From Subscriptions to Usage-Based Billing: How Revenue Models Are Evolving
Will Tranter
Finance
Feb 2, 2026
|
5
min
For more than a decade, the subscription model has been the default monetization strategy for SaaS and digital products. Predictable monthly recurring revenue (MRR), straightforward pricing tiers, and simple billing logic made subscriptions attractive for both companies and users. But as market shifts and customer expectations change, that once-dominant model is starting to lose ground.
As SaaS companies rethink how, when, and why they charge customers, new revenue models are emerging, reflecting the need to better match real usage and improve cash flow.
Why Subscriptions Are Losing Their Monopoly
While it is highly unlikely that subscription-based models will disappear completely, their limitations are becoming clearer when compared with other options. Flat monthly pricing often fails to reflect how customers actually use a product. Light users feel overcharged, while heavy users can consume disproportionate resources without paying more. In times of crisis, these types of recurring monthly costs are usually among the first to go, causing heavy swings in user numbers and disrupting the companies providing the service.
Another factor affecting this shift is the sharp increase in competition. This impacts almost every SaaS category, but it is especially challenging for subscription services, as pricing flexibility becomes increasingly important. Companies are under pressure to offer better value, which is pushing monetization models beyond the traditional subscription box.
The Rise of Usage-Based and Hybrid Billing
The most visible—and logical—alternative to subscription-based solutions is usage-based billing. Instead of charging a fixed fee every month, customers are billed based on measurable activity: API calls, transactions processed, minutes streamed, or data stored. This approach lowers the barrier to entry, especially for early-stage customers, while allowing revenue to scale alongside adoption.
However, many SaaS businesses opt for a third approach: hybrid billing. Base subscriptions combined with usage-based components allow for predictable revenue while still capturing upside from power users. This model is increasingly common in infrastructure, fintech, and developer-focused platforms, where consumption varies widely across customers.
One factor slowing the adoption of both models is the lack of sophisticated billing infrastructure. To make them viable, companies must first implement features such as accurate metering, transparent invoicing, and real-time payment handling. Introducing these systems requires both time and money, which service providers may either lack or be reluctant to invest.
Monetization Earlier in the Customer Journey
One of the most significant changes is the move toward earlier monetization. Monetization is now happening much earlier in the product lifecycle than before, especially with the help of AI. Instead of waiting for a fully mature offering, digital products are experimenting with pre-launch access, lifetime deals, annual discounts, and other upfront payment structures.
This trend is driven by the need for greater cash flow resilience across the sector. Upfront payments reduce reliance on external financing and provide immediate funds for development. As a result, many projects are now optimizing for sustainability from day one, contradicting the traditional SaaS philosophy that prioritized growth at all costs.
Some sectors are experimenting with community-driven funding pioneered by blockchain, where early supporters gain access or perks in exchange for upfront contributions. This model has been successfully used by some of the best crypto presales and has become almost standard within the crypto industry. The crypto market is filled with tokens that started their existence through one of these mechanisms. Sites like CCN do an excellent job of breaking down and explaining the inner working of these models.
What This Means for SaaS Companies
In an era of dramatic changes in revenue models, SaaS companies must adapt their pricing strategies. They are shifting from static models to dynamic, data-driven payment structures. In essence, this change is more about how customers perceive and value SaaS services than anything else.
Of course, this isn’t to say that one dominant model will emerge. In fact, according to the 2025 SaaS Pricing Report from Maxio, hybrid pricing models that combine subscription fees with usage-based components are delivering stronger growth and becoming a preferred strategy for many SaaS businesses. This is the approach we can expect to see more of in the future.
Conclusion
The future of SaaS monetization is unlikely to revolve around a single model. There are too many variables and moving parts for a one-size-fits-all solution. While subscriptions will remain an important component, pay-as-you-go models will become significantly more prevalent. Smart companies will combine different approaches to achieve the best results based on their business model and customer demands.
