Publisher growth tactics for election season | WEBINAR

Learn More

SODP

SODP Media

  • Insights
    • Articles
      • Audience Development
      • Content Strategy
      • Digital Publishing
      • Monetization
      • SEO
      • Digital Platforms & Tools
    • Top Tools & Reviews
    • Opinion
    • Podcast
  • Education
    • Publisher SEO Course
    • Events
      • Monetization Week 2025
  • Resources
  • Community
    • Slack Channel
    • Newsletter
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Editorial Policy
  • English
sodp logo
SODP logo
    Search
    Close this search box.
    Login
    • Insights
      • Podcast
      • Articles
        • Audience Development
        • Content Strategy
        • Digital Publishing
        • Monetization
        • SEO
        • Digital Platforms & Tools
      • Top Tools & Reviews
        • Articles
        • Top Tools & Reviews
        • Opinion
        • Podcasts
        • Audience Development
        • Content Strategy
        • Digital Publishing
        • Monetization
        • SEO
        • Digital Platforms & Tools
        • Headless CMS Platforms
        • Digital Publishing Platforms
        • Editorial Calendar Software
        • Magazine Apps
        • Email Newsletter Platforms
        • More Best Tools Lists
    • Education
      • Publisher SEO Course
        • Publisher SEO Course
        • Events
        • Managing Millions
        • View all
    • Resources
    • Community
      • Slack Channel
      • Office Hours
      • Newsletter
        • Slack Channel
        • Newsletter
    • About
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Editorial Policy
        • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Editorial Policy
    placeholder
    SODP logo
    Become a Brand Partner

    Home ▸ Digital Platforms & Tools ▸ 9 Best Paywall Services for Publishers in 2025

    9 Best Paywall Services for Publishers in 2025

    Paywalls are a consistent revenue stream for publishers monetizing content. We’ve collected the 9 best paywall services.
    Published on: May 12, 2025
    Updated on: May 12, 2025
    Vahe ArabianVahe Arabian
    Fact checked by Vahe Arabian
    Edited by Vahe Arabian

    Top Picks

    Disclaimer: Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and/or hands-on testing. Editorial policy

    Leaky Paywall logo
    ★★★★☆
    Leaky Paywall

    Key Features

    Customizable WordPress paywalls with flexible content access controls.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    Zephr logo
    ★★★★☆
    Zephr

    Key Features

    No-code, personalized paywall and registration wall builder.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    Piano
    ★★★★☆
    Piano

    Key Features

    Enterprise paywall platform with deep analytics and CRM integrations.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    poool
    ★★★★☆
    Poool

    Key Features

    Marketer-friendly, flexible paywall with A/B testing and dynamic rules.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    MemberGate
    ★★★☆
    Membergate

    Key Features

    All-in-one membership and paywall management solution.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    Logo
    ★★★☆
    Subscription Genius

    Key Features

    Flexible paywall and subscription management for publishers.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    pelcro
    ★★★☆
    Pelcro

    Key Features

    AI-powered paywall with real-time personalization and analytics.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    wallkit
    ★★★☆
    Wallkit

    Key Features

    Customizable paywall suite with multi-model access and integrations.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review
    Flip-Pay
    ★★★☆
    Flip-Pay

    Key Features

    Dynamic paywall using behavioral and geo data with multiple payment options.
    NoTag
    Read More
    Review

    Subscribe to Pubtech Insights

    • Trending pubtech resources
    • Review of pubtech and adtech tools
    • Valuable pubtech strategies
    Vahe
    By Vahe Arabian

    Founder at SODP

    Paywalls have become a critical tool for digital publishers seeking to monetize content amid fluctuating ad markets. Between 2017 and 2020, the number of news outlets implementing paywalls nearly doubled each year, with adoption accelerating further in 2021 as subscriptions surged globally (Reuters Institute Digital News Report, 2022). Ad revenue plummeted by 10–15% in 2020 due to pandemic-driven cuts but rebounded sharply in 2021–2022, growing 20% year-over-year. However, economic uncertainty in 2023 led to renewed volatility, with ad spending growth slowing to 5%. This unpredictability has solidified paywalls as a stable revenue alternative, with 69% of publishers now prioritizing subscription models over ad-dependent strategies.

