I used to pay nothing for the software services I rely on—email, password manager, cloud storage, and more. And those I did need upgraded features for, I could pay once and be set for awhile. But the bar for privacy and security has risen (an unfortunate side effect of modern tech life), and most companies have ditched one-and-done software licenses in favor of paid subscriptions. Weaving together a comprehensive set of basics can add up fast, especially given all the other subscriptions in our lives. The good news is, you don’t have to shell out cash for everything. Some free options cover enough to be more than adequate. The trick is knowing when to scrimp and when to splurge.
This guide will help you wrap your head around free versus premium considerations for the most significant tech subscription types you’re likely to use on a phone or computer—and maybe help you save some cash in the process. We didn’t wade into entertainment subscriptions (like Netflix or gaming) because that’s highly subjective. Let’s dig in!
So many people use a free email service that you’re probably wondering who bothers with a paid plan. Your typical Gmail or Outlook. com account still has a price, though—not only do you have to endure ads, but data about you is being gathered for use.
Paying for email keeps you from being the product and, depending on your chosen service, provides stronger security protocols and encryptions options, too. You also get a broader range of features included, like support for custom domains (fave. co/3v3KRDd) and masked email (fave. co/3aS7pzQ).
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av PCWorld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av PCWorld.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Private Internet Access: A low-price, high-value VPN for everyone
This veteran VPN shows it can still hang with the best.
Hands-on: Kensington's first Thunderbolt 5 dock is built for the future
Thunderbolt 5 is here...but you'll need more than just this well-built Kensington dock to take advantage of it.
Tested: Intel's Lunar Lake chip wants you to forget Qualcomm laptops exist
Great battery life, mediocre performance, surprisingly decent gaming: That is how Intel's Lunar Lake chip stacks up.
7 laptop habits that coax the most out of your battery
Don't send your laptop into an early grave.
WordPad is gone from Windows 11. Here's how to bring it back
With the arrival of Windows 11 version 24H2, WordPad is officially gone. Want to keep using it? You're in luck.
Hackers know your social security number. Here's how to stay safe
Thanks to a multitude of data leaks, your most sensitive information is now easily accessible to the world.
20 insanely useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts I use every day
After so many years, I'm still discovering new keyboard shortcuts.
WHAT THE HECK IS AN NPU, ANYWAY? HERE'S AN EXPLAINER ON AI CHIPS
ALL PCS WILL SOON HAVE NEURAL PROCESSING UNITS. HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU IN SIMPLE TERMS.
WINDOWS 11'S 2024 UPDAATE: 5 BIG CHANGES I REALLY LIKE (AND MORE)
WINDOWS 11'S ANNUAL UPDATE IS ROLLING OUT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
Hackers are using AI-generated code for malware attacks
Two separate attacks have been spotted using code that was probably written by artificial intelligence.