Subscription box showdown: Which ones are worth it?

Author

Kevin Hall

Oct 2nd, 2024

·

5min read

Subscription boxes have exploded in popularity, offering everything from gourmet snacks to exclusive beauty products right to your doorstep. With so many options, it can be tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth the investment. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find a convenient way to explore new products, there’s a box for just about everyone. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most popular subscription boxes, evaluating their cost, quality, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

We’ll also discuss how using a subscription management service like SubTracked can keep your subscription spending in check and provide handy tools to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Table of Contents

  1. Beauty and Grooming
  2. Food and Beverage
  3. Books and Entertainment
  4. Fitness and Wellness
  5. Tech and Gadgets
  6. Kids and Family
  7. How to Keep Your Subscription Boxes in Check
  8. Conclusion

Beauty and Grooming

1. Ipsy

Cost: $13/month What’s Included: Personalized beauty products based on your preferences. Worth It? If you love experimenting with new makeup and skincare, Ipsy offers great value. The sample sizes help you try out products without committing to the full-size price. However, those who prefer specific brands might find the selection a bit hit-or-miss.

2. Birchbox

Cost: $15/month What’s Included: Deluxe samples of beauty and grooming products tailored to your profile. Worth It? A good pick for those who want to test a wide range of brands and products. However, some users find that the sample sizes are too small, making it harder to gauge a product’s effectiveness over time.

3. Dollar Shave Club

Cost: Starts at $9/month What’s Included: Razors, grooming products, and customizable kits. Worth It? If you shave regularly, this is a convenient and cost-effective option compared to store-bought razors. Their customization options let you build a box suited to your routine.

Food and Beverage

1. HelloFresh

Cost: Starts at $8.99 per serving What’s Included: Pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to your door. Worth It? Perfect for busy individuals who want to cook at home without meal planning. Though pricier than buying groceries, it’s more affordable than dining out frequently. If you find yourself wasting groceries often, HelloFresh can help reduce food waste.

2. SnackCrate

Cost: Starts at $14.99/month What’s Included: A curated box of snacks from around the world. Worth It? A fun way to explore global flavors without leaving home. It’s a bit of a splurge but ideal for snack enthusiasts who enjoy trying new things.

3. Winc

Cost: Starts at $13/bottle What’s Included: Personalized wine selections based on your taste preferences. Worth It? Great for wine lovers looking to explore different varietals. Winc’s personalized approach makes it a bit more special than just grabbing random bottles from the store. However, if you’re not a frequent drinker, the monthly cost can add up.

Books and Entertainment

1. Book of the Month

Cost: $16.99/month What’s Included: One new hardcover book of your choice from a curated selection. Worth It? An excellent option for avid readers. The curated picks often feature highly anticipated releases, and you can skip a month if none of the books interest you.

2. Loot Crate

Cost: Starts at $24.99/month What’s Included: Pop culture collectibles, apparel, and gear themed around gaming, movies, and TV shows. Worth It? Perfect for geeks and gamers. However, it’s a bit hit-or-miss in terms of value, as the appeal depends on how much you like that month’s theme.

Fitness and Wellness

1. FabFitFun

Cost: $49.99/quarter What’s Included: Full-size beauty, wellness, and lifestyle products. Worth It? While pricier, FabFitFun includes full-sized products, which often exceed the box’s cost. The seasonal delivery means you get fewer boxes per year, making it easier to fit into your budget.

2. YogaClub

Cost: Starts at $79/quarter What’s Included: High-quality, brand-name yoga apparel. Worth It? If you’re a regular yogi or workout enthusiast, this can be a worthwhile investment in quality fitness gear. Otherwise, the high cost might not justify the occasional use.

Tech and Gadgets

1. BREO BOX

Cost: $159/quarter What’s Included: Tech gadgets, home goods, and lifestyle accessories. Worth It? If you love discovering innovative gadgets and tools, BREO BOX provides a fun unboxing experience. Given the cost, it’s best suited for those who truly enjoy tech and have room in their budget.

2. KiwiCo

Cost: Starts at $23.95/month What’s Included: Hands-on science and art projects for kids and adults. Worth It? A fantastic choice for parents and educators looking to engage kids in STEM activities. The projects are well-designed and educational, making it worth the price for most families.

Kids and Family

1. Little Passports

Cost: Starts at $27.95/month What’s Included: Educational activities and games focused on geography, science, and world cultures. Worth It? Excellent for parents wanting to supplement their children’s learning with fun, interactive activities. The quality of the materials and the educational value make it a worthwhile investment.

2. Universal Yums

Cost: Starts at $16/month What’s Included: Snacks from a different country each month. Worth It? This is a delightful option for families looking to explore new cultures through food. It can be a bit expensive for what you get, but the experience of discovering new flavors can be invaluable.

How to Keep Your Subscription Boxes in Check

With so many exciting subscription boxes available, it’s easy to get carried away. While they provide convenience and the thrill of unboxing, the costs can quickly add up. Here’s how SubTracked can help you manage these recurring expenses:

  • Track All Subscriptions in One Place: SubTracked lets you view all your subscriptions in one convenient dashboard, so you know exactly where your money is going each month.
  • Subscription Renewal Calendar: Never miss a renewal date with SubTracked’s calendar feature, helping you avoid surprise charges.
  • Spending Insights: The service offers insights into your subscription spending patterns, allowing you to make informed decisions about which boxes to keep and which to cancel.
  • Price Change Alerts: Stay ahead of price hikes with notifications on changes in your subscription costs.
  • Cancellation Guides: If you decide a subscription isn’t worth it, SubTracked provides instructions on how to cancel without the hassle.

Conclusion

Subscription boxes can bring joy, convenience, and discovery into your life, but not all of them offer the same value. Whether you’re looking for beauty products, food, books, or tech gadgets, there’s a box tailored to your interests and lifestyle. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on your spending and assess whether you’re getting your money’s worth.

By using a service like SubTracked, you can effortlessly manage and monitor your subscriptions, ensuring you only pay for what truly brings value to your life. Ready to take control of your subscriptions? Sign up for a free trial with SubTracked today.