    For those who lack the time or resources for internal development, paywall services offer a convenient way to integrate this feature with minimal effort. While paywall services are simple to implement, many factors must be considered before selecting one, such as whether the service has a sound paywall SEO strategy. Let’s take a closer look at what publishers need to consider before choosing a service.

    How to Choose a Paywall Management Solution

    There are various elements to paywall services that could affect how much they charge and how well they adapt to a particular site.

    How They Charge

    Not every paywall service generates revenue in the same way. Some may require a monthly subscription fee, others may charge on a per-customer basis, and some might take a cut of subscriber revenue. Publishers need to consider the scale of their business before selecting a paywall — depending on the number of subscribers, a revenue share deal may end up being more expensive than a flat fee.

    Software Integration Options

    One major point to consider is whether the paywall management solution can integrate seamlessly with other publishing software. Issues may arise if a publisher’s content management system (CMS) is not supported.

    Paywall Variety and Customization

    Paywall services vary in the types of paywalls they provide. There are several different types of paywalls, including soft paywalls, hard paywalls, and metered paywalls. Another aspect to consider is how adaptable a paywall is to a publisher’s requirements. For instance, can a publisher customize a paywall to activate after a certain number of visits to a site? Different monetization strategies suit different types of users better.

    Data Gathering and Testing

    The best paywall services collect first-party geographical and behavioral data to use in subscription campaigns. If the paywall service also includes A/B testing, publishers will be able to test and adjust their strategies in real time.

    Essential Criteria for Selecting the Best Paywall Services for Publishers

    Evaluating paywall services is essential for publishers seeking to monetize content effectively while maintaining a positive user experience. Below are key criteria to consider: 

    1. User Experience (UX): Ensure the paywall provides a seamless and intuitive experience for users. Assess its customization options to match branding and interface preferences. Verify its flexibility in offering metered, freemium, or premium access models. Confirm that the paywall is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a smooth experience across all platforms.
    2. Revenue Models: Evaluate whether the paywall supports various subscription models, including monthly, annual, microtransactions, and donations. Check for the availability of a pay-per-article option for users who prefer one-time purchases. Verify the ability to set up and manage trial periods (free or discounted). Ensure compatibility with multiple payment gateways, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. Look for features that allow discounts, promotional offers, and codes to drive subscriptions.
    3. Content Protection: Ensure publishers have control over which content is gated and how access is managed. Verify the ability to set granular access levels for different user groups. Assess whether the paywall includes security measures to prevent unauthorized content sharing or distribution.
    4. Monetization and Analytics: Confirm that the paywall provides revenue tracking and insights into subscription trends. Assess the availability of advanced analytics, including conversion rates, audience engagement, and churn analysis. Check for A/B testing capabilities to optimize paywall models and improve user conversion. Ensure the solution supports user segmentation for targeted content and marketing strategies.
    5. SEO and Discoverability: Verify that the paywall is SEO-friendly and allows content to be indexed by search engines while maintaining restrictions. Assess whether it supports content previewing to attract potential subscribers. Check for structured data features, such as rich snippets, to improve visibility in search results.
    6. Integration with Other Tools: Confirm that the paywall integrates seamlessly with your content management system (CMS) for smooth operations. Assess compatibility with third-party tools, such as analytics platforms, CRM systems, and ad management solutions. Ensure easy integration with social media and email platforms for streamlined marketing and login processes.
    7. Flexibility & Scalability: Ensure the solution can scale with audience growth and handle increased traffic without performance issues. Assess support for multiple languages and currencies to accommodate international users. Verify adaptability to different paywall models, such as dynamic, hard, or metered paywalls, based on evolving business needs.
    8. Security and Compliance: Confirm adherence to data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, to protect user information. Verify compliance with payment security standards (e.g., PCI-DSS) for secure transactions. Assess fraud prevention measures to reduce unauthorized access and chargeback risks.
    9. Customer Support & Training: Evaluate the level of customer support provided, including live chat, email, and phone assistance. Check for the availability of training materials, guides, and documentation to help publishers optimize paywall implementation. Look for an active user community or forum for shared insights and best practices.
    10. Costs & Pricing Structure: Ensure the pricing model is transparent and free of hidden costs. Assess whether the paywall provides sufficient value for its price, considering the features and scalability offered. Verify the availability of a free trial or demo to test the platform before making a commitment.
    11. Customer Reviews & Case Studies: Research the paywall provider’s reputation within the publishing industry. Review customer feedback on reliability, support, and overall effectiveness. Look for case studies or success stories showcasing how the solution has helped similar publishers increase revenue and engagement.
    12. Innovation & Future-Proofing: Assess the provider’s commitment to regular updates and feature enhancements. Verify whether the solution adapts to changing industry trends, such as new content formats (videos, podcasts) and evolving user expectations (e.g., micro-subscriptions).

