If you're a digital creator using Gumroad, you’ve no doubt felt the pinch of high fees eating into your profits. You’ve probably also wished for more control in tailoring your sales funnel and customer experience.
Maybe you’ve never used Gumroad and are curious about whether its benefits are worth the hefty fees.
There’s no doubt it can be a good option for those starting their digital product sales journey. Marketplaces like Gumroad offer the reassurance of an audience and take care of sales tax requirements, allowing you to get on with creating courses, ebooks, music files, subscriptions, and more.
This feels like a load off when you are starting out. You just want to focus on your ideas and whether they have potential.
But—as sales grow and businesses take off, many users are driven to look for alternatives because they want more customization and a less pushy look and feel that's in line with their own branding. And they want a fee structure that rewards high-volume sellers.
We know because we talk to them all the time!
In this article, we’ll review eleven Gumroad alternatives to see how they measure up, who they suit, and which might be the one for you in 2025.
Why choose a Gumroad alternative?
The main reasons for looking for an alternative to Gumroad are cost, payment processor support, and flexibility. Let's take a look in more detail.
Gumroad cost
Gumroad’s transaction fees are steep—a massive 10% fee (with added card fees on top) is taken from every sale you make.
If you are selling at volume, the impact on your profits is huge.
Let’s take a look at how these platform fees mount up for a Gumroad user selling a product priced at $40:
| No. of Sales | Revenue | Platform fee | Card processing (3.49% + $0.49 per transaction) | Total fees | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $40 | $4 | $1.89 | $5.89 | $34.11 |
| 10 | $400 | $40 | $18.86 | $58.86 | $341.14 |
| 100 | $4000 | $400 | $188.60 | $588.60 | $3,411.40 |
| 1000 | $40,000 | $4000 | $1,886 | $5,886 | $34,114 |
| 10000 | $400,000 | $40,000 | $18,860 | $58,860 | $341,140 |
😱 See!? When selling at volume, things get pretty shocking.
PayPal support
Recent changes in payment processing relationships, such as PayPal's decision to limit its offerings with Gumroad and rely on bank payouts to receive funds, have raised big concerns about the platform's future stability and flexibility.
The situation has left users on e-commerce forums very frustrated:
Gumroad flexibility
Another consideration is that Gumroad is a merchant of record (MoR). This makes it a middleman between you and your customers because it owns their data and the buyer/seller relationship - not you.
This complicates direct communication and brand engagement.
While using an MoR has some convenience benefits (they take responsibility for tax collection and help you comply with laws), it will also hinder you from building personal connections with your audience.
You don’t own the relationship; Gumroad does.
Lastly, Gumroad lacks customization options for storefronts and payment processes, leaving many creators feeling constrained in how they present their brands.
Exploring alternatives can give digital sellers more flexibility, lower fees, and better control over customer interactions and branding.
Criteria for reviewing Gumroad alternatives
When reviewing Gumroad alternatives, we’ll evaluate several criteria to help you decide which platform fits your needs. We’ll consider:
- Key features: We’ll highlight each platform's top features and functionality.
- Cost and fees: We’ll look at the pricing structures of each platform, including monthly fees and transaction costs.
- Customization options: We’ll examine how easy it is to customize each platform because greater branding and personalization can significantly increase a seller's chances of generating trust and boosting sales.
- Merchant of Record: We’ll note whether each platform is a MoR, which means they will own the relationship with your buyers.
- Target audience fit: We’ll identify the best audience for each platform. Understanding the ideal user can help determine which platform aligns with your goals and needs.
The 11 best Gumroad alternative platforms
1. Checkout Page
Checkout Page is a no-code solution that enables the creation of fully customizable hosted checkout pages for selling digital products, event tickets, and subscriptions. It puts you in full control of creating a seamless customer checkout experience.
Checkout Page offers simplicity and flexibility, from initial set-up to sales funnel and page creation.
Simply connect up your Stripe account, and you can start selling within minutes using our product and event page designs and library of free templates.
Checkout Page has many features that boost conversion rates, and average order value, such as one-click upsells, order bumps, and discount codes. To reach as many people as possible, we make it simple to set up payment plans, pay as you choose, and a range of billing options.
