Lago vs Orb
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Lago and Orb are credible subscription billing tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Lago if you want a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. Open-source metering and billing.
Orb — Usage-based billing infrastructure.
Lago vs Orb: side by side
| Dimension | Lago | Orb |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Open source | Usage-based |
| Best for | Developers, Saas | Saas, Developers |
| Platforms | Web, Api, Self Hosted | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Lago key facts
- Vendor
- Lago
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Developers, Saas
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Orb key facts
- Vendor
- Orb
- Pricing
- Usage-based — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Saas, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Lago better than Orb?
Neither is universally better — Orb edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Lago or Orb cheaper?
Lago is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Lago starts at free; Orb starts at custom.
Can Lago replace Orb?
Yes for most teams — both are subscription billing tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.