9 Best Etsy Alternatives For Digital Product Sellers

Etsy, renowned for handmade and vintage items for creative creators like artists – might not cater optimally to all digital product sellers.

You have diverse alternatives that offer a better fit for selling digital products online, such as print-on-demand services and platforms with a stronger focus on digital goods.

In this comprehensive guide, I reviewed 9 of the best Etsy alternatives for digital product creators and sellers.

When exploring Etsy substitutes, consider each platform’s specific features to address your unique business needs and streamline your online presence.

First, Why I Wouldn’t Sell My Digital Products on Etsy and Why You Shouldn’t, Too

When considering where to sell your digital products, the allure of Etsy’s user-friendly platform and built-in audience may seem appealing. However, control and growth potential are crucial factors that Etsy, as a third-party platform, may not fully provide.

• Control Over Your Platform: Your website allows for complete customization and branding, translating to a unique customer experience. Etsy’s standard layout means your shop looks like everyone else’s
• Marketing Autonomy: On your site, you can harness the full power of SEO, content marketing, and targeted advertising without competing for visibility against thousands of similar listings.
• Integration Capabilities: Etsy has limitations when integrating other services and tools. You can often seamlessly connect with your favorite platforms for enhanced functionality by choosing an alternative platform.
• Functionality and Innovation: Your website allows you to implement unlimited functionalities. You can create bespoke features instead of Etsy’s Fixed feature set.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your platform should be able to grow with it. Your

  site can be scaled up, with the infrastructure evolving to meet demand, unlike a third-party platform where scalability can be limited.

• Dependency: Relying on Etsy puts you at the mercy of their changes in policy, fees, and algorithm tweaks, which can impact your visibility and sales unpredictably.

Remember, you aim to build a sustainable business with a loyal customer base, where you’re not merely a tenant but the owner of your online store.

Top 9 Etsy Alternatives for Digital Products

Here’s a comparative table to help you choose the right marketplace:

Platform	Best For	Pricing	Trial Duration
Podia	Membership sites, online courses	Starts at $9/month	Free plan
Thrivecart	High-converting checkout pages	Lifetime deal $495	No trial
Gumroad	Creators and Small Businesses	10% of sales amount	No trial
Systeme.io	All-in-one marketing platform	From $27/month	Free plan
Samcart	Direct-to-consumer sales	Starts at $79/month	7-day trial
ConvertKit	Email marketing and commerce	Starts at $29/month	Free plan
Shopify	Comprehensive e-commerce platform	Starts at $32/month	3-day trial, then $1 for a month
SendOwl	Digital goods and services	From $18/month	7-day trial, then $1/month for two months
Kartra	Online marketing campaigns	Starts at $119/month	30-days free trial

1. Podia (Overall Best Etsy Alternative for Digital Products)

Podia stands out as a comprehensive platform that caters specifically to your needs in selling digital products, with features designed to manage and expand a digital storefront effectively.

What Makes Podia Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Built for Digital Sales: Unlike Etsy, which sells various products, including handmade goods, Podia is tailored specifically for digital products. This specialization ensures that your digital storefront has the necessary tools to thrive.
• All-in-One Platform: You can sell various digital goods on Podia, from courses and webinars to downloads and coaching services. Podia simplifies your business operations by housing all your products under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple services.
• Marketing and Affiliate Tools: Podia includes integrated marketing and affiliate management tools. These features assist in promoting products, creating campaigns, tracking affiliate performance, and optimizing sales strategies.
• Customization: Podia allows you to customize your storefronts and course pages to match your branding, giving them a professional look and feel.
• Customer support: Podia is known for its responsive customer support team, which can help you with any issues.

Podia Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using Podia:

Podia Pricing

Podia’s straightforward pricing structure offers different plans to match your business size and needs.

• Free Plan: This plan lets you build your website, blog, and products for free. There is a 10% transaction fee on all transactions.
• Starter Plan: This plan costs $9 monthly and lets you personalize your website with a custom domain. There is an 8% transaction fee on all transactions.
• Mover Plan: This plan costs $39 monthly and lets you sell online courses and other digital products. There is a 5% transaction fee on all transactions.
• Shaker Plan: This plan costs $89 monthly and lets you scale your business with advanced features like affiliate marketing. There is no transaction fee associated with this plan.