    By considering these criteria, publishers can select a paywall service that effectively balances revenue generation, audience engagement, and long-term sustainability.

    Ratings

    Here is how we rated each platform for different parameters out of 5:

    User Experience (UX) Revenue Models Content Protection Monetization and Analytics SEO and Discoverability Integration and Compatibility Flexibility & Scalability Security and Compliance Customer Support & Training Costs & Pricing Structure Customer Reviews & Case Studies Innovation & Future-Proofing Score
    Leaky Paywall 4.5 4 4 3.5 4 4.5 4 4 4 4.5 4.5 3.5 4.4
    Zephr 3.5 4.5 4 4.5 3.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 3 4 4.5 4.4
    Piano 4 4.5 4 4.5 4 4.5 4 4.5 4 3.5 4 4 4.2
    Poool 4.5 4 4 4.5 4 4.5 4 4 4.5 3.5 4.5 4 4.2
    Membergate 3.5 3.5 3.5 3 3 4 3.5 4 3.5 4 3.5 3 3.6
    Subscription Genius 3.5 3.5 3 3.5 3 4 3.5 4 3.5 4 3.5 3 3.5
    Pelcro 4 3.5 3.5 3 3 3.5 3 4 3.5 3.5 3 3 3.4
    Wallkit 3.5 3 3.5 3 3 3.5 3 4 3 4 3.5 3 3.4
    Flip-Pay 3.5 3 3 3 3.5 3 2.5 3.5 2.5 3 2.5 2 3.3

    9 Best Paywall Services for Publishers

    1

    Leaky Paywall

    ★★★★☆
    Leaky Paywall

    Leaky Paywall is a WordPress-focused subscription platform empowering publishers like iPolitics, Landline, and Modern Drummer with tech stack control, audience growth tools, and dynamic monetization strategies. It offers three tiered plans: The Launch plan $199/month (+5% revenue share
    and $499 setup) includes the Leaky Paywall Pro software suite, custom onboarding, unlimited subscribers, and ongoing email/Zoom support, ideal for publishers prioritizing foundational revenue growth. For those needing integrated communication tools, the Engage plan starts at $499/month (plus $499 setup and revenue share) and bundles the Launch features with Flowletter’s email/SMS/WhatsApp platform. The Scale plan, tailored for enterprise publishers, offers advanced solutions like CRM/payment gateway integrations, iOS/Android apps, AI-powered LocalCalendar events, and MultiPass WordPress multi-site access—all with no revenue share and custom pricing.

    Leaky Paywall supports metered, hardening, hybrid, and time-based paywalls, allowing granular control over access to articles, PDFs, newsletters, videos, and more. Its WordPress-native design ensures seamless integration, while features like AI-driven paywall optimization and targeted upsells leverage first-party data to maximize conversions. Publishers can restrict content globally or by user group, balancing reach and revenue across all plans.

    Our rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4 stars

    Key features

    • Includes metered paywalls, hardening paywalls, and hybrid customizable paywalls.
    • Optimized for WordPress with custom stylings and seamless CMS compatibility.
    • Allows access restrictions across tags, categories, PDFs, videos, newsletters, and more.
    • Offers a pay-per-article feature and personalized upselling using first-party data.

