Where to Sell Digital Products: The Best Platforms to Start With
There’s no question that digital products can be highly profitable. Unlike physical goods that require packaging, shipping, and restocking, digital items can be created once and sold repeatedly without worrying about inventory.
When done properly, this can become a passive income stream that means less ongoing effort and greater earning potential.
Before launching, one key decision stands out: choosing the right platform to sell your digital products. While many tools allow you to sell online, their features vary widely. Depending on your objectives, budget, and current setup, some platforms will suit you better than others.
After testing multiple solutions, I’ve narrowed down the best tools to help you get started.
Let’s explore them.
Where to Sell Digital Products: 8 Top Platforms
Although popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Wix, and WooCommerce are well-known, they’re often designed with physical products in mind and may be more complex than necessary for selling digital downloads.
For this guide, the focus is on platforms specifically built for digital products.
Each of the eight tools below offers a distinct approach. Some are email marketing platforms with built-in selling features, while others provide full online storefronts or simple buy buttons for existing websites.
- Sellfy – Online store with basic email marketing
- MailerLite – Email marketing platform with digital sales tools
- Kit – Ideal for monetizing newsletters
- SendOwl – Designed for existing websites
- Gumroad – Marketplace-style selling for creators
- Easy Digital Downloads – WordPress ecommerce plugin
- DPD – Budget-friendly solution
- Payhip – Simple store with integrations
1. Sellfy – Affordable Full Download Store
Sellfy is a low-cost way to launch a complete digital storefront. It includes a website builder, basic email marketing, and analytics tools. However, customization and CRM features are somewhat limited.
You can sell unlimited products starting at $29/month (up to $10k in annual sales on the Starter plan).
What Works Well
- Create a standalone store or embed buy buttons on your website
- Host large files (up to 10GB per product)
- Strong analytics with traffic insights
- Easy setup for discounts, upsells, and “pay what you want” pricing
- Built-in email tools, including abandoned cart emails
- Unlimited bandwidth and SSL protection
- SEO features available
Limitations
- Few store themes on lower plans
- Limited design customization
- Limited native integrations (Zapier expands options)
- Occasional email deliverability issues (custom sender domain available on paid plans)
Best For
Small businesses without an existing ecommerce setup who want a straightforward store plus basic email marketing.
2. MailerLite – All-in-One and Budget-Friendly
MailerLite is known for email marketing but also includes tools for selling digital products.
It allows one-time payments for downloads and recurring billing for paid newsletters. You can manage customer data, orders, and email campaigns in one place.
Strengths
- Combines email marketing, automation, website builder, and selling tools
- Very intuitive interface
- Automations for nurturing and cross-selling
- Free plan available
- File delivery via email or URL
- 0% platform transaction fees (Stripe fees apply)
Drawbacks
- Stripe-only payments
- Limited store design flexibility
- No templates on free plan
Best For
Creators and small businesses seeking an affordable, unified platform for funnels, sales, and email marketing.
3. Kit – Monetize Newsletters and Digital Products
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is built for creators who want to sell products alongside email marketing.
It supports paid newsletters and even a “tip jar” feature, all accessible from the free plan.
Highlights
- Free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers
- Sell products directly on the free plan
- Advanced tagging and automation
- Creator Network for cross-promotion
- Integrates with tools like Thinkific, Circle, and Gumroad
- No platform transaction fees (processing fees apply)
Downsides
- Automation setup may feel complex initially
- Costs rise as your list grows
- Limited design customization
- Stripe-only payments
Best For
Creators, solopreneurs, and independent publishers building a newsletter-driven business.
4. SendOwl – Sell from Your Existing Website
SendOwl enables you to sell directly from your own site, landing pages, or social profiles. It supports ebooks, software, memberships, and courses, with secure delivery and customizable checkout.
Advantages
- Works with WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more
- Embed buy buttons anywhere
- Built-in email tools including abandoned cart emails
- Subscription support
- Sales reports sent weekly or monthly
Drawbacks
- Potential bandwidth charges for large files
- Limited storefront display (max 10 products)
- 7-day trial requires credit card
Best For
Sellers who already have a website or audience and want more control over the checkout experience.
5. Gumroad – Marketplace Simplicity
Gumroad makes it easy to upload a product, set pricing, and start selling quickly. It functions somewhat like a marketplace for creators.
Pros
- Simple setup without a website
- Flexible pricing (subscriptions, payment plans, pay-what-you-want)
- Automatic EU VAT handling
- Built-in email marketing
- Embed products on your site
Cons
- Limited customization
- 10% transaction fee (higher via marketplace)
- Basic analytics
- Not ideal for a fully branded store
Best For
Independent creators who want a fast and simple selling option without managing a full store.