2. Thrivecart

ThriveCart is tailored for selling digital products with its advanced checkout page capabilities and gives you tools designed specifically for high-convergence sales processes.

What Makes ThriveCart Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

ThriveCart excels in providing a streamlined checkout experience focused on digital products. Unlike Etsy, which caters more to crafts and physical goods, Thrivecart offers you the following:

• One-click upsells and downsells: After checkout, offer customers additional products (upsell) or a cheaper alternative (downsell) with a single click, increasing revenue potential.
• A/B testing for checkout pages: Experiment with different designs to see which one converts better.
• Customizable checkout pages: Design your page to match your brand and improve the user experience.
• Multiple payment options: For customer convenience, offer a variety of payment methods (e.g., credit cards, PayPal, Stripe).
• Affiliate management system: Manage and track sales generated by affiliates who promote your products.
• Dunning management: Automate sending reminders to customers with unpaid invoices.
• Sales tax calculation: Automatically calculate and collect sales tax based on customer location.
• Integration capabilities: Works seamlessly with various payment processors and email marketing services.

Thrivecart Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using Thrivecart :

Thrivecart Pricing

Thrivecart’s pricing is structured with a one-time payment that offers lifetime access, unlike Etsy’s listing fees and transaction charges. Here are the specifics:

• Lifetime Account: One-time payment of $495
• Pro Upgrade: One-time payment of $690

You may also enjoy My Thrivecart Review post.

3. Gumroad

Gumroad stands out as a formidable Etsy competitor, especially for creators focused on digital products. It provides a direct-to-consumer platform that simplifies the online selling process.

What Makes Gumroad Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

Gumroad caters specifically to creators of digital products, offering a user-friendly interface that makes it a breeze for you to upload and sell your products.

Key advantages include:

• Simplified selling process: The platform is designed to streamline the setup so you can start selling with just a few clicks.
• Direct customer relationship: Gumroad allows you to interact and sell directly to your customers, fostering better connections and repeat business.
• Digital Products Focus: Gumroad primarily sells digital products such as ebooks, music, courses, and software. If you’re selling digital goods, Gumroad’s platform is designed to meet your needs.
• Creator-Friendly Pricing: Gumroad offers a simple pricing structure with no monthly fees. Instead, you pay a small fee per transaction and a percentage of sales. This can be more cost-effective for creators with lower sales volumes than Etsy’slisting and transaction fees.
• Customizable Sales Pages: Gumroad allows you to customize your sales pages to reflect your brand. This can help you differentiate your products and stand out from the competition.
• Integrations and Automation: Gumroad integrates with various tools and services, allowing you to automate tasks such as email marketing, analytics, and digital product delivery. This can save time and streamline the selling process.
• No Listing Fees: Unlike Etsy, which charges a fee for listing products, Gumroad does not charge any listing fees. You can add as many products as you like without incurring additional costs.

Gumroad Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using Gumroad:

Gumroad Pricing

Gumroad has no monthly charges but takes 10% of every sale.

4. Systeme.io

Systeme.io offers distinct features tailored specifically for online entrepreneurs and creators. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to build, host, and automate your digital product sales.

