B2B SaaS Subscriptions vs Perpetual Licenses: What you need to know

Choosing a suitable business model is a crucial decision that can shape the future of your B2B SaaS business.

At first glance, the single-payment perpetual model may appear as the most efficient option for your enterprise.

However, subscription-based models are gaining significant traction. In fact, subscription businesses have experienced a staggering 437% revenue growth over nearly a decade, reflecting a fundamental shift in consumer preferences from ownership to usership. 

But, it's essential to recognize that perpetual licenses still hold their ground as a viable option.

So, the million-dollar question remains: Which one is the best fit for your business—subscription or perpetual licenses?

To help you navigate this critical decision, we've outlined the pros and cons of both models.

Lets get started.

Subscriptions vs Perpetual License? What are they Exactly? 

Subscription based model users pay regular, recurring fees, often on a monthly or annual basis, to access and use software.

Subscribers benefit from ongoing updates, support, and, in some cases, the flexibility to scale their usage up or down as needed during the subscription period.

You can read this Younium subscription billing guide to understand how it works and what changes you can make in your subscription business model.

Perpetual license model allows businesses to make a one-time payment for software, granting them the right to use the software indefinitely.

It typically includes access to updates and support for a limited period, after which additional fees may apply for continued support and upgrades.

Pros of Subscriptions 

Here are the advantages for utilizing subscriptions:

• Upfront and predictable costs: Subscription brands are transparent about their pricing structure and what a company will receive in return. This transparency enables businesses to budget effectively and know precisely what they are paying for, enhancing financial planning and decision-making.
• Continuous updates: Subscribers receive regular updates, ensuring they always have access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements without additional costs.
• Flexible scaling: Subscriptions can be easily scaled up or down to match the evolving needs of the business, providing flexibility as companies grow or downsize.
• Improved customer engagement: Subscription models encourage ongoing engagement with customers, fostering stronger relationships and opportunities for feedback and product improvement.
• Lower maintenance burden: SaaS providers handle infrastructure, maintenance, and support, reducing the IT burden on customers.
• Trial periods and free trials: Many subscription-based services offer trial periods or free trials, allowing customers to test the software before committing to a purchase. 

Cons of Subscriptions 

 Here are the disadvantages for subscriptions:

• Long-term costs: While subscriptions offer lower initial costs, the cumulative expenses over time can exceed those of perpetual licenses.
• Dependency on service providers: Subscribers become dependent on the SaaS provider for software access. If the provider experiences downtime or goes out of business, it can disrupt operations.
• Limited ownership: Subscribers do not own the software; they're essentially renting it. 

Pros of Perpetual Licenses 

​Here are the advantages of utilizing perpetual license model:

• One-time payment: Perpetual licenses typically involve a single upfront payment, allowing businesses to own and use the software indefinitely without ongoing subscription fees. This can be cost-effective over the long term.
• No reliance on service providers: With perpetual licenses, businesses are not dependent on the continuous availability of a service provider. They can continue to use the software even if the provider goes out of business or discontinues support.
• Full ownership and control: Businesses own the software outright, giving them complete control over its usage, customization, and deployment. This can be advantageous for companies with specific security or compliance requirements.
• Customization and integration: Perpetual licenses often come with greater flexibility for customization and integration with other software and systems, enabling businesses to tailor the software to their unique needs.

Cons of Perpetual Licenses 

​Here are the disadvantages of choosing the perpetual license model:

• High initial costs: Perpetual licenses typically require a significant upfront payment, which can be a barrier to entry for smaller businesses with limited budgets.
• Limited access to updates: Perpetual license holders may have limited access to software updates, new features, and improvements compared to subscription-based users who receive continuous updates as part of their service.
• Maintenance and support costs: While perpetual licenses provide ownership, businesses may still incur costs for ongoing maintenance, support, and troubleshooting. 

Subscriptions vs. Perpetual Licenses: Which one is the best? 

The best model depends on your business's unique needs, goals, and circumstances. 

You can consider factors such as your budget, software requirements, and the desire for continuous updates or ownership to help you choose the best.

If you prefer subscriptions, ensure the company you choose leverages robust subscription management software to avoid access and connectivity issues. Attrock curated the best subscription management software and prepared a list that can help you choose the best one. 

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully, the above pros and cons for subscriptions and perpetual licenses have given you a sneak peek into what these models have to offer.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision should align with your organization's strategy and growth trajectory.

If you are uncertain about choosing between B2B SaaS Subscriptions and Perpetual Licenses, this article aims to provide guidance. 

Additionally, for further insights and personalized advice, consider delving deeper into your research or consulting with a Saas sales coaching expert. 

They can offer valuable insights to help you determine the optimal direction for your specific needs and goals.

Whichever path you choose, whether subscription-based or perpetual licenses, make it a strategic asset for your business's ongoing success

So, what are you waiting for? Use the above information and choose the best model for your business.