Photoshop 2021 Perpetual vs Annual Subscription: Differences

Introduction

When it comes to getting Photoshop, you will have come across two very different paths: buying Adobe Photoshop 2021 with a perpetual license (one-time payment) or subscribing to the current version through an annual subscription (recurring payment). Which is the best option for you? In this blog we will chat in a clear and informal way about the differences between these two models, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and the cases in which one might suit you better than the other.

In recent years, Adobe has strongly embraced the subscription model with its Creative Cloud, leaving behind the traditional “perpetual” licenses. Even so, options like Photoshop 2021 with a perpetual license are still available through specialized stores. Is it better to pay once for a fixed version of Photoshop, or pay every year to always have the latest version? Below we will analyze this dilemma point by point to help you decide.

What is Photoshop 2021 Perpetual License?

When we talk about Photoshop 2021 perpetual license, we mean the possibility of acquiring a specific version of Adobe Photoshop (in this case, the edition released around 2021) with a one-time payment. Perpetual license means that once you buy the software, you obtain the right to use that version of Photoshop for life, with no time limit. In other words, you don’t have to pay again the following year or worry about a subscription expiring. Sounds good, right?

The Photoshop 2021 version is extremely powerful: it includes virtually all the advanced tools and functions that an average or professional user might need for image editing, even some artificial intelligence features available at that time. Photo retouching tools, layers and masks, high-quality filters (like the improved content-aware fill), compatibility with professional formats, etc. In short, Photoshop 2021 is still a titan in its field. By buying the perpetual license, you receive the software to install on your computer and start creating right away with no extra hassle!

Advantages of the 2021 perpetual license

Since it’s a one-time payment, you pay a fixed amount (for example, around €50 at Licendi’s store) and the program is yours to use indefinitely on that device. It does not require a permanent internet connection to validate (after activation, it works offline because it does not depend on the cloud). Plus, there won’t be any “surprise” fees: if Adobe raises subscription prices in the future, that won’t affect you; you already have your Photoshop running. You have the peace of mind that the software will never stop working due to non-payment. Even five years from now, if you keep a compatible PC, Photoshop 2021 will still open and work like day one.

Of course, it’s not all roses. Buying Photoshop 2021 with a perpetual license means you’re stuck with that fixed version. Adobe usually releases new editions of Photoshop every year (2022, 2023, etc.) with improvements, fixes, and innovative features. If you have the 2021 version, you won’t get those updates automatically, since you’re not in the subscription ecosystem. That means your Photoshop won’t upgrade to the latest version unless you separately acquire a newer one (and Adobe no longer sells perpetual versions after CS6). Features introduced after 2021—such as improved automatic subject selection, more advanced neural filters, or the new Generative Fill AI tool released in 2023—will not be available in your Photoshop 2021.

Another detail...

The perpetual license you purchase is valid for a single device (one Windows PC). In fact, Photoshop 2021 perpetual is not available for Mac, so if you use macOS it’s not an option. The activation is linked to your device; it’s not as flexible as a subscription where you simply sign in on another computer and continue. If in a few years you change PCs, you would need to figure out how to transfer or reinstall Photoshop 2021 on the new one (possibly contacting the provider to reactivate the license on different hardware). It’s not as immediate as just logging in with an Adobe account.

In summary, Photoshop 2021 with a perpetual license gives you stability, low long-term cost, and independence (no ongoing payments and no reliance on the internet), in exchange for giving up updates and some modern conveniences. It’s ideal for those who want something that works well as it is and don’t need the very latest features.

What does the Photoshop Annual Subscription offer?

On the other hand, we have the annual subscription to Adobe Photoshop, which is the way Adobe prefers us to use their products nowadays. What does this model involve? Basically, instead of buying a specific version, you pay to have access to the most recent version of Photoshop for as long as your subscription lasts. It’s like “renting” the software year by year. As long as you’re subscribed, you can always download and use the newest available version of Photoshop, and whenever Adobe releases updates or even major versions, you get them at no extra cost (since you’re already paying for the subscription to always have the latest).

Advantages of the annual subscription

The most obvious advantage is that you’re always up to date. You’ll have Photoshop 2023, 2024, 2025… as they come out, without having to pay again for each version. Every innovative tool, every next-gen smart filter, every performance improvement… all reaches you automatically via updates. If Adobe announces a groundbreaking feature (for example, a new generative AI tool, support for emerging formats, or compatibility with modern devices), you won’t miss it. This is crucial for professionals who want to stay competitive and benefit from productivity improvements that updates bring.

