Gumroad vs Patreon: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gumroad and Patreon comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Simple platform for selling digital products
- • Creator-friendly design
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Best for you if:
- • You need membership sites features specifically
- • Patreon is a membership platform for creators to earn from their audience
- • It enables subscription-based support with tiered rewards
| At a Glance |  Gumroad |  Patreon |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Membership Sites |
Rating | 83/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | Gumroad | Patreon |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingSubscription Billing | Membership SitesSubscription Billing |
How Gumroad and Patreon Compare
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Gumroad is a payment processing tool. Patreon is in membership sites.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Gumroad
Want the highest-rated option?
Gumroad: 83/100. Patreon: 75/100.
Go with: Gumroad
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Gumroad
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Gumroad is a payment processing tool. Patreon is in membership sites. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Gumroad scores higher: 83/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Gumroad
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Patreon
- Better fit for membership sites
The Bottom Line
Gumroad (83/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gumroad or Patreon better?
Gumroad scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Gumroad and Patreon used for?
Gumroad: Sell digital products. Patreon: Creator membership platform.
What does Gumroad cost vs Patreon?
Gumroad is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Patreon is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.