Paddle vs Gumroad: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Paddle 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:
Paddle
Payments infrastructure for SaaS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • Complete payments infrastructure for SaaS
- • Merchant of Record handling all compliance
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Simple platform for selling digital products
- • Creator-friendly design
| At a Glance |  Paddle |  Gumroad |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Payment Processing | Payment Processing |
Rating | 86/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Paddle | Gumroad |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Payment ProcessingSubscription Billing | Payment ProcessingSubscription Billing |
How Paddle and Gumroad Compare
Paddle
Payments infrastructure for SaaS
Paid · 86/100 score
Gumroad
Sell digital products
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Gumroad has a free tier. Paddle is paid only.
Go with: Gumroad
Want the highest-rated option?
Paddle: 86/100. Gumroad: 83/100.
Go with: Paddle
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Paddle
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Paddle is paid. Gumroad is freemium. Gumroad lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are payment processing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Paddle scores higher: 86/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
Paddle
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 83
- Our pick for this comparison
Gumroad
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Paddle (86/100) is our pick. Gumroad has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paddle or Gumroad better?
Paddle scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Paddle is paid and Gumroad is freemium.
What are Paddle and Gumroad used for?
Paddle: Payments infrastructure for SaaS. Gumroad: Sell digital products.
What does Paddle cost vs Gumroad?
Paddle is a paid tool. Gumroad is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.