- Patreon alternatives at a glance
- Ten Patreon alternatives worth a look
- How to choose a Patreon alternative
- Patreon alternatives: questions to ask before you move
- Moving supporters away from Patreon without losing them
- Why smaller membership tools can be a smart pick
- Final checks before you pick a Patreon alternative
- Frequently asked questions
Looking for a Patreon alternative? Decide first whether you want a simple support page, a membership on your own site, a shop or a newsletter. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers how to choose, questions to ask and how to move supporters across.
Patreon is still the name most creators know for recurring support, but it's no longer the only route. Some creators want a simpler page, some want to own their audience on their own website, and some would rather sell directly through a shop or a newsletter. Others just want a different mix of features, or a platform that suits their kind of work.
This page lists ten alternatives to Patreon, from simple tip pages to full membership platforms. Patreon itself isn't listed because it's the tool you're comparing against, and it works well for many creators. I've included smaller independent tools alongside the familiar ones, since a focused platform can suit a small audience better than a large one. I compared each tool's own website and what its users report, and the list is in no particular order, which in practice means alphabetical. If your members would watch you on video, my guide to YouTube channel memberships is worth reading too.
Patreon alternatives at a glance
The free plan column shows what each tool's own site says. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan, and No means none is stated, so check the current plans before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy Me a Coffee | Support and membership page | One-off support, memberships and a small shop | Yes |
| Fourthwall | Shop and membership platform | Branded shop with members-only video | Yes |
| Gumroad | Seller platform | Digital products and subscriptions | Yes |
| Ko-fi | Support and membership page | Tips, memberships, shop and commissions | Yes |
| Locals | Community platform | Subscription community for independent creators | No |
| Memberful | Membership software | Memberships on your own site and brand | Trial only |
| MemberSpace | Membership software | Adding memberships to any existing website | Trial only |
| Podia | Creator platform | Courses, community and memberships together | Trial only |
| Substack | Newsletter platform | Writing with subscriptions built in | Yes |
| Supercast | Podcast subscriptions | Premium feeds for independent podcasters | No |
Ten Patreon alternatives worth a look
Buy Me a Coffee
Best for: Creators who want a simple page for one-off support, memberships and a small shop.
Fourthwall
Best for: Creators who want a branded shop and members-only videos in one place.
Gumroad
Best for: Creators who sell downloads, lessons or recurring subscriptions and want a simple checkout.
Ko-fi
Best for: Creators who want tips, memberships and a shop on one page.
Locals
Best for: Independent creators who want a subscription community with videos, live streams and posts.
Memberful
Best for: Publishers who want memberships on their own site, brand and Stripe account.
MemberSpace
Best for: Website owners who want to add memberships to a site they already run.
Podia
Best for: Creators who want courses, community and memberships under one login.
Substack
Best for: Writers who want a newsletter with subscriptions built in.
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Supercast
Best for: Podcasters who want subscribers to get a premium feed in their usual player.
How to choose a Patreon alternative
The best fit depends on what you make and how your audience likes to support you. Think about these points first.
- One-off or recurring? Some fans prefer a single tip, others want a monthly membership.
- What do members get? Posts, videos, podcast feeds, downloads or a community.
- Who owns the audience? Check whether you can export your members' details.
- Your own site or a hosted page? Hosted pages are quicker, your own site gives more control.
- How do you get your money? Look at payout methods and how fast payments arrive.
- Fees: check the current fee structure on each site, including payment processing.
Patreon alternatives: questions to ask before you move
- Can my existing supporters move across, or must they sign up again?
- Will members need to create new accounts?
- Can I offer different tiers with different benefits?
- Does it work with the tools I already use for email, video and podcasts?
- What happens to my members' payments if I leave?
- What does the free plan or trial include, and where are the limits?
If your main product is writing, see my guide to Substack alternatives. If you'd like to teach as well as run a membership, my comparison of online course platforms is a good place to look.
Moving supporters away from Patreon without losing them
- Choose your new home first and set up your tiers before you announce anything.
- Tell supporters early, explain why, and show them how to join.
- Keep your old page live for a transition period so nobody is left behind.
- Send a short thank-you note to people who move across.
- Check that your welcome messages and benefits are ready on day one.
- Review after a month, then tidy anything members found confusing.
Why smaller membership tools can be a smart pick
Smaller membership tools are often built around a specific kind of creator, such as podcasters, writers or shop owners, so the set-up can feel more natural. They're also easier to read and understand. Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, that you can export your supporters' details, and that there's a clear way to reach support.
Do you make a membership or creator support tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
Final checks before you pick a Patreon alternative
Shortlist two platforms, set up a test page on each, and join as a supporter yourself. Notice how many steps it takes, and ask a friend to try. Choose the one that feels simplest for both of you, then plan a clear message to your audience about the move.
Frequently asked questions
Why look for an alternative to Patreon?
Common reasons are wanting a simpler page, owning your own site and audience, different tools such as shops or podcasts, or a different fee structure. Name your reason first, because it points to the right replacement.
Is there a free alternative to Patreon?
Yes. Some platforms are free to start and others offer a free trial. The table shows which, but plans change, so check each site before you decide.
Can I move my supporters from Patreon?
Usually you'll need to invite them to join your new page, since payment details generally can't be moved. Tell supporters early and make the new sign-up simple.
Which alternative suits podcasters?
Look for a tool built for premium podcast feeds, so subscribers can listen in their usual player. Check that it works with the hosting service you use.
Do I need my own website for memberships?
No. Hosted platforms let you start with a page. Having your own website gives you more control over branding and member details, but takes more setup.
