# Should mobile apps offer a cheaper web checkout CTA?

Author: Ali Abouelatta
Source date: 2026-06-02
Tags: monetization, pricing, web checkout, paywall
HTML: https://lazyweb.com/research/soundcloud-web-checkout-discount
Markdown: https://lazyweb.com/research/soundcloud-web-checkout-discount.md

## Primary visual

Local image URL: https://lazyweb.com/research-assets/soundcloud-web-checkout-discount/01-control-vs-experiment.png
Original image URL: https://www.lazyweb.com/research-assets/soundcloud-web-checkout-discount/01-control-vs-experiment.png
Alt text: Side-by-side SoundCloud paywall comparison with a web-savings checkout option on the left and a price-first offer on the right.
Image description: Lazyweb Research comparison showing SoundCloud moving from an icon-led trial screen with web savings to a photo-led price-first subscription offer.

Short answer: A cheaper web checkout CTA can work when the savings are simple enough to understand. SoundCloud tested a mobile paywall that included a web-savings option, then moved to a more price-first layout that traded extra discount routing for faster comprehension.

## Evidence

Lazyweb Research compared SoundCloud screenshots where a web-checkout savings path competed with a later price-first paywall treatment.

## What changed

- Control: icon-led trial screen with a web-savings option.
- Experiment: photo-led, price-first subscription offer.
- The experiment reduced discount-path complexity in favor of quicker price comprehension.

## Why it matters

- Web checkout savings can reduce platform fees, but the paywall still has to stay easy to understand.
- If the route adds too much cognitive load, a simpler price-first offer may be easier to act on.

## Sources

- [1] Lazyweb Research: Most up to date mobile A/B test library tracking +1000 apps weekly. [Get access here](https://www.lazyweb.com/monetization#buy)