6. Easy Digital Downloads – For WordPress Users
Easy Digital Downloads is a WordPress plugin with over 2.4 million downloads. It’s suitable for businesses already using WordPress.
Benefits
- Unlimited file downloads
- Built-in reporting
- 100+ integrations (depending on plan)
- Multiple ecommerce themes
- Customer tracking features
Limitations
- Setup with themes may require adjustments
- Integrations limited by pricing tier
- Doesn’t track free downloads
Best For
WordPress site owners selling digital downloads.
7. DPD – Budget-Friendly Option
DPD focuses on delivering digital products via generated buy buttons rather than offering a storefront.
Strengths
- Cross-selling and upselling features
- 30-day free trial
- Affordable pricing tiers
- 500+ integrations
Weaknesses
- Basic analytics
- No built-in email marketing
- Dated interface
Best For
Sellers with existing marketing channels who want a low-cost solution.
8. Payhip – Cost-Effective and Simple
Payhip is easy to use and integrates with your website or offers a basic storefront. All features are available on the free plan, with transaction fees being the main difference between tiers.
What’s Good
- User-friendly setup
- Embed into existing sites or use storefront
- Unlimited products and revenue
- Affiliate tools and discount codes
- VAT handling included
- Supports PayPal and Stripe
What’s Missing
- No live chat support
- Limited built-in marketing tools
Best For
Individuals and small businesses starting their digital sales journey.
What Digital Products Can You Sell?
Digital products come in many forms, including:
- eBooks and guides
- Paid newsletters
- Online courses
- SaaS tools
- Audiobooks and music
- Photos and videos
- Fonts, graphics, and templates
- Themes
- Video games
The right product depends on your expertise and market demand. Research tools like Ahrefs, Serpstat, or SEMrush can help assess competition and search demand.
Conclusion: Which Platform Should You Choose?
After testing these tools, Sellfy stands out as the strongest overall option due to its comprehensive features.
If email marketing integration is your priority, MailerLite or Kit are excellent choices—especially for launching paid newsletters.
If you already have a website or strong social presence and want to add buy buttons, SendOwl is worth exploring as a cost-effective alternative.
Your ideal platform ultimately depends on your setup, goals, and how much control you want over your digital sales experience.
FAQs
What are the best platforms to sell digital products for beginners?
Beginners often start with marketplaces that handle payments and traffic for you. Popular options include Etsy (for templates and printables), Gumroad (for simple product sales), and Shopify (for building your own branded store).
Is it better to sell on a marketplace or your own website?
Marketplaces provide built-in traffic and easier setup, but they charge fees and limit branding control. Selling on your own website gives you full control over pricing, customer data, and branding, though you’ll need to drive your own traffic.
What types of digital products sell best online?
High-demand digital products include ebooks, online courses, templates, design assets, stock photos, software tools, printables, and membership content. The best-performing products usually solve a specific problem for a niche audience.
Can I sell digital products without a website?
Yes. Platforms like Gumroad and Payhip allow you to sell without owning a website. However, having a personal site can increase credibility and long-term brand value.
How do I accept payments for digital products?
Most platforms integrate payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. If you use your own website, you’ll need to set up one of these payment gateways.
What platform is best for selling online courses?
Course creators often use platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Thinkific. These platforms provide hosting, payment processing, and student management features.
Are there fees for selling digital products online?
Yes. Fees vary by platform and may include transaction fees, monthly subscriptions, listing fees, or payment processing charges. Always compare pricing structures before choosing a platform.
How do I protect my digital products from piracy?
While no system is 100% piracy-proof, you can use secure download links, license keys, watermarking, and access-controlled platforms to reduce unauthorized sharing.
Can I sell digital products internationally?
Yes. Most platforms support global sales and multiple currencies. Make sure to check tax regulations such as VAT or sales tax requirements for digital goods in different regions.
What is the best platform for creators with an existing audience?
If you already have an audience through social media or email, building your own store using Shopify or WooCommerce can maximize profits by avoiding marketplace commissions.
How do I drive traffic to my digital products?
You can use SEO, content marketing, email marketing, paid ads, and social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to attract buyers.
Should I start with one product or multiple products?
Starting with one high-quality product allows you to validate demand and refine your marketing. Once validated, you can expand your product line or create bundles to increase average order value.
What are the advantages of selling digital products compared to physical products?
Digital products have low overhead costs, no inventory management, instant delivery, high profit margins, and global scalability.
