As someone who's always on the lookout for smart ways to manage finances, I get excited about finding ways to get 20% off on subscriptions with cancellation hacks. But I couldn’t help but wonder, if that’s the case, why I don’t take advantage of the annual subscriptions that many subscription services offer. Why am I not taking advantage of these significant savings that are right under my nose?
This question lingered in my mind, leading me to dig deeper. My goal was to figure out why many of us (not saying all) don’t take advantage of these deals. Could committing to annual plans instead of monthly ones really make a noticeable difference in our finances? This article is a culmination of my findings and experiences, a journey through the numbers and beyond, exploring the real value of annual subscriptions. I’ll share my discoveries and insights, hoping to guide you towards smarter, more economical choices for your subscriptions in 2023.
Are Annual Subscriptions Actually Discounted?
Before diving into the tools and strategies to determine whether opting for an annual subscription is the right choice for you, it's crucial to understand the landscape of subscription-based services and their pricing models. With the proliferation of subscription services in various sectors, from entertainment and fitness to software and education, the question arises: Do annual subscriptions genuinely offer significant discounts compared to their monthly counterparts?
To shed light on this, I embarked on an extensive research journey, analyzing hundreds of subscription services across different industries. The goal was to uncover not just the availability of annual subscription options, but more importantly, the extent of discounts they offer, if any. This exploration is vital because it sets the stage for understanding the potential financial benefits of committing to a longer-term subscription plan.
Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of various subscription services and the discounts they provide for their annual plans. This comprehensive overview serves as a crucial resource in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of annual subscriptions and can guide you in making more informed decisions about where and how to invest in subscription services.
Services | Plan Name | Monthly | Yearly | Savings | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 247Sports | VIP Membership | $9.95 | $107.40 | $12.00 | 10% |
| 305 Fitness | 305 At Home | $29.99 | $179.00 | $180.88 | 50% |
| Aaptiv | Individual | $14.99 | $99.99 | $79.89 | 44% |
| ABCmouse | ABCMouse | $12.99 | $59.99 | $95.89 | 62% |
| Acorntv | Acorn TV | $6.99 | $69.99 | $13.89 | 17% |
| Adobe | Creative Cloud All Apps (Individual) | $82.49 | $659.88 | $330.00 | 33% |
| Alo Moves | Alo Moves | $12.99 | $129.99 | $25.89 | 17% |
| Amazon Music | Unlimited Prime | $9.99 | $99.00 | $20.88 | 17% |
| Amazon Prime | Amazon Prime | $14.99 | $139.00 | $40.88 | 23% |
| Amazon Prime | Amazon Prime - Student | $7.49 | $69.00 | $20.88 | 23% |
| AMC+ | Ad-Free | $8.99 | $83.88 | $24.00 | 22% |
| Apple Fitness+ | Apple Fitness+ | $9.99 | $79.99 | $39.89 | 33% |
| BarkBox | Barkbox | $35.00 | $240.00 | $180.00 | 43% |
