If you’re creating and selling digital products—like templates, eBooks, art prints, or online courses—you’ve probably come across two popular platforms: Etsy and Gumroad. Both are great, but they work differently and serve different kinds of sellers. So, how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down in plain language.
What’s the Main Difference?
- Etsy is a marketplace. Think of it like an online shopping mall where people go to browse and discover.
- Gumroad is a direct sales platform. It’s more like your own online store where you drive the traffic.
Each has pros and cons—depending on how you plan to sell, market, and grow.
Audience and Reach
- Etsy gives you exposure right away. Millions of people search Etsy daily. That means even if you’re just starting out, you might get discovered by someone looking for what you sell.
- Gumroad doesn’t have a built-in marketplace. You have to bring your own audience through social media, email lists, or ads.
👉 Choose Etsy if you’re still building your audience and want organic traffic.
👉 Choose Gumroad if you already have an audience or plan to market independently.
Customization and Branding
- Etsy has limited customization. Your shop is on Etsy’s site and follows their format.
- Gumroad offers more freedom. You can brand your sales page, customize the look, and even embed products on your website.
👉 Choose Etsy for a quick setup and cohesive marketplace experience.
👉 Choose Gumroad for a more branded, direct-to-buyer experience.
Fees and Pricing Structure
- Etsy Fees:
- $0.20 per listing
- 6.5% transaction fee
- Payment processing fee (~3% + $0.25 depending on your location)
- Gumroad Fees:
- No listing fees
- 10% fee (for free users)
- Lower fees with paid plans
👉 Etsy can cost more over time, especially with multiple listings.
👉 Gumroad is more straightforward and may be cheaper long-term—especially if you upgrade.
Ease of Use
- Etsy is beginner-friendly. Upload your product, write a description, and you’re live.
- Gumroad is also easy, but offers more features (like discount codes, product bundles, and email marketing tools).
👉 Etsy is perfect if you want to keep things simple.
👉 Gumroad works well if you like having more tools in one place.
Best for…
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Etsy | New sellers, creatives who want exposure, low-maintenance shops |
| Gumroad | Creators with an audience, those who want control, selling higher-ticket or recurring products |
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. Some sellers start on Etsy for visibility, then move to Gumroad as their brand and audience grow. Others use Etsy to drive new leads and Gumroad to handle email capture and repeat business.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong choice here—it all depends on your goals.
- Want built-in traffic and quick sales? Try Etsy.
- Want to build a brand and keep more control? Gumroad is your friend.
- Want both? Combine them!
Start small, test what works, and adjust as your business grows. You’ve got this.