Another advantage is that the subscription gives you access to certain cloud services and the Adobe ecosystem: you can sync files in Creative Cloud, use Adobe Fonts (Typekit) with thousands of available fonts, save settings in the cloud, share projects with colleagues easily, etc. Many of these conveniences require having an active Adobe account with a subscription. With the offline perpetual license, none of this works the same way.

In addition, with a subscription you can use Photoshop on two devices simultaneously (for example, PC and laptop) with your account, something you couldn’t do with a fixed license. This is very convenient if you work on more than one machine or on different platforms (Windows at the office and Mac at home, for instance).

Disadvantages or considerations of the subscription

The biggest drawback is the recurring payment. You need to be willing to pay every year (or every month) to keep access. If for some reason you decide not to renew your subscription at the end of the term, you lose Photoshop; you won’t be able to open the program until you subscribe again. In other words, it’s not yours to own; stop paying and the service ends. Over time, what you spend may far exceed the cost of a perpetual license if you add up several years. It’s the classic dilemma of paying a little many times vs paying once a smaller fixed amount.

Another point: the subscription requires having an Adobe account and occasionally an internet connection. You don’t need to be online 24/7 to use Photoshop, but it must validate periodically (about every 30 days) that your license is still active. In isolated environments without internet this could be an inconvenience. It also means that if Adobe changes its policies or prices in the future, you’ll be subject to them (for example, if they raise the annual fee, you’ll have to accept it or lose access). With the perpetual license, you have more independence in that regard.

Finally, although the subscription always gives you the latest version, sometimes new versions may bring changes that not all users want right away (for example, a redesigned interface, the removal of a classic feature, or higher hardware requirements). In the subscription model, it can be challenging to stay on an older version: Adobe allows you to install some previous versions, but only up to a certain point. With the 2021 license, you decide if and when to upgrade (in this case there are no newer perpetual versions, but at least you know your environment won’t change overnight). Many professionals value that stability of “I know it well and it works for me.”

In summary, the Photoshop annual subscription gives you flexibility, always the latest version, and additional services, in exchange for ongoing payments and some dependency on Adobe to keep operating.

Cost Difference: One-Time Payment vs Recurring Payment

One of the clearest factors to compare is the economic one. How much will you really spend with each option? Here’s the breakdown:

Photoshop 2021 Perpetual License

One-time payment of around €50. You pay once and keep that software indefinitely. In the short term, it’s clearly the cheapest option. For the cost of a dinner for two, you literally own Photoshop for life (well, “for life” meaning as long as you have a compatible PC; eternity in technology is relative). It’s important to emphasize that this ~€50 price is offered by resellers such as Licendi, since Adobe itself no longer sells Photoshop 2021 directly. Back in the day, official perpetual Photoshop licenses used to cost hundreds of euros, so this is a bargain in comparison!

Photoshop Annual Subscription

€160 per year (if purchased through Licendi or similar offers; it’s usually more expensive if you buy directly from Adobe). This means that in just one year you’ll already have spent more than triple the cost of the 2021 perpetual license. However, that money gives you access to the updated software. If you look at it over the long term, let’s say a 5-year horizon: the 2021 license cost you €50 and that’s it; the subscription over 5 years would cost about €800. That’s a ~€750 difference. With that money you could buy a new computer or invest in other tools.

That said, it would be unfair to stick only with this raw comparison, because with the subscription over those 5 years you would always have the latest version of Photoshop running at full speed, while with the one-time license you’d be left with your 2021 version aging year by year. It’s a bit like comparing buying a used car (you pay once and use it as is) vs renting a new one every year: the rental will add up to more over the years, but you’ll always drive the latest model with the newest improvements, while the purchased car gets older but is 100% yours.

Another Factor

The actual time you need Photoshop. If you’re only going to use it for a specific period (for example, a 6-month project, or a gap year to learn design), then the subscription might make sense since you just pay for that period and that’s it. But if you know you’ll need it for many years, even intermittently, the perpetual license can cover you without worrying about dates. Many people have found themselves paying for a year of subscription but then barely opening Photoshop some months – that subscription money is not recovered. With the perpetual license, if you don’t use it one month, nothing happens; you’re not “wasting” money on a service you don’t use.

In summary, the perpetual license wins hands down in long-term price, while the subscription involves ongoing investment that adds up to more money over time. It’s the classic dilemma of capex (one-time capital expense) vs opex (ongoing operational expense) applied to software. Your choice will depend on your budget and time horizon.

Updates and New Features: Stay Current or Happy with the Classic?

