Updated 21st November, 2025

Why creators seek Patreon alternatives

Two frustrations drive creators away from Patreon: platform dependency and unclear total costs.

1. Platform dependency and weak engagement tools

Patreon controls your audience relationship. You operate inside their brand, follow their rules, and pay fees on every transaction. When Patreon changes policies or experiences service issues, your income is at risk.

Members interact with "Patreon" first, your brand second. You can't send native push notifications to bring people back. You rely on email, which competes with inbox noise and declining open rates.

One creator on G2 noted that Patreon lacks "bidirectional communication" for true community building. Another Trustpilot reviewer reported support sent copy-paste replies when issues arose with refunds and fraud cases.

Patreon also offers limited customization, no mobile app ownership, and weak native community tools. You get membership billing, but you don't get a branded mobile app, advanced engagement features, or control over your member experience.

Building on rented land means you don't control the experience, the data, or the future.

2. Fee confusion and margin pressure

Patreon charges new creators (after August 4, 2025) a flat 10% platform fee on all earnings, plus payment processing fees of approximately 2.9% + $0.30 per pledge over $3. For pledges under $3, fees climb to 5% + $0.10.

At $5,000/month in revenue, you pay roughly $500 in platform fees and $220 in processing fees, totaling $720 (14.4% of earnings) before payout fees or currency conversion charges.

What makes a strong Patreon alternative?

A true alternative must solve Patreon's core gaps: ownership, engagement, and predictable costs.

Five features that solve Patreon's gaps

When evaluating alternatives, look for five features:

• Branded mobile apps (iOS and Android) plus web access: Members download your app, see your logo, and interact with your content on their terms.
• Push notifications: You reach members directly on their phones when you launch content, run challenges, or nudge completion.
• In-app community and messaging: Build real connection without relying on Facebook groups or external forums.
• Flexible monetization: Subscriptions (weekly, monthly, annual), one-time purchases, freemium tiers, and upsells all in one place.
• Content delivery beyond posts: Interactive lessons, drip schedules, offline downloads, quizzes, and progress tracking.

We built Passion to deliver all of these in a no-code platform designed for creators, coaches, and educators. You drag and drop content, set pricing, and publish a fully branded app in weeks.

Three cost buckets you need to know

Transparent pricing matters. Strong alternatives break down costs into three buckets:

• Platform subscription fee: Monthly or annual cost for the app builder and hosting.
• Transaction fees: Percentages or fixed fees per sale, varying by payment method.
• Additional costs: Developer account fees (Apple $99/year, Google $25 one-time), third-party integrations, or custom services.

We publish all of these upfront. Launch plan starts at $99/month (annual billing), with a 3.9% platform fee on web sales via PassionPayments, plus standard Stripe processing (typically 2.9% + $0.30).

For in-app purchases on iOS or Android, Apple and Google charge 15-30%, and we add 0% on top. Creators under $1M annually typically qualify for 15% rates.

Compare that to Patreon's 10% + processing fees on all earnings, and you quickly see where margin lives for higher-revenue creators.

Passion vs. Patreon: A direct comparison

Here's how the two platforms stack up for ownership, engagement, and monetization.

Audience ownership and brand control

• Patreon: Members join "Patreon" and support you inside that ecosystem. Your page lives at patreon.com/yourname.

You operate under Patreon's brand and policies. You can't control the app experience or the algorithm that surfaces your content.

• Passion: You own a branded app with your name in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and on the web. Members download "YourBrand," not "Passion."

You control the layout, pricing, content structure, and member journey.

"Passion makes building your own e-learning app fast, simple, and stress-free." - G2 review

Owning your app means you own the customer relationship and the data. No algorithm changes can throttle your reach overnight.

Engagement and community features

• Patreon: Members receive posts via email or browse your feed inside the Patreon app. Community happens in comments or external groups.

No native push notifications, no in-app challenges, no offline downloads. One Trustpilot reviewer complained that home pages don't dynamically update and the player is "pretty garbage."

• Passion.: We give you push notifications that bring members back when you launch content, run challenges, or share updates. In-app community channels, polls, and direct messaging create real connection.

Offline downloads allow members to access content anywhere. Interactive lessons with quizzes, timers, and goal tracking improve completion.

Creators report completion rate increases of 15-30% within 90 days using push and challenge features.

"It also provides invaluable training on how to build and sell your course. It's more than just the tech; it's the know-how." - G2 review

Monetization flexibility and fees

• Patreon: Membership tiers with recurring billing. New creators pay a flat 10% platform fee plus 2.9% + $0.30 processing per pledge over $3. Pledges under $3 cost more: 5% + $0.10.

If members purchase via Apple in-app, Apple takes 30%, replacing Patreon's standard processing fee.

• Passion: We offer subscriptions, one-time purchases, bundles, and freemium access. Choose your checkout method:
• Web checkout via PassionPayments: 3.9% platform fee + Stripe processing (2.9% + $0.30). Total: roughly 6.8% + $0.30 per sale.
• In-app purchases (iOS/Android): Apple and Google charge 15-30%. We add 0% platform fee on IAP transactions.
• External checkout (Scale plan and higher): 0% platform fee. You pay only your external processor's fees (e.g., ThriveCart, SamCart).

