5 free, pro-level PC and Mac apps to replace your paid subscriptions

# Free Software Is Quietly Replacing Expensive Monthly Subscriptions Software companies have shifted us from buying tools once to paying monthly fees that easily add up to thousands a year, but free alternatives like Affinity are now offering the same professional-quality features without the cost. Tools that were previously only available through expensive subscriptions—like Adobe's design software at $600 a year—now have fully functional free versions that work just as well for most people. If you're tired of recurring charges, it's worth checking out these free options before automatically paying for another monthly subscription.