Patreon vs Ko-fi

Compare Patreon and Ko-fi to find the best tool for your needs.

Patreon

Established membership platform allowing creators to earn recurring income from supporters.

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Ko-fi

Creator-friendly platform for receiving support, selling products, and offering memberships without monthly fees.

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Quick overview

Pricing

8-12% platform fee plus payment processing
Free version available, Ko-fi Gold at $6/month with no platform fees

Pros & Cons

Patreon

Pros

  • Well-established platform with recognition
  • Tiered membership options
  • Good content delivery tools
  • Strong community features

Cons

  • Higher fees than some alternatives
  • Platform dependence
  • Less control over supporter experience
  • Payment processing delays

Ko-fi

Pros

  • No monthly fees on standard plan
  • Multiple support options (one-time, monthly)
  • Digital product sales
  • Low transaction fees

Cons

  • Limited customization options
  • Basic analytics
  • Fewer marketing features than alternatives
  • Some features require Gold membership