GetStream Pricing vs. CometChat: See how much you could save with CometChat

Choosing the right chat and calling SDK for your app can be a complex decision, especially when pricing is unclear or difficult to compare. In this blog, we break down Stream’s pricing structure across its chat and video offerings, helping you make an informed decision so you can choose the best solution for your app’s needs. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Stream’s pricing plans overview

Stream’s pricing for chat is structured around tiered MAU plans with a relatively high entry point compared to some competitors. They also separately bill for video and live streaming, which adds another pricing dimension to consider.

Chat and messaging

Stream provides four main chat pricing tiers based on monthly active users (MAUs):

These plans include core chat features and unlimited message storage, but other functions such as advanced moderation and AI image moderation are additional paid options or require higher plan tiers.

Stream charges per-MAU overages if your usage exceeds the base allowance for your tier. It also includes a set number of peak concurrent connections (PCC) with overage rates applied for additional concurrent connections.

Calling and live streaming

Stream’s video and live streaming product uses a pay-as-you-go model based on participant minutes, meaning you pay for actual usage rather than a flat fee:

Pricing ranges from approximately $0.30 to $12 per 1,000 participant minutes, depending on resolution and feature options.

A $100 free credit is provided for initial usage on video and audio.

This model provides flexibility, but it also means that high engagement can lead to added costs that vary with actual usage rather than a predictable monthly fee.

Hidden and variable costs to consider

While Stream’s base plans bundle many essential capabilities, there are several cost factors outside the base MAU fees that can materially impact total spend:

Metered media and storage costs

Although message storage is listed as “unlimited” in base plans, media transfer and storage are metered:

These costs are not part of a flat fee and grow with usage. For chat apps with heavy media sharing, this will increase total monthly spend.

Moderation beyond basic tools

Stream includes basic moderation features at lower plan levels, such as pattern filtering and basic content rules. However:

Advanced moderation capabilities, including spam detection, semantic filtering, and AI-powered image moderation, are offered either as paid add-ons at the higher tiers or through separate moderation APIs with usage fees.

This means teams that require robust content safety tooling will likely need elevated plans or additional spend beyond the base chat tier.

Concurrent connections and MAU overages

Each paid tier includes a defined number of peak concurrent connections (PCC). If your application spikes above these concurrent limits, additional overage charges apply at incremental rates.

These concurrent overages are separate from MAU charges and add another variable component to your monthly bill—especially for real-time heavy use cases such as live events or collaborative applications.

Production readiness costs

While the Developer plan allows early testing at up to 100 MAUs, it is not suitable for production. Smaller teams with only a few hundred or thousand chat users must still select a 10,000 MAU tier, resulting in paying for unused capacity.

This pricing structure creates a higher entry cost for modestly scaled products compared to platforms with more granular pricing tiers.

How does StreamChat’s pricing compare with other chat SDKs?

Stream’s pricing model is consistent with enterprise-focused chat providers but differs in how entry tiers and add-on costs are structured.

The minimum production-ready tier starts at around $499/month for 10,000 MAUs, which can be expensive for early-stage products with fewer active users. SaaSworthy

Media handling and advanced moderation are separate cost items that grow with usage.

Some competitors offer lower minimum thresholds or more comprehensive inclusions within base plans.

Conclusion

Stream offers a powerful infrastructure for chat and video, backed by a global network and compliance certifications. However, its high entry point for production, metered media costs, advanced moderation gating, and variable overage charges create multiple cost dimensions that teams must manage carefully.

For smaller products or early-stage apps, the requirement to start at 10,000 MAUs and the separate billing for media and moderation can make Stream less flexible. Additionally, teams with heavy content safety requirements or high concurrent usage may incur significant additional costs as they scale.

Platforms like CometChat, by contrast, provide lower initial thresholds, unified pricing for chat and calling, and inclusive core features such as unlimited media and built-in moderation within base plans—a model that can be easier to forecast and scale.

Choosing the right solution will depend on your product’s scale, media usage patterns, and content safety needs, but understanding Stream’s pricing nuances is crucial for accurate budgeting and long-term planning.

Ready to explore further? Sign up, schedule a call, or try our interactive demo today!

Haris Kumar

Lead Content Strategist , CometChat

Haris brings nearly half a decade of expertise in B2B SaaS content marketing, where he excels at developing strategic content that drives engagement and supports business growth. His deep understanding of the SaaS landscape allows him to craft compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences. Outside of his professional pursuits, Haris enjoys reading, trying out new dishes and watching new movies!