In the world of creative software, updates can be a huge attraction… or sometimes just a nice-to-have. How much do you really care about the new features Adobe releases every year?

Photoshop 2021

With Photoshop 2021 (perpetual license), as we mentioned, you’re acquiring a specific version. Think of it as Photoshop frozen in time at that date. You may get minor updates or patches for that version (for example, bug fixes), but you won’t jump to 2022 or 2023 automatically. This means you won’t see the new tools Adobe introduces in the future. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind not having the latest features, then it’s no problem. But if you get excited about every new Photoshop update, keep in mind that with the 2021 version you might miss out on some of them. Tools introduced after that edition – such as more advanced Neural Filters, one-click selection improvements, or generative AI features – won’t be available in your program.

Annual Subscription

With the subscription, on the other hand, every time you open your Creative Cloud app you’ll see updates available, and you can install them whenever you want. If a new version comes out and for some reason you don’t want it immediately (say you’re in the middle of a project and don’t want to risk changes), you can postpone it for a while, but in general the philosophy is to keep you always updated. This means immediate access to any new Photoshop tool as soon as it’s released. In recent years, Adobe has added very useful things: from Neural Filters that colorize photos or change skies automatically, to the surprising Generative Fill that creates content with artificial intelligence. With the subscription, it’s like having an all-you-can-eat buffet of new features: you can try everything as soon as it comes out.

An extra point to consider is file compatibility: if someone using Photoshop 2024 sends you a .PSD file that includes a layer or effect exclusive to that version (for example, an AI-generated layer), Photoshop 2021 may not interpret it correctly. Generally, PSDs are fairly backward compatible in the basics, but you might encounter a message like “this document was created in a newer version; some layers may not display correctly.” If you work collaboratively with others who are using the latest, this can be an obstacle. On the other hand, if everyone in your team uses the same version as you, or you work solo, it’s not a big issue.

Ultimately, having always the latest version (subscription) is essential for those who want to take advantage of every improvement and stay aligned with current standards, while sticking with a stable version (perpetual) suits those who prefer a familiar environment that keeps doing its job without surprises.

Cloud Features and Offline Use

Here we have another important difference: cloud integration and the need (or not) for internet.

Photoshop 2021

The Photoshop 2021 perpetual license is essentially offline software. Once installed and activated on your computer, it does not require a connection to work, and in fact it has no integration with Adobe’s cloud services. In this case, online features are disabled: things like saving documents to Adobe Cloud, shared libraries, or sending files to the cloud directly from Photoshop are not available. Photoshop 2021 will let you save your files locally on your hard drive like always. Of course, you can still use external services (manually uploading a file to Dropbox, for example), but the program itself doesn’t “talk” to Adobe’s servers. For some people this is even a positive point: no distractions, no community messages or tutorials on the home screen, and you can use it in isolated environments with full peace of mind. Also, since it doesn’t depend on the cloud, there’s no risk of an Adobe server outage preventing you from working.

Annual Subscription

The Photoshop subscription, meanwhile, enables the entire Creative Cloud ecosystem: for example, you usually get 20 GB of cloud storage with an individual subscription, where you can save PSD files online and access them from anywhere. You can also use Photoshop on the iPad and sync your documents through the cloud to continue later on your computer. You have access to Creative Cloud Libraries, which let you save colors, brushes, fonts, and other assets to keep handy across devices or share with other users. Likewise, Photoshop’s home screen will show you news, tutorials, and even templates thanks to the internet connection. All this adds value if you like to work connected and take advantage of the cloud infrastructure.

That said, the flip side is that these cloud features require internet. If one day you don’t have a connection, you can still use Photoshop (don’t worry, the app opens and lets you work offline), but obviously you won’t be able to sync or use cloud-based features until you’re back online. And as mentioned before, Photoshop will periodically verify your license online. For most people this isn’t a problem (who isn’t connected nowadays?), but there are special cases—for example, photographers working in the field without internet for long periods, or companies with heavily restricted network PCs—where an offline perpetual license is much more practical.

In summary, regarding offline vs connected use:

• The 2021 perpetual license gives you full independence from the network after activation. It’s just you and your Photoshop working locally, with no added services.
• The subscription opens up a world of very useful cloud services if you take advantage of them, in exchange for that periodic dependency on being online to use them (and to verify the subscription).

