In our recent article Positive Ways Avid Can Calm Customer Nerves Over The STG Acquisition we suggested that “Avid should be brave and allow users the choice to buy and use Pro Tools as either subscription or as perpetual”. Today Avid also announced the return of perpetual licences for Pro Tools. We have the details.

What Is A Perpetual Software Licence?

A perpetual software licence is a type of licensing agreement that grants the user the right to use a particular software product indefinitely. Unlike a subscription-based model where users pay for access for a limited period, a perpetual licence allows users to use the software indefinitely without any time-based restrictions.

Under a perpetual licence, users typically make a one-time payment to acquire the software. This payment grants them the right to use the software version they purchased for as long as they desire, without any additional costs. This type of licencing model is often preferred by users who want to have full ownership and control of the software without worrying about ongoing subscription fees.

With a perpetual licence, users generally receive the initial version of a software product, along with any included updates and bug fixes that were released at the time of purchase. However, it's worth noting that a perpetual licence does not usually include future updates or major upgrades. If users want to access new features or version releases, they often need to pay for upgrade fees separately.

Why Do Some Like Perpetual Licences?

One of the advantages of a perpetual licence is the freedom it provides. Users can continue to use the software even if the company that developed it discontinues future updates or ceases to exist. This ensures that users can rely on the software's functionality without being dependent on ongoing support from the developer.

However, it's important to mention that perpetual licences are not without drawbacks. As technologies advance and software evolves, users with perpetual licences may miss out on new features and improvements introduced in subsequent versions. To access these updates, users may either need to purchase additional upgrade licences or transition to a subscription-based model.

The choice between a perpetual licence and a subscription-based model largely depends on individual needs, budget considerations, and the desire for long-term software ownership.

New Pro Tools Pricing

Starting today (September 21st 2023), new Pro Tools Perpetual Licences will again be available for sale exclusively through authorised Avid resellers, they will not be sold via the Avid Web Store. Pricing is as follows:

• Pro Tools Artist Perpetual Licence - $199

• Pro Tools Artist Perpetual Upgrade - $69

• Pro Tools Studio Perpetual Licence - $599

• Pro Tools Studio Perpetual Upgrade - $199

• Pro Tools Ultimate Perpetual Licence - $1,499

• Pro Tools Ultimate Perpetual Upgrade - $399

• Pro Tools Studio Perpetual Upgrade EDU for Students & Teachers - $99

• Pro Tools Studio Perpetual Upgrade EDU for Institutions - $99

It’s worth pointing out that the price of an Ultimate perpetual licence has been significantly reduced, when it was last available it was $2,599, a drop of over 40%. EDU Perpetual Licences are not being reintroduced.

Simplified Plans

To simplify keeping perpetual licence customers current, Avid will also consolidate the existing Pro Tools Perpetual Updates + Support Plan Renewals and Pro Tools Perpetual Updates + Support Plan Upgrade (Get Current) into one.

Starting September 21, Pro Tools Perpetual customers will use a Pro Tools Perpetual Upgrade to renew their perpetual licence or get current, there will no longer be a separate, higher priced upgrade for customers who have dropped off their Updates + Support plans.