Though a victory for users, it is unknown how long Waves will continue to keep the perpetual license around. Despite the backlash, some users may find the Waves Creative Access subscription beneficial — existing users who continually update their plug-ins each year with the Waves Update Plan (which adds support to updated digital audio workstations and operating systems) may end up saving money annually, as the Essential package, at $149, is about the same price as upgrading two or three plug-ins each year. Despite the backlash, some users may find the Waves Creative Access subscription beneficial — existing users who continually update their plug-ins each year with the Waves Update Plan (which adds support to updated digital audio workstations and operating systems) may end up saving money annually, as the Essential package, at $149, is about the same price as upgrading two or three plug-ins each year