Alternatives and reviews

Honest looks at the platforms creators use to get paid, what they cost, and when a different tool fits better.

Ko-fi alternatives: fees compared, and when to switch

Ko-fi charges 0% on tips and 5% on shop and memberships (Gold, $12/mo, removes it). When that is fine, when it is not, and the alternatives worth considering in 2026.

Streamlabs alternatives for tips and donations

Streamlabs bundles tipping into a full streaming suite, with a 1% tip fee unless you pay for Ultra. The 2026 alternatives for streamers who just want clean donations.

Stan Store: pricing, review, and alternatives

Stan Store costs $29 or $99 a month with no platform fee on sales. The 2026 breakdown of when that math works, when it does not, and the alternatives with no monthly bill.

Throne review: is it legit, what it costs, and alternatives

Throne is a legitimate wishlist platform that keeps your address private. The 2026 review: how its fees actually work, where creators get frustrated, and the alternatives.

Patreon alternatives: fees compared, and who each one fits

Patreon takes 10% from new creators since August 2025. The 2026 alternatives compared by fee and by fit: Ko-fi, Substack, Ghost, and tip-first setups for streamers.

Buy Me a Coffee alternatives, and how its 5% compares

Buy Me a Coffee takes 5% of everything, always. How that compares to Ko-fi, Ouish and Patreon in 2026, and which support page fits which kind of creator.

Linktree alternatives: pricing and the commerce fee ladder

Linktree runs $0 to $35 a month, and its selling fee only reaches 0% on the $35 Premium plan. The 2026 alternatives for creators who want a bio link that sells.

Substack alternatives for paid newsletters

Substack takes 10% of paid subscriptions forever. The 2026 alternatives (Ghost, beehiiv, and lighter setups) by fee, audience and how much newsletter you actually run.

Gumroad alternatives: the 10% + 50¢ math

Gumroad charges 10% plus $0.50 per direct sale (30% via Discover) in 2026. When that flat simplicity is worth it, and the alternatives for digital sellers.