For most developers, “how much does it cost to publish an app?” really means two different things: what you pay to get listed, and what you give up when the app generates revenue. Google Play and the App Store have different fee structures, while Softonic Publishing Center takes a different approach altogether. Here’s what each one actually costs in 2026.
How much does it cost to publish on Google Play?
If your app is free with no in-app purchases, that $25 is the only cost. If you sell anything, Google takes a service fee on top. For most remaining markets, the standard structure is 15% on the first $1M in annual earnings and 30% above that. From June 30, 2026, Google introduced a new structure for transactions with users in the EEA, UK, and US: 10% for auto-renewing subscriptions, while other transactions are charged 20% for new installs and 25% for existing installs under the standard rate, plus a 5% billing fee where applicable. Lower rates are available through certain Google programs.
(Source: Play Console Help — Service fees)
Getting started costs $25, a one-time registration fee for a Google Play Developer account. There’s no recurring fee to keep the account open or to keep publishing apps.
(Source: Play Console Help)
How much does it cost to publish on the App Store?
Apple charges $99 per year for the Apple Developer Program. The membership is required to distribute apps through the App Store, whether the app is free or paid. Nonprofits, accredited educational institutions, and government entities can apply for a fee waiver.
(Source: Apple Developer Program)
On top of that, Apple takes a commission on paid apps and in-app purchases: 30% standard, or 15% for developers enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program, available to eligible developers who earned $1M or less in proceeds during the prior calendar year, including new developers. Free apps with no in-app purchases pay no commission. Developers using Apple’s alternative business terms in the EU are subject to a different fee structure, including the Core Technology Commission, on top of or instead of these rates.
(Source: App Store Small Business Program)
How much does it cost to publish on Softonic Publishing Center?
There’s no registration fee and no revenue share. Publishing and managing your app listing is free, on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and web.
See how it works.
Softonic doesn’t take a cut of revenue you earn through your app. It’s a discovery and distribution channel that sits alongside Google Play and the App Store rather than replacing them. The only optional cost is Boost Visibility, a paid promotion tool for developers who want extra placement; using it is entirely up to you.
Comparing the three
| Platform | Registration fee | Ongoing account cost | Revenue share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play | $25 one-time | None | Varies by market, transaction type and program |
| App Store | $99/year | $99/year | 30% standard; 15% for eligible Small Business developers |
| Softonic Publishing Center | Free | Free | None |
Which cost actually matters most?
For most developers, the registration fee is the smallest part of the decision — $25 or $99 a year is manageable either way. The bigger factor is the revenue share, which only applies if you’re monetizing through the store itself. If your app is free or monetized outside the store (ads, your own subscription billing, etc.), Google’s and Apple’s cuts may never come into play, and the account fee is your only real cost.
Softonic Publishing Center works differently: there’s no fee structure to plan around at all, which makes it a low-friction way to add another distribution channel without changing your monetization setup.
If you want to see how it works, you can publish your app on Softonic Publishing Center, or claim an existing listing if your app is already on Softonic.
