Why consumers still enjoy free experiences in 2025

It’s hard to imagine, but consumers still crave free experiences and perks, even in a world where subscriptions are rife and almost everything appears monetized. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why freebies in 2025 are still so widely celebrated.

In the current economic climate, who can blame consumers for flocking to consider anything that doesn’t cost them a cent? From free trials and samples to the next-generation “freemium” concept, let’s explore why businesses still prioritize offering no-cost experiences despite a seemingly tunnel vision focus on bottom lines.

Free makes consumers feel like winners

From a psychological perspective, there is a genuine satisfaction that remains around getting something for nothing. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small bonus or even a temporary trial. In today’s world, where nothing seems to be given freely, consumers will always perceive free experiences as a ‘win’.

Of course, the zero-cost nature of free experiences also eliminates the risk of sampling products or services. While times have changed in so many ways, companies and brands still work hard to evoke and capitalize on this emotional response to free stuff.

Introducing the “freemium” concept

In recent years, the tech and gaming industries have begun to rely on what’s known as the “freemium” model. In short, this model sees providers offer basic services without charging a dime. However, should consumers seek to level-up their experiences with premium features, they must pay for them.

The freemium model is now a tried and tested strategy which shows no signs of easing up. Online music streaming portal, Spotify, is one such exponent. Its ad-supported free service is an excellent entry into the platform, inviting users to subscribe and pay for ad-free versions.

Social casinos also embrace the freemium model. They offer free-to-play gaming experiences which can lead to micropayments. Users will start by playing with “gold coins” which are free-to-play with, as well as being awarded with “sweeps coins”. Customers will choose to play casino games with sweeps coins due to their bigger prize potential. Gold coins can also be bought making the transition from free to paid seamless and enticing.

Users are growing fatigued by the subscription model

Subscription models and recurring payments are some of the phrases that many consumers are growing increasingly tired of. Even household essentials like groceries often require recurring payments for deliveries or subscriptions for meal boxes, the success of which relies heavily on reliable online wholesalers.

That’s another reason why free experiences increasingly stand out from the crowd. It’s a refreshing change from the cycle of monthly charges.

Consumers are always looking for brands to stay loyal to

It’s important for businesses that consumers still place high value in being loyal to the brands and firms they like. That’s why many businesses still go down the freebie route, since there’s a chance of offering value without having to immediately demand payment. If a consumer has a positive experience, they’re far more likely to return as a paying customer.

Free trials are still a clever and effective marketing tool. If users like what they see after experiencing goods or services first hand, they are much more likely to convert to a long-term customer. Free trials are far less intrusive and pushy than an annoying upfront sales pitch.

The uber-savvy, “try before you buy” mentality

Consumers today are savvier than ever. They don’t just throw money at products—they research, compare, and test before committing.

Free experiences align perfectly with this mindset, allowing people to “try before they buy.” Whether it’s a test drive of a new car, a free demo of a video game, or a free tier of a SaaS product, companies that provide no-cost entry points gain an edge over those that demand immediate payment.

Amid the surge of subscriptions, content paywalls, and microtransactions, it’s clear the desire for free experiences isn’t waning. Consumers are more mindful than ever before of where their hard-earned money is spent. In a world jam-packed with paid-for content, free still stands out as something special.