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LaunchPass vs Patreon: Platform Comparison

For creators looking to build a membership-based business, choosing the right platform is crucial. LaunchPass and Patreon offer different approaches to monetizing your content and community. This comparison breaks down their pricing models and key features to help you make an informed decision.

LaunchPass logo

LaunchPass

LaunchPass offers a straightforward approach with a fixed monthly fee plus transaction fee model for membership businesses.

Pricing Structure

Platform Fee: 3.5% - per transaction

Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.3 (domestic)Standard Stripe fees apply separately

Key Features

Simplicity

Straightforward pricing structure

Predictable Costs

Fixed monthly fee

Lower Transaction Fees

Competitive 3.5% rate

Membership Management

Focused on subscription services

Enterprise Options

Flexible pricing for larger groups

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Simple, transparent pricing structure
  • Lower transaction fees (3.5%)
  • No revenue sharing beyond fixed fees
  • Dedicated to membership businesses
  • Direct Stripe integration

Cons

  • ×Monthly fee regardless of sales volume
  • ×Fewer content creation tools
  • ×Less brand recognition than Patreon
  • ×Limited built-in marketing features

Example Calculation

For a creator with $1,000 in monthly memberships

Sale Price:$1000
Total Fees:$94
Your Earnings:$906

Best for membership-based businesses looking for predictable pricing and simple subscription management.

Patreon logo

Patreon

Patreon provides a comprehensive platform for creators with tiered pricing based on the features you need.

Pricing Structure

Platform Fee: 8% - Pro Plan (varies by plan)

Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.3 (domestic)Varies by payment method and region

Key Features

Recurring Revenue

Subscription-based membership model

Community Building

Robust tools for creator-fan interaction

Tiered Memberships

Offer different levels of access and benefits

Content Delivery

Native hosting for various content types

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Established platform with brand recognition
  • Comprehensive content creation and delivery tools
  • Built-in discovery and marketing features
  • Robust community building capabilities
  • Multiple membership tiers and benefits

Cons

  • ×Higher percentage fees (8-12%)
  • ×Complex pricing structure across plans
  • ×Less transparent fee structure
  • ×Additional fees for premium features

Example Calculation

For a creator with $1,000 in monthly memberships on the Pro plan

Sale Price:$1000
Total Fees:$110
Your Earnings:$890

Best for content creators looking for a comprehensive platform with established audience and robust community tools.

Overall Conclusion

The right platform depends on your specific needs as a creator:

- Choose LaunchPass if you're primarily focused on membership management, prefer transparent pricing, and want to minimize transaction fees.

- Choose Patreon if you value comprehensive content creation tools, need built-in marketing features, and want to leverage an established platform with brand recognition.

Consider your business model, audience size, and growth plans when making your decision. LaunchPass may be more cost-effective for larger communities, while Patreon might offer better value for creators just starting out who need discovery and audience building tools.