    Pros:

    • Publishers can tailor paywall settings to suit their audience and content strategy.
    • Seamless integration with WordPress, ensuring a smooth user experience.
    • Allows publishers to control access at different levels.

    Cons:

    • Publishers must commit without testing the platform first.
    • The Pro version comes at a premium price, and the enterprise version has variable pricing based on features and needs.
    Leaky Paywall

    Features

      Pros

        Cons

          2

          Zephr

          ★★★★☆
          Zephr

          Zephr, a London-based subscription experience platform, operates as part of Zuora’s product suite following its 2022 acquisition. Zuora — a global leader in subscription management solutions — leverages Zephr’s tools to serve publishers like News Corp, The New York Post, and Tribune Publishing, which use its paywall, personalization, and audience segmentation capabilities.

          Zephyr includes four variable paywall integrations tailored to different user behavior. The soft paywall encourages new users to build a stronger connection by offering limited browsing through freemium content. Similarly, the metered paywall reduces user bounce by offering a set amount of free content to read before monetization. For regular, returning users, the hard paywall restricts content access entirely. Finally, the dynamic paywall adjusts monetization strategies using user data.

          The software also has a few analysis tools, such as A/B testing and audience segmentation to test monetization strategies amongst different types of users. The software also integrates with other software. Although Zephr can be purchased separately, it can come bundled with other Zuora products as well. There is currently no pricing information available for Zephyr, as the company prefers potential clients to contact them instead.

          Our rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4 stars

          Key features

          • Utilizes artificial intelligence to determine and present the most appropriate paywall type
          • Offers a user-friendly interface with over 50 pre-made decision points​
          • Integrates with existing data and analytics tools to deliver personalized content, offers, and messages in real-time based on user attributes and behaviors, fostering deeper audience engagement. ​
          • Allows the creation and deployment of tailored subscription offers to convert freemium users, boost upsells, and reduce churn. ​
          • Provides compatibility with over 30 third-party extensions, data layers, webhooks, and APIs, facilitating easy integration into existing technology stacks. ​

          Pros:

          • The AI-driven paywall optimization and personalized user experiences contribute to higher subscription conversions and improved customer retention.​
          • The intuitive drag-and-drop rules builder simplifies the process of creating and managing user journeys, making it accessible to non-technical users.​
          • The platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with various third-party tools and services enhances its versatility and adaptability within diverse tech ecosystems.​

          Cons:

          • New users may require time to fully grasp and utilize the platform’s extensive features and customization options.​
          • Implementing and maintaining personalized user journeys and AI-driven paywalls may demand significant resources and ongoing management to achieve optimal results.
          Zephr

          Features

            Pros

              Cons

                3

                Piano

                ★★★★☆
                Piano

                Piano’s user experience manager, Composer, takes a much broader approach to paywall monetization strategies. While paywalls are included in the software, its extensive scope makes it a useful option for publishers looking to accomplish multiple objectives simultaneously. Publishers like TechCrunch, the BBC, and ABC News utilise Piano.

                Composer is a no-code platform for designing, targeting, and testing personalized user experiences, including paywalls and registration walls. It enables publishers to offer free or paid content trials, meter access to premium content, and deploy strategies to engage ad-block users (e.g., subscription prompts). Composer integrates with analytics and CRM tools to optimize conversions, though pricing is custom-quoted for enterprise clients.

                Composer serves both as a data analysis tool and a paywall service, featuring capabilities such as loyalty and engagement detection to identify users who are more likely to subscribe and content affinity to share relevant content with them. The software also encompasses data analysis essentials like audience segmentation and A/B testing.

                Composer can be purchased with a suite of other Piano tools or as a standalone product. The company prefers to demonstrate Piano to potential clients rather than providing an up-front price.

                Our rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2 stars

                Key features

                • Provides precision, compliance, and flexibility in a unified solution, enabling businesses to gain actionable insights into user behavior.
                • Facilitates audience segmentation, engagement, and conversion, transforming visitors into loyal customers through targeted campaigns.
                • Offers powerful customer data integration, segmentation, and activation tools to enhance audience understanding and engagement.
                • Assists in growing and engaging social audiences by optimizing content distribution across various channels.

