5 Best Gumroad Alternatives that are Cheaper and Better (2023) (source: Gumroad)
The last update was December 20 20, 2022
Version 1.0 UpdateAs of December 2022, Gumroad is announcing a price increase and will charge a 10% flat per sale you make on the platform (plus additional transaction fees from Paypal and Stripe). If you're affected by this shocking news and contemplating switching to another platform Here's a checklist of Gumroad alternatives that you'll definitely have to look into!
Gumroad is one of the most popular platforms to sell digital goods. It offers a hosted storefront so you can offer digital goods online for sale in just a few minutes. Gumroad also comes with other options like the ability to sell subscriptions, integration of Paypal and Stripe, and many more.
However, it has drawbacks that turn people off to staying on the platform. Review sites have proven among other issues, Gumroad's expensive pricing, lack of customer support, and lack of scalability to handle large volumes of sales have led users to migrate to other platforms.
In this piece we'll look at Gumroad's best alternatives for selling digital products in order to take a shrewd decision about your company. There are many options that are perfect for businesses which are only beginning however, we've considered scalability in mind so you don't have change platforms when your business expands.
Below is a short overview of the top Gumroad choices that's cheaper and better:
What exactly is Gumroad and What does it Offer?
Gumroad can be described as an eCommerce platform that is geared towards digital products. Gumroad offers a variety of options, including the capability to market various product types including digital downloads and subscriptions. Additionally, it provides marketing and analytics tools and the capability to integrate product pages on your website.
Gumroad is a great choice. Gumroad, you'll have an entirely hosted online store which you can sell your products via. Gumroad also offers a tiny online marketplace known as "Gumroad Discover" which allows you to display your listings of products among other creators.
How Much Does Gumroad Cost?
Gumroad will charge you 10% of the amount per sale it makes on its platform.
Furthermore, you'll have to also pay transaction fees through Paypal and Stripe which usually cost around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
It is important to note that Gumroad was using a different pricing structure prior to 2023, but they had since settled on this new pricing structure going forward.
Why should you look for Gumroad Alternatives?
1. Pricey Pricing and the Lack of Scalability
Gumroad's standard rate of 10% charge for each sale can be extremely expensive for businesses who are only beginning their journey, however it's even more expensive as your business grows because your costs will only rise as a percentage of the revenue.
Imagine making $100,000 per month while having to cover fees of $10,000 - it doesn't seem like a lot of fun at all. Furthermore, the 10% fee does notinclude additional Stripe and Paypal costs (which generally cost between 2.9 percent plus $0.30 per transaction) that you also need to pay.
2. Inability to Customize
While Gumroad offers a fully hosted online storefront for you to sell your goods on, you won't be able to customize the appearance of your online store in order to reflect your brand. Gumroad has a distinctive design for its storefronts that is used on the sellers' storefronts. All you have to do is modify on your storefront is one color for your highlight and a few small customizations like the name of your business, bio and logo.
As a contrast, the alternative platforms presented in this post have sophisticated store builder capabilities which are user-friendly for beginners (no coding or design skills required) however, they're in a position to provide you with complete freedom in creating a highly converting online store that matches your branding.
3. Find Better Alternatives to sell online courses
If you're selling items like digital downloads, Gumroad is generally quite efficient in delivering the downloads to customers. However, if you're still running online courses, this platform doesn't offer the robust capabilities that other online course platforms typically offer.
Gumroad's online course feature allows you to upload a video or other files that your students can download and then click on to watch the video. However, this isn't exactly the interactive educational experience you'd like to get through an online learning platform. There are no advanced course features such as assessments and drip schedules, as well as certification of achievement.
Here's an example from a student's learning experience
Here's an example of an engaging learning experience with different lesson format options would appear to be (the above example is from ):
Specific Features to Search For in an Gumroad Alternative
If you are looking for a replacement to Gumroad, there are a number of essential aspects to be considered.
1. Features to Sell Various Product Types
Does the platform have the necessary tools to market diverse digital products? This can help you increase your source of income from various verticals. Think about features like:
- Digital downloads can be sold with features that include immediate file delivery pdf stamping, download limitations, and other features.
- Features to sell online course: engaging online course player that includes a variety of different types of lesson (e.g. assignment videos, video lessons or assignments), drip content schedule different pricing options for course, certificates, and more
- Features to sell coaching service Integration with online meeting platforms like Zoom and Calendly, and more
- Features to sell subscription or membership: ability to charge recurring payment
Additionally, you should look for the flexibility to embed product pages on your website. This allows you to embed an online shopping cart as well as a seamless checkout functionality into any web page.
2. Cheap Price (Little to No Upfront Costs)
What is the take to complete a transaction? Do you have any monthly charges such as hidden charges, limit?