What Makes Systeme.io Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Integrated Sales Funnel Builder: Unlike Etsy, a marketplace, Systeme.io provides an integrated platform to construct and manage your sales funnels. This gives you complete control over the customer journey.
• Email Marketing and Automation: You can directly engage with your audience through built-in email marketing tools, which is not as inherent in Etsy’s Structure.
• Online Course Hosting: Systeme.io allows you to host and sell online courses, a standout feature for educators and coaches not directly offered by Etsy.
• Affiliate Program Management: Manage your affiliate program to incentivize others to sell your digital products.
• No Additional Transaction Fees: Etsy charges a transaction fee per sale, but Systeme.io doesn’t take a cut of your earnings.
• All-in-One Platform: Systeme.io offers a comprehensive suite of tools for online business, including website building, email marketing, sales funnels, and automation. Etsy focuses primarily on providing a marketplace for handmade and vintage items.
• Control and Customization: With Systeme.io, you have more control over your online presence. You can create custom websites, sales funnels, and email campaigns tailored to your brand.
• Direct Customer Relationships: Systeme.io enables you to build direct customer relationships through email marketing and automation. This allows for personalized communication and targeted marketing campaigns.
• Pricing Structure: Systeme.io offers a more flexible pricing structure than Etsy. While Etsy charges listing fees, transaction fees, and other fees, Systeme.io’s pricing is based on the features and resources you need, with options for scaling as your business grows.
• Marketing and Growth Tools: Systeme.io provides various marketing and growth tools, such as lead magnets and upsells, to help you expand your reach and increase sales.

Systeme.io Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Systeme.io:

Systeme.io Pricing

• Free Plan: This plan costs $0 per month and offers limited features to get you started, including a few funnels and email campaigns.
• Startup Plan: Priced at $27 monthly, it is for starting businesses that need more resources.
• Webinar Plan: Priced at $47, this plan aims at growing businesses seeking more integration and higher limits.
• Unlimited Plan: Priced at $97 monthly. It is for large-scale operations that require extensive support and features.

5. Samcart

SamCart is recognized for its streamlined checkout process and eCommerce optimization tailored for digital product sellers.

What Makes SamCart Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Customization: You can access more extensive customization options for your storefront and checkout experience, allowing you to tailor the shopping experience to match your brand and the specific needs of digital products.
• Focused Features: Unlike Etsy, Samcart is designed with digital sellers in mind, providing features like instant product delivery, license key distribution, and digital product protection.
• Focused on Digital Products: SamCart is designed to sell digital products and services, making it a more suitable platform if you primarily sell digital goods like e-books, software, courses, or digital downloads. On the other hand, Etsy is more geared towards handmade, vintage, and craft items.
• Customizable Checkout Pages: SamCart offers highly customizable checkout pages, allowing you to create a branded and optimized checkout experience. This can help increase conversion rates and provide a professional look for your digital products.
• Built-in A/B Testing: SamCart provides built-in A/B testing capabilities, allowing you to test different checkout page elements to optimize conversions. This feature can be valuable for improving your sales funnel performance.
• Subscription Management: SamCart offers robust subscription management features, making setting up and managing recurring billing for subscription-based products or services accessible.
• Integration with Marketing Tools: SamCart integrates with various marketing tools and platforms, such as email marketing services, CRM systems, and analytics tools, allowing you to streamline your marketing efforts and track the performance of your sales funnel.
• Advanced Reporting: SamCart provides detailed analytics and reporting features, giving insights into your sales performance, customer behavior, and other vital metrics.

Samcart Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Samcart:

Samcart Pricing

Samcart offers several pricing tiers, each with a different set of features suited to various business sizes and needs:

• Launch Plan: This plan is priced at $79 monthly. It will help you customize your checkout experience and sales pages to optimize for revenue.
• Grow Plan: This plan is $159 monthly and helps you maximize revenue potential by unlocking additional powerful checkout automation.
• Scale Plan: This plan is $319 monthly. It contains more advanced features for scaling and customizing your business to meet your growing needs.

6. ConvertKit

ConvertKit offers a specialized platform for creators keen on marketing and selling digital products directly to their audience. It blends powerful email marketing tools with easy-to-use sales features.

