Coworking day passes in Singapore: Are they worth it in 2025?

Post on August 20, 2025

By Sarah Khan


As a full-time freelancer and digital nomad, I’ve worked from just about everywhere: busy cafes in Barcelona, beachfront setups in Bali and trendy coworking spaces in Singapore. 

While working from home has its benefits, I love switching up my scenery and venturing to a cafe or a coworking space. I tend to toggle between the two, depending on the day (or my workload).

Both have their charms, but when you’re weighing cost, comfort and productivity, this question often comes up: are coworking day passes worth it? And how do they actually compare to working in a cafe?

Are you a freelancer looking for an on-demand coworking space? Check out these freelancer-friendly coworking plans in Singapore starting from S$25/day.

The appeal of cafes

Working from a cafe has an undeniable charm. The hum of chatter from neighbouring tables, the steady flow of flat whites, and an aesthetic backdrop can make the hours feel lighter. 

On days when my schedule is short or lighter – maybe a handful of emails to answer or admin tasks to tick off – I love ducking into a cafe between meetings or lunch plans.

A cafe set up is: 

• Social and casual: Great for days you don’t need deep focus
• Cheaper, on paper: A latte (S$6-8) and pastry (S$5-7) will set you back between S$12-15

But here’s the flip side: You’re limited to a tiny, non-ergonomic table; Wi-Fi can be spotty; power outlets are often scarce, and there’s unspoken pressure to order more food if you’re staying long. 

More crucially, cafes aren’t designed for professional calls (there’s always that one chatty table nearby) or long stretches of focused work.

Need a workspace for a day? These top-rated coworking spaces in Singapore offer day passes.

Perks of a coworking day pass

This is where coworking day passes shine. I loved discovering workbuddy – on a recent month-long trip to Singapore, I was able to try booking a day pass for S$30 and access any of their 50+ partner coworking spaces across Singapore. 

(I ultimately chose WeWork Beach Centre, which was a short 5-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station and close to many cafes and eateries.) There are also monthly plans: Lite plan (5 visits for S$129/month) or Unlimited plan (S$299/month) once you’re ready to commit.

This might sound pricier than a cafe tab at first, but the value quickly stacks up when you look at what’s included: 

• Reliable Wi-Fi, ample plugs – It was a relief to not fight over sockets (there were plenty to choose from where I was seated). The Wi-Fi was strong and reliable throughout the day, and I had a steady connection while on video calls with my overseas-based clients
• Free-flow coffee, tea, kombucha (even beers!) – Many coworking spaces offer free-flow coffee on tap. At WeWork Beach Centre, I helped myself to the complimentary kombucha and speciality teas on tap, which kept me energised and productive through a long day. Other coworking spaces like The Work Boulevard even come with their own artisanal coffee bar, powered by Common Man Coffee Roasters
• Cost-effective, especially if frequently used – While a day pass or monthly plan might seem pricier than a cafe visit, the cost per day can be lower when using the space multiple times per week
• Quiet pods and meeting rooms (so you’re not self-conscious taking Zoom calls in public) – When I needed an hour of solitude for an important work call, I could easily park myself in one of the many quiet pods in the room. It made me feel focused and grounded while taking the call.
• Ergonomic amenities and office perks – Think ergonomic chairs, focused lighting and plenty of natural light, and a helpful community manager to assist with any work-related queries. Many spaces even come equipped with showers and gyms – the former of which is great to freshen up post-workout
• An inspiring environment to work – Being surrounded by other focused professionals, either brainstorming in meeting rooms or focused on deep work at their desks, kept me motivated to power through my work (essential for a self-employed freelancer!)

And perhaps the biggest perk: you’re not rushed out. At a coworking space, you can settle in for the entire day without feeling guilty about overstaying your welcome.

Also read: Digital Nomad Singapore Guide 2025: Where to cowork, stay and socialise

Cost comparison: Cafe vs. coworking

Coworking day passes in Singapore range between S$30 and S$70 (workbuddy, for instance, offers a single-use day pass at only S$30). At first glance, this might feel steep compared to a cafe bill. But the math – and experience – tells a different story.

In a café, you’re likely spending S$6–10 per cup of coffee, plus maybe a pastry or meal if you’re staying longer. That quickly adds up, especially if you feel obliged to order something every couple of hours to justify your spot. Wi-Fi can be hit-or-miss, power outlets are scarce, and seating isn’t designed for long hours of work. Most cafés also aren’t conducive to calls or deep focus – noise levels vary wildly, and it’s hard to settle in for the whole day without feeling like you’re overstaying your welcome.

A coworking day pass, on the other hand, includes unlimited coffee and tea, snacks (sometimes) reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, and plenty of charging points. You’ll also have access to professional perks like quiet pods for Zoom calls, bookable meeting rooms, and even extras like printers or wellness areas. Most importantly, you can stay as long as you need without pressure – whether it’s three hours or a full day.

So while a café might cost you S$12–20 for a couple of hours of semi-productive work, a S$30 coworking pass buys you comfort, focus, and a full day of productivity.

Are you a content creator or podcast producer? These creator-friendly coworking spaces in Singapore even have their own onsite podcast studios and more. 

Who coworking day passes are best for 

From my own experience (and chatting with other remote workers and digital nomads), day passes are especially worth it if: 

• You have a packed meeting day and need deep focus: Coworking spaces make Zoom calls easy and professional. From quiet pods and meeting rooms, coworking spaces are designed for productivity, not distraction.
• Potential for spontaneous networking: Coworking spaces often host events and mixers. Besides events, there’s also a higher opportunity to serendipitously connect with someone interesting – or relevant to your industry – seated at your same desk area or while grabbing coffee in the pantry.
• You’re exploring the city: With workbuddy, you can try different spaces islandwide – from WeWork Anson in the CBD to boutique hubs in Joo Chiat or Tiong Bahru.

Looking for top suggestions in Singapore? Check out our recommendations on this blog.

On the other hand, if you just need to clear a few emails or pass an hour before a meeting, a café will still do the trick.

The bottom line: Coworking day passes are worth your investment

If you’re serious about investing in your productivity – especially as a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur – coworking day passes are absolutely worth it. They turn your workday from “making do” into an environment that fuels focus.

And the best part is the flexibility. With workbuddy, you’re not tied to one location or a long-term lease. You can book a single-day pass for $30, try out different spaces, or upgrade to a Lite plan (5 visits for $129/month) or Unlimited plan ($299/month) once you’re ready to commit.

So next time you’re weighing another noisy café against a quiet, well-equipped workspace, ask yourself: how much is your productivity worth today?

👉  Try a workbuddy day pass today and experience the difference yourself. Enjoy a free one-week trial

 on us here.