Easy Digital Downloads vs SendOwl: What are the differences?

Introduction Easy Digital Downloads and SendOwl are both platforms that facilitate the selling and distribution of digital products online. While they serve a similar purpose, there are several key differences between the two.

1. Pricing and fees: Easy Digital Downloads offers a free core plugin that can be extended with premium extensions for additional functionalities. The pricing for these extensions can vary based on the specific features needed. On the other hand, SendOwl operates on a subscription-based model, with different pricing tiers available based on the number of products and monthly sales volume. This difference in pricing structure allows users to choose the option that best suits their budget and requirements.

2. Hosted vs self-hosted: Easy Digital Downloads is a self-hosted solution, which means users need to have their own website and hosting in order to use the platform. This gives users more control and flexibility over the customization and management of their digital store. In contrast, SendOwl is a fully hosted solution, which means users don't need to worry about website setup or hosting. This can be advantageous for users who don't have technical skills or prefer a simpler setup process.

3. Payment gateways: Easy Digital Downloads has a wide range of payment gateway integrations available, including popular options like PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Pay. This allows users to choose the payment gateway that best suits their needs and preferences. SendOwl, on the other hand, has fewer payment gateway options available, with PayPal and Stripe being the main supported gateways. This difference in available payment gateways can impact the payment options available to customers and may influence users' decision-making process.

4. Features and functionalities: Easy Digital Downloads provides a strong focus on features specifically tailored for selling digital products. It offers robust features like variable pricing options, recurring payments, and discount codes to enhance the digital selling experience. SendOwl, on the other hand, offers a simplified set of features with a user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to set up and manage their digital product sales. The difference in features can influence which platform is the most suitable for individual users based on their specific requirements.

5. Third-party integrations: Easy Digital Downloads has a wide range of available third-party extensions and integrations that allow users to extend the functionality of their digital store. These integrations include CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and membership plugins, among others. SendOwl, while it does offer some integrations, has a more limited selection. The availability of third-party integrations can impact the overall capabilities and efficiency of the digital store.

6. Customer support: Easy Digital Downloads offers customer support through various channels, including forums, documentation, and ticket support. Additionally, users can access community-driven resources to troubleshoot issues and find solutions. SendOwl also provides customer support through its knowledge base and a contact form for reaching their support team. The availability and accessibility of customer support can greatly impact users' experience and satisfaction with the platform.

In summary, Easy Digital Downloads and SendOwl differ in terms of pricing and fees, hosting options, available payment gateways, features and functionalities, third-party integrations, and customer support. The choice between the two platforms depends on individual needs and preferences.