> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pricing FAQ

> Information about Alter plans, billing, fair use, and device limits

Use this reference when users ask about plans, billing, fair use, discounts, or device limits.

Scope: all money/plan policy questions, including trial terms and licensing limits.
For product capabilities and setup flows use `references/general-faq.md` and `references/faq-core.md`.

## Plans At A Glance

* **Free (\$0)**: All core Alter features with your own API keys or local models. No credit card required.
* **Local+ (add-on)**: Advanced local voice models (Whisper Pro and Parakeet V3), up to 3 devices.
* **Pro (subscription)**: Managed access to 50+ cloud models, router models (Best/Fast/Light), API gateway, remote tools, priority support.
* **Lifetime (one-time)**: Same access level as subscription plan without recurring billing.

## Trial And Free Usage

### Is Alter really free?

Yes. Alter is free to use with core features when using local models or your own API keys.

### What happens after the 7-day trial?

After trial, the app remains functional with BYOK/local usage. Paid plans remove upgrade prompts and provide managed model access.

## Unlimited And Fair Use

### What does "Unlimited" mean?

Paid plans include unlimited requests in Alter app, subject to fair use policy.

### How does fair use work?

* Uses a monthly budget system, not strict message caps.
* If budget is exceeded, requests may route to lower-cost models with in-app indication.
* API gateway has a daily limit (200 requests/day), then throttles to 1 request per 10 minutes.
* Heavy-use autonomous coding agent traffic is prohibited under policy.

## Routers

### What is Alter Light?

A router focused on speed/cost by selecting lite/flash models.

### What is Alter Best?

A balanced router that selects strong models (for example Sonnet-family) for quality and speed.

### What is Alter Fast?

A speed-first router prioritizing very high throughput models.

## Devices And Licensing

### Can I use Alter on multiple devices?

Yes, with all plans. Active use is limited to one device at a time for a single user.

### Device limits by plan

* **Local+**: up to 3 devices installed
* **Pro/Lifetime**: unlimited installs
* **All plans**: one active device at a time; no license sharing

## Discounts

### Student / Academic discount

Available. Contact `hi@alterhq.com` from your university email.

### Non-profit discount

Available. Contact `hi@alterhq.com` with organization details.

## Support Guidance For Responses

* Be explicit about the difference between **free core app** and **managed paid model access**.
* Mention fair use and API gateway limits when users ask about "unlimited".
* Include single-user licensing language when device-sharing is asked.
* Point users to billing/support: `hi@alterhq.com`.

## Related Documentation

* [Pricing FAQ](/references/pricing-faq)
* [API Gateway Guide](/api-router/api-gateway)