Competitor Paywall Analysis
Paywalls are the highest-leverage screen in the app. Steal the best, avoid the worst.
What to capture for each competitor
Screenshot
Get the FULL paywall screen. If it has multiple steps (e.g., trial timeline -> plans -> confirm), screenshot each.
Document the offer
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger | After what action does paywall appear? |
| Plans offered | Weekly/monthly/yearly/lifetime |
| Default highlighted plan | Which is pre-selected? |
| Anchor pricing | Highest price shown to make others look cheap |
| Trial length | 3/7/14 days |
| Trial structure | Free trial -> charge OR paid trial $0.99 -> $X |
| Urgency tactic | Countdown? Limited time? Discount expires? |
| Social proof | "Used by 1M+", testimonials, ratings |
| Guarantee | Money-back? Satisfaction? |
Document the copy
- Headline (the big text at top)
- Sub-headline
- Feature bullet list (what's included)
- Trial timeline visual ("Day 1: Free... Day 7: Charged $X")
- Restore/cancel link visibility (compliance)
- CTA button copy
Pattern library to look for
High-converting patterns
- Trial timeline (Cal AI style): visual showing "today: free, day 5: reminder, day 7: charged"
- Anchor + highlight: weekly $9.99, yearly $59.99 (highlighted as "BEST VALUE, save 88%")
- Social proof above fold: "2.3M happy users", App Store rating badge
- Specific outcome: "Save 5kg in 30 days" beats "Get fit"
Anti-patterns (avoid)
- No restore button visible (Apple rejects)
- Cancel hidden 6 taps deep
- Urgency timer that doesn't actually expire
- "Limited offer" that's always there
- Auto-charging trial without clear preview
Output format
markdown# Paywall: [Competitor Name] [screenshot.png] ## The offer - Trigger: After 3rd workout logged - Plans: - Weekly $9.99 (anchor) - Yearly $59.99 (default, "save 88%") - Trial: 7-day free, full refund window - Visual: Timeline (Day 1 -> Day 5 reminder -> Day 7 charge) ## Copy - Headline: "Unlock unlimited workouts" - Sub: "Join 2.3M users transforming their bodies" - Bullets: - Unlimited custom workouts - AI form coach - Apple Watch sync - No ads - CTA: "Start 7-Day Free Trial" ## Patterns they use - [x] Anchor + highlight - [x] Social proof - [x] Trial timeline - [x] Restore visible - [x] Cancel link visible - [x] Apple Sign In to skip account creation ## What I'd steal - Trial timeline visual - Specific outcome subhead ## What I'd skip - The "save 88%" math is sketchy ($9.99/wk = $519/yr, $59.99 isn't 88% off real demand)
Where to apply
- Use
design-paywallskill to mock up your version - Use
revenuecat-paywall-builderto ship it via Paywalls v2 - A/B test your version against theirs via Superwall (
superwall-rn)


