In a world where numerous services vie for your financial commitment, it becomes essential to carefully evaluate which software truly deserves your investment. While I avoid spending on many PC software categories, I’m willing to pay for tools that provide undeniable value.
Throughout my journey, I have purchased multiple PC applications that I would consider paying for again, should the need arise. However, the evolving landscape of these applications has altered my perspective on which tools I recommend.
6 Mailbird (Desktop Email Client)
My experience with Outlook during college and internships left much to be desired, but I found Mailbird to be a suitable desktop email client. It consolidates both my work and personal email accounts, streamlining access without needing a browser.
One of Mailbird’s features is the unified inbox, which I personally don’t utilize frequently, but it’s helpful for those juggling multiple email addresses. Additionally, the app integrates various web tools such as Google Calendar, ChatGPT, and Evernote into its sidebar, allowing for seamless multitasking.
However, it’s worth noting that my “lifetime”subscription didn’t include access to the new version 3.0 upon its release, and I’ve encountered some stability issues. Despite these flaws, my overall experience with Mailbird has been positive for managing emails. Yet, I would consider transitioning to Thunderbird if support for my current version ceases, as cost savings will always be a priority.
5 iA Writer (Markdown Editor)
As I transitioned into tech writing, I quickly adapted to Markdown, which has since become my go-to format for article creation. Initially, I started with MarkdownPad and was willing to invest in the Pro version. After it became inactive and lacking features, I explored Caret as well, paying for its license after thorough testing. Currently, I’m utilizing iA Writer, supported by my subscription.
Markdown’s flexibility allows for usage across numerous editors, including free options like VS Code and Notepad++.Nevertheless, having a dedicated environment specifically tailored for writing makes the cost justifiable. My history with Markdown applications has been sporadic, as I often encounter limitations or lack of support that lead me to seek alternatives.
While no app has captured my complete admiration, iA Writer has its downsides, such as the need to use Ctrl + K for hyperlink creation rather than simply pasting links. Regardless, I am keen to support developers creating tools that enhance my productivity.
4 Snagit (Screenshot Tool)
Initially, I was skeptical about the $50 price tag for Snagit given the existence of several free screenshot applications. However, after gaining more experience, I decided to give it a shot and was pleasantly surprised by its comprehensive feature set.
For those who frequently capture screenshots, Snagit’s extensive array of tools makes it a worthy investment. Notable features include capturing scrolling screenshots, the Simplify feature to easily obfuscate images, and a robust library that organizes captures by application—benefits that I have come to rely on.
While I don’t utilize all available functionalities, I feel justified in paying the legacy annual maintenance fee of approximately $15. However, with Snagit transitioning to a subscription model in July 2025, costing $39 per year, I might reevaluate my options and consider alternatives like ShareX should my current agreement no longer be honored.
3 1Password (Password Manager)
After my initial experience with LastPass, which ended due to multiple security breaches, I transitioned to 1Password. The user interface and reasonable pricing made it an appealing choice, leading me to continue utilizing it for both personal and family accounts.
1Password excels across all platforms and rarely encounters problems. Its newfound capabilities like effortless passkey creation, secure vault sharing with family, breach alerts, and integrated 2FA codes have significantly enhanced my digital security.
Had I discovered Bitwarden earlier, I might have opted for it instead, as it offers a generous free plan. For those considering a password manager, I highly recommend Bitwarden. Nevertheless, for safeguarding my vital digital information, 1Password remains my trusted solution.
2 Google One (Cloud Storage)
Many individuals resist paying for cloud storage, often opting to utilize several free accounts instead. However, I eventually concluded that the effort required to manage limited storage was simply not worth it.
Given that I use Google Photos primarily for storing images, I invest $20 annually for 100GB of cloud storage, which I share with my spouse. At under $2 per month, it’s a minor expense compared to the time saved. It’s crucial to evaluate costs in terms of time, particularly when hesitating to subscribe to seemingly minor services.
In addition to Google One, I also subscribe to iCloud+, gaining invaluable benefits including essential backups for my devices. The risk of losing critical data is not worth skimping on a few dollars a year for peace of mind.
1 Backblaze (Backup Software)
Previously, I utilized CrashPlan for backing up to an external drive; however, that service ceased providing coverage for home users. Moreover, backing up to a secondary drive does not protect against risks such as theft or disasters. Consequently, I opted for Backblaze, which, although has increased in price, continues to be a reliable investment.
Backblaze functions as a “set-and-forget” cloud backup solution, safeguarding not only my important files but also secondary storage drives offsite. If I were ever to lose critical data—whether from cloud storage or local backups—I could easily restore my files through Backblaze’s web interface or even request a hard drive with my data on it.
With an extensive storage history accumulated over the decade and the daily importance of this data for my professional life, the annual cost of $100 provides significant peace of mind regarding the security of my files against unforeseen events.
Ultimately, determining worthwhile expenditures on software is a highly personal decision. My consistent satisfaction with these applications, in most cases on an annual subscription basis, speaks to their value. As software needs and subscription models evolve, I consider these tools indispensable.
Which PC software do you deem worth the investment, and what compels you to spend on it?
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