Patreon alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Patreon: 10% platform fee plus processing and payout fees, and writing and email tools are basic for newsletter writers. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Patreon, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Memberful currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Patreon alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Patreon alternative for most people
MemberfulSame parent company, but runs memberships on your own site and brand.
Best Patreon alternative for a free option
GhostOwn your site and keep subscription revenue with 0% fees from Ghost.
Best Patreon alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Buy Me a CoffeeLighter option for tips and simple memberships, quick to set up.
Best Patreon alternative for open source
GhostOwn your site and keep subscription revenue with 0% fees from Ghost.
Best Patreon alternative for self-hosting
GhostOwn your site and keep subscription revenue with 0% fees from Ghost.
Best Patreon alternative for iPhone and Android
SubstackBetter fit if your membership is mainly a written newsletter.
Best Patreon alternative for working in the browser
SteadyEuropean membership platform with a similar 10% model and EU VAT handling.
Patreon alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Patreon?
Memberful ranks first right now. Same parent company, but runs memberships on your own site and brand. Buy Me a Coffee and Substack follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Patreon?
Yes. Buy Me a Coffee (free plan + paid), Substack (free plan + paid), Steady (free plan + paid) and Ghost (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Patreon?
Yes: Ghost. Ghost can also be self-hosted.
Why do people switch from Patreon?
The complaints we hear most: 10% platform fee plus processing and payout fees; writing and email tools are basic for newsletter writers; little control over page design.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Patreon, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.