Choose platforms that boast good records of solid pricing structures. While many companies will offer you a reasonable pricing plan at the start, you'd want to make certain that you don't have sudden price hikes later on.
3. Robust Marketing Tools
Apart from basic marketing tools, such as discount coupons, you must look for a platform that offers more advanced and effective marketing tools, like affiliate marketing. It allows you to conduct various marketing campaigns to scale the size of your business.
It is the sole alternative on this list which offers affiliate marketing feature for free Some platforms also charge monthly subscription fees to use these features.
4. Beginner-Friendly and Fully-Customizable Store Builder
In the digital age, an online store or website is critical for any firm or company to boost customer loyalty and display their professionalism. If done correctly creating your own site can not only set you on the right path to becoming an expert within your industry, but it can it can also build connections with your customers since they are able to know about the company's brand better.
Find platforms that permit you to build a fully customized online store to present your company in the most professional possible manner. There are plenty of options that do not need any programming or design abilities.
5. The Tax Department will take care of VAT, so You Won't Have To
The dread of having to navigate the confusing taxation system can prevent you from expanding your company and slowing down your expansion. You should consider a system which is fully compliant so that you can not just collect VAT from your clients at checkout, but also remit VAT for you which means you do not have to lift a finger.
5 Best Gumroad Solutions for Selling Digital Products
Let's review several of the best alternatives to Gumroad when it comes to selling digital items. Every platform has its own unique characteristics and pricing plans so it's important to compare these carefully before you make your decision.
1.
is the best Gumroad alternative for value and affordability.
is easily the most well-known platform and often gets compared to Gumroad because they're the closest Gumroad rival that has the same features Gumroad has to offer with way more affordable pricing that is perfect for businesses regardless of size.
The platform is well-known due to its forever-free program that grants sellers access ALL of the tools that the platform has to provide. Instead of the hefty 10% that Gumroad charges just 5% for every sale. When your sales increase, you can move to a monthly subscription for a lower cost. It is not necessary to worry about scaling your business .
If you're looking for an organization that's dedicated to the success of your company, this is the best choice.
PRICING:
disrupted the industry by providing an unconventional pricing plan which is designed to assist small companies succeed while also ensuring that businesses will keep their costs low as they grow to become million-dollar businesses.
There are three pricing plans:
- Forever-free with 5% fees (perfect for beginners)
- $29/month with 2% fees
- A monthly payment of $99 with no charges
Why is the pricing "unconventional"? That's because all of pricing plans provide an equal access privilege to ALL of their incredible capabilities. The founders of's company came up by embracing a belief that they can succeed in establishing a platform which assists small-scale businesses through never having to limit their access to the advanced tools they require. This belief is well-received by the majority of buyers on its online reviews.
If you're only starting out it's possible to start with the most well-known Plan, Free for Lifewith no fees per month and the 5% fee per transaction (excluding shipping charges). If your company grows then you'll be able to switch to 's Plus plan at $29 per month for monthly fees plus the 2% fee per sale, or to the Pro plan with $99 for month fee (no other fees per sale).
has maintained this pricing for a long time, so customers can rest in confidence that this price isn't going anyplace.
PROS :
- This is the cheapest alternative to Gumroad.
- Key features built-in to help sell diverse products, including:
- Unlimitless product listings, and unlimitable revenues
- Improved checkout experience to ensure high conversion
- Easy-to-use and powerful store builders There are no design or coding skills needed
- You can completely personalize your store's online appearance to reflect the brand you want to represent
- Free fully hosted storefront (you may also join to a domain you have created)
- If you have your own site it is easy to embed onto any eCommerce website.
- Payouts instantaneous and safe via Paypal and Stripe
- Pricing options for Pay-what-you-want to your goods (a.k.a. Tip Jar)
- Remits and collects UK & EU VAT on your behalf
- Analytics for the store and ability to connect to Google Analytics
- Bonus: is also highly acknowledged for its support high-quality. Each user gets prioritization regardless of price plans you're currently on.
CONS:
- The shipping label is not integrated with any automated system or software (e.g. Shippo or ShipStation). 's platform is more geared toward digital products, but you can still offer physical items if you would like to.
2. Shopify
Being one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, Shopify is often a well-known Gumroad alternative. Shopify is an online store that lets the creation of your own online store as well as manage your products. Additionally, it offers a vast range of software and features like payment processing, analytics, and marketing tools. In addition, Shopify has a variety of pricing plans that will fit various budgets.
Due to the sheer size of this eCommerce platform, there are thousands of third-party apps spanning across all business categories that can be connected to your Shopify store. This lets you equip your shop online with distinctive software , from tweaking the appearance of your website to marketing tools, and many more. One caveat to note is that the apps typically are not free, so you'll have to manage your expenses carefully.
