16 best subscription billing software to automate recurring payments in 2025

Imagine running a business with over 500 members who need to renew their subscriptions each month, alongside another 500 or more on quarterly billing cycles. Managing such a high volume of repeat invoicing is not only time-consuming for the organisation but also a consistent source of friction for its members.

The ability to automate recurring payments, now a core feature of many subscription payment gateways is invaluable for businesses such as gyms and wellness centres, product delivery services, and food and beverage businesses.

In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of subscription billing and highlight the 16 best subscription billing software solutions of 2025, tailored to specific industry needs.

What is subscription billing?

Subscription billing is a payment model where businesses charge customers at regular intervals, weekly, monthly, or annually, for ongoing access to products or services. Unlike one-off transactions, this approach creates predictable revenue and builds long-term customer relationships.

For UK businesses, this model is effective in sectors such as health and wellness, software, e-commerce, and food delivery. Gyms and wellness centres benefit from flexible membership billing with tiered pricing. Meal kit services, coffee clubs, and wine subscriptions rely on automated recurring payments to provide convenience, boost customer retention, and ensure steady income.

Modern subscription billing software automates invoicing, manages renewals, reduces churn, and integrates with CRM and accounting systems. These tools allow businesses to scale efficiently while delivering a seamless customer experience.

Benefits of subscription billing software

Subscription billing software helps businesses automate payments, reduce manual errors, and optimise cash flow, all while supporting scalable, recurring revenue. It goes beyond back-office automation to enhance customer experience, simplify compliance, and provide data that drives smarter decisions.

As subscription-based models expand across sectors like SaaS, wellness, and product delivery, the right billing tools become a strategic asset for enabling sustainable growth and improving retention.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Automation: Say goodbye to manual invoicing and payment chasing. Automated workflows handle billing, reminders, and renewals with minimal effort and reduced risk of human error.
  
  
• Customer Retention: Flexible plans, upgrade paths, and personalised billing cycles make it easier for customers to stay longer and adapt subscriptions to suit their needs.
  
  
• Churn Reduction: Features like intelligent dunning and automatic payment retries help recover failed transactions and reduce the number of users lost to involuntary cancellations.
  
  
• Performance Tracking: Built-in dashboards provide real-time insights into key metrics like monthly recurring revenue (MRR), churn rate, and customer lifetime value, helping businesses make smarter decisions.
  
  
• Scalability: Whether you're managing a few hundred users or millions, good subscription software scales with you. It supports complex pricing rules, promotional offers, and multi-tier plans without breaking a sweat.
  
  
• Security and Compliance: With built-in tax automation, PCI DSS compliance, and detailed audit trails, your billing stays secure and fully aligned with regulatory requirements.

Top 16 subscription billing software for 2025

The best subscription billing software in 2025 does more than process recurring payments; it drives business growth through automation, flexibility, and seamless integration. These platforms support multiple pricing models, improve compliance, and connect with your CRM and finance systems to streamline revenue operations.

With the subscription economy booming across SaaS, eCommerce, digital media, and membership services, choosing the right software is key to scaling efficiently. Whether you're a startup or a global enterprise, here are 16 top-rated options to explore this year.

1. Chargebee

Best for: SaaS businesses of all sizes
Chargebee is ideal for SaaS startups and scale-ups. It supports multiple pricing models, tax compliance, and revenue recognition, great for businesses needing financial flexibility and growth-ready infrastructure.
Pricing: Free under $100K revenue; paid plans from $249/month.

2. Kill Bill

Best for: Developers building custom SaaS platforms
An open-source option with complete freedom to customise billing logic. Best suited for teams with in-house development resources building unique workflows.
Pricing: Free (self-hosted); paid support optional.

3. Recurly

Best for: High-volume SaaS and subscription-based product services
With strong churn reduction tools and multiple gateway support, Recurly is great for businesses handling large volumes of recurring payments, including product delivery services.
Pricing: Starts at $199/month + 0.9% of revenue.

4. Zoho Subscriptions

Best for: Small businesses and SMEs (including food & drink startups)
Budget-friendly and part of the Zoho ecosystem. Offers flexible billing cycles, making it well-suited to smaller gyms, local wellness providers, or niche food box services.
Pricing: Free for 20 customers; paid plans from ~£20/month.

5. Paddle

Best for: SaaS companies selling globally
As your merchant of record, Paddle takes care of international taxes, fraud prevention, and compliance, ideal for software businesses targeting international markets.
Pricing: Revenue share (around 5%).

6. SubscriptionFlow

Best for: Subscription-based SMEs (wellness, food, and B2B)
Provides hybrid pricing, invoicing automation, and CRM integrations with minimal dev input. A strong fit for growing businesses offering meal kits, fitness plans, or wellness boxes.
Pricing: Custom quote.

