I would rather buy something outright, provided the price-to-subscription ratio isn't horrendous.

While that may not always be possible, I still think it is something to look out for.

What apps do I think can replace subscriptions?

I will try to help you today, as I try to do in all my writing.

1. Capacities to replace Evernote, Notion, Roam, et al

Starting with a beefy boy here.

I used to be a massive Notion user, and it is a beautiful app. There is so much you can do with it once you understand how things work, and I still use it occasionally.

But Capacities has almost completely replaced my need for it, along with no longer using Evernote or Roam.

You can do all the note-taking, backlinking and research you could ever need in Capacities.

That, combined with "databasing" and planning that I used to do with Notion, and it really is a no-brainer for me.

Plus, the free package of Capacities is more than good enough for most, and no, I am not an affiliate of Capacities, so I gain nothing by recommending it.

2. Tot to replace Drafts

How can taking things away add such value?

In Tot, you get 7 notes. That is it.

But that is the point of it.

By not having to keep a ton of notes with folders and tags, you can just keep the most important things more readily available.

I suppose you could say it is a more minimalist way of keeping notes, but I do think that it is more towards semi-permanent notes and about one dumping note, or at least that's how I use it.

iOS only, but worth a try for sure. It will either be your kind of thing or not.

3. Endel to replace Brain.fm

Personalised soundscapes that help me get in the zone.

I use this almost every time I am writing or planning, and I really think it helps more than I would have imagined.

Instead of paying for Brain.fm I am now just using the free version of Endel, though supporting the app for further functionality is reasonable as well.

If you haven't used such a soundscape app before and struggle to block out distractions or get in the zone, perhaps give one a try.

A free one, like Endel, is even better.

4. Bitwarden to replace LastPass, 1Password or Dashlane

You know, when you see something advertised or in a sponsored video over and over again.

Take that product and ask a chatbot what its free competitor is, and you will likely get an amazing answer like Bitwarden.

The free (for most users) password manager is just what I need to secure my logins.

I pay for Bitwarden Premium more to support the service than to benefit from the added features, because there is just so much good in the free version. I am not sure why their competitors charge so much more.

If you haven't made the switch to unique passwords (and/or logins) for each login you have and are about to, try Bitwarden first. You may never need anything else again.

5. Forest to replace Pomodoro subs

Pomodoro apps have been around for ages now and have stuck around for a reason.

Adding up the 25-minute blitzes of work really makes a difference, so once you start using it, you often stick with it.

I only use the free version of Forest now, so I avoid any of the other subscription Pomodoro timers.

It is not something that I think is worth paying for unless you especially want to support the product, but Forest is more worthy than most if you were going to open your wallet.

6. Streaks to replace Habitify or Habitica

Streaks is another long-timer, but sometimes product designers get the product right early on.

That is definitely the case with Streaks. The habit tracker I have used the most.

If you want to have all the features you could ever need in a habit tracker without too much gamification, then try Streaks.

7. Finch to also replace Habitify or Habitica

I know I've just used Streaks above, but there is a reason, and that is some people just react better, and thus stick with their habits more, with Finch.

Finch is the antithesis in style to Streaks in that it is just adorable and much more like a life-improvement mobile game.

Free to use and likely all the average person will need.

Give it a try, and you may just fall in love.

So, there we have it.

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