                Pros:

                • Combines analytics, personalization, and customer data management, providing a holistic approach to digital experience optimization.
                • Enables immediate feedback and insights, allowing businesses to quickly adapt strategies based on current data.
                • Designed to support businesses of various sizes, from small enterprises to large organizations, accommodating growth and evolving needs.

                Cons:

                • Due to its comprehensive feature set, new users may encounter a learning curve when navigating and utilizing the platform effectively.-​
                • Detailed pricing information is not readily available on the website, requiring potential customers to contact the company for quotes.
                Piano

                Features

                  Pros

                    Cons

                      4

                      Poool

                      ★★★★☆
                      Poool

                      Poool is a Paris-based paywall and subscription software provider that focuses on subscriber conversion. It is used by publishers and media outlets such as Prisma Media, Elle, and Moneyweb. Poool manages all aspects of the subscriber conversion journey, offering three native types of walls: the paywall, registration wall, and cookie wall. The former two aim to increase conversions, while the latter ensures compliance with the GDPR and CCPA.

                      The software also includes analytical features such as A/B testing and account management. The paywalls gather first-party data for use in subscription campaigns or other marketing initiatives. The service is highly adaptable in its implementation, allowing publishers to maintain autonomy throughout. Because Poool is variable software, pricing isn’t explicitly stated. Instead, interested publishers should contact the company through its website. Currently, there is no free trial available.

                      Our rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2 stars

                      Key Features

                      • Enables publishers to implement flexible content-gating strategies, including paywalls (metered, freemium, hard), registration walls, data walls, and GDPR-compliant cookie walls, to convert casual readers into subscribers.
                      • Allows segmentation based on reader behavior, such as propensity-to-pay scores, content preferences, device type, traffic source, and geographic location, to deliver hyper-targeted paywall triggers.
                      • Provides customizable engagement tools, including pop-ups, banners, content blocks, and full-screen widgets, to reduce churn and upsell subscriptions.
                      • Offers a no-code dashboard for marketing teams to design, test, analyze, and optimize conversion paths in real time without developer support.

                      Pros:

                      • Adaptable monetization strategies let publishers tailor paywalls to niche audiences (e.g., hard paywalls for high-value users, registration walls for casual visitors).
                      • Advanced segmentation unlocks granular insights into audience behavior, improving conversion rates and subscriber retention.
                      • Quick deployment enables publishers to launch new campaigns in days, such as A/B testing paywall messaging or seasonal offers.

                      Cons:

                      • Complexity in advanced features, like multi-layered segmentation and propensity modeling, requires training to master.
                      • Continuous optimization is essential to keep pace with shifting reader habits and platform updates.
                      Poool

                      Features

                      Pros

                      Cons

                      5

                      Membergate

                      ★★★☆
                      membergate

                      MemberGate is a comprehensive membership site and paywall platform designed to help publishers, content creators, and businesses monetize digital content through subscriptions and gated access. Trusted by popular brands such as Yoga International, Black Belt Magazine, and Writers’ Digest, MemberGate provides a complete solution for managing memberships, subscriptions, and digital content monetization.

                      With powerful automation tools, flexible payment options, and built-in marketing features, the platform is particularly suited for businesses looking to create exclusive content portals, online courses, or recurring revenue models. Unlike many other paywall solutions, MemberGate offers an all-in-one membership management system that includes content protection, e-commerce, email marketing, and community-building tools. It integrates with multiple payment processors and provides analytics to track member engagement and revenue performance.

                      Our rating: ★★★☆ 3.6 stars

                      Key features

                      • Supports hard paywalls, soft paywalls, and metered access to customize content restrictions.
                      • Allows businesses to manage member accounts, recurring subscriptions, and billing effortlessly.
                      • Accepts payments through multiple gateways, including PayPal and Stripe, ensuring smooth transactions.
                      • Enables content creators to schedule and control access to exclusive materials over time.
                      • Includes email marketing, and promotional tools to boost traffic and conversions.
                      • Offers discussion forums, member directories, and private messaging to foster audience interaction.
                      • Provides insights into subscriber behavior, revenue tracking, and engagement metrics.

