# How to Monetize an Open Source Project with a Pro Tier

DevFeed: [How to Monetize an Open Source Project with a Pro Tier](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-to-monetize-an-open-source-project-with-a-pro-tier-10066.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://dodopayments.com/blogs/monetize-open-source-pro-tier/>)

Author: Ayush Agarwal

Published: 2026-03-28T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Dodo Payments Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/dodo-payments-blog.md>)

Topics: [Open Source](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/open-source.md>), [Software](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software.md>), [Software as a service](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/saas.md>), [Self-hosted](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/self-hosted.md>), [hosting](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/hosting.md>)

Tags: [hosting](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hosting.md>), [how-to](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/how-to.md>), [license-keys](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/license-keys.md>), [open-source](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/open-source.md>), [payments](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/payments.md>), [pricing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pricing.md>), [saas](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/saas.md>), [self-hosted](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/self-hosted.md>), [software](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software.md>)

## AI overview

A practical guide to monetizing open source software through an open-core model with a paid Pro tier. It discusses license-key gating, pricing for self-hosted and cloud offerings, and payment setup while aiming to preserve community access.

## Source excerpt

Practical guide to adding paid features to open source software. Covers license key gating, self-hosted vs cloud pricing, and setting up payments without alienating your community.