AI Pricing Models: Per-Seat vs Per-Use vs Outcome (2026)

Originally published at korixinc.com . AI pricing in 2026 splits into six models: per-seat, per-token (usage), per-ticket, per-resolution (outcome-based), hybrid (base + overage), and bespoke (capex). Per-seat is collapsing — 21% to 15% of SaaS in 12 months. Hybrid is the new industry standard at 41% adoption. The cheapest model at trial is rarely the cheapest at 12-month or 36-month scale. I've spent 19 years building software systems, the last several focused on AI implementation for service b