                      Pros:

                      • Combines membership management, content protection, and e-commerce in a single platform.
                      • Offers extensive configuration options to tailor the paywall and membership experience to business needs.
                      • Supports forums and interactive elements to enhance user engagement.
                      • Enables structured content delivery, enhancing member retention.

                      Cons:

                      • The platform’s extensive features may take time to master.
                      • MemberGate does not offer a free tier or trial version.
                      • While it supports major payment processors, it has fewer integrations compared to some modern alternatives.
                      Membergate

                      Features

                        Pros

                          Cons

                            6

                            Subscription Genius

                            ★★★☆
                            Subscription Genius

                            Subscription Genius is a straightforward paywall service and subscription management software that focuses on providing an easy-to-use service rather than a massively in-depth one. Publications such as Omaha, VICE and ALM use the software.

                            To add a paywall using Subscription Genius, publishers use the software’s control panel to select which articles or content on a site should be monetized. The control panel can also batch-apply these paywalls to make the process easier for sites with a vast amount of content. Subscription Genius also includes eCommerce systems and a WordPress plugin.

                            Subscription Genius’ Standard version costs $99 per month for 5,000 subscribers, with every 1,000 subscribers after that costing $10 per month. The Plus version costs $199 and includes 15,000, with every 1,000 subscribers above that costing an additional $15 per month. Subscription Genius’ Premium version costs $399 per month and includes 20,000, with every 1,000 subscribers after that costing an additional $20 per month.

                            Our rating: ★★★☆ 3.5 stars

                            Key Features

                            • Organize, search, and easily manage subscriber lists, including automatic USPS address validation to ensure data accuracy.
                            • Send timely reminders to subscribers approaching the end of their subscription and facilitate automatic renewals, reducing churn rates.
                            • Utilize a fully hosted, customizable checkout page to handle all e-commerce transactions, providing a seamless purchasing experience aligned with your brand.
                            • Implement a paywall with minimal coding to secure online content, adding value to print subscriptions and monetizing digital assets.
                            • Automatically append demographic attributes to subscriber profiles, offering powerful insights that can enhance marketing strategies and advertiser relations.

                            Pros:

                            • Designed for ease of use, allowing publishers to manage subscriptions without extensive technical knowledge. ​
                            • Offers a wide range of tools beyond basic subscription management, including e-commerce integration and support for marketing campaigns. ​
                            • As a cloud-based solution, it provides 24/7 access from any web-connected device, facilitating remote management and collaboration.

                            Cons:

                            • Challenges with customer service responsiveness during critical implementation phases. ​
                            • While user-friendly, mastering all functionalities to leverage the platform’s capabilities fully may require time and training.​
                            • The tiered pricing model, based on subscriber count, may become costly for publishers with rapidly growing audiences.
                            Subscription Genius

                            Features

                              Pros

                                Cons

                                  7

                                  Pelcro

                                  ★★★☆
                                  Pelcro

                                  Pelcro is a paywall service and subscription management software that is beneficial for both smaller- scale publishers and large enterprises. It is utilised by publications such as Maclean’ s, Frieze, and Voice Media Group. The software includes essential features for increasing subscriber conversions, such as leveraging geographical and behavioral data to target users effectively and performing A/B testing. Additionally, the paywall can be implemented on a large scale to sell access to enterprise clients.

                                  Another valuable feature of Pelcro is its machine learning algorithm, which proactively targets relevant users with special offers and product recommendations. The software also incorporates a customer support ticketing feature. Pelcro offers three different pricing options: a free version that supports up to 100 subscribers, $450 per month for 2, 000 subscribers, and $800 per month for 5, 000 subscribers. There is also an enterprise option available, equipped with advanced features and capable of supporting up to 50, 000 subscribers, with pricing that can be negotiated.

