In today’s fast-paced world, subscriptions have become integral to our daily lives. From streaming platforms to shopping apps, these services offer convenience and value that’s hard to beat. But with so many options available, which ones are genuinely indispensable? This article will explore 12 subscriptions that have proven essential in our daily lives.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime, a multifaceted subscription service, offers a range of benefits. It provides fast, free delivery on eligible items, unlimited streaming on Prime Video, and ad-free music on Prime Music. Prime Reading and Prime Gaming add to its appeal with various digital content. Early access to deals and cashback on Amazon purchases make it a favorite of many.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a subscription service that significantly eases the airport security process. Members enjoy benefits such as expedited security lines, no need to remove belts, shoes, or light jackets, and the ability to keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in carry-on bags. The service is available at more than 200 airports and with 90+ airlines. With about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes, it’s a subscription many travelers find indispensable.
Costco
Costco is a subscription service that offers a variety of benefits to its members. Members can access discounted purchases at Costco warehouses, online, and at Costco Gas and Pharmacy for an annual fee. Additional benefits include travel packages and free shipping at Costco. With an Executive Membership, members can earn an annual 2% Reward on qualified Costco purchases. These features make a Costco subscription a must-have for many.
Spotify Premium
If you love music, Spotify Premium is a must for you. This subscription service offers a plethora of features. It provides ad-free music listening, downloading music for offline playback, and high audio quality. Users can play songs in any order and organize their listening queue. With various affordable plans, Spotify Premium is a subscription many music lovers find challenging to live without.
Calm
The Calm app, a subscription service, has been a personal sanctuary amidst the chaos of life for many. Offering a wealth of mindfulness resources, it provides daily meditations and guided sessions addressing anxiety, stress, and sleep. The app also features exclusive music tracks for relaxation and a library of over 100 Sleep Stories. With masterclasses by world-renowned experts, it’s not just a subscription but a lifeline for mental well-being.
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service from Amazon, is a haven for readers. For a monthly fee of $11.99, subscribers can access over two million digital books, thousands of audiobooks, and up to three magazine subscriptions. It’s an ideal choice for active readers who consume several books per month.
Available on Kindle devices, Android, and iOS, it offers the flexibility to purchase individual books or subscribe for free access to a wide range of ebooks.
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a popular subscription service that offers more than just an ad-free YouTube experience. For $13.99 per month, it provides access to YouTube Music, replacing the need for other music streaming services. It also allows for offline playback and background play, enabling videos to continue playing while using other apps or when the screen is off. With these features, YouTube Premium becomes a cost-effective and valuable subscription, enhancing the overall YouTube experience.
Dropout
Dropout, a subscription service primarily focusing on gaming, is a fan favorite among streaming platforms. It offers over 1,500 videos from CollegeHumor’s archives, including the popular tabletop role-playing game series Dimension 20.
The service also hosts game shows like “Um, Actually,” “Dirty Laundry,” and “Make Some Noise”. While many videos are free on YouTube, having them all in one place without distractions is a unique advantage. With virtually all exclusive content, Dropout is a subscription many users wouldn’t want to live without.
Walmart Plus
Walmart Plus is a subscription service that provides members with a host of benefits and perks. It offers free shipping with no minimum order totals, including same-day shipping and grocery delivery from local Walmart stores. Members also enjoy discounted gas prices at select stations and access to Scan & Go, a feature that expedites the in-store checkout process.
Additionally, Walmart Plus includes a free Paramount+ Essential plan subscription and exclusive offers for free or discounted services. Whether in-store or online, Walmart Plus enhances the shopping experience, making it a subscription many find helpful.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers, now known as WW, is one of the most widely-known commercial diets globally, offering a program for weight loss. It provides online and in-person weight loss support with its SmartPoints eating plan, a FitPoints activity plan, and an app that helps dieters track progress, plan meals, and track activity.
The program is flexible and balanced, teaching lifelong skills and promoting exercise. It does not forbid any foods, leading to slow and steady weight loss. The program’s flexibility and the ability to choose foods you want to eat improves adherence to the program.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager known for its robust free version and affordable premium plans. It offers comprehensive password management features, including zero-knowledge encryption, a password generator, and two-step logins.
While it may lack some advanced features in more expensive competitors, it provides all the essential tools for effective password management. Its affordability and robust security architecture make Bitwarden a subscription many find vital for their online security needs.
Joplin
Joplin, founded by Laurent Cozic in 2017, is an open-source notetaking app that has become indispensable for many. It offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring data privacy. The app is compatible with numerous plugins, allowing data import from various sources. Despite its free version’s limited space, Joplin provides affordable cloud storage plans, making it a valuable tool for storing large documents.