Billing models
| Webshare | Geonode | |
|---|---|---|
| Proxy lists (datacenter, static) | Monthly or yearly subscription per IP | ISP per IP per month |
| Residential | Monthly GB plans; yearly discounts | Pay as you go (non-expiring) or monthly subscription |
| Datacenter traffic | Per-IP lists | Pay as you go or subscription per GB |
| Scraping API | Not offered | Per-request plans, unlimited plans, pay as you go with a minimum top-up |
| Auto-renewal | Yes, for subscriptions | Yes, for subscriptions; pay as you go balances don't renew |
Renewals and changes
- Webshare: plans renew automatically; you can change size, bandwidth and locations, which may replace IPs. Residential plans are monthly amounts of GB. See Webshare billing and refunds.
- Geonode: subscriptions renew; pay as you go balances stay until used. Note that on some products, downgrading a subscription can forfeit remaining requests on the old plan (stated for its Scraper API at the time of writing), so time changes carefully.
Trials and free options
Webshare offers a permanent free plan (10 datacenter proxies, 1 GB a month). Geonode offers a free Scraper API tier and low-cost paid trials for residential and other products; some trials auto-upgrade unless cancelled. See free plans and trials compared.
Refunds
Webshare describes refunds within a short window (2 days) when usage is very low and the plan is small. Geonode's refund terms depend on the product; read its current policy before buying. On both, the practical approach is the same: test on free plans or trials, buy small first, and decide quickly.
Payment methods
Webshare accepts major cards plus Google Pay and Apple Pay on mobile at the time of writing. Check Geonode's checkout for its current methods. Business buyers should confirm invoicing and tax details with both.
Proxy tip: If you need managed scraping rather than raw proxies, Geonode also sells a Scraper API with a free monthly allowance, which Webshare doesn't offer. More in our complete Geonode guide.
Avoiding surprises
- Put renewal and trial end dates in a calendar.
- Review usage before each renewal.
- Prefer pay as you go (or the free plan) while usage is uncertain.
- Check auto-upgrade terms on trials.
- Keep separate plans per client or project for clean invoices.
Verdict
Webshare is subscription-first with a generous free plan; Geonode adds pay as you go balances that don't expire. For uncertain usage, Geonode's model is more forgiving; for steady usage, Webshare's subscriptions are simple and cheap for per-IP products.
Billing setup checklist
- Company payment method and billing contact on both accounts.
- Invoices sent to a shared finance mailbox.
- Plan owners assigned.
- Renewal dates in a shared calendar.
- Spend alerts configured where available.
Choosing billing models per product
| Product | Steady usage | Variable usage |
|---|---|---|
| Datacenter lists | Webshare subscription, yearly when stable | Webshare monthly, or Geonode per GB |
| ISP IPs | Either, monthly | Either, monthly |
| Residential | Webshare monthly plan or Geonode subscription | Geonode pay as you go |
| Scraping API | Geonode subscription | Geonode pay as you go |
Budget tip: Many teams end up using both: Webshare for cheap per-IP datacenter and static residential lists, Geonode for per-GB residential traffic that doesn't expire. Start with Webshare geo-targeting.
Handling disputes
If a charge looks wrong, check usage logs on your side first, then contact support with dates, plan details and usage numbers. Clear evidence resolves billing questions quickly with any provider.
A real-world example
A startup tests three providers in a week and wants to avoid surprise charges. They use Webshare's free plan (no card), buy a small Geonode residential trial and set a calendar reminder for its end, and read each provider's refund terms before buying anything else. When one test plan isn't needed, they cancel renewal the same day. Total spend for the evaluation is under $20.
Webshare and Geonode are two options among many. Our best proxies in 2026 guide explains how to match a proxy type to each task, and cheap proxies that work shows where budget providers fit.
Key takeaways
- Webshare is subscription-based with a permanent free plan.
- Geonode adds pay as you go balances that don't expire, plus subscriptions.
- Some trials auto-upgrade, and some downgrades forfeit balances, so read terms.
- Refunds are conditional on both; test before buying.
- Assign plan owners and track renewals.
FAQ
Can I pay as I go on Webshare?
Webshare uses subscriptions; its free plan is the no-commitment option.
Do Geonode trials auto-renew?
Some trials auto-upgrade unless cancelled. Check the terms when you start one.
Which has the easier refund policy?
Both have conditions. Read current terms and test before buying.
Can I get a refund for unused bandwidth?
Refund policies have conditions and usually exclude used services; check each provider's terms.
Do subscriptions renew automatically?
Yes, on both, until cancelled.
Which billing model suits agencies?
Subscriptions for steady account IPs, and pay as you go for project-based residential work.
Editorial note: Proxy providers change their pools, features and prices often, so treat any figures here as typical ranges at the time of writing and confirm current terms with the provider before you buy.