| Barre3 | Barre3 | $29.99 | $239.88 | $120.00 | 33% |
| Bet+ | Premium (with Ads) | $5.99 | $54.99 | $16.89 | 23% |
| Bet+ | Premium (No Ads) | $9.99 | $94.99 | $24.89 | 21% |
| Blizzard Entertainment | World of Warcraft | $14.99 | $155.88 | $24.00 | 13% |
| Bloomberg | Digital Access | 34.99 | $299.00 | $120.88 | 29% |
| Blubrry | Standard Statistics | $5.00 | $50.00 | $10.00 | 17% |
| Boomerang | Boomerang Premium | $5.99 | $44.99 | $26.89 | 37% |
| Brainly | Brainly Plus | $10.00 | $39.00 | $81.00 | 68% |
| Brainly | Brainly Tutor | $29.00 | $96.00 | $252.00 | 72% |
| BritBox | BritBox | $8.99 | $89.99 | $17.89 | 17% |
| BroadwayHD | BroadwayHD | $19.99 | $199.99 | $39.89 | 17% |
| Business Insider | Insider | $12.95 | $149.00 | $6.40 | 4% |
| Canva | Canva Pro | $14.99 | $119.99 | $59.89 | 33% |
| Canva | Canva Pro for Teams | $29.99 | $300.00 | $59.88 | 17% |
| Chess | Gold | $6.99 | $49.99 | $33.89 | 40% |
| Chess | Platinum | $10.99 | $79.99 | $51.89 | 39% |
| Chess | Diamond | $16.99 | $119.99 | $83.89 | 41% |
| Course Hero | Premier (student) | $39.99 | $119.40 | $360.48 | 75% |
| Course Hero | Trio (student) | $24.95 | $143.40 | $156.00 | 52% |
| Coursera | Coursera Plus | $59.00 | $399.00 | $309.00 | 44% |
| Cricut | Cricut Access Standard | $9.99 | $95.88 | $24.00 | 20% |
| CuriosityStream | Standard | 4.99 | $39.99 | $19.89 | 33% |
| CuriosityStream | Smart Bundle | $9.99 | $69.99 | $49.89 | 42% |
| CVS | CVS Carepass | $5.00 | $48.00 | $12.00 | 20% |
| DC Universe | Standard | $7.99 | $74.99 | $20.89 | 22% |
| Dekkoo | Dekkoo | $9.99 | $83.88 | $36.00 | 30% |
| Dipsea | Dipsea | $12.99 | $69.99 | $85.89 | 55% |
| Disney+ | Disney+ Premium | $13.99 | $139.99 | $27.89 | 17% |
| DocuSign | Personal | $15.00 | $120.00 | $60.00 | 33% |
| DocuSign | Standard | $45.00 | $300.00 | $240.00 | 44% |
| DocuSign | Business Pro | $65.00 | $480.00 | $300.00 | 38% |
| Dogtv | DogTV | $9.99 | $74.99 | $44.89 | 37% |
| Doordash | Dashpass | $9.99 | $96.00 | $23.88 | 20% |
| Dreamstime | 750 Monthly Image Downloads | $219.00 | $2,028.00 | $600.00 | 23% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Plus (For Individual) 2TB | $11.99 | 119.88 | $24.00 | 17% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Plus (For Individual) 3TB | $22.00 | $216.00 | $48.00 | 18% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Essentials | $22.00 | $216.00 | $48.00 | 18% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Family | $19.99 | $203.88 | $36.00 | 15% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Business | $24.00 | $240.00 | $48.00 | 17% |
| Dropbox | Dropbox Business Plus | $32.00 | $312.00 | $72.00 | 19% |
| Dropbox | Professional | $19.99 | $199.00 | $40.88 | 17% |
| Dropbox | Standard | $18.00 | $180.00 | $36.00 | 17% |
| Dropbox | Standard + DocSend | $83.00 | $600.00 | $396.00 | 40% |
| Dropbox | Advanced | $30.00 | $288.00 | $72.00 | 20% |
| Electronic Arts | EA Play | $4.99 | $29.99 | $29.89 | 50% |
| Electronic Arts | EA Play Pro | $14.99 | $99.99 | $79.89 | 44% |
| Envato | Individual | $39.00 | $198.00 | $270.00 | 58% |
| Envato | Student | $33.00 | $138.00 | $258.00 | 65% |
| Envato | Teams (team of 2) | $58.00 | $348.00 | $348.00 | 50% |
| Envato | Teams (team of 3) | $74.50 | $447.00 | $447.00 | 50% |
