In a world full of subscription options, it’s hard to know what’s worth it and what’s just another monthly bill. The good news is there are a couple of subscriptions that rise above the rest. These seven deliver real value, convenience, and joy month after month.
7. Meal Kits (If You’re Strategic)
While services like HelloFresh can be pricier than shopping yourself, choosing premium recipes with steak or seafood from services like Blue Apron can cost less than buying the individual ingredients. The key is to skip the basic dishes and opt for the higher-end meals, turning the service into a cost-effective way to enjoy gourmet dinners.
6. YouTube Premium
For $13.99 a month, you get ad-free videos, background play, and offline downloads, plus a complete music streaming service that rivals Spotify. Add in features like 1080p Premium for higher-quality streaming and the ability to download videos for offline viewing on flights or commutes, and the subscription justifies its cost for anyone who regularly consumes content.
5. AAA Membership
Most people think of AAA as just roadside assistance, but that’s barely scratching the surface of its value. The biggest surprise is the sheer volume of everyday discounts that can save members an average of $220 per year. Your membership unlocks savings on everything from 30 cents off your first gallon of gas at Shell to 15% off at The UPS Store and 20% off airport parking. It even includes discounts on tech, dining, and movie tickets.
4. REI Co-op Membership
Imagine paying for a subscription once and getting paid back for the rest of your life. That’s the deal with the REI Co-op membership. For a one-time $30 fee, you become a lifetime member of the outdoor retail co-operative. The most significant perk is the annual 10% dividend you earn back on all full-price purchases, paid out as store credit.
3. Costco Executive Membership
The standard Costco membership is good, but the Executive tier is much better. For an extra $65 a year, you get 2% cash back on most purchases, up to $1,250 annually. If your family spends just $271 a month at Costco, the cash back reward completely covers the upgrade fee. But the truly surprising new perk is exclusive early shopping hours for Executive members. This lets you browse a quiet, empty warehouse before the crowds come in.
2. Amazon Prime
The true value of a Prime membership is around $1,000 a year if you use all the benefits. Did you know your subscription includes a free year of Grubhub+ for unlimited $0 food delivery? Or that it gives you unlimited, full-resolution photo storage with Amazon Photos? It also includes Prime Reading for free ebooks and magazines, Prime Gaming for free games, and the entire Prime Video streaming library.
1. Your Public Library Card
Most people know about borrowing physical books, but the real treasure is the digital access, which can replace multiple paid subscriptions. With your card, you can get free access to streaming services like Kanopy (for indie films and documentaries) and Hoopla (for movies, music, and audiobooks). You can also use the Libby app to borrow almost any ebook or audiobook, saving you hundreds on Audible or Kindle purchases.