Checkout Page features
✅ Create fully customizable checkout pages; no-coding skills required
✅ Predictable monthly subscription and no added fees
✅ Fully customizable pages to match your branding
✅ Dedicated event page layouts for selling multiple ticket types
✅ Embed checkout pages on any landing page or website for seamless checkout
✅ Sell digital products with instant download on purchase
✅ No intermediary; all your funds and customer data stay in Stripe
✅ Create custom billing models, e.g., one-time payments, pay in installments, paid trials, free trials, and more
✅ Accept multiple payment methods, such as ApplePay, card, Buy now, pay later
✅ Exceptional customer support; live chat, founder-led
Merchant of record?
✅ Checkout Page is not a merchant of record.
Payment processor used
Stripe
Checkout Page pricing
| Plan | Cost | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $29/month (up to $3K sales volume) $24/month if paid annually | 0% |
| Grow | $99/month (up to $10K sales volume) $83/month if paid annually | 0% |
| Scale | $239/month (up to $30K sales volume) $199/month if paid annually | 0% |
🏆 Great for: Anyone selling digital products, event tickets, or subscriptions who wants to take their business to the next level by optimizing, customizing, and fine-tuning their customer checkout process. They want to do this without relying on a developer or technical team to set up or use the tool.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Sellers who are just starting and don’t yet have an audience might miss a marketplace site's marketing features and traffic.
2. Podia
Podia supports digital sellers with an all-in-one platform integrating course hosting, webinars, and digital downloads. It is popular for educators and content creators looking to monetize their expertise.
Podia features
✅ All-in-one platform combines course hosting, website building, email marketing, and sales tools.
✅ User-friendly interface accessible to all, regardless of technical skill.
✅ Most paid plans offer unlimited storage, bandwidth, and course creation.
✅ Membership features enable tiered memberships, exclusive content, and community building for recurring revenue.
✅ Built-in website builder allows customizable websites, landing pages, and blogs.
✅ Integrated email marketing tools streamline communication and nurture customer relationships.
✅ Affiliate marketing program allows the setup of affiliate partnerships.
✅ Higher-tier plan has 0% transaction fees, maximizing revenue for scaling businesses.
Marchant of record?
✅ Podia is not a merchant of record
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
Podia pricing
| Plan | Costs | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mover | $39/month or $33/month if paid annually | 5% |
| Shaker | $89/month or $75/month if paid annually | 0% |
🏆 Great for: Educators who create and sell online courses will find Podia's course tools effective and easy to use. They can use them to build student engagement and manage content delivery.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Though Podia has basic email marketing capabilities, its tools may be lacking for those looking for more extensive marketing automation or customer segmentation.
3. SendOwl
SendOwl is a platform for digital sellers who want an affordable and user-friendly solution for creating storefronts and selling various digital products, including ebooks, online courses, and subscription-based content.
It has a straightforward pricing structure and seamless integrations, making it suitable for creators looking to maximize their revenue without the complexity of larger e-commerce platforms.
SendOwl features
✅ User-friendly setup process that allows users to start selling digital and physical products quickly.
✅ Users can sell digital products with comprehensive management tools, including music, videos, software, and subscription services.
✅ Includes built-in marketing tools, enabling users to easily share products on social media.
✅ Supports multiple payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe, offering customers various payment options.
✅ Users can set up and manage affiliate programs, tracking sales and commissions automatically to build additional revenue.
✅ Enables users to bundle products for sale and gradually release digital files.
✅ Automated email reminders to entice sales from customers who abandon their carts during checkout.
Merchant of record?
✅ SendOwl is not a merchant of record.
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
SendOwl pricing
| Plan | Cost | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $18/month | 5% fee per order |
| Growth | $37/month | $0.47 fee per order |
| Pro | $89/month | $0.28 fee per order |
🏆 Great for: A creator who frequently launches new products and relies on affiliate marketing would benefit from SendOwl's affiliate management tools.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
SendOwl may be somewhat limited for enterprises that require advanced features such as multi-product inventory management, complex customization, or advanced analytics.
4. Lemon Squeezy
Lemon Squeezy is a merchant of record e-commerce platform tailored for digital sellers, known for its built-in tax handling and VAT compliance, which simplifies the complexities associated with selling digital products across different jurisdictions.
Lemon Squeezy features
✅ Handles tax compliance for its users.
✅ Helps creators build customizable checkout pages, enabling users to reflect their branding.
✅ Supports secure file delivery, ensuring that digital products are protected and delivered only to authorized purchasers.
✅ Users can set up subscription models with flexible billing options to generate recurring revenue streams.
✅ Includes integrated payment processing through various gateways, such as Stripe and PayPal.
✅ Offers affiliate management tools, allowing users to create and manage affiliate programs.
