Welcome to our guide comparing perpetual plugin licenses with plugin subscriptions. On this page you can explore the advantages of each model, to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Here are the basic points you should consider:
License Type: Perpetual licenses are one-time purchases that allow you to use a specific version of Waves software, while subscription licenses require ongoing payments for continued access.
Cost: With a perpetual license, you pay a higher upfront cost, but with a subscription, you have lower initial costs spread over time.
Software Updates: Subscription licenses include ongoing updates and new features, whereas perpetual licenses may require additional payments to renew your Waves Update Plan for major version updates. Software updates are necessary to improve functionality and ensure compatibility with other evolving technologies like your computer hardware and operating system.
Here’s the full comparison between perpetual plugin licenses and plugin subscriptions:
| Perpetual License | Ultimate Subscription | Essential Subscription | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plugins | Purchase plugins one by one or in bundles | Subscribe to over 230 Waves plugins | Subscribe to over 110 plugins |
| Payment | A one-time purchase that allows you to use a specific version of Waves software. | Monthly or annual payment options | |
| Updates | You get one free year of updates from the moment you purchase. If you need to update to a newer version later on, you can do so by renewing your Waves Update Plan coverage | All updates are free: Your products are always up to date. Easy one-click software updates from Waves Central | |
| Number of licenses | 2 licenses can be used by the owner on two systems at a time, as long as the product is covered by the Waves Update Plan (see above). See Terms & Conditions | 2 licenses can be used by the owner on two systems at a time | |
| Activate different products to different machines | You can use one plugin or bundle on one system, and other plugins or bundles on a second system; the licenses are separate. See Terms & Conditions | All plugins included in Waves Creative Access are managed via a single license for each subscription, with activation on 2 systems at a time. See 2nd license terms & conditions | |
| New plugins | May be added to select bundles covered by the Waves Update Plan, or purchased separately | All new plugins added for free | Select new plugins added for free |
| StudioVerse integration | Use StudioVerse chains that include the plugins you own | Unlimited use of all StudioVerse plugin chains | Use StudioVerse chains that include the 110+ plugins in Waves Essential |
| Gemstones | Not available | All Gemstones included | Select Gemstones included |
Perpetual License
Ultimate Subscription
Essential Subscription
For full terms and conditions, please see the Waves EULA.