What Makes ConvertKit Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Audience Ownership: With ConvertKit, you can directly access your audience through their email marketing platform. Unlike Etsy, where you’re part of a broader marketplace, ConvertKit allows you to build and own relationships with your subscribers and customers.
• Sales and Delivery Integration: ConvertKit’s automated system seamlessly allows you to sell digital products like ebooks, courses, and memberships.
• Subscription Capabilities: Unlike Etsy, ConvertKit enables you to offer subscription-based digital products, fostering a recurring income stream.
• Email Marketing Synergy: ConvertKit’s core feature is its email marketing capability. This allows you to promote products to a targeted audience, a benefit that is not inherently part of Etsy’s offering.
• Digital Product Management: ConvertKit lets you sell digital products directly through its platform. You can create landing pages to promote your products, deliver digital downloads to customers, and manage transactions, all within the ConvertKit ecosystem.
• Creator-Centric Tools: ConvertKit is tailored for creators, bloggers, and online entrepreneurs, offering features like customizable opt-in forms, subscriber tagging based on interests and behaviors, and easy integration with popular tools used by creators.
• Flexible Pricing: ConvertKit’s pricing is based on the number of subscribers, making it scalable for businesses of all sizes. It offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and paid plans with additional features and higher subscriber limits.

Convertkit Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using ConvertKit:

ConvertKit Pricing

• Free Plan: This plan is perfect for starting without any upfront investment. It includes basic email sending and a few other essential features.
• Creator: The Creator plan is aimed at those who need more advanced features like automated funnels and sequences, with pricing beginning at $29/month for up to 1,000 subscribers.
• Creator Pro: For professionals, ConvertKit’sCreator Pro plan provides premium features, including reporting and advanced automation, starting at $59/month for up to 1,000 subscribers, enabling you to scale your digital product business.

7. Shopify

Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform offering a robust infrastructure for selling digital products. Its seamless transition from Etsy and powerful tools equip you to scale your business effectively.

What Makes Shopify Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Branding Control: With Shopify, you gain complete control over your store’s branding and customer experience, allowing for a personalized touch without Etsy’s Marketplace constraints.
• Integration & Flexibility: You can easily integrate various apps for digital downloads and licenses, providing a more flexible and tailored solution for digital products.
• Brand Control: With Shopify, you have complete control over your branding, including your store’s design, domain name, and customer experience. This allows you to create a unique and professional online store that reflects your brand identity.
• Scalability: Shopify is highly scalable, meaning it can grow with your business. Shopify can accommodate your needs whether you’re just starting or have a large, established company.
• Payment Options: Shopify offers many payment options, including credit card payments, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more. This makes it easy for customers to pay for their purchases, which can help increase conversions.
• Marketing Tools: Shopify offers various marketing tools to help you promote your store and drive traffic. These include built-in SEO tools, social media integration, and email marketing features.
• Customer Support: Shopify offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. This can be invaluable if you run into any issues with your store.
• Inventory Management: Shopify offers robust inventory management features, allowing you to easily track your inventory, manage stock levels, and fulfill orders efficiently.

Shopify Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of Shopify:

Shopify Pricing

• Basic Shopify: At $32 per month, this plan is suitable for starting a new business with essential features.
• Shopify: For $92 per month, this offers professional reports and better shipping and payment processing rates.
• Advanced Shopify: For $399 per month, you get advanced analytics and features designed for scaling your business.
• Plus Plan: For $2,300 per month, it is best suited for complex businesses

8. SendOwl

As you seek platforms to sell digital products, SendOwl stands out for its specialization in this area. It offers streamlined sales solutions and pricing geared toward digital goods creators.

What Makes SendOwl Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

SendOwl differentiates itself from Etsy by focusing exclusively on selling digital products. This specialization leads to features that cater specifically to your digital products, such as:

• Instant Delivery: Your customers receive products immediately after purchase, ensuring a seamless transaction.
• License Keys: Generate and distribute unique keys for software or other licensed products.
• Affiliate System: Promote your products through a built-in affiliate marketing system.
• Drip Content: Release your content over time, which is ideal for courses or serialized content.
• Video Streaming: Securely stream video content without the risk of unauthorized downloads.
• Digital Products Focus: SendOwl is specifically designed for selling digital products like ebooks, software, music, and other downloadable items. It provides features tailored to digital goods, such as automatic delivery of digital files and license keys.
• Customization: SendOwl allows you to customize your store and checkout process more than Etsy. You can design your store to match your branding and have more control over the customer experience.
• Subscription and Membership Support: SendOwl offers features for selling subscriptions and memberships, which can be beneficial if you provide recurring services or content.
• Advanced Features: SendOwl provides advanced features like discount codes, upsells, and analytics, which can help you optimize your sales and marketing efforts.