Fee comparison at $5,000/month with $20 average transactions (250 transactions):

• Patreon: $500 (platform) + $220 (processing) = $720/month (14.4% of revenue). Net: $4,280.
• Passion Launch plan (annual): $99 (subscription) + $195 (PassionPayments 3.9%) + $220 (Stripe) = $514/month (10.3% of revenue). Net: $4,486.

Our edge grows when you route high-ticket offers through external checkout with zero platform fees or use the branded app to reduce churn and increase lifetime value.

Passion pricing plans: Transparent costs for your branded app

We offer four pricing tiers: Launch, Scale, Expand, and Plus. All include iOS, Android, and web apps built with a no-code drag-and-drop editor.

Launch plan: Start your mobile-first journey

$99/month billed annually (or $119/month), saving $240/year.

• Core features: Branded iOS, Android, and web app with up to 100 subscribers, 100 videos, 1,000 push notifications/month. Basic monetization (subscriptions, one-time, freemium), drip content, interactive lessons, in-app community, and 1:1 messaging.
• Best for: Creators launching their first branded app with a modest audience, ready to test mobile-first engagement and consolidate 3-5 scattered tools.

The Launch plan includes our branding on your app. Watch a tutorial walkthrough to see the no-code builder in action.

"Drag and drop and hey presto it's done!!" - G2 review

Scale plan: Grow your audience and features

$239/month billed annually (or $299/month), saving $720/year.

• Core features: Everything in Launch, with higher quotas for subscribers, videos, and push notifications. White-label experience (our branding removed), advanced automation, and external checkout integrations with 0% platform fee on external transactions.
• Best for: Growing creators who need professional polish, higher capacity, and margin-friendly external checkout options for high-ticket offers.

The Scale plan is where creators start to see serious ROI by maximizing both brand control and margin.

Expand plan: Unlimited growth and App Store support

$599/month billed annually (or $699/month), saving $1,200/year.

• Core features: Everything in Scale, with "unlimited" users, videos, communities, and push notifications. Our team assists with App Store submission to Apple and Google. Includes Apple Pay, Google Pay, offline mode, and priority support.
• Best for: Established creators scaling to hundreds or thousands of members, ready to delegate App Store submission complexity and avoid subscriber caps.

Expand plan users report monthly revenues of $2,000-$10,000, with some achieving six-figure months.

"The professional product for learning as well as the communication with the team is on high level!" - Trustpilot reviewer

Plus plan: Done-for-you app build and coaching

Custom pricing, typically $10,000-$20,000 depending on scope.

• Core features: Everything in Expand, plus done-for-you app build, design, and content migration. Dedicated success manager, expert growth coach, full App Store submission service, and custom analytics.
• Best for: High-revenue creators or business coaches who want white-glove service and minimal founder time spent on setup.

We offer Plus as an application-only tier for creators ready to invest in speed and strategic support.

Understanding additional costs: PassionPayments, IAP, and developer fees

Beyond your monthly subscription, budget for:

• Developer accounts: Apple Developer Program costs $99/year. Google Play Developer is a one-time $25 fee.
• PassionPayments (web checkout): 3.9% platform fee per transaction, plus Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30. Total: roughly 6.8% + $0.30 per sale.
• In-app purchases (iOS/Android): Apple and Google charge 15-30%. We add 0% platform fee on IAP.
• External checkout (Scale and higher): 0% platform fee. You pay only your external processor's fees.

We publish all fees upfront. There are no surprise overages or hidden charges. Transparency is a core value.

How Passion helps creators build recurring revenue and engagement

Mobile-first engagement and predictable monetization are the payoff. Here's how creators achieve it.

Case study: Fitness creator increases completion by 22% in 9 weeks

A fitness coach moved a 30-day challenge from Facebook and Zoom into a Passion app with push notifications twice weekly and an in-app accountability channel.

Results: Lesson completion jumped 22% in 9 weeks. Monthly churn dropped from 8% to under 6%. The coach attributed the lift to push notifications and offline downloads - members could work out anywhere with timely reminders.

Our case studies feature similar outcomes across fitness, wellness, spirituality, and skills training. One equestrian creator shared on Trustpilot:

"Passion.io helped me turn my vision into a fully branded app that inspires equestrian women daily. It's easy to use, incredibly supportive, and built for creators who actually care about changing lives."

Visual demo: Building your first course and community

Feature showcase: No-code builder for course setup

Our no-code builder uses drag-and-drop modules for videos, audio, PDFs, text, quizzes, and timers. You organize content into lessons and sections, set drip schedules, and publish to web or mobile with one click.

Feature showcase: In-app community features

Community setup is straightforward. You create channels (e.g., "Weekly Check-Ins," "Wins & Celebrations"), assign access rules (free vs. paid), and moderate conversations inside the app.

Members can post updates, react to content, and message each other directly.

