Buy Once vs Subscription

Compare a one-time purchase with recurring payments.

Your numbers

Enter your numbers to see the result.

How Buy Once vs Subscription works

Convert the subscription price and billing frequency to an annual cost. Divide the one-time purchase price by that recurring cost and convert to months for break-even, then compare one, three and five years.

A worked example

These sample values illustrate the calculation. Use your own numbers in the calculator for your result.

Example inputs

One-time purchase: 150
Subscription per billing period: 10
Bills per year: 12

Break-even time: 15 months
1-year subscription cost: $120.00
1-year one-time cost: $150.00
3-year subscription cost: $360.00

Assumptions and limits

Rates, fees and contribution schedules are the assumptions you enter. This estimate does not include changes you have not entered.

Educational estimate only. This is not personalized financial, investment or tax advice.