Sendowl Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of SendOwl:

SendOwl Pricing

SendOwl offers pricing options designed to fit your needs as you grow:

• Starter Plan: It costs $18 monthly.
• Growth Plan: This plan costs $37 per month,
• Pro Plan: This plan costs $89 monthly and is best for established sellers. It adds advanced features like cart abandonment and upsells.

9. Kartra

Kartra is a robust alternative to Etsy, especially when your focus is selling digital products. The platform is designed to offer an all-in-one solution for your online business needs.

What Makes Kartra Better Than Etsy For Digital Products?

• Integrated Tools: Unlike Etsy, which primarily provides a marketplace, Kartra has integrated tools for selling digital products. These include email marketing, lead capture forms, and video hosting.
• Customization: Kartra allows you to create custom pages and automated sales funnels that are more sophisticated than Etsy’sstore setup. Your ability to control the customer’s journey from start to finish can lead to higher conversion rates.
• Advanced Marketing Features: Kartra provides comprehensive marketing automation tools, making it easier to manage leads, sales, and customer interactions.
• Sales Funnel Creation: Kartra allows you to create sophisticated sales funnels with upsells, downsells, and order bumps to maximize your revenue per customer.
• Membership Sites: Kartra enables you to create and manage membership sites, perfect for offering exclusive content or courses to your audience.
• Integrated Analytics: Kartra offers detailed analytics to track the performance of your marketing campaigns and funnels.

Kartra Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of Kartra:

Kartra Pricing

• Starter Plan: It is priced at $119 monthly.
• Growth Plan: It is priced at $229 monthly.
• Professional Plan: It is priced at $549 monthly.

Key Considerations Before Choosing an Etsy Alternative

Selecting an alternative to Etsy for selling digital products involves analyzing various factors that can impact your business. Understanding these key considerations will ensure you find a platform that aligns with your goals and serves your unique needs.

Fees and Transaction Costs

Be mindful of the fees and transaction costs associated with any platform. Some alternatives, like Podia, offer a free plan, while others may charge a listing fee, a monthly subscription, or a percentage of each sale.

All-in-one Capabilities

Look for an ecommerce platform like Systeme.io or Kartra that provides all-in-one capabilities, meaning it can handle everything from product listings to sales, marketing, and analytics. An integrated system simplifies your operations and saves you time and money.

Product Type and Audience

Identify platforms that cater to your product type and target audience. While Etsy is known for handmade goods and unique items, other online marketplaces may be better suited for digital products, merch, or physical goods.

Customization and Branding Options

Your brand is vital. Choose a platform that offers robust customization and branding options. This includes flexibility in store design, the ability to use a custom domain, and access to various templates to ensure your store stands out.

Ecommerce Features

Evaluate the ecommerce features of each alternative. This includes website builder tools, sales channel integration, quality of product presentation, marketing tools, and analytics. An effective platform should offer comprehensive tools to efficiently manage and grow your online presence.

Product Delivery and Fulfillment

Digital products require reliable delivery systems. Ensure the platform enables automatic delivery of your products post-purchase and supports various file types and sizes without complications.

Customer Support and Community Engagement

Good customer support can be a lifeline for sellers. Check if the platform has a reputation for responsive support and resources. Additionally, community engagement options can add value, providing a way to connect with peers and customers for feedback and promotion.

My Final Thoughts: Making an Informed Decision

When choosing the best Etsy alternative for digital products, it’s essential to assess your specific needs.

Podia is the best option with its user-friendly interface and focus on digital sales. Systeme.io offers an excellent all-in-one solution, integrating various marketing, sales, and automation tools.

Remember, choosing an ecommerce platform can shape your business’s future. Weigh the pros and cons of each alternative against your business goals.

By selecting a platform that aligns with your needs, you follow the herd and strategically position yourself amidst the competition. Explore each option and choose confidently.