While Shopify is a strong eCommerce platform but it's offer no offer built-in functions to sell digital products since Shopify's platform is designed towards tangible items. You will have to install additional third-party apps that would potentially add to the cost of selling your digital products.
PRICING:
For businesses with a small budget who wish to try different platforms before selecting one that is suitable for the requirements of their company, Shopify offers a 14-day trial for free. There is no forever free option.
With a monthly cost of $29, the Shopify Basic Plan is the most loved plan. Additional Shopify plans are available for $79/month, $299/month for Advanced Shopify, and $2000/month for Shopify Plus/Enterprise. There is an additional transaction cost that is required per sale.
Like we said, the Shopify platform doesn't have integrated features for selling digital products. Most likely, you'll have to download third-party apps from the Shopify app store , which generally comes at additional fees.
PROS :
- You can access thousands of 3rd party apps through Shopify, the Shopify app store
- Multi-channel sales are supported. This can be particularly useful if you have a brick-and-mortar store
- Shopify is utilized by a variety of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as by content creators who specialize in Shopify content. These communities will probably offer lots of useful tips about online companies
- While Shopify's features aren't sufficient for those selling predominantly digital products but physical sellers may benefit from Shopify's robust eCommerce capabilities
CONS
- The app doesn't have built-in capabilities to sell digital goods. It is necessary to download an app from a third party, and it will most likely come with extra cost. Shopify isn't the best choice for designers.
- The website does not come with any marketing tools like affiliate marketing, referral, upsell, cross-sell, and many more.
3. Kajabi
Kajabi is another popular alternative to Gumroad since it offers an all-in-one platform to sell digital items. The main advantage of Kajabi over Gumroad is that it also permits creators to create communities. However, Kajabi is also famous for the monthly charges which aren't ideal for small businesses that have just started out.
PRICING:
Kajabi offers the option of a 14-day trial period. You will need to input your payment information before you're allowed to begin your trial. trial.
After your trial period is over, you have an option to choose between three paid plans:
- Basic: $149/month
- Growth: $199/month
- Pro: $399/month
A small savings if you opt to sign up for the year-long subscription.
PROS :
- Kajabi is a provider of educational materials to their customers through Kajabi university (although it's worth noting that you're probably going to find this information through free YouTube videos available online)
- The ability to access features that aren't accessible on Gumroad including community services, sales funnels, and many more.
CONS :
- It is not affordable for small-scale business customers
- Complex marketing feature such as affiliate programs are only available in plans like the Growth and Pro plans
- There are numerous limitations on different aspects like the number of items, the amount of contacts, of members, the number of administrators, and so on. Not recommended for those of you who would like to "set-it-and-forget-it" because you'll need to keep track of your usage
4. Podia
Podia is also one of the most popular alternatives for designers. One of the biggest advantages of using Podia is the fact that they provide a lifetime-free plan. However, keep that in mind that you will not be able to upload multiple products on the free plan.
PRICING:
- Free: 8% fees
- Mover: $39/month
- Shaker: $89/month
- Earthquaker: $199/month
PROS :
- Options to market other kinds of products that aren't offered on Gumroad including community-based and webinars
- Chat widget on the page to let you interact with your website customers
CONS :
- The plan for free comes with an 8% transaction cost and you'll only be able to sell 1 digital download (you'll probably need to upgrade to Podia's paid plans to be a fully-functioning eCommerce store)
- Advanced marketing tools like affiliate marketing is only available with the Shaker ($75/month) or the Earthquaker ($166/month) plans.
- There's an additional fee of $20 per month for any additional team seating
- You can't turn off Podia branding unless you pay an annual fee for Shaker ($75/month) or Earthquaker ($166/month) plans
5. Mighty Networks
If you're searching for an Gumroad alternative for establishing a community, sell online classes, or even sell coaches services Mighty Networks is a well-known option. Although this site may not be the best choice for selling digital downloads but you may find this a better Gumroad alternative to sell online courses.
PRICING:
You have a choice between two plans that are paid for:
- The Community Plan is $39/month.
- The plan for business: $119/month
- Mighty Pro: You'll need contact the team to inquire about pricing
PROS :
- Mighty Networks' community feature is more advanced than the other platforms listed in this article, the interface almost mimics what you would see on the social media platforms.
- Members may view one another's posts through content feed which could encourage genuine interaction
CONS
- The absence of solid features for selling product types such as digital downloads
- Course features on online courses aren't as strong as the other online course platforms as they don't offer lesson types such as assessments or quizzes along with certificates of completion
- It is not integrated with PayPal
The Final Thoughts: Finding The Best Alternative For Your Company
Here you go! There's a wide range of Gumroad alternatives to try Don't forget to take advantage of every one of their free trials to see what options offer the best mix of advantages and pricing plans to suit your company's demands.