ApsaraDB for ClickHouse supports two billing methods: Subscription and Pay-as-you-go. Choose based on how long you plan to use the cluster and how predictable your resource needs are.
Billing methods
| Billing method | How it works | Best for | Switching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay upfront when you purchase a cluster. Longer commitment periods unlock larger discounts. | Long-term, stable workloads where cost predictability matters. | Cannot switch to pay-as-you-go. |
| Pay-as-you-go | Use resources before you pay for them. Bills are generated hourly based on actual usage. Release the cluster based on your business requirements to stop charges. | Short-term or variable workloads, such as development and testing. | Can switch to subscription when your usage becomes predictable. |
Switching from subscription to pay-as-you-go is not supported. If you start with a subscription cluster, you cannot convert it to pay-as-you-go.
If you cancel a subscription cluster during its subscription period, see Refund rules and procedures for more information.
Choose a billing method
Choose subscription if you run ApsaraDB for ClickHouse continuously for months or years. Subscription is more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go for long-term usage, and longer periods earn deeper discounts.
Choose pay-as-you-go if you are testing the service, running a short-term project, or cannot predict your monthly resource needs. When your usage stabilizes, switch to subscription to save costs.