Which AI tools are worth paying for? Here are subscriptions I'm keeping - and why
One user spent over $1,600 on AI tools. Here's what they kept and cut.
Deep Dive
A tech expert reviewed his 2025 AI spending of $1,665, identifying the most valuable paid subscriptions. He found agentic coding tools like Claude Code and Codex delivered immense value, creating years of work in days. While he initially spent heavily on Adobe, he drastically cut that cost. The analysis provides a real-world guide for consumers deciding where to invest in the crowded AI tool market.
Why It Matters
As AI tools multiply, this practical spending review helps consumers avoid costly subscriptions that don't deliver value.