Payhip vs Udemy: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Payhip and Udemy 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • You need e-commerce platforms features specifically
- • Payhip is a platform for selling digital products and memberships
- • It handles payments, delivery, and affiliates for creators and educators
Udemy
Online learning marketplace
Best for you if:
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Udemy is an online learning marketplace with courses on any topic
- • It offers thousands of video courses from expert instructors
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | 80/100 | 76/100 |
| Feature | Payhip | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 76 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsMembership Sites | Online Course PlatformsLMS |
Understanding the Differences
Both Payhip and Udemy solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Payhip positions itself as "sell digital products and memberships" while Udemyfocuses on "online learning marketplace". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Payhip
Payhip makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 80/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Udemy
Udemy is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Payhip lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Payhip
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Payhip handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Payhip
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Payhip
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Payhip, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Payhip higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Udemy more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Payhip Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Udemy If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Payhip (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Payhip scores higher in our analysis, but Udemy might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payhip or Udemy better?
Based on our analysis, Payhip scores higher with 80/100. Payhip isfreemium while Udemy is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Payhip to Udemy easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Payhip and Udemy offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Payhip is freemium with a free tier.Udemy is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.