Metering and usage-based billing. ([Source Code](https://github.com/getlago/lago)) `AGPL-3.0` `Docker`
Best alternatives to Orb in 2026
Charging customers a flat monthly fee is easy; charging them based on how much they actually use — API calls, tokens, seats that fluctuate mid-month — usually turns into a spreadsheet nightmare of custom invoicing code nobody wants to maintain. Orb exists so a team can define "here's how we charge for this" as a query instead of a pile of billing edge-case code, and get correct, auditable invoices out the other end. Orb is a usage-based billing platform aimed at SaaS and AI companies with complex pricing (seat-based, token-based, per-action, or hybrid). It captures usage events in real time, lets teams define pricing metrics with custom SQL, generates invoices with backdating support, and adds finance workflows on top — revenue recognition (ASC 606), accounts receivable, and dunning — plus CRM/ERP sync (Salesforce, NetSuite). The platform is built to process over 1 million billing events per second and is used by companies including Vercel, Replit and LaunchDarkly.
Quick comparison of Orb alternatives
| # | Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entreprises technologiques | Startups | — | |
| 2 | Engineering, product and finance teams at AI-native companies and usage-based SaaS businesses | — | |
| 3 | AI-native companies and SaaS platforms billing customers on usage, needing real-time metering and LLM cost visibility | — | |
| 4 | Fintechs, neobanks, credit unions, investment platforms and marketplaces needing embedded banking (accounts, cards, payments) without becoming a bank | — | |
| 5 | Finance teams, controllers, and accountants at growth-stage companies | Marketplaces, gig-economy platforms, insurance, real estate and logistics needing vendor payouts | — | |
| 6 | Indie hackers and micro-SaaS founders | AI-first companies selling API/credit-based products | Solopreneurs selling digital products globally | — |
Open-source billing engine for usage-based and AI/agent pricing, with real-time metering, credits and automatic invoicing.
- ✓ Open source and self-hostable, not locked to a closed SaaS
- ✓ Fast real-time metering (sub-60ms at high volume)
Real-time usage metering and billing platform that tracks AI/API costs and turns them into invoices, budgets and cost controls.
- ✓ Real-time usage metering instead of end-of-period reconciliation
- ✓ Built-in AI cost tracking across 1,500+ LLM models
Banking-as-a-service API connecting fintechs and platforms to a network of US sponsor banks, for launching accounts, cards and payments without becoming a bank.
- ✓ Multi-bank network avoids lock-in to a single sponsor bank relationship
- ✓ Unified API for accounts, cards, ACH, wire and real-time payments
Accounts-payable automation and mass-payout platform with a developer API, handling vendor payments, invoice OCR, and tax forms at volume.
- ✓ AI invoice OCR and auto-coding cuts manual AP work significantly
- ✓ Wide currency and country coverage for global vendor payouts
Billing and payments platform for AI-first and indie SaaS companies, acting as Merchant of Record so you don't handle tax compliance yourself.
- ✓ Handles global tax compliance as Merchant of Record, no VAT registration needed
- ✓ Supports credit-based and usage-based billing out of the box, common for AI products
FAQ about Orb alternatives
- What is the best alternative to Orb in 2026?
- Based on our selection, Lago is the best alternative to Orb in 2026. Metering and usage-based billing. ([Source Code](https://github.com/getlago/lago)) `AGPL-3.0` `Docker`. See our full ranking above to compare all options.
- Is Orb free?
- Orb is a paid tool. Several alternatives in our selection offer free or freemium versions.
- How many alternatives to Orb are there?
- mySelectas has listed 6 alternatives to Orb in the Payments, Billing & Ops category. Our selection is updated regularly to include the best options available.