Best subscription services worth your money

We all feel it: subscription fatigue. Between streaming services, can’t-miss apps, and endless ads, the monthly charges stack up fast. Charles from Ochlocknee, GA, wrote to us and captured the frustration perfectly:

“We’re being nickel-and-dimed to death with TV subscriptions, can’t-live-without apps, a never-ending stream of ads, and so much more. Maybe you could think about and write about how to know what is 1/critical, 2/important, 3/valuable, 4/interesting, and 5/overblown.”

That’s a smart question. Let’s break down which subscriptions belong in each category so you can keep what matters and cut the rest.

Critical: Safety, storage, and staying connected

Some subscriptions protect more than convenience; they protect your life and finances.

• Security services: Identity protection and antivirus software may not be exciting, but they’re must-haves in today’s online world. Each tool plays a different role in protecting you. Without these safeguards, you’re leaving yourself open to costly risks that can far exceed the small monthly price of protection. Think of this category like insurance, something you hope you never need, but would be devastated not to have if disaster strikes:
  • • Block hackers & viruses: A strong antivirus stops malware, phishing, and spyware before they can do damage. See our top antivirus picks here.
  • • Hide online activity: A VPN secures your internet connection and keeps prying eyes from tracking you. See our top VPN picks here.
  • • Protect identity & finances: Identity monitoring alerts you when your Social Security number or bank info is exposed. See our top Identity Protection picks here.
  • • Erase personal data: Data removal services take your info off broker sites that sell your details. See our top Data Removal services here.
  • • Secure logins everywhere: A password manager creates and remembers strong, unique logins. See our top password manager picks here.
  • • Private email accounts: An encrypted email service keeps your inbox safe from snoops and spam. See our top private & secure email picks here.

• Cloud storage and backup: If you have irreplaceable photos, work files, or personal documents, you need secure cloud storage. Services like iCloud, Google One, or Dropbox give you peace of mind that your data is safe from accidental loss, theft, or device failure. The basic tiers are often inexpensive, and paying for a higher tier can be worth it if your digital life is heavy on photos or videos. Without a reliable backup, a lost phone or fried hard drive could mean losing everything. Check out the best backup and recovery solutions here. 

• Mobile phone plan: Staying connected is a necessity, not a luxury. Having reliable service means being able to call for help in an emergency, access directions while traveling, or stay in touch with family and friends. Even though unlimited plans may feel expensive, they often save you from overage charges and stress. It’s one of those critical categories where trimming too far can leave you stranded. More: Top new affordable cell phone plans

Think of these as insurance. You may not think about them daily, but you’ll be glad you invested when trouble hits.

Important: Everyday use, not essential

Some services make life smoother, but you can live without them.

• Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Max can bring plenty of entertainment value, but the key is not to subscribe to all of them at once. Rotate subscriptions. Pick one or two per month, binge what you want, then pause and switch. This way, you get variety without paying five different monthly fees. Streaming is important for many households, but it’s not critical. More: How to cut streaming service costs and save money

• Productivity tools: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Adobe Creative Cloud can be very useful, especially if you use them for work or projects. But ask yourself how often you really need these versus whether a free alternative could suffice. For example, Google Docs handles most basic tasks without extra cost. If you’re only using one or two features, you might be overspending.

• Music subscriptions: Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music Unlimited add convenience and variety, but they’re not always essential. Consider whether you need the premium versions or if the free versions with ads meet your needs. Many households could get away with just one family plan instead of multiple overlapping subscriptions.

The key here is moderation; pick and choose based on actual use.

Valuable: Enhancing your lifestyle

These subscriptions add meaningful value when used consistently.

• Learning & skills: Subscribing to platforms like edEX, Coursera and others can pay off quickly. For a small monthly fee, you gain access to courses that expand your knowledge, sharpen professional skills, or help you pursue hobbies you love. Also, be sure to check out article article, Stop thinking about retirement by tapping tech to rediscover what gets you excited.

• Fitness apps: Peloton, Apple Fitness+, or MyFitnessPal can be highly valuable if you’re motivated by guided workouts, tracking, or online classes. But the key is whether you’re actually using them regularly. Paying $10 to $15 a month is a bargain compared to a gym you never attend.

• Cloud-based creative tools: Apps for photo editing, video creation, or design can be great if you use them for a hobby or side hustle. They’re not mission-critical, but they can add a lot of value to your life if they support your passions.  Check our 4 amazing ways to make your photos better here. 

If you’re using them regularly, they can transform how you learn, move, or create.

Interesting: Fun extras

Specialty subscriptions fall into the “fun but not must-have” category.

• Specialized streaming bundles: Niche services like BritBox, Crunchyroll, or NFL Sunday Ticket can add fun variety, but they’re usually only worth it if you’re a true fan. Otherwise, they sit unused while quietly charging your card.

• Language-learning apps: Software like Babbel can be worth it if you’re consistently practicing. But if you only dabble, a free tier or YouTube tutorials might be plenty.

• Wellness and meditation apps: Headspace, or Calm can help reduce stress and improve focus, though they often overlap with free alternatives on YouTube and Spotify.

Think of these as luxuries, nice to try but easy to pause.

Overblown: Not worth the price

Some subscriptions simply don’t add enough value.

• “One-trick” apps: Many apps promise miracle results, like a single-purpose cleaning app, horoscope app, or meditation app charging $5 to $15 a month. Most of these can be replaced with free alternatives.

• Extended warranties through apps: Some app-based protection plans and warranties aren’t worth what they cost, especially if you already have coverage through your credit card or home insurance.

• Ad-free versions of rarely used apps: Paying to remove ads from a game you play once a month isn’t a good use of money. Save those dollars for services you actually use every day.

These are the first subscriptions to cancel when you’re trimming costs.

Related Links:

• How to quickly cancel unwanted iPhone subscriptions in 6 steps
• How to cancel subscriptions on an Android to save money
• Spot fake online stores and avoid Facebook subscription scams

Kurt’s key takeaways

Charles is right. Subscription fatigue is real. The trick is to separate what’s absolutely critical for your safety and daily life from what’s just “nice to have.” Put your money into protecting your identity, securing your data, and keeping yourself connected. Be selective with the rest, rotate, downgrade, or cancel what you don’t use regularly. By making these choices, you can cut the clutter, save money, and still keep the services that truly make a difference.

Which subscription would you never give up, and which one are you ready to cancel today? Let us know in the comments below.

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