15 Expensive Things You’re Still Paying for That Have Amazing Free Versions
Cutting costs doesn’t always mean giving things up. In many cases, it just means knowing where to look for alternative options. Plenty of services people pay for have solid and completely free alternatives. This list proves that skipping the paid version can lead to real savings without missing out on much, or anything at all.
College-Level Courses Without the Tuition
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You don’t need a student loan to learn from top universities. Websites like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer college courses from Yale, Harvard, and more for free. While you won’t earn a degree without paying, you’ll still access the same lectures and readings students get on campus.
Rental Car Insurance Already Covered by Your Card
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Many credit cards include rental car insurance as a perk, but few people realize it. Booking with cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or certain AmEx cards can activate free coverage that duplicates what rental agencies try to upsell. It typically includes collision damage waiver protection.
Office Software That Doesn’t Come With a Subscription
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Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offer reliable, cloud-based versions of Microsoft Office’s core tools. For those who prefer downloadable options, LibreOffice provides a fully offline suite with compatibility for Word and Excel formats, at no cost and with zero ads.
Books, Audiobooks, and Magazines for Free
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Public libraries do more than lend hardcovers. With a library card, you can access eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, and even streaming services. The only thing you’ll need is a card, which most libraries issue for free with proof of residence.
Unlimited Music With a Few Commercials
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Spotify’s free tier plays almost everything, with just a few ads. If you want more variety, YouTube Music also streams full albums and live sets without asking for your card details. If you’re okay with an ad or two, there’s no real catch.
Image And Photo Editing Without Adobe
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Programs like GIMP offer free alternatives to Photoshop with many of the same capabilities—including layering, masking, and advanced filters. For those just looking to crop, adjust colors, or add text, browser-based tools like Photopea do the job fast and free.
Kids Eat Free — If You Pick the Right Day
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Many chain restaurants offer free kids’ meals on certain days. IHOP, Denny’s, and Applebee’s all run regular promotions where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. The details vary by location, so it helps to check ahead. But timing it right can save families $5–$10 per child.
International Calls Without the Phone Bill
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Texting or calling internationally doesn’t require a special plan anymore. WhatsApp and Skype both offer free calls and messages using Wi-Fi or data. WhatsApp works through phone numbers, while Skype assigns usernames. Both support voice and video chats, and they’re used globally.
Adoption Instead of Shopping for a Pet
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Buying a dog from a breeder can cost thousands. Local shelters and rescue groups often offer pets for little or no money, especially during sponsored adoption events. Some shelters even waive fees entirely to clear space and find animals homes faster.
Stock Trades With No Brokerage Fees
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Platforms like Robinhood, SoFi Invest, and Fidelity offer commission-free trades on U.S. stocks and ETFs. That used to cost $5–$10 per transaction. Now, investors can buy and sell without those fees, and many services have apps that make it easy to monitor portfolios.
Music Festivals for Volunteers
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Volunteering at music festivals often comes with perks, like free entry. Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and others let volunteers work a few shifts in exchange for seeing headliners. You might be scanning wristbands or handing out water, but you’ll hear the music either way, and you won’t pay $300 for a wristband.
Pregnancy Tests Without the Drugstore Markup
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Dollar stores sell pregnancy tests that work just as well as the $15 versions at major retailers. According to the FDA, cheaper tests follow the same standards for accuracy. Clinics like Planned Parenthood also offer free or low-cost tests, no appointment needed.
Smoke Detectors Without Spending a Dime
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Many fire departments offer free smoke detectors and even installation services for residents. The Red Cross also distributes them through its Home Fire Campaign. In cities like Baltimore or Atlanta, you can call non-emergency fire lines to request one.
Cloud Storage Without Subscriptions
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Google Drive offers 15GB of free cloud storage to anyone with a Gmail account. That’s plenty for documents, photos, and even short videos. Dropbox gives 2GB for free and makes syncing between devices easy. These options eliminate the need to buy USB sticks or external drives for everyday backups.
Fitness And Workout Plans That Cost Nothing
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Apps like Nike Run Club and MyFitnessPal provide detailed fitness tracking and training plans for free. YouTube has thousands of instructor-led classes for yoga and strength training. Even Lululemon stores sometimes host free community classes. It’s possible to build an entire workout routine without spending anything at all.