Selling digital downloads—whether e-books, music, printables, courses, or software—can be a lucrative business. But choosing the right platform is key to success. You need a user-friendly marketplace with low fees, strong marketing tools, and secure delivery.
Here are the top platforms to sell digital downloads in the US, along with their pros, cons, and best use cases.
1. Etsy
Best for: Creatives selling printables, templates, and art.
✅ Pros:
- Massive built-in audience.
- Easy to set up (no coding needed).
- Supports instant downloads.
- Strong SEO and discoverability.
❌ Cons: - Listing fees ($0.20 per item).
- 6.5% transaction fee + payment processing.
- Competitive market.
Ideal for: Designers, artists, and crafters selling digital planners, wall art, and SVG files.
2. Gumroad
Best for: Independent creators (authors, musicians, course creators).
✅ Pros:
- Simple, no-fuss setup.
- Pay-what-you-want pricing option.
- Built-in email marketing.
- No monthly fee (10% transaction fee).
❌ Cons: - Limited customization.
- Basic storefront design.
Ideal for: Solo entrepreneurs selling e-books, PDFs, or small software tools.
3. Shopify
Best for: Serious sellers wanting full control.
✅ Pros:
- Complete branding freedom.
- Integrates with Digital Downloads app.
- Scalable for high-volume sales.
- 24/7 customer support.
❌ Cons: - Monthly cost ($29+).
- Requires some setup (not as plug-and-play).
Ideal for: Businesses selling multiple digital products with a professional storefront.
4. Payhip
Best for: Authors, coaches, and course creators.
✅ Pros:
- 0% transaction fee on free plan (only PayPal/Stripe fees).
- Built-in affiliate program.
- Coupons & upsell features.
❌ Cons: - Limited design flexibility.
- Smaller audience than Etsy.
Ideal for: Writers, coaches, and educators selling e-books or online courses.
5. Sellfy
Best for: All-in-one digital + subscription sales.
✅ Pros:
- Instant digital delivery.
- Built-in email marketing.
- Supports subscriptions & physical products.
❌ Cons: - Higher monthly fees ($19+).
- Less traffic than Etsy.
Ideal for: Creators selling both digital and subscription-based content.
6. Podia
Best for: Course creators & membership sites.
✅ Pros:
- No transaction fees.
- All-in-one (courses, memberships, downloads).
- Great customer support.
❌ Cons: - Higher starting price ($39/month).
Ideal for: Online educators and coaches selling courses or memberships.
7. WooCommerce (WordPress)
Best for: Tech-savvy sellers wanting full ownership.
✅ Pros:
- Free plugin (only pay for hosting).
- Fully customizable.
- No transaction fees (except payment processor).
❌ Cons: - Requires WordPress knowledge.
- Self-hosted (you manage security & updates).
Ideal for: Bloggers and established brands selling digital goods.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
- For beginners: Gumroad or Etsy (low startup cost).
- For full control: Shopify or WooCommerce.
- For courses/memberships: Podia or Kajabi.
- For printables & templates: Etsy or Sellfy.
Final Tip:
Try platforms with free plans first (Gumroad, Payhip) before committing to monthly fees.
Which platform do you use? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