6 Best Self-Serve AppsFlyer and Kochava Alternatives (2026): Pricing and Setup Compared
Compare the top self-serve mobile attribution platforms for lean teams in 2026. Evaluate transparent pricing, no-sales onboarding, base-tier funnel reporting, and monthly contract options across leading MMP alternatives.
Key takeaways
- Pricing transparency varies significantly: Airbridge documents an entry price of $40+/mo with 500,000 monthly data points included, a 30-day free trial, and no annual contract lock-in. AppsFlyer offers a usage-based Growth tier at $0.07 per conversion, while Singular prices Growth at $0.05 per conversion according to ClickPatrol. Other platforms, such as Adjust, rely on sales-quoted custom pricing after initial trial allowances.
- Onboarding friction ranges from instant self-serve to sales-assisted implementation: Airbridge enables self-serve workspace creation and SDK implementation without booking a sales call. Branch provides immediate trial access for link creation workflows, whereas Adjust directs onboarding through Technical Account Managers, and AppsFlyer requires advertiser app activation and permissions setup.
- Base-tier reporting depth is rarely uniform: Airbridge Core provides partial reporting across actuals, trend, active-user, funnel, retention, revenue, and SKAN views. AppsFlyer Zero includes basic retention, cohort, and LTV analytics, while Kochava supports free omnichannel attribution. However, advanced features such as consolidated ad revenue in Singular remain restricted to enterprise plans.
- Deep linking and fraud packaging differ across platforms: Singular bundles dynamic deep linking and fraud protection across all tiers. Airbridge includes deferred deep linking in Core while positioning automated fraud prevention on Growth. AppsFlyer separates mobile fraud mitigation into its Protect360 add-on.
The shift from enterprise MMP contracts to self-serve attribution
For lean teams managing consumer subscription apps with monthly ad spends between $1,000 and $5,000 across Meta, Google, TikTok, and Apple Search Ads, selecting a Mobile Measurement Partner (MMP) often presents an operational bottleneck. Traditional MMP sales motions were engineered for enterprise organizations with dedicated data engineering teams, custom data pipelines, and five-figure annual software commitments. When a small team wants to determine which ad campaign drives paid subscribers versus empty trial sign-ups, navigating multi-week procurement cycles and mandatory sales demos delays campaign optimization.
Attribution platforms resolve duplicate claims by standardizing postback delivery across channels, as ad networks apply conflicting conversion rules that can claim credit for the same install. However, committing to a multi-year contract before verifying postback reliability introduces unnecessary financial risk.
| Evaluation Dimension | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
| Self-Serve Onboarding | • Instant account creation • Standalone SDK setup • No mandatory demo gates |
| Pricing Transparency | • Publicly documented formulas • Month-to-month billing options • No annual lock-in commitments |
| Base-Tier Analytics | • Cross-channel revenue tracking • Cohort retention & funnels • Subscription stack connectors |
| Packaging & Protections | • Universal & deferred deep links • Ad fraud mitigation standard • Web-to-app routing coverage |
A self-serve attribution stack requires transparent pricing models, rapid SDK installation, baseline cohort reporting, and flexible contract terms. Below is an evaluation of six attribution platforms based on documented setup processes, pricing structures, base reporting capabilities, and feature packaging.
1. Airbridge: Flexible pricing with no annual lock-in
Airbridge is an attribution and analytics platform structured to measure user journeys across mobile, web, and desktop environments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40+/mo (after 30-day free trial) |
| Included Data Points | 500,000 / month |
| Overage Rate | $0.0001 per additional data point |
| Contract Model | Month-to-month, cancel anytime |
| Core Integrations | Meta, Google, Apple Search Ads, TikTok |
| Onboarding | Self-serve, ~1 hour SDK implementation |
Setup and onboarding
Airbridge allows growth teams to begin integration immediately. According to Airbridge documentation, organizations can start a 30-day free trial without booking a sales call or demo. Engineering teams can complete a single SDK installation in approximately one hour, with marketer configuration completed in under five minutes using the setup guide, as detailed on the Airbridge Core Plan page. Teams can also utilize Airbridge Pilot for AI-guided onboarding or connect the platform via an AI MCP server integration.
