Software pricing models
Software is usually sold in one of four ways: free, freemium, paid or open source. How a product charges tells you what you’ll pay, and also something about how it’s likely to last. Compare them below, then browse products launched on ShipScroll by model.
Browse by pricing model
How the models compare
| Model | What you pay | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Nothing | Small jobs and trying an idea | How it’s funded, and whether it will last |
| Freemium | Nothing until you outgrow the free plan | Trying the real product with no time limit | Limits that push you to upgrade |
| Paid | From the start, though there may be a trial | Tools you rely on, with a clear business behind them | Refund terms and the total cost for your team |
| Open source | Often nothing for the code, plus your hosting | Control, inspecting the code and self-hosting | The licence, and the work of running it |
Frequently asked questions
Is this ShipScroll’s own pricing?
No. These pages describe how listed products charge their own users. To see what it costs to launch on ShipScroll, go to the pricing page.
How do products get their pricing model?
The maker chooses one when submitting a product, and can change it from their dashboard. Prices can change after a launch, so check the product’s own site before you decide.
Which pricing model is best for a new software product?
There’s no single answer. Freemium suits products that spread through use and cost little to serve. Paid from day one gives a faster signal that people value the product. Open source builds trust with developers. Your costs per user and your audience should drive the choice.
What if a product has a free trial?
A time-limited trial with no lasting free plan is listed as paid. A free plan you can stay on indefinitely, alongside paid plans, is listed as freemium.