Patreon vs Ko-fi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Patreon and Ko-fi 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:
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Best for you if:
- • Patreon is a membership platform for creators to earn from their audience
- • It enables subscription-based support with tiered rewards
Ko-fi
Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • 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.
| At a Glance |  Patreon |  Ko-fi |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Membership Sites | Membership Sites |
Rating | 75/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Patreon | Ko-fi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Membership SitesSubscription Billing | Membership SitesPayment Processing |
How Patreon and Ko-fi Compare
Patreon
Creator membership platform
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Ko-fi
Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales.
Free tier available · 78/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Patreon
Want the highest-rated option?
Patreon: 75/100. Ko-fi: 78/100.
Go with: Ko-fi
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ko-fi
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?
Both are membership sites tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Ko-fi scores higher: 78/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Ko-fi
- Higher score: 78/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Patreon
The Bottom Line
Ko-fi (78/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patreon or Ko-fi better?
Ko-fi scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Patreon and Ko-fi used for?
Patreon: Creator membership platform. Ko-fi: Empower creators to earn income directly from their fans through tips, memberships, and sales..
What does Patreon cost vs Ko-fi?
Patreon is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ko-fi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.