| Envato | Teams (team of 4) | $91.00 | $546.00 | $546.00 | 50% |
| Envato | Teams (team of 5) | $107.50 | $645.00 | $645.00 | 50% |
| Epidemic Sound | Personal | $17.99 | $119.88 | $96.00 | 44% |
| Epidemic Sound | Commercial | $39.99 | $299.88 | $180.00 | 38% |
| ESPN | ESPN+ | $10.99 | $109.99 | $21.89 | 17% |
| Evernote | Personal | $14.99 | $129.99 | $49.89 | 28% |
| Evernote | Professional | $17.99 | $169.99 | $45.89 | 21% |
| ExpressVPN | Express VPN | $12.95 | $99.84 | $55.56 | 36% |
| Facetune | VIP | $5.99 | $35.99 | $35.89 | 50% |
| Fitbit | Premium | $9.99 | $79.99 | $39.89 | 33% |
| FORWARD__Space | Virtual hub | $34.00 | $340.00 | $68.00 | 17% |
| Github | Copilot for Individuals | $10.00 | $100.00 | $20.00 | 17% |
| Glo | Glo | $30.00 | $245.00 | $115.00 | 32% |
| Google One | Basic | $1.99 | $19.99 | $3.89 | 16% |
| Google One | Standard | $2.99 | $29.99 | $5.89 | 16% |
| Google One | Premium | $9.99 | $99.99 | $19.89 | 17% |
| Google Play | Google Play Pass | $4.99 | $29.99 | $29.89 | 50% |
| Google Workspace | Business Starter | $7.20 | $72.00 | $14.40 | 17% |
| Google Workspace | Business Standard | $14.40 | $144.00 | $28.80 | 17% |
| Google Workspace | Business Plus | $21.60 | $216.00 | $43.20 | 17% |
| Grammarly | Premium | $30.00 | $144.00 | $216.00 | 60% |
| Grammarly | Business | $75.00 | $540.00 | $360.00 | 40% |
| Headspace | Headspace | $12.99 | $69.99 | $85.89 | 55% |
| Hidive | Hidive | $4.99 | $47.99 | $11.89 | 20% |
| Hulu | Ads-supported | $7.99 | $79.99 | $15.89 | 17% |
| Insight Timer | Member Plus | 9.99 | 59.99 | 59.89 | 50% |
| Instacart | Instacart+ | $9.99 | $99.00 | $20.88 | 17% |
| Jasper | Teams | $125.00 | $1,188.00 | $312.00 | 21% |
| Jasper | Creator | $49.00 | $468.00 | $120.00 | 20% |
| LegalShield | Individuals and Families | $29.95 | $299.40 | $60.00 | 17% |
| LiveXLive | LiveOne Plus | $3.99 | $35.88 | $11.96 | 25% |
| Loom | Business | $15.00 | $150.00 | $30.00 | 17% |
| Magisto | Premium | $9.99 | $59.88 | $60.00 | 50% |
| Magisto | Professional | $19.99 | $119.88 | $120.00 | 50% |
| Magisto | Business | $69.99 | $419.88 | $420.00 | 50% |
| Mathway | Mathway+ | $9.99 | $39.99 | $79.89 | 67% |
| Max | With Ads | $9.99 | $99.99 | $19.89 | 17% |
| Max | Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | $41.89 | 22% |
| Max | Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | $39.89 | 17% |
| Medium | Unlimited Access | $5.00 | $50.00 | $10.00 | 17% |
| Microsoft | Microsoft 365 Family | $9.99 | $99.99 | $19.89 | 17% |
| Microsoft | Microsoft 365 Personal | $6.99 | $69.99 | $13.89 | 17% |
| Motion | Individual | $34.00 | $228.00 | $180.00 | 44% |
| Motion | Team | $20.00 | $144.00 | $96.00 | 40% |
| Motor Trend | MotorTrend+ | $5.99 | $54.99 | $16.89 | 23% |
| Namecheap | Stellar Shared Hosting | 4.48 | $44.88 | $8.88 | 17% |
| Namecheap | Stellar Plus Shared Hosting | 6.48 | $68.88 | $8.88 | 11% |
| Namecheap | Stellar Business Shared Hosting | 9.48 | $108.88 | $4.88 | 4% |
| Namecheap | Nebula Reseller Hosting | $19.88 | $214.56 | $24.00 | 10% |
| Namecheap | Galaxy Expert Reseller Hosting | $39.88 | $442.56 | $36.00 | 8% |
| Namecheap | Universe Pro Reseller Hosting | $58.88 | $670.56 | $36.00 | 5% |
