Per-user pricing is a licensing model that charges according to the number of users covered by a service or security product. In cybersecurity, it is common for tools such as secure web gateways, endpoint platforms, and identity services, where each employee or account needs protection. The appeal is that costs are easy to estimate and usually scale with headcount, making procurement and budgeting straightforward.
This model matters because it can shape both defense and risk management. A low per-user entry price can make it easier to roll out a control quickly, but costs can rise fast as organizations add staff, contractors, or partners. Security teams also have to watch for uncovered users, since unlicensed accounts may fall outside policy enforcement. In vendor comparisons, per-user pricing often signals simple adoption, while feature depth, integration work, and total cost of ownership still determine whether the product is the right fit.