Pricing structure
Airbridge Core operates on a usage-based structure documented on the Airbridge Help Center:
- Base tier: $40+/mo after the 30-day free trial.
- Included allowance: 500,000 monthly data points.
- Overages: $0.0001 per additional data point.
- Terms: Month-to-month billing with no annual contract requirement and anytime cancellation.
Analytics and deep linking
The Core plan provides partial reporting across actuals, trend, active-user, funnel, retention, and revenue dashboards, according to the Airbridge Help Center. It connects with subscription management platforms like RevenueCat and Adapty, mapping trials, renewals, and refunds back to ad channels, as noted in the Airbridge ROI guide. Deferred deep linking and tracking links for ad networks (including Meta, Google, Apple Ads, and TikTok) are included in Core, while advanced fraud prevention and raw data exports sit on the Growth tier, as documented in the Airbridge pricing analysis.
2. Kochava: Free conversion tier with packaged feature tiers
Kochava provides omnichannel measurement and attribution across mobile, CTV, and web channels for advertisers and agencies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Allowance | Up to 10,000 attributed conversions / mo |
| Paid Packages | Foundation and Enterprise tiers |
| Deep Linking | Dedicated deep linking solution |
| Fraud Prevention | Dedicated fraud console & mitigation tool |
| Channel Coverage | Omnichannel (thousands of media partners) |
Setup and onboarding
Kochava provides self-serve account registration and documentation for single sign-on integration on the Kochava SSO Guide. While account signup is accessible online, the complete setup workflow varies depending on whether a team implements basic SDK tracking or configures complex server-to-server postbacks.
Pricing structure
Kochava offers tiered access based on organizational scale:
- Free tier: Supports up to 10,000 attributed conversions per month, as detailed on the Kochava Blog.
- Paid tiers: Structured into Foundation and Enterprise packages designed to scale from early-stage apps to global brands, as noted on Kochava.
- Contract terms: Specific month-to-month terms and main plan usage rates are not publicly documented.
Analytics and deep linking
The free offering covers omnichannel attribution across owned media and paid media partners. Kochava lists separate product modules for Deep Linking and Fraud Prevention. However, the evidence does not establish whether comprehensive cohort retention and conversion funnels are fully bundled into the free conversion tier.
3. AppsFlyer: Zero tier with usage-based Growth upgrade
AppsFlyer is a mobile measurement platform offering attribution, deep linking, and analytics for app marketers.
| Tier / Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero Plan | Free conversion allowance for year one |
| Growth Plan | $0.07 per conversion (usage-based) |
| Add-On Modules | Protect360 (fraud protection) |
| Advanced Analytics | Premium SKAN modeling in enterprise tiers |
| Onboarding | Self-guided tour + 15-min discovery call |
Setup and onboarding
AppsFlyer provides instant account registration, a self-guided product tour, and setup documentation, as detailed on the AppsFlyer pricing page. However, as outlined in the AppsFlyer Onboarding Guide, the process requires active advertiser involvement for app activation, permission assignments, and test-device configuration.
Pricing structure
AppsFlyer packages its services across introductory and usage-based tiers:
- Zero plan: Offers a first-year conversion allowance with core analytics and temporary access to selected premium add-ons, according to Airbridge pricing research.
- Growth plan: Charges $0.07 per conversion after introductory packages, according to the AppsFlyer pricing page.
- Flexibility: Users can switch or upgrade plans within account settings, though specific cancellation terms are not publicly detailed on the CheckThat AI review.
Analytics and deep linking
The Zero tier includes retention, cohort, and basic LTV reporting, as cited by CheckThat AI. Paid campaign attribution is standard on Growth. Advanced capabilities, such as deeper SKAN modeling, are positioned in higher-tier plans according to Best Analytics Tools 2026. Deep linking is provided through a dedicated solution, while mobile fraud defense requires the Protect360 add-on, as noted in the AppsFlyer Knowledge Base.
