FAQ: Single apps

What is a single app subscription or one-time purchase? 

If you find that you only need a few apps from Setapp Marketplace and don’t need access to the entire collection, you have other options. Instead of subscribing to all Setapp apps with a Setapp Membership, you can:

• subscribe to a single app for a specific period, or
• buy it with a one-time purchase to own it forever.

Apps available for individual subscription or purchase on Setapp are called single apps.

Note: Only Mac apps are currently available for subscription or one-time purchase.

What is a standalone app?

A standalone app is a single app that is not available through Setapp Membership and requires a separate purchase or subscription on Setapp.

You can recognize standalone apps by the "Standalone App" badge on Setapp desktop and the web Marketplace.

Why buy a single app through Setapp instead of directly from the developer?

Buying apps through the Setapp Marketplace gives you more flexibility, in particular:

• Flexible billing and device options. Subscription terms and the number of covered devices may differ from the developer’s standard offer.
• Alternative pricing models. Some apps on Setapp are available under different pricing models. For example, you might get a subscription instead of the developer’s one-time purchase, or vice versa. Take MonsterWriter: the developer only offers it as a one-time purchase. On the Setapp Marketplace, you can choose a monthly subscription instead.
• Vetted updates. Every update is reviewed to ensure it meets high-quality standards before it reaches you.
• Security protection. We protect your personal data, payment information, and license.

How does single app pricing compare to buying the app directly from the developer?

Each developer sets their own pricing and sales terms. In most cases, however, the price for comparable plans or device coverage is similar to the developer’s standard offer.

The price is typically lower for subscriptions with longer billing periods. For example, a monthly subscription to Moonlock costs $13.50, while a yearly subscription costs $54.00, which comes out to $4.50 per month.

Will I be charged or invoiced separately for each single app?

Yes, each app is billed separately, and you’ll receive a separate invoice for each one. All invoices will be available in your Setapp account > Payments > Invoice history and scroll down to see all your invoices.

Does a single app subscription include AI credits if the app has AI features?

No, at this time, AI credits are available only with the Membership plan.

Can I switch from single apps to Setapp Membership?

Yes, you can switch at any time, and your data will remain intact. Your single apps will stay with you during the period you bought/subscribed to them.

Important: Once you upgrade to Setapp Membership, please don’t forget to cancel individual subscriptions to avoid double payment for the apps.

You’re also free to keep your single app subscription if it better suits your needs. For example, the highest Setapp tier covers up to four Macs, while some single app subscriptions and purchases cover up to five MacBooks.

Can I switch from Setapp Membership to buying single apps?

Yes, you can switch at any time, and your data will remain intact. To switch, cancel your Setapp Membership subscription and purchase the individual apps.

Can I combine single app subscriptions with Setapp Membership?

Absolutely. For now, single app subscriptions include only apps that are already part of Setapp Membership. However, over time, we plan to add apps that will be available exclusively as single app subscriptions or one-time purchases.

Can I move a license for a single app from one Mac to another?

Yes, sure. Simply sign out from the app on your previous Mac and sign in to the app on a new Mac. To see involved devices, go to Setapp account > Purchases > [App Name] > Devices.

How to cancel a single app subscription?

Go to Setapp account > Purchases > [App name] > Subscription settings > Cancel subscription.

Can I change the billing period or device limit for a single app?

This option isn’t available at the moment. For the adjustment, we recommend canceling your current single app subscription and subscribing again with the desired number of devices or different billing period. If you have any questions, please email your request to support@setapp.com or contact our support team using this form.

Where can I find apps available for a single purchase or subscription?

If you have an active Setapp Membership, the option to buy individual apps won’t be visible to prevent accidental purchases.

Without Setapp Membership, you can see the button Buy now for apps available individually on their pages in Setapp. Currently, we don't have a dedicated list of all single apps in one place.

Will the single apps work if I uninstall Setapp desktop?

No, Setapp is required for the single app to function and receive updates. You also need your Setapp credentials to access the single apps, so don’t delete your Setapp account. Once you have Setapp account and Setapp desktop, you can safely delete and reinstall your single apps multiple times.