Trados Studio FAQ

Here's the answer to this frequently asked question about Studio.

FAQ

Subscription or perpetual: which Trados Studio license is right for you?

New customers can now access the latest version of Trados Studio through subscription. Customers who already own a perpetual Studio 2021 or 2022 license may upgrade to the latest version, Studio 2024, on a perpetual license. New perpetual Studio licenses are no longer available to purchase.
 
Both subscription and existing perpetual licenses provide access to the same core Studio features and functionality. 
 
Trados Studio Freelance Trados Studio Professional

Subscription

Our Freelance plans offer flexible payment options, making them ideal for freelancers with changing needs:

  • Monthly: Rolling monthly contract. 
  • Annual: Monthly payments with a 12-month commitment. 
  • Annual Saver: One annual payment with a 12-month commitment. 
All of our Freelance plans come with a 14-day risk-free period - cancel within the first two weeks if it's not right for you. 
 
Perpetual
 
New perpetual Studio Freelance licenses are no longer available to purchase. However, if you already own a perpetual Studio Freelance license, you retain permanent use of your current version when you start a subscription.

Subscription

One annual payment with a 12-month commitment.
 
Perpetual
 
If you work for an LSP, corporation or government body, you can purchase Studio Professional perpetual licenses by contacting your local Trados representative or contacting your local reseller.

 
What are the benefits of a subscription?
  • Lower upfront cost compared to a perpetual Studio license. 
  • Always access the latest version, with automatic updates and upgrades included. 
  • Easily add extra Studio Professional licenses – ideal for growing teams. 
  • Option to cancel at the end of each contract term. 
Note: Subscription licenses provide access to Trados Studio for the duration of your plan - you do not own the software outright. 
 
 
What are the benefits of buying a perpetual license? 
  • You own the license permanently. 
  • You receive updates and service releases for your purchased version (while supported). 
  • Freedom to upgrade to the latest version for an additional fee. 
 
Which option is right for you? 
 
If you're a freelance translator, or part of a team with changing workloads or need the ability to scale quickly, a subscription may offer all the flexibility you need.
 
However, if you already own a perpetual Studio 2021 or 2022 license and prefer a one-time investment model, upgrading your existing license to Studio 2024 may be the better option.