| Namecheap | Pulsar VPS Hosting | $9.88 | $82.56 | $36.00 | 30% |
| Namecheap | Quasar VPS hosting | $15.88 | $154.56 | $36.00 | 19% |
| Namecheap | Magnetar VPS Hosting | $28.88 | $298.56 | $48.00 | 14% |
| Namecheap | Xeon E3-1230 v5 Dedicated Server Hosting | $61.88 | $685.88 | $56.68 | 8% |
| Namecheap | Xeon E-2236 Dedicated Server Hosting | $71.88 | $813.88 | $48.68 | 6% |
| Namecheap | Xeon E-2234 Dedicated Server Hosting | $69.88 | $711.88 | $126.68 | 15% |
| Namecheap | Dual AMD EPYC 7282 Dedicated Server Hosting | $259.88 | $2,930.88 | $187.68 | 6% |
| Namecheap | EasyWP Starter | $6.88 | $48.88 | $33.68 | 41% |
| Namecheap | EasyWP Turbo | $12.88 | $94.88 | $59.68 | 39% |
| Namecheap | EasyWP Supersonic | $19.88 | $114.88 | $123.68 | 52% |
| Namecheap | Xeon E3-1241 v3 Dedicated Server Hosting | $67.88 | $754.88 | $59.68 | 7% |
| Namecheap | Xeon E-2136 Dedicated Server Hosting | $87.88 | $968.88 | $85.68 | 8% |
| Napster | Individual | $10.99 | $109.90 | $21.98 | 17% |
| Napster | Family | $14.99 | $149.90 | $29.98 | 17% |
| National Football League | NFL+ | $4.99 | $39.99 | $19.89 | 33% |
| National Football League | NFL+ Premium | $9.99 | $79.99 | $39.89 | 33% |
| Nexus Mods | Premium | $6.90 | $69.20 | $13.60 | 16% |
| Noggin | Noggin | $7.99 | $47.88 | $48.00 | 50% |
| NordVPN | Standard | $12.99 | $67.35 | $88.53 | 57% |
| NordVPN | Plus | $13.99 | $82.35 | $85.53 | 51% |
| NordVPN | Complete | $14.99 | $97.35 | $82.53 | 46% |
| Norton | 360 Select | $17.99 | 179.99 | $35.89 | 17% |
| Obe Fitness | Obe Membership | $24.99 | $169.99 | $129.89 | 43% |
| P.volve | Streaming Membership | $14.99 | $149.99 | $29.89 | 17% |
| Pandora | Pandora Plus | $4.99 | $54.89 | $4.99 | 8% |
| Pandora | Pandora Premium | $9.99 | $109.89 | $9.99 | 8% |
| Pandora | Premium Family | $14.99 | $164.89 | $14.99 | 8% |
| Paramount+ | Paramount+ Essential | $5.99 | $59.99 | $11.89 | 17% |
| Paramount+ | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | $11.99 | $119.99 | $23.89 | 17% |
| pdfFiller | Plus | $30.00 | $300.00 | $60.00 | 17% |
| pdfFiller | Premium | $40.00 | $180.00 | $300.00 | 63% |
| Peacock TV | Premium | $5.99 | $59.99 | $11.89 | 17% |
| Peacock TV | Premium Plus | $11.99 | $119.99 | $23.89 | 17% |
| Pearson | Channels | $14.99 | $95.88 | $84.00 | 47% |
| Peloton | Peloton App One | $12.99 | $129.00 | $26.88 | 17% |
| Peloton | Peloton App+ | $24.00 | $240.00 | $48.00 | 17% |
| Perlego | Perlego | $18.00 | $144.00 | $72.00 | 33% |
| PicMonkey | Basic | $7.99 | $72.00 | $23.88 | 25% |
| PicMonkey | Pro | $12.99 | $120.00 | $35.88 | 23% |
| PicMonkey | Business | $23.00 | $228.00 | $48.00 | 17% |
| Picsart | Picsart Gold | $13.00 | $60.00 | $96.00 | 62% |
| Picsart | Picsart Pro | $15.00 | $84.00 | $96.00 | 53% |
| Pixlr | Plus | $1.99 | $11.88 | $12.00 | 50% |
| Pixlr | Premium | $7.99 | $58.80 | $37.08 | 39% |
| Pixlr | Team | $12.99 | $118.92 | $36.96 | 24% |
| PlayStation | Playstation Plus Premium | $17.99 | $159.99 | $55.89 | 26% |
| PlayStation | Playstation Plus Extra | $14.99 | $134.99 | $44.89 | 25% |
| PlayStation | Playstation Plus Essential | $9.99 | $79.99 | $39.89 | 33% |
| Pluralsight | Skills Standard Individual | $29.00 | $299.00 | $49.00 | 14% |
| Pluralsight | Skills Premium Individual | $45.00 | $449.00 | $91.00 | 17% |
