Learn how selective subscriptions in tech, wellness, and finance can enrich your life and streamline your day.
Top 5 Must-Have (Apple) Subscriptions: My Picks I Keep Paying For in 2024
As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m generally not fond of subscription-based apps, given my background in purchasing software outright with the option for occasional updates or new versions (yes I am a 90s kid). However, I’ve found myself regularly using a handful of subscription services that enhance my life and daily routines.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous apps and services, but as of 2024, here are the five that I continue to invest in due to their significant value:
Headspace
Headspace is a mindfulness app offering a variety of courses on meditation, sleep, focus, work, and physical activity. Narrated by co-founder and former Buddhist monk Andi Puddicombe, it begins with a free trial and provides over 400 meditation sessions upon subscription. Features include guided meditation, sleep assistance, physical exercises integrating breathing techniques, and a focus mode with meditation tracks and music.

I started using Headspace early on, when it was relatively unknown. I don’t quite recall how I first came across it, but it immediately struck me as the ideal service. I’ve extensively used various courses (ranging from 10 to 30 days), but these days I prefer silent meditations now. But I return to my favorite courses occasionally and enjoy the sleep sounds for better rest.
A slight inconvenience with Headspace is that you can’t restart courses mid-way, which isn’t a major issue, but a reset option would be handy. At present, Headspace is available for $12.99 monthly or $69.99 annually.
Blinkist
Blinkist offers 15-minute nonfiction book summaries, called “blinks,” in text and audio format. It covers a wide range of topics across 19 categories, such as business, personal development, and science. The app is designed for busy professionals to get key insights from popular books quickly.
While these summaries serve as a preliminary overview, they have led me to discover numerous valuable books for my Kindle. Even in cases where a full book doesn’t seem worth the purchase, the insights learned from Blinkist’s summaries are often of incredible value.
It’s $12,99 and the annual plan is much cheaper.
Apple One Premier
I’m deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem due to its exceptional integration and ease of use, almost like magic. The continual improvements in Apple’s technology have made their services and devices work seamlessly together. Therefore, subscribing to Apple One Premium, which offers a variety of Apple services at a reduced price, was an obvious choice for me.

This bundle includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Fitness+, and 2TB iCloud storage. Some of the services are only in select teritorries available though (ie. Apple News+).
I primarily use it for cloud storage and Apple Music for my family, and I’ve grown fond of Fitness+, especially for yoga workouts. After a recent price increase to $37.95, I find it still worthwhile, though any further price rises might lead me to downgrade.
YouTube Premium
Deciding to subscribe to YouTube Premium involved a lengthy debate, but ultimately, I chose to go for it. The service costs $13.99 monthly for an individual plan or $22.99 for a family subscription.
The primary reason for this decision was to avoid the constant ads during daily streaming. YouTube Premium also offers other features such as the ability to download videos, which is particularly useful for travel, and the option to play videos in the background or in picture-in-picture mode. Both are two features we do not want to miss anymore.
getquin
GetQuin, launched in 2020, is a real-time portfolio tracker designed to streamline investment management and decision-making. It offers a range of features including real-time tracking, detailed portfolio analysis, a community of investors, and customizable options.

I primarily use GetQuin to monitor my dividends, a feature my regular broker doesn’t provide, and to engage with other investors. Initially, I didn’t think I needed an app like this, but having used it, I find it essential to my investment strategy. GetQuin has become an daily tool in managing my investments and best of all (as of writing) the basic features are free to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite my initial hesitation towards subscription models (coming from a time where you just “bought” software once), the consistent value these five services provide has made them essential in my daily life. They offer a balance of mental health support, efficient learning, ad-free entertainment, and effective investment tracking.
However, it’s crucial to remember that subscribing to services shouldn’t be done impulsively. It’s important to carefully consider the value each service provides and whether it genuinely meets your needs. Thoughtful consideration ensures that your investments in these services are worthwhile and align with your lifestyle, spending options and goals.
Hej there! Can I ask you a favour (it will really help me out to grow this blog)?
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