How the two models compare
| Question | Subscription | Perpetual licence |
|---|---|---|
| How is it paid? | Every month or year | Once |
| When does access end? | When payments stop | It does not, for the version bought |
| New major versions | Included while subscribed | Usually a separate upgrade |
| Maintenance fixes | Included | Included for the version bought |
| Cost in year one | Lower | Higher |
| Cost over several years | Grows every year | Fixed unless you upgrade |
| Bundled online services | Common | Less common |
The case for subscriptions
Subscriptions lower the barrier to starting. You pay a small amount, always have the latest version, and can stop when a project ends. For software whose value is largely an online service, such as hosted storage or shared editing, the ongoing cost pays for ongoing infrastructure, so a subscription is a natural fit.
The case for perpetual licences
Perpetual licences reward long use. After the first payment the cost stays flat, so software kept for several years often costs less in total. Access does not depend on a payment going through each month, and you choose when an upgrade is worth it rather than having one arrive with a price rise.
Hidden costs on both sides
Subscription prices can rise, and multiplying a per-user monthly fee across a team and several years often produces a larger number than expected. Perpetual licences carry their own later cost: a major upgrade, and occasionally a renewal for time-limited data such as security definitions. A fair comparison counts both over the same period.
How to compare them for your situation
- 1Choose a periodPick how many years you expect to use the software, such as three or five.
- 2Total the subscriptionMultiply the monthly price by twelve, by the number of users and by the years, adding any expected price rises.
- 3Total the licenceAdd the licence price for each user to any upgrades or renewals you expect within the period.
- 4Weigh what is includedNote services one option includes and the other does not, such as cloud storage or new versions.
- 5Consider continuityAsk what happens to your work if payments stop, and how much that matters.
Worked comparison
The software subscription cost calculator does the arithmetic above for you: enter a monthly price, the number of users, the years and an annual increase, and optionally the cost of a one-time alternative. It shows the totals at one, three, five and ten years, and the difference.
When each model fits
A subscription fits short projects, software whose main value is a hosted service, and teams that must always be on the newest version. A perpetual licence fits tools used daily for years, businesses that want predictable costs, and work that must carry on without an internet connection or an active account.
Aevornix licensing
Aevornix sells software on one-time licences in Home, Student, Professional and Business tiers. Each is permanent for the major version bought and includes its maintenance updates. See how the licences work, or browse software without a subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Is a perpetual licence always cheaper?
No. Over a short period a subscription usually costs less. Over several years a perpetual licence often costs less, especially for several users. It depends on the prices and the period.
What happens to my files if I cancel a subscription?
It depends on the product. Some keep files readable but not editable, some limit access to stored data. Check before you rely on it.
Do perpetual licences include support?
Terms vary. Maintenance updates for the version are commonly included; separate paid support or upgrades may apply.