7. BillingPlatform

Best for: Large-scale logistics and product delivery networks
Designed for enterprise-grade businesses in telecom, logistics, or delivery sectors needing custom pricing and event-based invoicing.
Pricing: Quote-based, typically mid four-figure/month.

8. CRM.COM

Best for: Loyalty-based fitness, wellness, and subscription retail
Ideal for businesses focused on loyalty, promotions, and complex customer lifecycles, great for fitness memberships or wellness programmes offering micro-incentives or tiered rewards.
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing.

9. NetSuite SuiteBilling

Best for: Larger SaaS companies with finance-heavy workflows
A powerful option for organisations already using Oracle NetSuite, integrates billing tightly with finance and ERP operations.
Pricing: Part of NetSuite licensing; quote-based.

10. Younium

Best for: Mid-to-large B2B SaaS companies
Offers subscription management alongside financial reporting and audit compliance, ideal for SaaS firms focused on accurate metrics and scaling.
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing.

11. Wonderful

Best for: UK small businesses looking for fee-free, instant payments
Wonderful is a UK-based subscription billing solution that leverages open banking to deliver instant payments and settlements with zero percentage fees. It’s ideal for gyms, wellness centres, and food delivery services wanting low-cost, scalable billing. It also integrates with platforms like Xero to streamline financial management.
Pricing: £19.99/month for up to 2,000 transactions; 1p per additional transaction.

12. Maxio

Best for: Financial teams in growing SaaS companies
Combines billing automation with revenue forecasting and analytics. Perfect for SaaS CFOs who need better insight into cash flow and deferred revenue.
Pricing: Custom, based on contract and usage.

13. PayWhirl

Best for: Independent fitness coaches, PTs, or small food brands
Simple to set up and integrates with Stripe and Shopify. Great for solo entrepreneurs selling subscription-based products or services online.
Pricing: Free plan (3% transaction fee); Pro from $9/month.

14. Zuora

Best for: Global enterprises across SaaS, telecom, and product delivery
Handles complex billing, automation, and international tax compliance at scale. Ideal for businesses with multinational operations and layered pricing.
Pricing: Custom enterprise plans (starting around low four-figure/month).

15. Stax Bill (formerly Fusebill)

Best for: Mid-market fitness platforms and SaaS services
Provides flexible pricing templates and strong accounting integrations — useful for gyms and wellness companies ready to scale, or mid-sized software vendors.
Pricing: From $499/month (Core Plan).

16. Aria Systems

Best for: High-volume B2C businesses (e.g., large food & drink or subscription retail)
Built for enterprises with real-time, usage-based pricing models. Ideal for businesses with complex revenue-sharing or large customer bases.
Pricing: Quote-based, tailored to size and volume.

How to choose the right subscription billing software

The best subscription billing software is easy to use, supports API integrations, automates recurring payments, and helps UK businesses stay compliant with VAT and invoicing rules. Choosing the right platform can boost retention, simplify operations, and scale with your business as it grows.

Whether you run a SaaS company, a subscription box service, or a member-based business, it’s not just about comparing features; it’s about finding a system that aligns with your revenue model, integrates with your existing tools, and reduces churn through smart automation.

Here are some key factors to consider:

Ease of use

Look for software with a clear, intuitive dashboard that allows you to create plans, set billing cycles, and track transactions, all without needing constant developer support. A user-friendly interface empowers non-technical teams to manage billing confidently and efficiently.

API access

Strong API access is crucial if you need flexibility. Platforms that offer well-documented APIs, webhooks, and sandbox environments make it easier to build custom workflows, connect third-party tools, and sync with internal systems.

Pricing models supported

Whether you charge flat rates, use tiered pricing, bill by usage, or offer hybrid plans, your software should support it. The ability to evolve your pricing strategy over time is a huge advantage as your business grows.

Reporting & analytics

Access to real-time data such as Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), churn rate, Lifetime Value (LTV), and active subscriptions helps guide smarter decisions across product, finance, and marketing. Look for tools with easy-to-share, exportable dashboards.

Integration capabilities

The right platform should integrate smoothly with your existing tech stack. Native connections to CRMs, payment gateways, tax calculators, and accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks can significantly reduce manual work and improve accuracy.

Customer support

Good support makes all the difference, especially during onboarding or migration. Prioritise providers that offer responsive live chat, helpful setup resources, and access to account managers or customer success teams when you need them.

Local compliance (UK businesses)

If you’re based in the UK, make sure your billing software handles VAT, supports GBP, and complies with regulations like PSD2 and PCI DSS. This helps ensure compliance, prevent penalties, and keeps your operations smooth and secure.

