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So you’ve got a brilliant digital product idea, huh?
Maybe it’s an eBook, a juicy Notion template, a Canva bundle, or an Instagram content calendar that slaps. Whatever it is—you’re ready to monetize it and start raking in those digital dollars. But hold up—where the heck do you sell it?
You’ve probably heard of Stan Store, Gumroad, or Beacons, right? Maybe you’ve even peeked at Podia or Sellfy or Shopify. But choosing the right platform can feel like shopping for a mattress—everyone swears theirs is the best, but you’re the one stuck sleeping on it.
Well, don’t sweat it. I’ve tried most of them myself (yup, I’ve been the guinea pig for you), and in this post, I’m breaking down the best platforms to sell digital products without the boring fluff.
Let’s get straight into the goods.
What Should You Look for in a Digital Product Platform?
Before we name-drop the big players, let’s get clear on what actually matters. Because FYI, not all platforms are created equal—and what works for me might be a total pain for you.
Here’s what to consider:
- Ease of use: Can you launch in one weekend, or do you need a YouTube degree first?
- Checkout experience: Is it smooth, or does it look like a relic from 2008?
- Mobile-friendly: Because most of your buyers are scrolling on phones.
- Custom branding: Can you make it feel like you, or is it all cookie-cutter?
- Upsells & Funnels: Can you increase your order value easily?
- Integrations: Email marketing, analytics, Zapier, etc.
- Pricing: Flat fee, monthly, or percentage cuts?
- Payouts: Weekly? Instant? To PayPal or your bank?
Okay, now that we know what we want—let’s meet the contestants. 🛒
Stan Store — The Creator’s Favorite Link-in-Bio Powerhouse
What’s the Vibe?
Stan Store is the new cool kid in school—and it’s seriously winning hearts. It’s like if Linktree and Gumroad had a baby… and that baby had a killer conversion funnel.
Why I Love It
I hopped on Stan for one simple reason: speed. I set up my digital store, email list, lead magnet funnel, AND coaching scheduler in under 60 minutes. Like, excuse me??
Features That Slap:
- Built-in funnel builder (hello upsells & tripwires!)
- Link-in-bio style layout perfect for creators & influencers
- Instant product delivery
- Booking system for coaching or consultations
- Email list capture without needing Mailchimp or ConvertKit
Watch Out For:
- Limited design customization (what you see is mostly what you get)
- Less ideal for complex storefronts or product categories
- Currently better for solopreneurs than bigger brands
Pricing:
- $29/month flat fee. No transaction fees (yay!)
- 14-day free trial to test it out.
Verdict: If you’re on TikTok, IG or YouTube and want to sell fast, Stan Store is your BFF. Clean, easy, optimized AF.
Gumroad — The OG Platform That Still Packs a Punch
What’s the Vibe?
Gumroad’s like that reliable friend who shows up in a hoodie but always delivers. It’s simple, effective, and has stood the test of time.
Why I Still Use It
Even though it’s not the sexiest platform visually, Gumroad is a beast when it comes to passive income. You can upload a product and keep earning for years.
Features That Slap:
- Free to start—great for beginners
- Global audience and discoverability
- Subscription + Membership options
- Supports pay-what-you-want pricing (genius for building goodwill)
- Easy to set up affiliate marketing
Watch Out For:
- 10% fee on free plan (ouch)
- No advanced landing page or funnel options
- Branding options are… limited, to say the least
Pricing:
- Free to start (they take 10%)
- Upgrade to Gumroad Pro for $10/month and lower fees
Verdict: Gumroad is perfect if you want simplicity and reach, or you’re just starting out. But if you want sexy funnels or brand control? Might not be your vibe.
Beacons.ai — More Than Just a Pretty Link-in-Bio
What’s the Vibe?
Beacons looks like Linktree’s rich cousin. It lets you build a stylish, conversion-friendly micro-site where you can sell products, collect emails, and more.
Why It’s Underrated
People sleep on Beacons, IMO. I used it to host a content calendar + lead magnet and got 100+ opt-ins in a week. That’s when I knew it was more than a pretty face.
Features That Slap:
- Drag-and-drop page builder
- Sell digital products, services, or subscriptions
- Email collection + analytics
- Mobile-optimized for social traffic
- Built-in design themes that don’t suck
Watch Out For:
- Product delivery is basic (no complex automation)
- Less robust than Stan for funnels or coaching setups
- Not ideal for full-scale storefronts
Pricing:
- Free plan (with Beacons branding)
- $12/month Pro plan (more features + no branding)
Verdict: For creators who want a stylish mini-shop, Beacons hits the mark. Especially if you’re link-in-bio obsessed and want all-in-one vibes.
