Echo
Open-source Billing and Auth solution for AI apps.
About Echo
Echo, developed by Merit Systems, is an innovative open-source billing and authentication solution tailored for AI applications. As of 2026, Echo stands out by providing developers with a seamless way to monetize their AI apps without bearing the upfront costs. This tool is designed to facilitate user-based billing, ensuring that developers earn a profit on every token consumed by their users. By integrating Echo, developers can effortlessly manage authentication and billing processes, allowing them to focus on enhancing their AI applications. Echo's unique selling proposition lies in its ability to unify multiple AI models behind a single gateway, offering a streamlined experience for developers. With its open-source nature, Echo fosters a community-driven approach, allowing for continuous improvements and customizations. The tool's compatibility with popular frameworks like Next.js and React further enhances its appeal, making it a versatile choice for developers aiming to integrate billing solutions into their AI apps efficiently. In a landscape where AI applications are rapidly evolving, Echo provides a reliable and scalable solution that caters to the dynamic needs of developers and businesses alike.
Echo Key Features
- Usage-based billing: Charge users based on their actual usage of AI resources.
- Open-source framework: Fully customizable and modifiable to fit specific app needs.
- Token consumption tracking: Monitor and report on tokens consumed by each user.
- User authentication: Securely manage user access and identity verification.
- Revenue reporting: Generate detailed reports on earnings and user activity.
Echo Pricing Plans (2026)
Free
- Open-source platform
- User-based billing
- Unified AI gateway
- Managed authentication
- Zero-cost infrastructure
- Requires technical setup
- Community support
Echo Pros
- + Open-source nature allows for extensive customization and community collaboration.
- + User-based billing model eliminates upfront costs for developers.
- + Unified AI gateway simplifies integration across multiple AI models.
- + Managed authentication enhances security and user experience.
- + Zero-cost infrastructure maximizes developer profits.
- + Rapid deployment with minimal code changes.
Echo Cons
- − May require technical expertise to fully customize and integrate.
- − Limited to AI applications, not suitable for non-AI app developers.
- − Potential dependency on community support for updates and bug fixes.
- − Initial setup might be complex for non-technical users.
- − Requires monitoring of user balances to prevent service disruption.
Echo Use Cases
What Makes Echo Unique
Open-source Flexibility
Echo's open-source nature allows developers to tailor the tool to their specific needs, unlike many proprietary solutions.
Unified AI Model Gateway
Echo offers a single gateway for multiple AI models, simplifying integration and management compared to competitors.
Zero-cost Infrastructure
Echo's unique billing model ensures developers do not incur infrastructure costs, a distinct advantage over traditional billing solutions.
Rapid Deployment
With minimal code changes required, Echo enables faster deployment than many other billing solutions.
Community-driven Development
Echo benefits from community contributions, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
Who's Using Echo
AI SaaS Companies
These companies use Echo to manage user billing and authentication, ensuring a seamless user experience while maintaining profitability.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities integrate Echo to manage student access to AI resources, ensuring fair usage and cost control.
AI Research Labs
Research labs use Echo to manage resource allocation and billing, optimizing their research processes and budgets.
Freelance Developers
Freelancers developing AI applications use Echo to implement efficient billing systems, allowing them to focus on development rather than administrative tasks.
Consultancy Firms
Consultancy firms offering AI solutions use Echo to handle client billing, ensuring transparency and accuracy in charges.
How We Rate Echo
Echo vs Competitors
Echo vs Online Receipt Maker
Echo provides a more specialized solution for AI applications, focusing on user-based billing and authentication, while Online Receipt Maker offers broader receipt generation services.
- + Open-source flexibility
- + Zero-cost infrastructure
- + Unified AI gateway
- − Less focus on general receipt generation
- − Requires technical expertise for customization
Echo Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
What is Echo?
Echo is an open-source billing and authentication solution designed for AI applications, allowing developers to implement user-based billing systems.
How much does Echo cost in 2026?
Echo is free by default, with a 2.5% fee on profits.
Is Echo free?
Yes, Echo is free to use with a 2.5% fee on profits generated.
Is Echo worth it in 2026?
Echo is worth considering in 2026 due to its open-source flexibility, cost efficiency, and robust feature set tailored for AI applications.
Best Echo alternatives in 2026?
Alternatives include Online Receipt Maker, Butterfish, and Taskbase, each offering different features and pricing models.
Echo vs competitors in 2026?
Echo stands out for its open-source nature and zero-cost infrastructure, while competitors may offer more extensive official support.
How to get started with Echo?
To get started with Echo, integrate it into your app with minimal code changes and configure your billing settings.
What platforms does Echo support?
Echo supports integration with frameworks like Next.js and React, making it versatile for various development environments.
Is Echo safe and secure?
Echo provides robust security features, though developers should ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Who should use Echo?
Echo is ideal for developers of AI applications, educational institutions, research labs, and consultancy firms.
What's new in Echo 2026?
In 2026, Echo continues to enhance its features, focusing on improved integration capabilities and community-driven updates.
How does Echo compare to alternatives?
Echo offers unique advantages like open-source flexibility and zero-cost infrastructure, while alternatives may provide different support and pricing models.
Echo on Hacker News
VS Code Extension
Echo Company
Echo Quick Info
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Upvotes
- 18
- Added
- January 3, 2026
Echo Is Best For
- AI SaaS Developers
- Educational Institutions
- AI Research Labs
- Freelance Developers
- Consultancy Firms
Echo Integrations
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