| Postmates | Uber One | $9.99 | $99.99 | $19.89 | 17% |
| Quizlet | Quizlet Plus | $7.99 | $35.99 | $59.89 | 62% |
| RescueTime | RescueTime | $12.00 | $78.00 | $66.00 | 46% |
| Ring | Protect Plan Pro | $20.00 | $200.00 | $40.00 | 17% |
| Ring | Protect Plan Basic | $3.99 | 39.99 | $7.89 | 16% |
| Ring | Protect Plan Plus | $10.00 | 100 | $20.00 | 17% |
| Rocket Money | Rocket Money Premium | $5.00 | $47.99 | $12.01 | 20% |
| Shopify | Shopify Basic | $39.00 | $348.00 | $120.00 | 26% |
| Shopify | Shopify | $105.00 | $948.00 | $312.00 | 25% |
| Shopify | Shopify Advanced | $399.00 | $3,588.00 | $1,200.00 | 25% |
| Shudder | Shudder Unlimited | $6.99 | $71.88 | $12.00 | 14% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 10 Credits (image) | $29.00 | $299.00 | $49.00 | 14% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 25 Credits (image) | $59.00 | $599.00 | $109.00 | 15% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 50 Credits (image) | $99.00 | $989.00 | $199.00 | 17% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 150 Credits (image) | $149.00 | $1,499.00 | $289.00 | 16% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 350 Credits (image) | $169.00 | $1,649.00 | $379.00 | 19% |
| Shutterstock | Flex 750 Credits (image) | $199.00 | $1,999.00 | $389.00 | 16% |
| Shutterstock | Video 25 Credits | $59.00 | $599.00 | $109.00 | 15% |
| Shutterstock | Video 50 Credits | $99.00 | $989.00 | $199.00 | 17% |
| Shutterstock | Video 150 Credits | $149.00 | $1,499.00 | $289.00 | 16% |
| Shutterstock | Video 350 Credits | $169.00 | $1,649.00 | $379.00 | 19% |
| Shutterstock | Video 750 Credits | $199.00 | $1,999.00 | $389.00 | 16% |
| Shutterstock | Music Unlimited Subscription Essential | $19.00 | $199.00 | $29.00 | 13% |
| Shutterstock | Music Unlimited Subscription Premium | $49.00 | $499.00 | $89.00 | 15% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 10 Credits | $29.00 | $299.00 | $49.00 | 14% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 25 Credits | $59.00 | $599.00 | $109.00 | 15% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 50 Credits | $99.00 | $989.00 | $199.00 | 17% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 150 Credits | $149.00 | $1,499.00 | $289.00 | 16% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 350 Credits | $169.00 | $1,649.00 | $379.00 | 19% |
| Shutterstock | Music Flex Subscription 750 Credits | $199.00 | $1,999.00 | $389.00 | 16% |
| Skype | Skype Number | $6.50 | $52.26 | $25.74 | 33% |
| Skype | International Calls (US Subscription) | $2.99 | $30.50 | $5.38 | 15% |
| Slack | Pro | $8.75 | $87.00 | $18.00 | 17% |
| Slack | Business+ | $15.00 | $87.00 | $93.00 | 52% |
| Splice | Sounds+ | $12.99 | $129.99 | $25.89 | 17% |
| Splice | Creator | $19.99 | $199.00 | $40.88 | 17% |
| Splice | Creator+ | $39.99 | $399.00 | $80.88 | 17% |
| Squarespace | Personal | $23.00 | $192.00 | $84.00 | 30% |
| Squarespace | Business | $33.00 | $276.00 | $120.00 | 30% |
| Squarespace | Commerce Basic | $36.00 | $324.00 | $108.00 | 25% |
| Squarespace | Commerce Advanced | $65.00 | $588.00 | $192.00 | 25% |
| Starz | Starz | $9.99 | $70.00 | $49.88 | 42% |
| Strava | Strava | $11.99 | $79.99 | $63.89 | 44% |