                                  Our rating: ★★★☆ 3.4 stars

                                  Key features

                                  • Supports various paywall models, including metered access, premium (hard) paywalls, and innovative approaches like newsletter paywalls, enabling publishers to tailor content access strategies to their audiences.
                                  • Utilizes AI- powered real- time personalization to adapt paywall content based on user behavior, location, and engagement levels, enhancing the user experience and conversion rates.
                                  • Offers low- code integration with content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and analytics platforms, facilitating efficient workflows and data synchronization.
                                  • Publishers can easily create and manage subscriptions and e-commerce products, customize user experiences, and automate payment processes, including support for Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
                                  • Provides detailed analytics reports, including gross revenue and new subscriptions, enabling data- driven decision- making to optimize monetization strategies.

                                  Pros:

                                  The no- code platform allows users to build, test, and launch digital subscription journeys effortlessly, catering to both technical and non- technical users.

                                  The platform’ s diverse paywall options and advanced targeting capabilities empower publishers to implement and test various monetization strategies effectively.

                                  Offers 24/7 technical support, ensuring that users receive assistance whenever needed.

                                  Cons:

                                  Paywall functionality issues, including content leakage and modal triggering problems, indicate potential reliability concerns.

                                  There have been instances where bug fixes and system improvements were not effectively communicated or resolved between product managers and the platform team, resulting in ongoing issues.

                                  Restrictions when attempting to modify address information for U. S. residents could impact customer data accuracy and user experience.

                                  Pelcro

                                  Features

                                    Pros

                                      Cons

                                        8

                                        Wallkit

                                        ★★★☆
                                        Wallkit

                                        Wallkit is paywall software that is particularly useful for large-scale corporations. It is used by the likes of Digiday, Brooklyn Magazine, and VentureBeat. The software includes an array of useful features for monetization, such as the ability to monetize any piece of digital content, including videos, newsletters and links. Wallkit also centralizes all subscriber behavioral data within its software, making it highly accessible.

                                        The software’s adaptability also includes subscriber payment options, allowing subscribers to pay by the minute, the day or by click. Wallkit claims its API-driven software supports the integration of any other software. Wallkit includes a few different pricing structures. However, each of the tiers consists of a 2.9% transaction fee and a $10 fee for every 2,000 sign-ups above the subscriber cap. There is a free 500-subscriber tier, a 50,000-subscriber tier costing $199 per month, and a 100,000-subscriber tier with added enterprise benefits, which costs $799 per month.

                                        Our rating: ★★★☆ 3.4 stars

                                        Key features

                                        • Utilizes machine learning to automate paywall strategies ​
                                        • Supports gating various content types, including text, video, PDFS, email newsletters, and hidden links, offering both metered and unmetered access options
                                        • Integrates with over 110 payment methods
                                        • Offers seamless integration with platforms like Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, etc.​

                                        Pros:

                                        • The predictive paywall feature enables publishers to implement intelligent monetization strategies that adapt to user behavior, potentially increasing conversion rates. ​
                                        • Supports a wide range of content types and access models, allowing publishers to tailor their offerings to diverse audience preferences. ​
                                        • The platform’s compatibility with numerous third-party services enhances its functionality

                                        Cons:

                                        • The extensive feature set and customization options may require a significant investment of time for new users to fully master and implement effectively.​
                                        • Scarcity of publicly available user reviews and independent evaluations makes it challenging to assess the platform’s performance and user satisfaction comprehensively.
                                        Wallkit

                                        Features

                                          Pros

                                            Cons

                                              9

                                              Flip-Pay

                                              ★★★☆
                                              Flip-Pay

                                              Flip-Pay is a Dublin-based paywall service that focuses on subscriber conversion and dynamic customer onboarding journeys. The software is utilised by publications such as The Clare Echo, Sport for Business, and Mediahuis. Flip-Pay specializes in personalizing its paywall strategies based on a variety of behavioral and geographical user data. It includes options like soft paywalls, hard paywalls, metered paywalls, and other dynamic types.

                                              The software also provides additional features to enhance subscriber conversion, such as bundling products, offering promotions on products, and running free trial periods. It includes a voluntary contribution feature for monetization strategies similar to the website Patreon. Flip-Pay does not publicly advertise its pricing structure, meaning interested publishers must contact the company directly.

