Scenario pages
Scenario pages are decision tools with realistic defaults and context-specific explanations. Each page still uses the same core calculator, but the framing helps you apply the math to a real situation.
How to use these scenarios
Pick the scenario that matches your situation, then replace the default numbers with your actual pricing and expected usage duration. The result summary shows total costs and the break-even month. The guidance section explains which factors typically flip the decision in that scenario.
If you do not see a perfect match, choose the closest scenario and adjust the numbers. The calculator logic is identical across pages, so the decision still reflects the same break-even math.
Software subscription vs lifetime license
Decide whether a recurring software subscription or a one-time lifetime license is cheaper over your usage horizon.
Open calculatorDesign tool subscription vs perpetual license
Compare a design tool subscription to a perpetual license to see which option is cheaper for your design timeline.
Open calculatorVideo editing suite: subscription vs one-time
Figure out whether a subscription editing suite or a one-time purchase is cheaper for your video production schedule.
Open calculatorOnline course membership vs one-time course purchase
Decide between a recurring course membership and buying a single course outright based on your learning timeline.
Open calculatorFitness app membership vs one-time training plan
Compare a fitness app subscription to a one-time training plan based on how long you expect to follow it.
Open calculatorHome security monitoring vs upfront system
Decide whether a monthly home security monitoring plan or an upfront system purchase is cheaper for your expected stay.
Open calculatorStreaming bundle vs buying individual titles
Compare a streaming subscription bundle to buying individual movies or shows based on how long you watch.
Open calculatorGym membership vs buying home equipment
Compare a gym membership to buying home equipment to see which is cheaper for your workout timeline.
Open calculatorSolar panels vs grid electricity
Compare the cost of installing solar panels to paying a monthly electricity bill based on your expected stay.
Open calculatorCoworking membership vs home office setup
Compare a coworking membership to a one-time home office setup based on how long you plan to use the space.
Open calculatorCar lease vs buying outright
Compare leasing a car to buying it outright based on how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
Open calculatorPrinter lease vs buying equipment
Decide between leasing a printer and buying one outright based on expected usage duration.
Open calculatorSmall business accounting software: SaaS vs desktop
Compare a SaaS accounting subscription to a one-time desktop license for a small business.
Open calculatorCRM subscription vs perpetual license
Decide whether a CRM subscription or a perpetual license is cheaper for your sales team timeline.
Open calculatorCloud storage subscription vs local hardware
Compare ongoing cloud storage fees to buying local storage hardware based on how long you need the data.
Open calculatorPhone plan subscription vs prepaid device
Compare a monthly phone plan to buying a phone outright and using prepaid service over your usage period.
Open calculatorPrefer a neutral starting point?
The main calculator is ideal if you already know your pricing and want a direct comparison without scenario framing.
Go to main calculator