How much does subscription billing software cost?

Subscription billing software typically starts from around £30 per month for small businesses, with costs rising based on features, usage, and transaction volume. Most platforms offer tiered pricing to suit startups, scaling companies, and large enterprises.

Below is a general breakdown of common pricing tiers:

• Entry-level plans
  Ideal for sole traders and small businesses just getting started.
  Some platforms, like Wonderful, offer affordable plans starting at £19.99 per month for up to 2,000 transactions, with just 1p per transaction thereafter for UK small businesses.
  
  
• Basic plans
  Usually range from £30 to £250 per month. These plans include essentials like automated invoicing, basic reporting, and standard support, suitable for early-stage businesses or those with moderate billing needs.
  
  
• Mid-tier plans
  Targeted at scaling companies with more complex requirements. Priced between £250 and £800 per month, these plans typically offer API access, advanced billing options, dunning workflows, and enhanced analytics.
  
  
• Enterprise plans
  Geared toward larger organisations needing full customisation, compliance, and global reach. Starting at £800+ per month, they often include premium integrations, multi-currency support, international tax compliance, and dedicated account management.

Note: Some platforms, particularly at the enterprise level, use revenue-sharing models instead of flat fees. Always consider what’s included in each tier and how it aligns with your current and future billing needs.

How to get started with subscription billing

Getting started with subscription billing begins by aligning your pricing model, operations, and customer experience. Whether you're launching a new subscription-based business or adding recurring revenue to an existing one, it's important to choose tools and processes that support automation, compliance, and scalability.

This practical guide will walk you through the first steps, from selecting the right software to setting up your billing workflows, so you can launch with confidence and start generating predictable revenue from the very first day.

• Define your subscription model
  Before choosing any software or pricing structure, be clear on what you’re offering. Are you offering monthly subscriptions, annual packages, or a combination of both? For example, gyms often provide discounted annual memberships alongside flexible monthly or seasonal plans to cater to different customer needs.
  
  
• Choose a pricing strategy
  Subscription billing supports various pricing models, flat-rate, tiered, usage-based, or freemium. A food delivery service might adopt tiered pricing, offering premium items or faster delivery at higher rates. Your pricing should reflect the value customers perceive and align with their budgets.
  
  
• Set appropriate billing cycles
  Choose whether you'll bill customers monthly, annually, or at custom intervals. For example, wellness centres may benefit from encouraging long-term commitment through discounted yearly plans.
  
  
• Select the right billing software
  Your platform should support your billing frequency, preferred payment methods, and any required integrations, whether that’s with your CRM, marketing tools, or accounting software. GoCardless is known for scalable solutions and flexible billing cycles. Wonderful leverages open banking to offer instant payments with zero percentage fees, ideal for UK-based small businesses. Paddle offers built-in international payment tools for SaaS companies operating across borders.
  
  
• Integrate with payment gateways
  Choose subscription billing software that integrates seamlessly with online payment gateways, enabling you to accept a wide range of payment methods, from credit/debit cards and direct debits to digital wallets and alternative payment methods like open banking. Supporting multiple payment options not only streamlines the checkout process but also enhances the customer experience and helps reduce payment failures.
  
  Open banking-powered solutions such as Wonderful are becoming increasingly popular in the UK for reducing transaction costs, especially for small, domestic businesses.
  
  
• Track metrics and optimise performance
  Once you're up and running, monitor metrics like customer acquisition, churn, and lifetime value. These insights will help you refine pricing, improve retention, and scale sustainably.
  
  
• Enable automated notifications
  Keep customers informed with automated notifications for renewals, upcoming payments, or failed transactions. Platforms like Chargebee and Recurly include dunning management and email automation features to help reduce churn.

Best subscription billing software with API access

Whether you're building custom workflows, syncing data across platforms, or automating billing logic, robust API access allows for greater control, flexibility, and scalability. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) facilitate smooth integration between systems, empowering businesses to tailor both payment processing services and subscription management tools to their specific needs.

If you're looking for reliable subscription billing software with strong API capabilities, here are some top options to explore:

• Wonderful
  The Wonderful Payments API integrates seamlessly into your checkout flow, supporting instant payments and settlement via open banking. It’s designed for UK businesses looking to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and deliver a fast, secure customer experience. Ideal for SMEs prioritising cost-efficiency, API-driven automation, and streamlined user journeys.
  
  
• Stripe Billing
  A developer favourite, Stripe Billing offers one of the most comprehensive APIs on the market. It supports custom workflows, trial management, proration, metered billing, and integration with major online payment gateways. It's particularly well-suited to SaaS businesses and platforms requiring global reach, flexible pricing, and deep customisation.
  
