FOSSBilling vs lago
Billing platforms for service businesses compared
FOSSBilling provides billing and client management for hosting providers and other online service businesses. lago focuses on metering product usage and managing usage-based, subscription, or hybrid billing, with self-hosted and managed options.
FOSSBilling: Billing and Client Management for Hosting Businesses
FOSSBilling is a PHP billing and client management system for hosting providers and other online service businesses. It helps automate invoicing, payments, and client communication, with extensions for custom integrations.
lago: Meter Usage and Manage Usage-Based Billing
Lago is an API-first billing platform that turns product events into metered usage, pricing, invoices, and payments. It suits teams building usage-based or hybrid billing who need control over deployment and billing workflows.
| FOSSBilling | lago | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | PHP | Go |
| License | Apache-2.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 1.7k | 10.7k |
| Forks | 359 | 765 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- FOSSBilling centers on invoicing, payment reminders, client records, and communication; lago adds event metering, configurable pricing, credits, entitlements, and usage analytics.
- FOSSBilling is written in PHP and licensed under Apache-2.0; lago is written in Go and licensed under AGPL-3.0.
- FOSSBilling describes itself as beta, so teams should account for possible rough edges and limited support; lago’s listed considerations focus on operational footprint and license obligations.
- FOSSBilling supports self-hosting and Docker, with PHP and Node.js 24 or newer listed in repository requirements; lago can be self-hosted or used through Lago Cloud and self-hosting involves supporting services such as a database, Redis, and workers.
- FOSSBilling is aimed at hosting providers, subscription businesses, software vendors, and digital product sellers; lago also targets AI products, SaaS teams, and platforms embedding billing for their customers.
Choose FOSSBilling if you…
- need billing and client communication for hosting or other online service businesses in one system.
- want an extension-friendly PHP application for invoices, payment reminders, and multiple payment gateways.
- prefer Apache-2.0 licensing and can assess a project that identifies itself as beta.
Choose lago if you…
- need to meter product events and apply usage-based or hybrid pricing, credits, and allowances.
- are building AI, SaaS, or platform products that bill customers for consumption or subscriptions.
- want to use Go-based billing software through self-hosting or Lago Cloud and can account for its license and operating requirements.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.