✅ The platform provides detailed analytics and reporting features.
✅ Users can create discount codes and promotions to boost sales.
✅ Includes email marketing integrations.
Merchant of record?
❌ Yes, Lemon Squeezy acts as an intermediary.
Lemon Squeezy pricing
Lemon Squeezy takes 5% + $0.50 per sale.
Additional fees apply:
+1.5% fee for international (outside of the US) transactions
+1.5% fee for PayPal transactions
+0.5% fee for subscription payments
🏆 Great for: LemonSqueezy might appeal to a user who values the convenience of built-in tax handling and VAT compliance while selling digital products across multiple jurisdictions. This convenience wins out for them over the direct relationship with their customers.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
LemonSqueezy may not be the best option for established digital marketers or entrepreneurs who have built a loyal audience and prioritize maintaining a direct relationship with their customers during sales.
💡Learn more: 5 Lemon Squeezy alternatives: Best platforms for selling digital products & subscriptions
5. Sellfy
Sellfy is a user-friendly eCommerce platform tailored for digital and physical product sellers, allowing users to quickly launch online stores for digital products like ebooks and software.
Its features include built-in marketing tools, customizable storefronts, and comprehensive analytics that help sellers promote their products and track performance. It offers straightforward pricing options, including a free plan for beginners.
Sellfy features
✅ User-friendly storefront builder for quick setup and customization.
✅ Integrated payment processing with multiple options for secure transactions.
✅ Digital product delivery with automated access for buyers.
✅ Built-in marketing tools, including discount codes and email marketing.
✅ Analytics dashboard to track sales performance and customer behavior.
✅ Support for physical products alongside digital sales.
✅ Options for print-on-demand services for custom merchandise.
✅ No transaction fees on any plan, maximizing seller profits.
Merchant of record?
✅ Sellfy does not act as merchant of record
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
Sellfy pricing
| Plan | Cost | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $29/month or $22/month paid annually | 0% |
| Business | $79/month or $59/month paid annually | 0% |
| Premium | $159/month or $119/month if paid annually | 0% |
🏆 Great for: Print-on-demand services make it appealing to those who want to offer customized products without the hassle of inventory management. Sellers can easily set up their storefronts, design their products, and enjoy automated fulfillment
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Companies looking for extensive marketing features, in-depth analytics tools, and rich customization options will likely find Sellfy lacking, as it is primarily a basic e-commerce website builder designed for people starting out.
6. Shopify
Shopify is a powerful eCommerce platform that enables digital sellers to create highly customizable online stores using drag-and-drop functionality. Its unique strengths lie in its extensive app ecosystem and multi-channel selling capabilities, allowing users to sell across various platforms, including social media and marketplaces.
Shopify provides an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to scale, selling both digital and physical products.
Shopify features
✅ User-friendly interface for easy online store setup without needing technical expertise.
✅ Wide range of customizable templates to create visually appealing storefronts.
✅ Integrated payment processing through Shopify Payments, eliminating transaction fees for many users.
✅ Extensive app store with thousands of apps that enhance store functionality
✅ Supports various sales channels, enabling sellers to reach customers on social media, marketplaces, and physical stores using Shopify POS.
✅ Analytics and reporting tools to help users track sales performance, customer behavior, and inventory.
✅ Includes built-in SEO features, making it easier for users to optimize their stores for search engines.
Merchant of record?
✅ Shopify itself is not a MoR, unless you are using its 'Managed markets' feature.
Payment processor used
Shopify Payments powered by Stripe
Shopify pricing
| Plan | Cost | Platform fees |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39/month (save 25% by paying yearly) | 0% |
| Shopify | $105/month (save 25% by paying yearly) | 0% |
| Advanced | $399/month (save 25% by paying yearly) | 0% |
| Plus | Starting at $2,300 USD/month *on a 3-year term | 0% |
Note: Shopify currently offers your first month at $1
🏆 Great for: Shopify would suit established entrepreneurs or small—to medium-sized businesses that want to create a professional online store with minimal technical expertise.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Shopify may not be the best fit for new or upcoming store owners sensitive to costs. The platform could be perceived as expensive compared to other options.
Its Starter plan offers limited features best suited for selling on social media rather than providing a comprehensive online storefront.
7. Payhip
Payhip is well-known for its quick and seamless checkout process, which can be easily integrated with websites or linked to blogs and social media pages.
The platform supports selling online courses and digital products with options for one-time or recurring payments, making it suitable for hosting paid membership programs.
