Does digital signage software have one-time license fees or monthly subscriptions?

Digital signage software is priced through two main structures - a one-time license fee and a subscription-based model. The decision between the two will mainly revolve around your organization's goals, scale, and level of control you desire regarding your system.

1. Subscription-Based Licensing

Most current digital signage systems are a subscription system, meaning you will pay on a monthly or annual basis, particularly for systems that are offered in the cloud. Subscription prices typically range from $12 to $18 per screen, per month or about $150 per screen, per year. Subscriptions are a good option for businesses looking for flexibility in their digital signage deployments. You can easily scale up or down at any time, and you do not have to deal with maintaining servers or updates, nor worrying about system performance. The vendor takes care of these things to ensure your system is performing reliably and there is little to no down time.

Learn more about cloud-based digital signage pricing and what’s typically included in monthly plans.

2. One-Time License Fees

On-premise systems are typically based on a perpetual license model, which is a one-time licensing fee for the server software (around $2500 to $3000) and licensing costs of around $600 to $700 per screen. This is a preferred service and purchase-model for larger organizations, government organizations, and financial institutions when data security and total ownership of both the software and the hardware is a priority.

3. Hybrid and Long-Term Options

Some vendors also offer multi-year hybrid models. For example, you can prepay for three, five, or seven years of cloud licensing at a discounted rate. This gives you the flexibility of cloud software with reduced long-term costs.

4. Choosing the Right Option

If your business values low upfront costs and easy scalability, a monthly subscription is best. If you prefer long-term ownership and have the technical infrastructure to manage your own server, a one-time license will serve you better.

5. Conclusion

In short, both pricing models are viable. Subscriptions are ideal for startups and small businesses that need flexibility, while one-time licenses suit large enterprises seeking long-term stability and control. Evaluate your goals and operational needs before choosing which model aligns best with your digital signage strategy.