How to Choose the Best Platform to Sell Digital Products: Stan Store vs Beacons

If you’re looking to sell digital products online, you’ll find no shortage of platforms promising to make your life easier—Gumroad, systeme.io, and more. The choices can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new.

I started as a total beginner, built my business from scratch, and have used both Stan Store and Beacons. This post is for anyone who wants to skip the research rabbit hole and just get their product out there, fast.

Why Your Platform Choice Matters

Before you get lost comparing features, get clear on what you actually need:

A place to upload your product
A link to add to your bio (Instagram, TikTok, wherever)
A simple way for people to check out

You don’t need a complicated website or a funnel with a thousand steps. You need a link, and you need to go live.

Beacons: Free, Flexible, and Beginner-Friendly

Beacons is my go-to recommendation for getting started. It’s simple, flexible, and won’t cost you anything to try.

Highlights:

Free plan with generous features
Add unlimited links (products, freebies, socials)
Mobile-friendly and easy to update on the go
Great for mixing content, resources, and products
No pressure to “go pro” if you’re just testing things out
Pro tip: You can generate affiliate links for offers without cluttering your storefront

If you want a flexible hub that won’t weigh on your wallet, Beacons is a strong choice. (If you ever decide to upgrade, here’s my Beacons affiliate link—there’s no additional cost to you.)

Beacons Link

Stan Store: Sleek, Selling-Focused, and Built for Growth

Stan Store is designed for creators who want their link in bio to do more than just link. It comes with a 14-day free trial, but you’ll need the paid plan for full features. If you’re serious about selling digital products, booking calls, or building an all-in-one storefront, Stan Store handles the tech so you can focus on sales.

Highlights:

Paid plan after the free trial (investment required for full features)
Powerful built-in checkout and automation tools
Ideal for digital products, coaching calls, and subscriptions
All-in-one, professional storefront experience

If you’re ready to automate bookings and sales—and want a platform that grows with you—Stan Store is worth the investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no single “right” platform—just what fits your business right now.

Need something free and flexible? Start with Beacons.
Ready for a sleek, all-in-one system and willing to invest? Try Stan Store.

Don’t let perfection or endless comparisons keep you stuck. The platform doesn’t make the sale—your offer and your clarity do. The most important step? Get your link live so people can find—and buy—what you’re offering.

Quick Checklist to Get Started

Choose your platform (Beacons or Stan Store)
Add your product, freebie, or links
Publish your link in your Instagram bio
Screenshot it and celebrate going live

Most people waste weeks comparing tools instead of making money with one. A messy store that’s live always beats a perfect one that isn’t. Start simple. You can always switch or upgrade later.

P.S. I’ve used both platforms, and these are the ones that helped me get moving without tech overwhelm. If you want to keep things simple, pick one, get your product out there, and optimize as you grow.