22 January 2026
MDPI have announced the launch of JAMS’s [their production/hosting system] freemium pricing model, “marking a pivotal moment” in making professional journal management accessible to publishers worldwide. This strategic shift transforms JAMS from a traditional fee-based platform to offering free access to enterprise-grade publishing tools for journals publishing up to 20 manuscripts annually.
This new freemium model aims to address the challenges faced by small and independent publishers, especially those in the Global South, Diamond Open Access journals, and emerging publications that have been priced out of professional submission systems. Unlike traditional platforms that charge fees from the first submission, JAMS now provides a comprehensive publishing solution at no cost for qualifying journals.
“Introducing a Freemium model is a perfect continuation of our commitment to supporting small and independent publishers, providing them with accessible, professional-level tools for both new and established journals”, said Silvano Bonfatti, Product Manager at JAMS.
The new pricing structure featrues two primary tiers designed for publishers at different stages of their journey:
- Starter Tier (with our Freemium Option): for small independent journals and new publishers, offering free access to the complete JAMS submission and peer review platform for journals publishing up to 20 manuscripts annually. Beyond this threshold, the fee is just $27 per accepted manuscript.
- Premium Tier: Tailored for established commercial publishers and societies, providing dedicated migration support and custom development capabilities at $36 per accepted manuscript.
Publishers interested in exploring JAMS’s freemium model can access the new pricing calculator at jams.pub, allowing them to simulate costs based on their specific needs and eligibility for discount programs.
For more information about JAMS and its commitment to empowering scholarly publishers, visit jams.pub or contact the team at contact@jams.pub.