Torn on how to release my software project

For the last 2 years, I have been building a very comprehensive front end solution on top of an open-source linux command line utility. I believe it has good market potential.

Several in the community say I should open-source it. (I am sure they would love it for free.) I know there are ways to make money off open-source but I believe it is much harder to do so such as donations, extended features, and even things like Patreon.

I have thought about making the software free for limited use, and then pay to open it up. I have also thought about selling it through Code Canyon.

Does anyone have any tips on how to analyze the best route? This is the first ever produced for the 'public', however I have been programming and developing software GUIs for private solutions for 25+ years.

​

​