| Streamlabs | Ultra | $19.00 | $149.00 | $79.00 | 35% |
| Sundance NOW | Sundance Now | $6.99 | $59.99 | $23.89 | 28% |
| Sweat | Sweat | $19.99 | $119.94 | $119.94 | 50% |
| The Athletic | Sucscription | $7.99 | $71.88 | $24.00 | 25% |
| The Class | The Class | $40.00 | $400.00 | $80.00 | 17% |
| The Daily Wire | Insider | $14.99 | $156.00 | $23.88 | 13% |
| The Sculpt Society | The Sculpt Society | $19.99 | $179.99 | $59.89 | 25% |
| The Washington Post | All-Access Digital | $16.00 | $120.00 | $72.00 | 38% |
| The Washington Post | Premium Digital | $17.00 | $170.00 | $34.00 | 17% |
| Thrive Market | Thrive Market Membership | $12.00 | 59.95 | $84.05 | 58% |
| Todoist | Pro | $5.00 | $48.00 | $12.00 | 20% |
| Todoist | Business | $8.00 | $72.00 | $24.00 | 25% |
| Tracy Anderson | Free Trial + TA Online Studio | $90.00 | $808.50 | $271.50 | 25% |
| Treehouse | Courses | $25.00 | $250.00 | $50.00 | 17% |
| Treehouse | Courses Plus | $49.00 | $490.00 | $98.00 | 17% |
| TuneIn | Premium | $7.99 | $79.99 | $15.89 | 17% |
| Twitter Blue Web | $8.00 | $84.00 | $12.00 | 13% | |
| Twitter Blue iOS and Android | $11.00 | $114.99 | $17.01 | 13% | |
| Basic | $3.00 | $32.00 | $4.00 | 11% | |
| Premium | $8.00 | $84.00 | $12.00 | 13% | |
| Premium+ | $16.00 | $168.00 | $24.00 | 13% | |
| Typeform | Basic | $29.00 | $300.00 | $48.00 | 14% |
| Typeform | Plus | $59.00 | $600.00 | $108.00 | 15% |
| Typeform | Business+ | $99.00 | $996.00 | $192.00 | 16% |
| Unbounce | Launch | $99.00 | $888.00 | $300.00 | 25% |
| Unbounce | Optimize | $145.00 | $1,308.00 | $432.00 | 25% |
| Unbounce | Accelerate | $240.00 | $2,160.00 | $720.00 | 25% |
| Unbounce | Concierge | $625.00 | $5,628.00 | $1,872.00 | 25% |
| Vimeo | Starter | $20.00 | $144.00 | $96.00 | 40% |
| Vimeo | Standard | $33.00 | $240.00 | $156.00 | 39% |
| Vimeo | Advanced | $108.00 | $780.00 | $516.00 | 40% |
| Viveport | Infinity Standard | $12.99 | $107.88 | $48.00 | 31% |
| Whoop | Whoop Membership | $30.00 | $239.00 | $121.00 | 34% |
| Wondrium | Wondrium | $20.00 | $150.00 | $90.00 | 38% |
| Word Press | Personal | $9.00 | $48.00 | $60.00 | 56% |
| Word Press | Premium | $18.00 | $96.00 | $120.00 | 56% |
| Word Press | Business | $40.00 | $300.00 | $180.00 | 38% |
| Word Press | Commerce | $70.00 | $540.00 | $300.00 | 36% |
| Xponential Fitness | Xponential Plus | $29.99 | $119.88 | $240.00 | 67% |
| Yidio | Premium | $5.00 | $48.00 | $12.00 | 20% |
| YouTube Music | Premium | $10.99 | $109.99 | $21.89 | 17% |
| Youtube Premium | Youtube Premium | $13.99 | $139.99 | $27.89 | 17% |
| Zipcar | Zipcar Membership | $9.00 | $90.00 | $18.00 | 17% |
| Zoom | Zoom One Pro | $15.99 | $149.90 | $41.98 | 22% |
| Zoom | Zoom One Business | $19.99 | $199.90 | $39.98 | 17% |
| Zoom | Zoom One Business Plus | $25.00 | $250.00 | $50.00 | 17% |
| Zoom | Zoom Rooms Licenses | $49.00 | $499.00 | $89.00 | 15% |
| Zoom | Zoom Rooms Enterprise | $49.00 | $499.00 | $89.00 | 15% |
| Zoom | Zoom Whiteboard | $2.49 | $24.90 | $4.98 | 17% |
| Zoom | Zoom Whiteboard Plus | $7.00 | $70.00 | $14.00 | 17% |
| RocketMoney | Premium | $12.00 | $60.00 | $84.00 | 58% |
| QuickBooks | Simple Start | $18.00 | $194.00 | $22.00 | 10% |