  
• Zuora
  Tailored for large enterprises, Zuora’s API is highly configurable and capable of managing complex billing operations, from invoicing to payment collection across markets. It’s a great choice for businesses with diverse revenue models, such as B2B SaaS, telecoms, or digital media.
  
  
• Zenskar
  Zenskar combines a developer-friendly API with a no-code interface, supporting flat-rate, tiered, and usage-based pricing. This makes it an excellent fit for scaling companies that need to automate subscription billing without heavy engineering resources. It’s especially useful for teams wanting agility and fast deployment.

Impact of subscription billing on customer retention

One of the biggest advantages of subscription billing is its ability to support stronger customer retention. By offering flexible plans, loyalty rewards, and free trials, businesses can keep customers engaged and reduce churn over time. For instance, SaaS providers often use trial periods, allowing users to explore the platform before committing, while food delivery services may offer discounts on multi-month plans to encourage longer subscriptions.

Another important tool is dunning management, automated reminders for failed or expiring payments. This helps reduce involuntary churn by prompting customers to update their payment details before access is interrupted. Platforms like Recurly and Chargebee include these features as standard, enabling businesses to protect recurring revenue.

When done well, subscription billing isn’t just a payment model; it becomes a retention strategy. By removing friction and adding value, businesses enhance customer experiences that lead to loyalty and long-term growth.

Emerging trends in subscription billing for 2025

As subscription models continue to expand across industries, businesses are embracing more tailored and customer-friendly billing approaches. Flexible billing options, such as offering monthly, quarterly, or annual plans, help match payment schedules to individual customer preferences. For example, a fitness centre might boost retention with discounted annual memberships, while a product delivery service could benefit from weekly or biweekly payment plans.

Multi-currency support is also gaining traction, enabling global operations without added complexity. Platforms like Zuora, and Stripe Billing offer built-in multi-currency capabilities, helping businesses manage international transactions and cater to an international customer base.

Data-driven decision-making is another key trend. Tools like Salesforce Revenue Cloud and Maxio provide powerful analytics that track customer lifetime value, churn risk, and growth trends. By leveraging these insights, businesses can fine-tune their pricing strategies, personalise communication, and strengthen retention efforts, all while boosting profitability.

Conclusion

Subscription billing has reshaped how companies manage recurring payments, offering greater flexibility, automation, and scalability. Whether you run a gym or wellness centre, product delivery service, food and drink business, or a SaaS company, the right billing platform can simplify operations, improve cash flow, and drive long-term customer loyalty.

Platforms like Wonderful, Stripe Billing, and Zuora all bring unique strengths to the table. Startups and SMEs might prioritise ease of use, affordable pricing, and seamless integrations with tools like Xero. Larger businesses, on the other hand, may need enterprise-level features like API customisation, compliance handling, and multi-entity support.

Ultimately, the best subscription billing software is one that fits your business goals, grows with your needs, and delivers value for both you and your customers.

FAQs

What is subscription billing software?

Subscription billing software automates recurring payments, invoicing, renewals, and customer management, ideal for UK businesses offering ongoing services or product subscriptions.

Which is the best subscription billing software for UK businesses?

Top choices include Stripe Billing, Zuora, Chargebee, Maxio, and Salesforce Revenue Cloud. Each offers features for automation, VAT compliance, and scalability.

How much does subscription billing software cost?

Pricing varies by provider. UK SMEs can expect to pay from £30 to £100 per month. Enterprise platforms may charge higher or include transaction-based pricing. Plans offered by Wonderful start at £19.99 per month for 2000 transactions.

Is subscription billing software suitable for small businesses?

Yes, many platforms like Stripe Billing and Chargebee offer affordable plans with automation, UK tax handling, and easy integration for small businesses.

Can subscription billing software handle VAT and UK compliance?

Most leading platforms support UK VAT, invoicing rules, and payment regulations, helping you stay compliant with HMRC and reduce manual admin.

How do I choose the right subscription billing platform?

Choose based on business size, pricing model, integration needs, and compliance. Consider scalability, API support, and ease of use.

Can I use subscription billing software with Shopify or WooCommerce?

Yes. Stripe, Recurly, and Chargebee offer native integrations or plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, and other UK e-commerce platforms.

How does subscription billing software help my business grow?

It creates predictable revenue, improves retention, and reduces admin. Automation lets you scale faster and focus on marketing and customer service.

What industries use subscription billing software in the UK?

Popular in SaaS, gyms, wellness centres, food delivery, and subscription boxes. It supports flexible pricing, renewals, and recurring revenue.

How do I switch to a new subscription billing system?

Export customer data, map billing details, test in sandbox mode, and go live. Many platforms offer onboarding help or migration tools.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash