Introduction
If you’re ready to launch your first digital product—whether it’s an ebook, a course, or a template—you’re probably asking the million-dollar question: “Which platform should I use to sell it?” With so many options like Gumroad, Teachable, Podia, and other all-in-one platforms, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. Each tool promises ease, automation, and profit, but they’re built for different creators, business models, and stages of growth.
Some platforms are perfect for beginners wanting to launch fast with zero cost, while others shine when you’re ready to scale with powerful features like email marketing, online courses, or community access. In this post, we’ll break down how Gumroad, Teachable, Podia, and their competitors stack up in terms of ease of use, pricing, product types, audience building, and overall flexibility—so you can pick the right home for your digital business and hit the ground running.
Platforms to Sell Your Digital Products
Once your digital product is ready, the next big step is getting it in front of customers. The good news? You don’t need to build a complicated website or hire a developer. There are user-friendly, affordable platforms specifically built for creators and entrepreneurs to sell digital products effortlessly. Choosing the right platform depends on your product type, your audience, and your long-term goals. Let’s break down some of the most popular and effective options.
1. Gumroad
Gumroad is a favorite for beginners because it’s simple, clean, and requires zero technical skills. You can sell eBooks, templates, courses, audio, or any file format with a direct checkout link. They handle delivery, payments, and even offer coupon codes and analytics.
Pricing: Free to start (they take a small transaction fee)
Best for: Creators selling single products like eBooks or templates
2. Payhip
Payhip offers similar features to Gumroad but with additional tools like affiliate marketing, membership options, and flexible pricing models (pay-what-you-want, subscriptions, etc.). You also get access to EU VAT management, making it great for international sales.
Pricing: Free + 5% fee or monthly plans
Best for: Sellers who want versatility and subscription options
3. Teachable
If you’re building an online course, Teachable is a go-to platform. It lets you upload videos, worksheets, quizzes, and manage student enrollment. Plus, you can set up drip content, upsells, and even your own domain.
Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $39/month
Best for: Course creators and coaches who want an all-in-one learning platform
4. Systeme.io
Systeme.io is an all-in-one tool that includes a website builder, email marketing, funnel creation, and course hosting. It’s great for solopreneurs who want everything under one roof without paying for multiple tools.
Pricing: Free for up to 2,000 contacts
Best for: Beginners building funnels and email sequences
5. ConvertKit Commerce
Already using ConvertKit for email? You can sell products directly through ConvertKit Commerce. It’s especially handy for creators selling email courses, audio files, or eBooks.
Pricing: Free and paid plans available
Best for: Email-driven creators who want a simple storefront
6. Etsy (for Printables)
If you’re selling printables or digital planners, Etsy gives you instant access to a huge audience. While it’s better known for handmade goods, Etsy is a booming marketplace for digital downloads.
Pricing: $0.20 per listing + transaction fees
Best for: Designers and creatives selling visual products
7. Podia
Podia offers a sleek platform for courses, digital downloads, webinars, and memberships. It includes email marketing and live chat for visitors.
Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans from $39/month
Best for: Creators scaling into memberships or webinars
Choosing the Right Platform:
Ask yourself:
- Do I want full control (my own website)?
- Do I need email marketing included?
- Will I sell multiple product types (course, ebook, template)? Start with one platform that suits your needs now, and scale as you grow. You can even combine platforms—use Gumroad for quick downloads and Teachable for your course.
Conclusion
Choosing between Gumroad, Teachable, and Podia ultimately comes down to your goals, product type, and how hands-on you want to be with marketing and tech. If you’re just starting out and want a simple, no-fuss way to sell ebooks, PDFs, or templates, Gumroad is your go-to—it’s beginner-friendly, free to start, and handles everything from checkout to delivery. For creators focused on building premium online courses with video lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking, Teachable stands out as a feature-rich platform built specifically for educators and instructors. And if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that combines digital product sales, memberships, email marketing, and community tools, Podia offers a clean interface, excellent customer support, and a great middle ground for growth-focused creators.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—only the best-fit-for-you option. Start with the platform that fits your current stage and expand from there. Many creators begin on Gumroad and eventually move to Podia or Teachable as their business grows. No matter what you choose, the most important step is this: get started. Don’t let platform confusion delay your first sale. Launch something, test it, learn fast—and scale smarter.