Payhip features
✅ Enables users to create a smooth checkout experience, allowing customers to complete their purchases quickly.
✅ Makes it easy for coaches to sell and set up 1:1 sessions with clients.
✅ Integrates easily with blogs, websites, and social media pages, enabling sellers to promote their products.
✅ Offers the ability to sell digital products and online courses, allowing creators to monetize their content.
✅ Sellers can set up one-time or recurring payment options, making it ideal for offering subscriptions or membership programs.
✅ Affiliate marketing features allow users to create affiliate programs, increasing sales through commission-based promotions.
✅ Detailed analytics and reporting tools, enabling sellers to track sales performance, customer behavior, and product trends.
Merchant of record?
✅ Payhip is not a merchant of record
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
Payhip pricing
| Plan | Cost | Platform fees |
|---|---|---|
| Free forever plan | $0/month | 5% |
| Plus plan | $29/month | 2% |
| Pro plan | $99/month | 0% |
🏆 Great for: A new creator or coach would find Payhip user-friendly. It offers a straightforward setup process for selling digital products and online courses. The Free Forever plan allows them to begin selling with no upfront costs, making it an attractive option for those looking to grow their business without financial pressure.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
An established business owner with a larger turnover may find Payhip less suitable. They typically seek a platform that offers more extensive customization, richer functionality, and advanced features and integrations to support their growth.
8. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that sells handmade, vintage, and craft supply products and digital downloads like printables and artwork. It features built-in advertising tools and a ready-made community of buyers who value individuality and creativity. While still a merchant of record, it does have lower fees than Gumroad.
Etsy features
✅ A dedicated marketplace for digital downloads, handmade items, vintage products, and craft supplies.
✅ Easy registration process and intuitive tools for setting up shops.
✅ Built-in payment processing through Etsy Payments for secure transactions.
✅ Customizable shop profiles with unique branding elements like banners and logos.
✅ Powerful search and filtering options for enhanced product visibility.
✅ Promotional tools such as coupon codes and promoted listings to boost sales.
✅ An active community with educational resources and support channels for sellers.
Merchant of record?
❌ Yes, Etsy is a merchant of record
Etsy pricing
Etsy charges $0.20 per listing and a 6.5% transaction fee per sale.
🏆 Great for: Etsy is great for creators starting with digital art and printables, giving them a marketplace with footfall and a well-established reputation.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Anyone selling in larger volumes may become frustrated with Etsy’s fees and the fact that, as a merchant of record sites, they own the relationship with the customer rather than the seller.
9. Teachable
Teachable is an online course creation platform that enables educators and content creators to easily design, market, and sell courses. Its unique features include customizable course templates, multimedia support for engaging content, and integrated payment processing.
Teachable also offers powerful analytics to track student progress and sales performance, making it an ideal choice for those looking to monetize their knowledge through structured learning journeys.
Teachable’s features
✅ Create and organize courses using a drag-and-drop course builder.
✅ Personalize course pages with logos, colors, and themes to reflect your brand.
✅ Sales and marketing tools to create tailored sales pages, offer coupons, and set up affiliate marketing programs.
✅ Payment processing with automated payouts through Stripe and PayPal.
✅ Enhance student engagement by utilizing quizzes, certificates, and drip content.
✅ Analytics and reporting features provide insights into course sales, student engagement, and enrollment tracking.
✅ Supports third-party integrations with various tools, including email marketing services and Zapier for automation.
✅ Courses are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring accessibility on multiple devices.
Merchant of record?
❌ Teachable is a merchant of record
Teachable pricing
| Plan | Cost | Platform fees |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | $1 + 10% transaction fee |
| Basic | $59/month $39/month billed annually | 5% transaction fee |
| Pro | $159/month $119/month billed annually | 0% transaction fees |
| Pro+ | $249/month $199/month billed annually | 0% transaction fees |
🏆 Great for: Teachable would be great for teachers and educators who want to grow their established audience by creating and selling online courses. It provides user-friendly tools for content creation and integrated payment processing without the hassle of managing sales tax.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Conversely, it would work less well for seasoned course creators or businesses with a significant customer base. They prefer to retain maximum profit margins without paying additional fees and want to fully own the relationship with their customers.
10. SamCart
SamCart is a conversion-focused checkout software designed to streamline the sales process for digital products, boosting conversion rates and maximizing customer value. Features like one-click upsells, dynamic coupons, and flexible payment options enable sellers to increase their revenue and enhance the overall shopping experience for buyers.