4. Branch: Link routing infrastructure with attribution tiers
Branch provides deep linking, mobile measurement, and user journey orchestration across digital touchpoints.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Tier | Usage-limited free access |
| Deep Linking Scope | Handles 6,000+ edge cases across web/email/app |
| Billing Model | Billed monthly in arrears |
| Contract Terms | Non-cancelable; auto-renews without 30d notice |
| Reporting | Dashboards for installs, events, and cost |
Setup and onboarding
Branch enables product and growth teams to generate deep links, tracking links, and QR codes with minimal technical overhead, as highlighted on Branch Deep Linking. For full measurement, customers remain responsible for integrating and configuring the SDK within their apps, as stated in the Branch SaaS Terms & Conditions.
Pricing structure
Branch operates under a usage-based billing schedule:
- Free tier: Provides basic link creation up to documented service limits, according to the Branch SaaS Terms & Conditions.
- Billing schedule: Subscriptions are billed monthly in arrears at the end of the service period, as documented in the Branch Billing Overview.
- Commitments: Standard terms state that paid fees are non-cancelable and non-refundable, automatically renewing unless a 30-day non-renewal notice is submitted, as noted in the Branch SaaS Terms & Conditions. Production tier rates are quote-based, according to ClickPatrol.
Analytics and deep linking
Branch's routing engine handles over 6,000 deep-linking edge cases across email, social, SMS, and web channels, as described on Branch. Measurement dashboards track attributed installs, custom in-app events, and cost data, according to the Branch Marketer Hub.
5. Singular: Unified marketing ETL with conversion-based pricing
Singular combines mobile attribution with automated marketing cost aggregation and data connectors.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Plan | 15,000 paid conversions included |
| Growth Pricing | $0.05 per conversion (via ClickPatrol) |
| ETL & Connectors | No-code client-side connectors |
| Built-in Protections | Fraud prevention included across all tiers |
| Enterprise Limits | Consolidated ad-revenue attribution gated |
Setup and onboarding
Singular uses a client-side SDK implementation paired with no-code data connectors and ETL pipelines, as described in the Singular Help Center. App tracking links become functional once the SDK or server-to-server integration is deployed, according to the Singular Onboarding Guide.
Pricing structure
Singular structures its entry plans around conversion volumes:
- Free plan: Includes up to 15,000 paid conversions, as listed on Singular pricing.
- Growth plan: Billed at $0.05 per conversion according to third-party reporting by ClickPatrol.
- Contract terms: Specific month-to-month contract terms and cancellation flexibility are not publicly detailed in official documentation.
Analytics and deep linking
Singular includes dynamic, deferred, and universal deep links alongside baseline fraud protection across all tiers, as documented on Singular pricing. Reporting includes revenue and ROI cohort metrics, as outlined in the Singular Onboarding Guide. However, consolidated ad-revenue attribution from multiple ad networks and mediation partners is restricted to Enterprise tiers.
6. Adjust: Scaled measurement suite with quote-based pricing
Adjust provides app attribution, campaign analytics, and cybersecurity solutions for mobile growth teams.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Allowance | Free tier up to 1,500 attributions |
| Pricing Model | Custom quote-based pricing |
| Deep Linking | TrueLink multi-platform journeys |
| Fraud Tools | Integrated fraud prevention suite |
| Onboarding | Guided setup via Technical Account Manager |
Setup and onboarding
Adjust offers online registration alongside sales demo requests, as documented in the Adjust Beginner's Guide. Developers integrate the Adjust SDK to establish real-time attribution data streams, while partner and channel configuration frequently directs teams to work with a Technical Account Manager, as outlined in the Adjust Help Center.
Pricing structure
Adjust utilizes custom packaging:
- Base allowance: Provides a free allowance for up to 1,500 monthly attributions, as reported in Airbridge pricing research.
- Paid pricing: Plans transition to custom quotes based on tracking requirements, as noted by ClickPatrol.
- Contract terms: Public month-to-month terms and baseline price cards are not published.
Analytics and deep linking
Adjust tracks post-install user sessions, retention rates, and in-app purchase events, as described in the Adjust Beginner's Guide. Deep linking is supported across mobile, web, and desktop via TrueLink, while automated fraud filters block invalid traffic before it impacts conversion metrics, as detailed on Adjust.