This data not only highlights the prevalence of annual subscription discounts but also provides a clear comparison of the savings one can achieve by opting for an annual plan over a monthly plan. With this information at hand, you can better assess whether the upfront commitment of an annual subscription aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle needs.
The Only True Balancing Act for Deciding Between an Annual vs. Monthly Subscription
When it comes to choosing between annual and monthly subscriptions, the decision often boils down to a balancing act between cost considerations and the flexibility to opt-out. The primary distinction between these two options is essentially paying a premium for the liberty to cancel each month. This flexibility can be crucial for certain users, and understanding who benefits most from monthly subscriptions is key to making an informed decision.
Paying Monthly: Who Does It Suit Best?
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New Users Testing the Waters: For those who haven't fully committed to a subscription service, a monthly plan offers a low-risk opportunity to test the waters. This is particularly relevant for services that involve a change in routine, such as gym memberships, wellness and meditation apps, or even meal delivery services. Trying a new subscription on a monthly basis allows users to gauge if the service truly fits their lifestyle and needs before making a longer-term commitment.
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Users Seeking Financial Flexibility: Monthly subscriptions appeal to users who prefer breaking down payments into smaller, more manageable amounts. This approach aligns with the model used by companies like Affirm and Klarna, which have successfully tapped into the consumer preference for 'buy now, pay later' options. By spreading out the cost, users find it easier to integrate the expense into their monthly budget without feeling the pinch of a lump sum payment.
While the allure of lower annual rates is undeniable, monthly subscriptions offer a level of flexibility and financial pacing that can be more aligned with the needs and preferences of certain users. Understanding these nuances is crucial in making a choice that not only saves money but also aligns with personal circumstances and lifestyle preferences.
3 Questions to ask to decide on paying monthly or annually?
Deciding whether to opt for a monthly or annual subscription can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. As someone who's been there, I want to share some personal insights and the right questions to ask yourself to make this decision a bit easier.
1. Are You Bought into the Product?
Think about your relationship with the product. Is this your first time trying it out? Did you make the most of the free trial? How well do you know the subscription's features and benefits? From my experience, jumping straight into an annual subscription is rarely a good idea. The risk of the subscription not meeting your expectations is just too high. If you're not fully convinced or familiar with the product, steer clear of the annual plan. But if you're nodding your head and saying, "Yes, I know this product inside out," then let's move to the next crucial question.
