In today's world, it feels like there's a subscription for everything. From exotic fruits and cheeses to the latest novels, survivalist gear, and vinyl records, there are subscription programs that cater to every niche, including puzzles.

Please keep reading to learn how puzzle subscriptions work and whether they're worth the money.

What Are Puzzle Subscriptions?

With puzzle subscriptions, you get a fun, and exciting challenge delivered right to your doorstep. They work like most other subscription boxes, where you pay a certain amount of money, and in exchange, you receive a set number of puzzles each month. However, the specifics of the subscription agreement will vary from brand to brand.

Some brands require you to pay a fixed amount each month until you cancel your subscription, whereas other brands collect a lump sum payment at the beginning and then send a puzzle every month for the agreed-upon number of months.

For example, at Buffalo Games, you have your choice between six different subscriptions based on puzzle size and subscription duration. You pay for the entire subscription upfront, and then you receive a puzzle every month and never have to worry about paying again.

With this subscription model, you also never have to worry about the subscription auto-renewing without your consent or causing your account to overdraft because you forgot what day of the month it gets charged.

Benefits of Puzzle Subscriptions

Still not sure whether a puzzle subscription is right for you? Below are three benefits to keep in mind when making your decision.

Suitable for All Skill Levels

You don't have to be a puzzle pro to get good use out of a puzzle subscription. There are subscription options for every age and skill level.

If you are a casual puzzler or a beginner, it's recommended to start small with a subscription for 300-piece puzzles and then move up to 1000-piece puzzles and bigger as you get better and more confident. Experienced puzzlers with a lot of time on their hands may choose to challenge themselves with a new, giant, 2000-piece puzzle each month.

Grow Your Puzzle Collection at a Consistent Pace

Whether you're just starting to collect puzzles or you already have an impressive cache, a puzzle subscription service can help you grow your collection at a consistent and sustainable rate.

It's easy to overindulge at your local puzzles store and end up with stacks of untouched puzzles piling up. But with a puzzle subscription, it's easier to hold off impulse purchases knowing you have another puzzle coming in the mail soon.

They Make a Great Gift

If you know another puzzle lover in your life, a puzzle subscription box is a gift that keeps on giving for months. Whether you buy it for your spouse, grandparent, or close friend, a puzzle subscription is a thoughtful gift that speaks to how well you know and care for them. It's also a practical gift that they will get good use out of, including dozens of hours of entertainment.

And don't forget that you can treat yourself to a gift every now and then, too.

How Much Do Puzzle Subscriptions Cost?

Puzzle subscriptions usually cost between $10 and $20 per month. The exact cost of a puzzle subscription will vary depending on the brand and size of the puzzles, and the length of the subscription. This makes sense, considering large puzzles from reputable brands are usually more expensive than small puzzles from cheap brands.

Many subscriptions offer a monthly and annual plan, with the annual plan having a better month-to-month value.

Is a Puzzle Subscription Worth It?

A puzzle subscription is absolutely worth the money for anybody who loves jigsaw puzzles. With a subscription, you get the same high-quality puzzles you love, but you get them for below MSRP. For example, a six-month, 2000-piece puzzle subscription from Buffalo Games breaks down to just $16 per puzzle, whereas a new 2000-piece puzzle typically costs $20.

Puzzle subscriptions also have the added convenience of being delivered right to your doorstep, so it saves you a trip to the store, too.

Which Puzzle Subscription Is Right for Me?

Choosing which puzzle subscription for you can be tricky. Ideally, you want to find a good balance between price, quality, and skill level. To help determine which subscription is best for you, we've broken it down into three categories based on the number of pieces.

300- to 500-Piece Jigsaw Puzzles

It's important to find a subscription plan that matches your skill level. While many subscriptions cater to veteran puzzlers, jigsaw puzzles that are 300 to 500 pieces are ideal for casual puzzlers and beginners. There are enough pieces to challenge your brain and keep you busy for a few hours without being too overwhelming.

Subscriptions this size are also great for families who want to puzzle together without it taking several days or ending up at each other's throats.

750- to 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzles

If you make easy work of 300-piece jigsaw puzzles, consider a subscription with 750 to 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles. This is a good intermediate level and will keep you busy for a longer amount of time. Puzzles in this range also typically make the best gifts.

2000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzles

For the ultimate challenge, there are 2000-piece jigsaw puzzles. These puzzles are the most time-consuming and expensive option, but they’re also the most rewarding for experienced puzzlers. You have to be ready to put in the work — sometimes for weeks — before you even get to see the final product.

While it can be tempting to go after the biggest fish in the pond, you don't want to bite off more than you can chew. That's why we recommend buying and completing a 2000-piece puzzle before getting a subscription of this size.

Regardless of which size puzzle you choose, the most important factor in choosing a puzzle subscription is the brand. We recommend going with a trusted and well-established puzzle brand like Buffalo Games. That way, you're never taking a gamble on the quality of the puzzles.