Compare desktop app fees: Microsoft, Apple and more
Compare store commissions with subscription services that pay developers a share of revenue. Check developer account costs and who handles billing alongside the headline rate.
4 platforms
US / USD unless labelled
Last checked
Sources and dates
Microsoft Store
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Earnings model
Windows app sales and monetization can use Microsoft Commerce or an eligible non-game app’s own commerce platform. Supported models include app sales, in-app purchases, subscriptions, ads, and tips. Source
Platform fee or developer share
Microsoft Commerce fee: 15% for apps and 12% for games. For non-gaming apps using their own commerce platform, Microsoft says developers retain 100% of that revenue. Source
Developer cost
The current Store marketing-page onboarding flow charges no individual or company developer-account registration fee. Source
Billing
Use Microsoft Commerce at the listed app/game rates or an eligible non-game app’s own checkout. Microsoft bills only the transactions it processes. Source
Availability
Windows Store accepts MSIX/PWA apps and MSI/EXE installers; signing and certification requirements depend on the submission format. Source
Paid macOS app downloads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions through the Mac App Store. Source
Platform fee or developer share
Global commission is 30%, or 15% for eligible programs and qualifying subscriptions. EU rates apply from Oct 1, 2026 or later acceptance of updated terms: IAP 26% (15% eligible), alternative payments 20% (10% eligible), out-of-app offers 15% (10% eligible). Source
Developer cost
Apple Developer Program membership costs US$99 per membership year; eligible organizations may qualify for a waiver. Source
Billing
Outside the EU schedule, Apple-billed subscriptions pay 70% after applicable taxes in year one and 85% after; Small Business members receive 85% from the start. EU alternative payments use a separate provider. Source
Availability
macOS apps; Apple review applies. EU business-term changes start Oct 1, 2026 or on later acceptance of updated terms. Source
Setapp lists Membership and Single-App Distribution and publishes the share rates; developers can apply, but self-service offer-plan setup is still marked coming soon. Source
Platform fee or developer share
Membership pays 70% by app usage, plus 20% for referred users. Single-App pays 75% of post-tax purchases and 85% of post-tax subscriptions; FX and transaction fees may reduce payouts. Source
Developer cost
Setapp publishes no general enrollment or listing fee. Developers can submit an application for review; acceptance is selective. Source
Billing
Single-App Distribution uses Stripe and requires seller KYC. FX rates and transaction fees may affect the final payout. Source
Availability
Membership supports macOS, iOS/iPadOS, web, and partial visionOS. Initial Single-App eligibility is limited to macOS/web apps from listed countries; iOS support is planned for later in 2026. Source
