Discover the best platforms to sell digital products in 2026. Compare fees, features, pros and cons, and find the right platform for eBooks, courses, templates, and more.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What to Look for in a Digital Product Platform
- 1️⃣ Gumroad
- 2️⃣ Payhip
- 3️⃣ Shopify
- 4️⃣ Etsy
- 5️⃣ Systeme.io
- 6️⃣ Teachable
- 7️⃣ Kajabi
- 8️⃣ WooCommerce
- Platform Comparison Table
- Which Platform Is Best for Beginners?
- How to Choose the Right Platform for You
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Introduction
If you’re serious about building online income, choosing the right platform to sell your digital products is critical.
The right platform can:
- Increase your conversion rate
- Automate delivery
- Maximize profit margins
- Help you scale faster
Whether you’re selling eBooks, templates, courses, or printables, this guide breaks down the best platforms to use in 2026.
What to Look for in a Digital Product Platform
Before choosing, consider:
- Transaction fees
- Monthly subscription cost
- Ease of use
- Payment options (Stripe, PayPal)
- Marketing tools
- Affiliate program support
- Email integration
- Scalability
Now let’s compare the best options.
1️⃣ Gumroad
Best for: Beginners & simple digital downloads
Pros:
- Easy setup
- No monthly fee (pay per sale)
- Built-in audience discovery
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees
- Limited customization
If you’re just starting and want a simple solution, Gumroad is beginner-friendly.
2️⃣ Payhip
Best for: eBooks, printables, memberships
Pros:
- Free plan available
- Clean checkout system
- EU VAT handled automatically
Cons:
- Basic customization
Payhip is excellent if you’re selling simple digital downloads without technical stress.
3️⃣ Shopify
Best for: Building a branded store
Pros:
- Professional online store
- Scalable
- Many integrations
Cons:
- Monthly subscription required
If you plan to build a full online brand (especially in the USA market), Shopify offers serious scalability.
4️⃣ Etsy
Best for: Printables and creative templates
Pros:
- Huge built-in traffic
- Great for planners, Canva templates
- Easy to start
Cons:
- High competition
- Listing fees
Etsy works well if your niche is creative or printable-based.
5️⃣ Systeme.io
Best for: Funnels + digital products
Pros:
- Free plan
- Sales funnels included
- Email marketing built-in
- Course hosting
Cons:
- Limited advanced design features
This is powerful if you want funnels without paying for multiple tools.
6️⃣ Teachable
Best for: Online courses
Pros:
- Professional course hosting
- Structured student dashboard
- Easy course uploads
Cons:
- Monthly cost
- Limited customization
If your focus is education-based digital products, Teachable is solid.
7️⃣ Kajabi
Best for: Advanced creators
Pros:
- All-in-one platform
- Course hosting
- Email marketing
- Automation tools
Cons:
- Expensive
Kajabi is premium and ideal if you’re already generating income.
8️⃣ WooCommerce
Best for: WordPress users
Pros:
- Full control
- No platform restrictions
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Requires technical setup
- Hosting costs
If you already run a blog, WooCommerce lets you keep full control and increase website RPM through direct sales.
Platform Comparison Summary
| Platform | Best For | Cost Level | Beginner Friendly | Scalable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gumroad | Simple downloads | Low | Yes | Medium |
| Payhip | eBooks & templates | Low | Yes | Medium |
| Shopify | Full store | Medium | Medium | High |
| Etsy | Printables | Low | Yes | Medium |
| Systeme.io | Funnels + courses | Low | Yes | High |
| Teachable | Courses | Medium | Yes | High |
| Kajabi | Premium creators | High | Medium | Very High |
| WooCommerce | Blog integration | Medium | Medium | Very High |
Which Platform Is Best for Beginners?
If you’re just starting:
- Choose Gumroad or Payhip for simplicity
- Choose Etsy for printables
- Choose Systeme.io if you want funnels + email
If you already have traffic from blogging or YouTube, using WooCommerce or Shopify gives more control and higher long-term profit.
How to Choose the Right Platform
Ask yourself:
- Do I want full control?
- Do I want built-in traffic?
- Am I selling courses or downloads?
- Do I want email marketing included?
- What is my monthly budget?
Start simple. Upgrade later.
Final Thoughts
Selling digital products is one of the most scalable online income models today.
The best platform depends on:
- Your budget
- Your technical skills
- Your audience size
- Your long-term goals
You don’t need the “perfect” platform.
You need to start.
Launch first. Optimize later.
FAQ
1. What is the cheapest platform to sell digital products?
Gumroad and Payhip offer free plans with transaction fees.
2. Which platform is best for selling courses?
Teachable, Kajabi, or Systeme.io are excellent options.
3. Can I sell digital products without a website?
Yes. Platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Payhip allow that.
4. Which platform has the lowest fees?
It depends on volume. Free platforms charge per sale, while Shopify charges monthly.
5. Should I sell on multiple platforms?
You can, but managing one platform first is easier.