                                              Our rating: ★★★☆ 3.3 stars

                                              Key features

                                              • Supports various access models, including soft paywalls, hard paywalls, metered paywalls, and more dynamic models.
                                              • Uses behavioral and geographical data to tailor paywall interactions.
                                              • Offers product bundling, special discounts, free trials, and voluntary contributions similar to Patreon.
                                              • Enhances onboarding processes to improve conversion rates.

                                              Pros:

                                              • Adapts to different audience behaviors and content strategies.
                                              • Supports subscriptions, donations, and bundled offers.
                                              • Focuses on reducing friction in the user signup process.

                                              Cons:

                                              • Publishers must contact Flip-Pay for pricing details.
                                              • Customization options may require additional setup effort.
                                              Flip-Pay

                                              Features

                                                Pros

                                                  Cons

                                                    Final Thoughts

                                                    Paywalls are an increasingly important part of monetization strategies in digital publishing, with a subscription business providing a consistent and stable income.

                                                    However, one crucial thing to consider before implementing a paywall strategy is the effect restricting content may have on the effectiveness of a publisher’s ad inventory. For example, websites that install a paywall can see a reduction of up to 30% in daily traffic and up to 10-55% overall loss in page views.

                                                    While some publications — such as The New York Times — have experienced success with their paywall strategies, others — including The Sun and The Toronto Star — have removed their paywalls due to a loss of readership.

                                                    As 2022 came to a close, the digital publishing landscape was a mixed bag. On one hand, the number of people subscribing to more than one publication in richer countries was on the rise. On the other hand, increasing living costs saw more people canceling their subscriptions. In addition, more people than ever were actively avoiding news.

                                                    Publishers need to weigh up carefully when and how to implement paywalls, and even decide whether such a solution aligns with their content strategies. Once the decision to diversify revenue streams has been made, however, selecting the right solutions provider is the next hurdle.

                                                    The above list should have provided interested publishers with the information they need to make the right decision for their business.

                                                    FAQs

                                                    What Is a Paywall Solution?

                                                    A paywall solution is a monetization strategy where a publisher restricts access to certain premium content on their site, requiring either a subscription or some other monetary transaction before granting access. Some developers have designed software to help automate integrating paywalls onto publisher websites.

                                                    What Is a Paywalled Site?

                                                    A paywalled site restricts access to premium content to users behind a subscription or other monetary transaction. A site that displays a voluntary contribution wall before viewing content is also considered paywalled.

                                                    Is Putting Up a Paywall a Good Strategy for Publishers?

                                                    Paywalling content is a good way for publishers to monetize their content. However, publishers should consider the effects of different paywall monetization strategies — restricting access to the majority of content on a publisher’s site may impact the effectiveness of their ad inventory.

                                                    Related Posts

                                                    5 Best Content Analytics Software for Publishers in 2023
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    10 Best Content Analytics Software for Publishers in 2025

                                                    9 Best Subscription Management Software in 2024
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    11 Best Subscription Management Software in 2025

                                                    The Top Customer Data Platforms (CDP) Reviewed
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    The Top Customer Data Platforms (CDP) Reviewed

                                                    17 Best Media Monitoring Tools in 2023
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    13 Best Media Monitoring Tools in 2025

                                                    Best Self-Publishing Companies for Books
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    7 Best Self-Publishing Companies for Books

                                                    Top Affiliate Networks and Platforms to Boost Your Revenue in 2025
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    Top Affiliate Networks and Platforms to Boost Your Revenue in 2025

                                                    Best Email Newsletter Platforms for Publishers
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    8 Best Email Newsletter Platforms for Publishers in 2024

                                                    Best CMS Platforms for News Sites
                                                    Digital Platforms & Tools

                                                    19 Best CMS Platforms for News Sites in 2024

                                                    SODP logo

                                                    State of Digital Publishing is creating a new publication and community for digital media and publishing professionals, in new media and technology.

                                                    • Top tools
                                                    • SEO for publishers
                                                    • Privacy policy
                                                    • Editorial policy
                                                    • Sitemap
                                                    • Search by company
                                                    Facebook X-twitter Slack Linkedin

                                                    STATE OF DIGITAL PUBLISHING – COPYRIGHT 2025