively, and Thursby's products never failed to work as designed. The incredible security capability for encryoted emails and work via the Lighning Port CAC card reader on the iPhone is something else 😊👍🏻 Thank You Thursby for great work, keep it up! Worth every penny. **Developer response:** Thank you for being a long time supporter of our Thursby's solutions. We appreciate your kind words. Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach our sales or support team at support@thursby.com or +1 817.478.5070. Best, Luke --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*