Chapter 1: The Reality of App Subscriptions

The expenses associated with app subscriptions can be quite eye-opening. You might find it startling, just as I did!

Subscriptions have become an integral part of our lives, whether we embrace them or not. They have existed for decades, covering everything from daily newspapers and magazines to streaming services, food deliveries, and even grooming kits. Recently, I took the time to review my own subscriptions for apps and entertainment services, excluding the mandatory TV license fee in the UK, which is unavoidable.

While I won’t detail every subscription, I will mention that I generally opt for annual payments whenever I am confident I will continue using a service.

Section 1.1: Entertainment Subscriptions

Let’s dive into the entertainment sector. The array of streaming services available is vast, but my household subscribes to a select few:

• Disney+
• Netflix
• Apple One (which encompasses Apple Music, Apple TV+, Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud storage)
• Sky (covering television and broadband)
• Amazon Prime (including video streaming, shopping, and photo storage)

The total annual expenditure for entertainment amounts to £1,670! This figure includes Amazon, as we utilize the Prime Video service nearly every day.

Section 1.2: Apps and Services

Interestingly, while many people rarely complain about the annual fees for video streaming services, there seems to be significant resistance to paying for apps and other services. Some users even choose to discontinue services simply to avoid these costs. But why is that?

Apps require ongoing maintenance, updates, and occasionally, complete overhauls, which incur costs. Developers need to make a living as well. Although a one-time payment might seem appealing, expecting continuous updates and new features without additional costs is unrealistic.

Lately, many apps have transitioned to a subscription model, allowing users to pay an annual fee in exchange for regular updates and improvements. For the apps and services I utilize, the yearly cost is £660, with all but one being billed annually. Consequently, the overall expense totals a staggering £2,330. It’s daunting to see that figure laid out like this!

Cost vs. Value

Each app has its own price tag, which can sometimes feel arbitrary. It’s important to weigh the cost against the perceived value of these apps. Do they genuinely enhance your life?

For instance, Drafts, an app for note-taking with various built-in features, costs £17.50 annually, while my beloved calendar app, Fantastical 3, is priced at £39 per year. Microsoft 365, which is essential for me, costs £80, and I also rely heavily on Canva, which totals £95 when shared with my son. The most affordable app I use is CARROT, the weather app, which is just £3 a year, and I would hesitate to get rid of it due to its low cost and effectiveness.

As previously mentioned, the value derived from apps and services is crucial. I’ve explored alternatives, but none have matched my current apps. Paying annually allows me to forget about the costs for a year and reassess upon renewal. Although I’ve been quite selective in the past, I regard the apps listed above as indispensable.

Sure, I could switch back to the free Apple Calendar, but the user experience is not as satisfying. I could eliminate Drafts, but it’s reasonably priced and I enjoy using it. I could also cancel Canva, but it provides value to both my son and me. Removing Netflix (£260 annually) would likely lead to chaos in my household!

Ultimately, it boils down to the value these subscriptions provide. What subscriptions do you consider essential? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thank you for reading!

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