SamCart features
✅ Conversion-focused checkouts are designed to boost sales and increase conversion rates.
✅ One-click upsells and order bumps to maximize average order value.
✅ Embedded checkout options that allow for deployment on any page without coding.
✅ Dynamic coupon creation to incentivize purchases and drive sales
✅ Comprehensive A/B testing support to optimize checkout performance and improve results.
✅ Support for subscriptions, payment plans, and flexible payment options.
✅ Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to track sales performance.
✅ Cart recovery features to reclaim lost sales and reduce abandonment rates.
Merchant of record?
✅ SamCart is not a merchant of record
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
SamCart pricing
| Plan | Cost | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $79/month or $59/month if paid annually | 0% |
| Grow | $159/month or $119/month if paid annually | 0% |
| Scale | $319/month or $239/month if paid annually | 0% |
🏆 Great for: Sellers ready to commit to the higher-priced plans and fully utilize them, such as affiliate management and cart abandonment recovery, will likely see increased profitability from their products.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Those on a budget who want to use SamCart’s starter plan will likely find it insufficient. It lacks several essential features, including one-click upsells, add-ons, and affiliate management.
11. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress that enables users to create and manage online stores directly from their WordPress websites.
It provides functionality for selling physical and digital products, managing inventory, and processing payments. The plugin is flexible and can be extended with various themes and additional plugins, making it adaptable to various business needs.
WooCommerce features
✅ Seamless integration with WordPress for easy setup and management.
✅ Extensive customization options with thousands of themes and plugins.
✅ Support for both physical and digital products.
✅ Inventory management tools to track stock levels and manage orders.
✅ Flexible payment gateways with options for credit cards, PayPal, and more.
✅ Built-in shipping options with real-time calculations and flat-rate shipping.
✅ Comprehensive reporting and analytics to monitor sales performance.
✅ A large community of developers and resources for support and guidance.
Merchant of record?
✅ WooCommerce is not a merchant of record.
Payment processor used
Stripe
PayPal
Square
Alipay + more
WooCommerce pricing
WooCommerce is free, as is WordPress however, there are costs to running a store, such as:
- Hosting costs Can range from $3.99 to $5,000 per month, with an average annual cost of about $120.
- Domain registration: The average cost is around $15 per year but can be higher for premium domains.
- Theme costs: Free options are available, but paid themes typically range from $20 to $100 annually.
- Payment gateway fees: Generally around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
🏆 Great for: WooCommerce would work great for small to medium-sized businesses that use WordPress and want a customizable e-commerce solution, as it seamlessly integrates into existing WordPress sites and offers a lot of flexibility in terms of design and functionality.
😞 Who’s it less well suited to?
Anyone who does not have or wish to use WordPress. Additionally, while WooCommerce itself is free, many essential features require purchasing paid extensions, which can add up quickly, so it’s important to assess the true cost of the features you’ll need.
The best Gumroad alternative for your business
Because the world of digital product sales is very diverse, with needs varying greatly, selecting a winning platform has its challenges. We've narrowed it down to two standout Gumroad alternatives for different use cases:
Digital product and event ticket sellers
🏆 For its dedication to ease of use, flexibility, events ticketing features, and truly exceptional customer support: Checkout Page
For online course creators
🏆 As an all-in-one feature-rich and flexible solution for selling online courses and memberships: Teachable
Conclusion
Thanks for exploring this review of the best Gumroad alternatives to get your business off to a flying start in 2025. We've explored eleven of the most popular choices for people selling digital products who want to avoid Gumroad's fees and other limitations.
We're all different. For some people, a marketplace like Gumroad gives peace of mind around taxes and provides a browsing audience, and they are happy to accept the fees and limitations in return.
For many of you with an established audience, being able to tailor and customize your customer's journey is a top priority. You want the ability to sell products and tickets from your own website without the feeling of disjoint that an obviously 3rd party platform brings.
You want a seamless solution with minimum friction to maximize conversion rates.
For anyone looking to take full ownership of their customer relationships, their sales funnels, and their entire sales journey in 2025, Checkout Page has a lot to offer.
We've made the process of creating checkout pages for products and events a breeze, so you'll never be waiting on a developer or tech team. All your data and funds stay in Stripe, so trying us out is as easy as connecting your Stripe account.
We know you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll be able to start selling with us. But there's no need to take our word for it! Give us a try with our 7-day free trial - no credit card needed.