How to choose an attribution platform for lean subscription apps
Selecting an attribution platform depends on your team's ad spend, engineering capacity, and current analytics stack.
| Team Profile | Recommended Strategy |
|---|---|
| Fast Setup & No Sales Friction | Prioritize platforms with public pricing, self-serve SDK docs, and no annual lock-in (e.g., Airbridge Core). |
| Primary Deep Linking & Content Routing Focus | Evaluate routing capabilities across edge cases and email/SMS flows (e.g., Branch). |
| Multi-Network Conversion Exploration | Review conversion allowances on free tiers (e.g., Singular Free or AppsFlyer Zero). |
1. Match billing structure to campaign budgets
When managing monthly budgets under $5,000 across channels like Meta, Google, TikTok, Apple Search Ads, Unity Ads, Moloco, or Appier, avoid long-term financial commitments before confirming attribution accuracy.
- Choose platforms with published rates and month-to-month billing terms (such as Airbridge's $40+/mo Core model) to align software costs directly with ad volume.
- If evaluating per-conversion pricing (such as AppsFlyer Growth at $0.07 or Singular Growth at $0.05), estimate your monthly install and conversion volume to anticipate scaling costs.
2. Verify subscription stack compatibility
For subscription apps using RevenueCat, Adapty, or Superwall, attribution data must tie ad spend directly to trials, conversions, and renewals.
- Ensure the MMP ingests server-side subscription events to distinguish between low-cost installs and high-LTV subscribers.
- Confirm whether conversion funnels, retention cohorts, and revenue views are accessible in the base tier or restricted to custom enterprise plans.
3. Evaluate developer integration overhead
Small development teams should evaluate the complexity of SDK implementation:
- Look for straightforward client-side SDKs with complete documentation that allow engineers to finish setup in hours rather than weeks.
- Verify whether the platform requires continuous manual intervention from dedicated account managers to activate standard tracking links and ad postbacks.
FAQS
Frequently asked questions
Which mobile attribution platforms offer month-to-month billing with no annual contract?
Airbridge offers documented month-to-month billing on its Core plan ($40+/mo with 500,000 data points included) with no annual contract and anytime cancellation, as confirmed in the Airbridge Help Center. AppsFlyer provides pay-as-you-go flexibility on its Growth plan at $0.07 per conversion, as detailed on the AppsFlyer pricing page. Other providers, such as Adjust, require custom sales quotes for paid tiers.
Can an MMP be set up without speaking to a sales team?
Yes. Platforms like Airbridge allow teams to register an account, start a 30-day free trial, access SDK documentation, and deploy tracking links without booking a demo or completing a sales qualification call, as noted on Airbridge. Branch and AppsFlyer also offer self-guided signups and introductory trials, although full network activation may require additional administrative configuration.
How should a team spending under $5,000 a month on ads budget for mobile attribution?
Teams with ad budgets under $5,000 should look for attribution models that scale with actual event or conversion volume rather than enterprise minimum commitments. Options include free conversion allowances (such as Singular's 15,000 conversion allowance or AppsFlyer Zero's first-year tier) or low-cost usage plans like Airbridge Core ($40+/mo for 500,000 data points), which allow teams to measure return on ad spend without substantial software overhead.
Does deep linking require a separate contract from campaign attribution?
Packaging varies across providers. Singular includes dynamic and deferred deep linking in every plan, as listed on Singular pricing. Airbridge includes deferred deep links and tracking links directly within its Core plan, as noted on the Airbridge Core Plan page. AppsFlyer and Kochava offer dedicated deep-linking solutions alongside their attribution products.
Which MMPs include cohort and revenue analytics in entry plans?
Airbridge Core includes partial reporting across actuals, trend, active-user, funnel, retention, and revenue views, with support for RevenueCat and Adapty subscription data, as outlined in the Airbridge ROI guide. AppsFlyer Zero provides retention, cohort, and basic LTV analytics, according to CheckThat AI. In Singular, general ROI cohort metrics are available in reporting, but consolidated ad-revenue attribution from multiple ad networks requires an Enterprise plan, as documented in the Singular Onboarding Guide.
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