"I like that there's an easy to follow system to not only build your App but also your Business." - G2 review

Our platform details all available modules, integrations (Calendly, Typeform, YouTube, Vimeo, Zapier), and analytics dashboards for tracking completion, retention, and revenue.

Choosing the best Patreon alternative for your business

Not every creator needs a branded app. Here's how to decide if Passion or another alternative is the right fit.

Readiness checklist: Is a branded app right for you?

Ask yourself:

• Do I have 10-20 lessons, videos, or modules ready to migrate?
• Is my audience active on mobile more than desktop?
• Am I managing 3+ disconnected tools (DMs, Facebook groups, Zoom, Stripe, LMS)?
• Do I want subscriptions as my primary revenue model?
• Am I earning $3,000+/month and seeing completion or churn problems?

If you answered yes to 3+ questions, a branded app with push and community is likely the unlock.

If you're earning under $1,000/month and need a free starting point, Teachable's free plan or a simple Substack might be better first steps. Our Launch plan at $99/month (annual) is a meaningful commitment for early-stage creators.

Ownership matters when you're building long-term

Patreon keeps you inside their ecosystem. You rent their infrastructure and pay fees on every transaction.

If Patreon raises fees, changes policies, or faces service issues, you're exposed.

We give you ownership. Members download your app, interact with your brand, and receive push notifications from you, not a middleman.

You control pricing, content structure, and the member journey.

"They lay it out clearly and are available for support. The platform is easy to use with clear directions on what to do next." - G2 review

Total cost of ownership (TCO) comparison

TCO includes platform fees, transaction fees, developer accounts, and your time cost.

At $5,000/month with $20 average transactions (250 transactions):

• Patreon: $720/month (14.4% of revenue). Net: $4,280.
• Passion Launch (annual): $514/month (10.3% of revenue). Net: $4,486.

Our net revenue advantage grows as you scale. At $10,000/month, the gap widens further when you route high-ticket offers through external checkout with zero platform fees on Scale or Expand plans.

Factor in time saved from consolidating tools and the engagement lift from push notifications, and TCO favors a branded app for most creators above $3,000/month.

Own your future with a branded app

Patreon offers a quick start for membership revenue, but you're building on rented land. Algorithm changes, fee hikes, and policy shifts are outside your control.

We give you ownership. Your branded app, your audience data, your engagement tools, your pricing.

You consolidate content, community, and payments into one mobile-first experience that you control.

Launch plan starts at $99/month (annual billing) with transparent fees, no hidden costs, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Web app live in 2-3 weeks, app store submissions underway by week 4-8.

Book a demo to see how we work for your niche, or explore our platform to learn how creators in fitness, wellness, arts, and coaching are already scaling.

Try Passion with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Patreon alternatives for artists and writers?

For artists: Ko-fi offers low-cost memberships with no monthly fee and a 5% transaction fee, ideal for selling digital downloads and commissions. However, it lacks branded mobile apps.

For writers: Substack provides email newsletters with paid subscriptions, taking a 10% cut plus Stripe fees. Ghost offers self-hosted publishing with full ownership, though it requires more technical setup.

For artists and writers seeking mobile apps: We deliver a branded app with push notifications, in-app communities, and multimedia content (videos, audio, PDFs, galleries).

Is there a free Patreon alternative?

Fully free alternatives are rare. Some low-cost options include Ko-fi (no monthly fee, 5% transaction fee), Substack (free to start, 10% revenue cut), and Teachable (free plan with $1 + 10% per sale).

We don't offer a permanently free plan, but we provide a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers. Verify current trial status at signup.

What is the Patreon controversy?

Recent controversies include Apple in-app purchase fees (2025), where Apple takes a 30% cut on iOS subscriptions, and platform instability issues. In 2017, Patreon introduced a fee structure that shifted processing costs to patrons, sparking backlash before reversal. Inconsistent content moderation and poor support responsiveness, with Trustpilot reviewers describing copy-paste replies and account shutdowns, also drive creators to seek alternatives.

Key terms glossary

Patreon alternative: Platform enabling creators to monetize audiences through memberships with similar or better features than Patreon.

Membership platform: Digital service offering tiered access to content and community for recurring payments.

Branded app: Mobile or web application customized with creator's logo and content under their name.

No-code app builder: Software tool creating mobile and web apps without coding using drag-and-drop interfaces.

Transaction fees: Charges per sale, typically a percentage plus fixed fee.

In-app purchase (IAP): Purchases made within mobile apps, subject to Apple or Google's 15-30% commission.

Recurring revenue: Predictable income from subscriptions renewing automatically weekly, monthly, or annually.

Audience ownership: Direct control and communication with members without third-party algorithms or policies.

Push notifications: Messages sent to mobile devices alerting users of content or updates.

PassionPayments: Our web checkout system (via Stripe) charging 3.9% platform fee per web transaction.

Tool sprawl: Operational inefficiency from managing multiple disconnected platforms.

Monthly recurring revenue (MRR): Predictable monthly revenue from active subscriptions and memberships.

Total cost of ownership (TCO): Complete platform cost including subscriptions, transaction fees, developer accounts, and time investment.