Premium Plus – No Stipend Option
Second Life residents who’ve been eyeing Premium Plus but hesitating over the price tag are about to get some welcome news. Linden Lab has announced plans to introduce a more affordable version of its top-tier membership — the “Premium Plus, No Stipend” plan — set to debut in early October 2025.
The announcement came during a September 25th Zoom call between Linden Lab executives, creators, and bloggers, where several upcoming initiatives were discussed. Among them, this new subscription plan stood out as a direct response to resident feedback about the high cost of Premium Plus.
Same Premium Plus Perks — Smaller Price Tag
The “No Stipend” version keeps all the physical benefits of Premium Plus — including 2048 sqm Linden Home options, expanded group limits, and other exclusive privileges — but removes the L$650 weekly stipend and the L$3,000 sign-up bonus.
At a glance:
- Price: US $11.99/month or US $143.88/year (plus taxes)
- Savings: Over US $100 annually compared to full Premium Plus
- Includes: All Premium Plus perks except stipend and sign-up bonus
This new tier won’t replace the existing one. Instead, both will coexist under the Premium Plus umbrella, giving residents flexibility to choose what works best for them. Linden Lab confirmed that switching between Premium levels — whether upgrading or downgrading — will take effect immediately.
Why the Change?
Simply put, Linden Lab wants to make Premium Plus more accessible while addressing a few long-term economic concerns.
Executives noted that many residents already purchase Linden Dollars directly rather than relying on stipends, and that ongoing payouts contribute to an oversupply of L$, impacting exchange rates across the grid.
By offering a version without stipends, Linden Lab aims to reduce inflation pressure on the Linden Dollar while making Premium Plus more affordable for cost-conscious users.
“If residents upgrade, that’s a win for creators like no other — and it’s a win for the residents, too,” said Brad Oberwager, Executive Chairman of Linden Lab. “We’re really giving a lot more for very little.”
Analysis: Is It Really a Better Deal?
While the new plan looks like a bargain at first glance, the math tells a more nuanced story.
Under the standard Premium Plus plan, residents receive a weekly L$650 stipend, which adds up to L$33,800 a year. At today’s best Linden Dollar exchange rate, buying that same amount directly would cost about US $140.80 (including taxes).
By comparison, the new “No Stipend” plan reduces the annual fee by US $105.12 — less than the value of the lost stipend.
That means for residents who regularly buy L$ in addition to their stipend, the new plan could cost more in the long run.
However, for those who earn L$ in-world — through shops, rentals, events, or performances — and rarely need to purchase currency, the lower upfront cost could make sense. It’s particularly appealing for month-to-month subscribers who want Premium Plus perks at a reduced rate.
“It may not save everyone money, but it offers more choice — and in Second Life, choice is often the ultimate perk.”
Launching Soon
If all goes according to plan, “Premium Plus, No Stipend” will roll out in the first half of October 2025. Linden Lab plans to issue a formal announcement once the new plan officially goes live.
For residents who enjoy their weekly stipends, the original Premium Plus subscription will remain available. But for others seeking a lower-cost entry point into Second Life’s highest membership tier, this new option could hit the sweet spot.
As Linden Lab continues to fine-tune its premium offerings, one thing is clear: the company is giving residents more flexibility in how they experience and invest in Second Life’s evolving economy.
