Fees used in this comparison
| Platform | Monthly fee | Platform fee per sale | Payment processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gumroad (direct sales) | $0 | 10% + $0.50 (5% + $0.50 after $20,000 paid sales in a calendar month) | Charged separately (2.9% + $0.30 card) |
| Gumroad (Discover marketplace) | $0 | 30% flat | Included |
| Payhip Free | $0 | 5% | PayPal/Stripe standard rates |
| Payhip Plus | $29 | 2% | PayPal/Stripe standard rates |
| Payhip Pro | $99 | 0% | PayPal/Stripe standard rates |
| Etsy (US shop) | $0 | $0.20 listing fee per sale + 6.5% transaction fee | 3% + $0.25 (Etsy Payments) |
Sources, last checked 25 October 2026: Gumroad pricing, Gumroad's fees (Help Center), Payhip pricing, Etsy Fees & Payments Policy, Etsy payment processing, Stripe US pricing. This model doesn't apply Gumroad's high-volume discount. Gumroad and Payhip collect and remit sales tax/VAT on digital sales, so enter your price before tax.
How to choose
At low volume, a platform with no monthly fee usually wins. As sales grow, Payhip's paid plans swap the percentage fee for a fixed monthly cost. Marketplace platforms (Etsy, Gumroad Discover) cost more per sale but can bring buyers you wouldn't reach on your own. If most of your sales come from your own audience, compare the direct-sale options. If you rely on marketplace search, the higher fee may be worth paying.
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, Gumroad or Payhip?
On Payhip's free plan you pay 5% plus standard PayPal/Stripe fees. On Gumroad direct sales you pay 10% + $0.50 plus card processing. At the same price, Payhip Free usually costs less per sale. Use the calculator for your own price and volume.
When is Payhip Plus or Pro worth it?
Plus ($29/month, 2% fee) beats Free once 3% of your monthly sales exceeds $29, which is about $967 a month. Pro ($99/month, no fee) beats Plus once 2% of your monthly sales exceeds the extra $70, which is $3,500 a month. Card processing is the same on every plan.
Do these platforms handle VAT?
Payhip says it collects and remits EU/UK VAT and US/Canadian sales tax on digital sales. Gumroad says it has been the merchant of record since 1 January 2025 and handles sales tax worldwide. Etsy collects tax in many regions, so check your own obligations.