2. How Often Do I Use This Product? Is It Seasonal?
Now, let's get real about usage. It's not about how often you think you use the subscription, but how often you actually do. Is your usage tied to specific seasons or events, like TV show releases, classes, live shows, or sports seasons? For instance, if you're training for a marathon, does it make sense to have a Strava premium subscription all year round? If your usage is sporadic or seasonal, the annual plan might not be the best fit. However, if you're a regular user, it's worth considering the next aspect.
3. Are You Making Assumptions About Your Usage?
Here's a little story from my own life. I once had a Solidcore Unlimited subscription costing $240 per month. In my head, I rationalized that if I attended at least 10 classes a month, it would be cheaper than paying per class. But here's the catch – I rarely took full advantage of this 'unlimited' aspect. Why? Because it required me to think about attending classes daily, essentially altering my routine. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Don't overestimate how often you'll use a service based on optimistic assumptions. It's essential to realistically assess your usage patterns before committing to an annual plan.
When it comes to choosing between monthly and annual subscriptions, it's all about understanding your usage, commitment to the product, and being honest with yourself about how often you'll really use the service. By asking these questions, you can make a decision that aligns with both your lifestyle and your wallet.
The Rule of Thumb for Choosing Annual vs. Monthly Plans by Industry
Navigating the world of subscriptions can be tricky, especially when deciding between monthly and annual plans. Based on my analysis of ScribeUp data and industry trends, here's a rule of thumb for different sectors to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and interests.
ScribeUp's User Subscription Commitment Duration
Service | Subscribed Over 1 Year | Subscribed Less Than 1 Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1Password | 76.71% | 23.29% |
| Adobe | 50.58% | 49.42% |
| ClassPass | 24.56% | 75.44% |
| Duolingo | 43.48% | 56.52% |
| Figma | 30.77% | 69.23% |
| Grammarly | 55.31% | 44.69% |
| Hulu | 44.86% | 55.14% |
| Netflix | 64.99% | 35.01% |
| Spotify | 69.51% | 30.49% |
TV Streaming Services: A Staple in Entertainment
When it comes to TV streaming services, the data speaks volumes. An average of 65% of ScribeUp users consistently subscribed to Netflix, and 45% to Hulu for more than a year. This trend suggests a strong, ongoing engagement with these platforms. Most users find that a couple of well-chosen streaming services provide a vast majority of their desired content. Therefore, if you're a regular consumer of movies and TV shows, opting for an annual plan with your preferred streaming services is a smart move. It's not just about cost savings; it's about securing your access to entertainment that you know you'll enjoy throughout the year.
Music Streaming Services: The Rhythm of Consistency
Looking at music streaming services, the data is equally telling. Around 70% of users maintained their Spotify subscriptions for over a year. This high retention rate indicates that music streaming services are not seasonal but an integral part of daily life for many. If you're someone who can't imagine a day without your favorite tunes and podcasts, and if the service offers an annual option, it's a no-brainer to lock in for the year. The convenience and the joy of uninterrupted music make it a worthwhile investment.
Productivity Tools: The Foundation of Daily Life
In the realm of productivity, tools like 1Password show very little churn. A significant 76% of ScribeUp users had 1Password for over a year. This high retention rate is understandable. Once you've invested time in setting up a tool that manages something as crucial as your passwords, the thought of switching is daunting. If a productivity tool becomes a cornerstone of your daily routine, going for an annual plan is not just cost-effective; it's a way to ensure continuity in your workflow.
Health and Wellness: Tread Carefully
The health and wellness sector, however, tells a different story. Only about a quarter of users maintained their ClassPass subscription for more than a year. This statistic is a stark reminder that fitness interests can be fleeting. Many of us start the year with great enthusiasm for fitness, but life happens – injuries, changes in routine, or simply losing interest. My advice? Be cautious about locking yourself into a year-long commitment to a gym or fitness studio. Flexibility is key in this sector, as your fitness needs and preferences might evolve over the year.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between annual and monthly subscriptions, consider your usage patterns, the nature of the service, and your personal commitment to it. While annual plans can offer cost savings and convenience in some industries, they might not be the best choice in others where your interests or needs are more likely to change.