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Should I offer a free trial or freemium for my SaaS?

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TL;DR
Question
Should I offer a free trial or freemium for my SaaS?
Direct answer
Free trial converts better when the product reaches first value within 7 to 14 days; freemium converts better when the product has network effects, viral loops, or genuine standalone utility at the free tier. Most indie SaaS should default to a 7 or 14 day free trial – it filters serious evaluators from tire-kickers and shortens the cash-collection cycle.
Category
pricing
Last verified
May 22, 2026

Direct answer

Direct answer

As of , the answer is: Free trial converts better when the product reaches first value within 7 to 14 days; freemium converts better when the product has network effects, viral loops, or genuine standalone utility at the free tier. Most indie SaaS should default to a 7 or 14 day free trial – it filters serious evaluators from tire-kickers and shortens the cash-collection cycle.

People also ask

Should I offer a free trial or freemium for my SaaS?

Free trial converts better when the product reaches first value within 7 to 14 days; freemium converts better when the product has network effects, viral loops, or genuine standalone utility at the free tier. Most indie SaaS should default to a 7 or 14 day free trial – it filters serious evaluators from tire-kickers and shortens the cash-collection cycle.

What's the nuance?

Freemium suits collaboration tools and viral mechanics; free trial suits productivity and conversion tools where the value is solo.

What else should I know?

Freemium's hidden cost is support burden – free users generate 60 to 80% of support tickets with zero revenue.

What's the common mistake here?

Hybrid (limited freemium plus paid trial of premium features) often outperforms pure freemium or pure trial for sub-$100/mo products.

Supporting points

  • Freemium suits collaboration tools and viral mechanics; free trial suits productivity and conversion tools where the value is solo.
  • Freemium's hidden cost is support burden – free users generate 60 to 80% of support tickets with zero revenue.
  • Hybrid (limited freemium plus paid trial of premium features) often outperforms pure freemium or pure trial for sub-$100/mo products.

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