As a general rule unless you're a DM there really is not much reason to pay for an account. Most of the features you won't use or need and even with a free account, you have full access to any digital content shared with you or that you purchased.
looking at the available perks
Create unlimited characters (there is a limit to the number you have right now)
You can make up to 6 characters, that is more than enough for someone playing in games.
Create unlimited encounters (if you are using the DM side of things)
Absolutely no use to you unless your a DM.
Add publicly shared homebrew content (you can share your homebrew with other people who might choose to use it themselves)
Again, not much use unless you're interested in sharing content and even if you are, the DM Guild is a much better option.
Early access to new player tools (Some alpha and beta tests as they add new VTt type features)
So far I would argue that this is objectively been the most useless feature of a DnDBeyond account. If someone emailed you this stuff, you would consider it spam.
Monthly subscriber perks (an email with "digital stuff" each month, like free dice, but not any sourcebooks or published adventures).
Aka, junk you don't need to play the game.
If you do DM games online, I think its a worthwhile investment, but then only if you also purchase the digital books.
As a general rule unless you're a DM there really is not much reason to pay for an account. Most of the features you won't use or need and even with a free account, you have full access to any digital content shared with you or that you purchased.
looking at the available perks
Create unlimited characters (there is a limit to the number you have right now)
You can make up to 6 characters, that is more than enough for someone playing in games.
Create unlimited encounters (if you are using the DM side of things)
Absolutely no use to you unless your a DM.
Add publicly shared homebrew content (you can share your homebrew with other people who might choose to use it themselves)
Again, not much use unless you're interested in sharing content and even if you are, the DM Guild is a much better option.
Early access to new player tools (Some alpha and beta tests as they add new VTt type features)
So far I would argue that this is objectively been the most useless feature of a DnDBeyond account. If someone emailed you this stuff, you would consider it spam.
Monthly subscriber perks (an email with "digital stuff" each month, like free dice, but not any sourcebooks or published adventures).
Aka, junk you don't need to play the game.
If you do DM games online, I think its a worthwhile investment, but then only if you also purchase the digital books.
I'm pretty sure the Thread Curate is convinced it's a "con" because OtherStuffExists that does it that way.
Namely, Paizo & Archives of Nepthys.
DM, player & homebrewer(Current homebrew project is an unofficial conversion of SBURB/SGRUB from Homestuck into DND 5e)
Once made Maxwell's Silver Hammer come down upon Strahd's head to make sure he was dead.
Always study & sharpen philosophical razors. They save a lot of trouble.
Paizo doesnt give you the pdf or the foundry module for free unless you have subsccription, I beleive.
They give you it on Archives of Nepethys if it isn't already free on there via a code w/physical books.
That's the OtherStuff that I think is being referred to.
DM, player & homebrewer(Current homebrew project is an unofficial conversion of SBURB/SGRUB from Homestuck into DND 5e)
Once made Maxwell's Silver Hammer come down upon Strahd's head to make sure he was dead.
Always study & sharpen philosophical razors. They save a lot of trouble.