Frequently asked questions

One-time purchase, subscription-free, lifetime license — what it means and how this directory works.

What does "no subscription" / "subscription-free" mean?

Software you buy once (one-time purchase) or use for free — with no recurring monthly or yearly fee. Features don’t disappear when you stop paying.

How do one-time purchase, subscription and lifetime license differ?

One-time purchase: pay once, use indefinitely. Subscription: a recurring fee, and access ends when you stop paying. Lifetime or perpetual license: a single payment for indefinite, often updatable use.

An app offers both a subscription AND a one-time purchase — does it get listed?

Yes, as long as the one-time purchase or a lifetime license unlocks the full app for good. Whether a monthly or yearly plan is offered alongside it makes no difference — what matters is that you can use the app fully without a subscription. If the actual functionality is only available by subscription, we don’t list it.

Do the apps stay usable forever?

Yes. With one-time purchase and free apps the installed version keeps working. Upgrades to a new major version may cost extra, but are never required — there are no running costs.

What does freemium mean in this directory?

A free base version with an optional one-time purchase upgrade — no subscription required. We don’t list subscription-only freemium apps.

How are apps added?

Every listing is reviewed by hand. What gets in is anything you can use fully without a subscription: free, a one-time purchase, or a lifetime license that unlocks the full app. A subscription alongside it is fine — only apps whose full functionality is subscription-only are excluded.

Is listing free?

Yes, listing is currently free. Developers can submit their own subscription-free app at any time via the form.

A listed app switched to a subscription — what now?

Please use the "Report a subscription change" button on that app’s page. We check the report and update or remove the listing.