Which Is Better: Rent, or Own?
Over the last decade, the way we use software has fundamentally changed. What used to be a one-time purchase is now almost always a recurring subscription. From creative tools to office software, users increasingly rent access instead of owning a product outright.
This shift raises an important question: is subscription software actually better, or does open-source software offer advantages that many users overlook?
Subscription software appeals to companies because it provides predictable revenue and allows continuous updates. For users, subscriptions can offer convenience, cloud features, and seamless collaboration—especially for services that rely on online infrastructure. In many business environments, subscriptions genuinely make sense.
However, subscriptions come with trade-offs. Stop paying, and access disappears. Prices can increase without warning, features can be removed, and long-term access to your own files may depend on an active account. Over time, these costs and restrictions add up.
Open-source software works differently. Its source code is publicly available, meaning the software isn’t tied to the survival or decisions of a single company. Many open-source tools are free to use, don’t require ongoing payments, and allow users to retain full control over their data and workflows.
Contrary to common myths, modern open-source software is often powerful, polished, and widely used. Tools like Blender, Linux, OBS, and LibreOffice prove that open development can compete with—and sometimes outperform—paid alternatives.
Ultimately, the choice between open-source and subscription software isn’t about which is “better,” but about understanding incentives. Subscription software optimizes for convenience and recurring revenue, while open-source prioritizes resilience, transparency, and user control.
Knowing the difference helps you choose tools that truly serve your needs—today and in the long term.
Watch the video above for an in-depth look at both of these options, and the circumstances under which they offer the best value.
