WordPress Plugin Pricing Models
In writing down all the various WordPress Plugins that I use and love, I realized that there are several different pricing models used by plugins. Some of them are pretty obvious, but some maybe aren’t.
To make sure you know what to expect when it comes to paying for (or not paying for) plugins, here’s the rundown.
Glossary of WordPress Plugin Pricing Models
Free
Yeah, this one is pretty self-explanatory. These plugins are developed and maintained by people out of the goodness of their hearts (or necessity on their part and they were kind enough to share). Many times, there is a place where you can donate to the plugin developer if you use the plugin and want to help out.
Free plugins are wonderful and part of the fabric of WordPress. I do urge you to at the very least go review the plugins that you use. Please also seriously consider donating as plugins take a fair amount of work to keep updated, not to mention to develop and add functionality. My position on this is if I find one that I really like, I want it to stick around so it is worth it to me to donate.
Freemium
This kind of plugin is free to install and use, but has an upgraded level of features or add-ons that require you to pay in order to access them. The freemium model is becoming more common as plugin developers try to find the balance between providing value to the community, maintaining the plugin and being able to keep paying for their Internet access (or Netflix subscriptions).
Some freemium plugins have very generous free levels (like MaxGalleria) and other freemium plugins have very limited free levels. The best way to assess a freemium plugin is to read the reviews.
Premium
This means the plugin costs money before you can even install it. Because WordPress is a GNU General Public Licensed software, plugins are also required to fall under this license.
What this means for you is that when you pay for a plugin, you are actually paying for service, support and updates. The software itself is required to be free. Thus, many premium plugins have a yearly license.
Free Service
Again, free is free. The difference between a free plugin and a free service is that the plugin isn’t what is actually delivering the functionality. The plugin typically enhances the functionality, but the bulk of the capabilities come from a service that exists outside your WordPress site.
Premium Service
Premium services typically have a monthly or annual fee. Much like a free service, the plugin isn’t what is actually delivering the functionality. The plugin enhances the functionality or brings some of the functions directly into your site, but the bulk of the capabilities come from a service that exists outside your WordPress site.
Hopefully that clears things up. Got more questions about plugin pricing? Drop ’em in the comments.