Podia — Course Creators, This One’s For You
What’s the Vibe?
Podia is a full-blown course and digital product platform. If you’re selling a bundle of stuff—like an eBook + mini course + coaching call—Podia handles it like a champ.
Why It Wins for Courses
I built a mini-email marketing course on Podia in 2023, and honestly? It felt like Shopify for info products. Clean, organized, and super pro.
Features That Slap:
- Digital downloads + courses + coaching
- Built-in email marketing tools
- No extra fees (besides Stripe/PayPal)
- Memberships & communities built-in
- Upsells, coupons, and pre-launch tools
Watch Out For:
- Not as fast or “plug-and-play” as Stan or Gumroad
- Design can feel a little templated
- Monthly fee might be steep if you’re not selling consistently
Pricing:
- Free plan (8% fee per sale)
- Mover: $39/month (no fee)
- Shaker: $89/month (advanced features)
Verdict: If you’re creating courses, workshops, or bundles, Podia is a solid choice. But it might be overkill if you’re only selling one PDF or template.
Payhip — The Hidden Gem (Shhh…)
What’s the Vibe?
Payhip flies under the radar, but it does a LOT for free. Think Gumroad meets Sellfy, with more flexibility and control.
Why I Recommend It
I tested Payhip with a Canva template bundle, and it delivered—literally and figuratively. The dashboard’s clean, and you don’t need to upgrade to get the good stuff.
Features That Slap:
- Sell digital, physical, and subscription products
- Instant delivery & PDF stamping
- EU VAT handled automatically
- Built-in affiliate system
- Embeddable checkout for your site
Watch Out For:
- Branding/customization could be better
- Not the most “aesthetic” storefront design
- Email features are super basic
Pricing:
- Free plan (5% fee)
- Plus: $29/month (0% fee)
- Pro: $99/month (extra features)
Verdict: If you want flexibility without the price tag, Payhip is a smart pick. Solid features + low commitment = happy wallet.
Sellfy — Great for Physical + Digital Products
What’s the Vibe?
Sellfy is that friend who’s got it all together. Whether you’re selling a fitness eBook or T-shirts or even digital music, Sellfy keeps it smooth.
Why I Used It
I set up a simple merch + digital product shop for a client, and they loved how everything stayed under one roof—products, promo codes, email blasts, and all.
Features That Slap:
- Sell digital, physical, subscriptions & print-on-demand
- Clean store layouts
- Built-in marketing tools (discounts, emails, upsells)
- Embed store into your own website
Watch Out For:
- Monthly pricing adds up fast
- Doesn’t have deep funnel-building options
- Less known = fewer tutorials online
Pricing:
- Starter: $29/month
- Business: $79/month
- Premium: $159/month
Verdict: Want a store that does both merch and digital goodies? Sellfy gives you that hybrid muscle. Just be ready for the monthly fee.
Quickfire Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | Funnels & Upsells | Custom Branding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stan Store | Influencers, creators | $29/month | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Limited |
| Gumroad | Beginners, passive income | Free / $10/mo | ❌ Basic only | ❌ Minimal |
| Beacons | Stylish link-in-bio sales pages | Free / $12/mo | ❌ Basic only | ✅ Decent |
| Podia | Courses, memberships | $39–$89/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Good |
| Payhip | Budget-friendly flexibility | Free / $29/mo | ✅ Yes | ❌ Basic |
| Sellfy | Hybrid stores (physical + digital) | $29–$159/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Strong |
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Let’s be real—there’s no “best” platform for everyone. It’s more like choosing your favorite pizza topping: all valid, all tasty, but depends on the mood.
Here’s my quick take:
- Just starting out? Try Gumroad or Payhip. Low-risk, easy to test ideas.
- Link-in-bio style, social traffic? Go for Stan Store or Beacons.
- Building a course empire? Hello, Podia.
- Want it all under one roof (including merch)? Sellfy has your back.
Final Thoughts (Aka, Don’t Overthink It)
Look, choosing a platform can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Pick the one that fits where you are right now. You can always migrate later (I’ve done it… more than once ).
Your product matters more than the platform. Focus on building something people love—and let the tech do its thing in the background.
And hey, if you’re still unsure, just ask yourself:
“What’s going to let me launch the fastest without losing my mind?”
That’s probably your answer. Go with it.
Now go make that money .
