Ko-fi vs Gumroad: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ko-fi and Gumroad 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:
Ko-fi
Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales.
Best for you if:
- • You need membership sites features specifically
- • Enables creators to receive tips, offer memberships, and sell products directly from fans.
- • Creators get paid instantly into their own PayPal/Stripe accounts, with Ko-fi taking a 0-5% fee.
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need payment processing features specifically
- • Simple platform for selling digital products
- • Creator-friendly design
| At a Glance |  Ko-fi |  Gumroad |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Membership Sites | Payment Processing |
Rating | 78/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Ko-fi | Gumroad |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Membership SitesPayment Processing | Payment ProcessingSubscription Billing |
How Ko-fi and Gumroad Compare
Ko-fi
Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales.
Free tier available · 78/100 score
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Ko-fi is a membership sites tool. Gumroad is in payment processing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Ko-fi
Want the highest-rated option?
Ko-fi: 78/100. Gumroad: 83/100.
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?
Ko-fi is a membership sites tool. Gumroad is in payment processing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Gumroad scores higher: 83/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Gumroad
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ko-fi
- Better fit for membership sites
The Bottom Line
Gumroad (83/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ko-fi or Gumroad better?
Gumroad scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Ko-fi and Gumroad used for?
Ko-fi: Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales.. Gumroad: Sell digital products.
What does Ko-fi cost vs Gumroad?
Ko-fi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Gumroad is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.