Overpriced apps, subscriptions and services

Do the yearly math first

The quickest way to judge a recurring price is to turn it into a yearly cost. A charge of $7.99 a week is about $415 a year. A charge of $9.99 a month is about $120 a year. Seen that way, a simple app or service can cost as much as a large household purchase.

Once you know the yearly number, ask whether you would pay that amount in one lump sum for the same thing. If the answer is no, the monthly or weekly price is probably too high for you, even if it looked small at first.

• Weekly price x 52 = yearly cost
• Monthly price x 12 = yearly cost
• Compare the yearly cost to a one-time purchase

Yearly cost calculator → · True price calculator →

Check what you already have for free

Many paid apps do things your phone, computer or TV can already do. Most phones have a built-in flashlight, a camera that reads QR codes, basic photo editing and a document scanner. Many TVs can be controlled with the maker's free official app. Public libraries often offer free e-books, audiobooks, movies and even language courses with a library card.

Before paying for a simple tool, search your device settings or ask someone you trust to check. You may find the feature is already there at no extra cost. Free official apps from your device maker or TV brand are usually safer choices than unknown paid apps that copy the same feature.

Free alternatives → · Flashlight and utility apps → · QR and scanner apps → · Spotting overpriced apps →

One-time price or ongoing charge?

Some things make sense as a subscription, such as services that keep costing the company money to run, like cloud storage or streaming. Others are simple tools that do not change much and could reasonably be sold once. When a basic app charges a repeating fee for a feature that never changes, that is a sign it may be overpriced.

Look for a one-time purchase option or a lifetime license. Even when a subscription is the only choice, a yearly plan is often cheaper than paying monthly, as long as you are sure you will use it all year. If you are unsure, stay monthly for a while first, then switch to yearly once you know the service is worth keeping.

• Ongoing service costs can justify a subscription
• Simple tools that never change often should not
• Check for a one-time or lifetime option
• Yearly plans save money only if you keep using them

Feature subscriptions → · App price markups →

Compare plans and unit prices

Companies often offer several plan levels with confusing names. Line them up and compare what you actually use, not every feature listed. A middle plan is sometimes designed to make the top plan look like a better value. For physical goods, look at the unit price, such as the price per ounce or per sheet, rather than the package price.

Also watch for add-ons you did not ask for and for plans that bundle things you will never use. Paying for one thing you need is usually cheaper than paying for a bundle you only half use. When you compare, write down the yearly total for each option so you are comparing the same thing side by side.

• Compare cost per use, not just the sticker price
• Check the unit price on store shelf tags
• Drop plan features you have never used
• Watch for smaller sizes at the same price

Shrinkflation → · Unbundling → · Fair prices →

Common overpriced categories

Some categories show up often in overpricing complaints: simple phone utilities with weekly fees, phone cleaner and antivirus apps that use scary warnings, add-on warranties and protection plans, printer ink plans, and some cable and phone bills that creep up after a promotion ends. Our category pages explain what fair pricing tends to look like in each.

Phone cleaner and antivirus apps → · Printer ink subscriptions → · Internet, cable and phone bills → · Extended warranties →

How to get a lower price or a refund

If you already pay too much, you have options. Ask the company for a lower rate or a retention offer, which is often available when you say you plan to cancel. Switch to a cheaper plan or a free version. For app store purchases, you can request a refund through the store, though approval is not guaranteed. If you were charged for something you did not clearly agree to, a card dispute may help.

• Ask: is there a cheaper plan or a discount?
• Downgrade to the basic or free tier
• Request an app store refund for recent charges
• Cancel and switch to a free alternative

Negotiating bills → · App store refunds → · How to cancel subscriptions →