Pros and Cons Summary

To make things even clearer, let’s review the pros and cons of each model:

Photoshop 2021 (Perpetual License) – Pros:

• Low one-time payment (cost-effective in the long run, no ongoing fees).
• You have the software indefinitely owned; you don’t lose access for not paying.
• Full offline use; ideal if you don’t want to rely on the internet or the cloud.
• Stable environment that won’t change with unexpected major updates.

Photoshop 2021 (Perpetual License) – Cons:

• Version becomes increasingly outdated; lacks the newest features.
• No major new updates or official Adobe support for improvements.
• Limited to one device (Windows only); switching to another computer or platform is complicated.
• No integration with cloud services or multi-device sync.
• Potential compatibility issues with formats or files created in newer versions.

Photoshop (Annual Subscription) – Pros:

• Always updated to the latest version of Photoshop.
• Includes regular updates, security improvements, and Adobe technical support.
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, iPad) with the same license; use on two devices simultaneously.
• Integration with the Creative Cloud ecosystem: online storage, fonts, libraries, etc.
• Suitable for professionals who need the latest features and maximum industry compatibility.

Photoshop (Annual Subscription) – Cons:

• High cumulative cost in the long run; requires ongoing budget.
• If you stop paying, you lose access to the program (it’s not permanently “yours”).
• Dependency on internet connection to verify the license and use cloud features.
• Frequent changes and updates: may involve a continuous learning curve or occasional new bugs.
• For very sporadic use, it may feel like “overpaying” for features not fully utilized.

Which Option Suits Me? Practical Cases

There’s no single answer for everyone; it depends on your profile and needs. Let’s look at a couple of hypothetical cases you may identify with:

Case 1: “The Budget-Conscious Hobbyist”

John is a design student who loves editing photos and creating graphics occasionally. His budget is limited, and he doesn’t need the latest features; as long as Photoshop has layers, brushes, basic filters, and a few modern tools, he’s happy. He also doesn’t like the idea of committing to monthly payments. For John, the Photoshop 2021 perpetual license is a blessing. With a small one-time payment he gets a very powerful tool for his school projects and hobbies, with no further fees. John won’t miss the latest features; he prefers to stick with the version he knows, master it, and get the most out of it. In his case, saving money is the priority, and Photoshop 2021 is more than capable of meeting his goals.

Case 2: “The Cutting-Edge Professional”

Mary is a freelance graphic designer working with important clients. She always stays up to date with the latest industry trends and tools. When Adobe releases a new feature that saves time (for example, improved automatic subject selection), Mary wants it right away because it makes her more efficient and competitive. In addition, her clients sometimes send her files in new formats or expect seamless collaboration. For Mary, the only real option is the Photoshop annual subscription. Yes, it has a yearly cost, but she considers it an investment in her business. She knows that with the subscription she always has the best version, minimizes any compatibility risks, and can work both on her iMac at the studio and her MacBook at home without issue. Mary easily recoups the cost with one or two jobs; what matters to her is never falling behind. In her case, always being up to date is the priority, and the subscription guarantees it.

Conclusion

As we have seen, Photoshop 2021 perpetual license vs Photoshop annual subscription is basically the clash between the “traditional” model of buying software and the “modern” model of renting it. It all comes down to what each user needs and prefers.

If you feel more comfortable paying once and having the peace of mind that the tool is yours with no expiration date, and you don’t mind using a version that, while powerful, may become somewhat outdated over the years, then a perpetual license like Photoshop 2021 could be your best ally. You’ll enjoy a robust Photoshop, with no monthly fees, perfect for tighter budgets.

On the other hand, if you prefer always having the latest features, maximum compatibility, and a connected ecosystem, and you consider the recurring cost justified because you use Photoshop almost daily and take advantage of its updates, the annual subscription will give you that flexibility and technological freshness. You’ll have Adobe backing you with constant updates, and your software will evolve alongside your needs.

Remember, it’s not an irreversible decision; you can always start with one option and switch to the other later if your needs evolve.

The important thing is to make an informed decision, based on your circumstances. We hope this comparison has clarified things for you and helps you confidently choose how to unleash your creativity with Photoshop!

Licendi: your choice for affordable Photoshop

By the way, if you’re looking for where to get Photoshop in either of its forms, you’ll be glad to know that at Licendi, our online store, you can find both options with very attractive discounts.

Both the perpetual license for Adobe Photoshop 2021 and the official annual subscription are available at affordable prices – approximately €50 for the perpetual version and €160 for the one-year subscription. This way, you can choose the option that suits you best without overspending. At Licendi, we pride ourselves on offering genuine software at low cost, so nothing gets in the way of your creativity. Check it out if you want to get Photoshop and start creating today while saving money!