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Easy Digital Downloads vs Shift4Shop

A side-by-side look at Easy Digital Downloads and Shift4Shop. On our scoring, Easy Digital Downloads comes out ahead — but the right pick depends on your priorities.

Platform
Easy Digital Downloads logoEasy Digital DownloadsCreator & digital
Shift4ShopAll-in-one
Scores
SellingScene score4.0/53.8/5
User rating4.13.7
Reviews670540
Pricing
Starting priceFreeFree
Pricing modelfree core + annual pass for extensionsfree in the US with Shift4 Payments
Transaction fees0% (processor fees apply)0% with Shift4 Payments
Hosting & setup
Hosting typeSelf-hosted (WordPress)Fully hosted (SaaS)
Free trialFree core pluginFree with Shift4 Payments
Staff accountsWordPress rolesBy plan
Product limitUnlimitedUnlimited
Payments & security
Payment gatewaysStripe, PayPal + gatewaysShift4 + 100+ gateways
SSL includedYesYes
PCI compliantYesYes
Gift cardsYesYes
Catalog & content
Themes / templatesWordPress theme ecosystem100+ themes
App marketplaceOfficial extensions libraryApp store & integrations
Multi-currencyNoYes
Multi-languageYesYes
POS includedNoYes
Abandoned cart recoveryYesYes
Built-in blogYesYes
Tools & flexibility
Drag-and-drop editorYesYes
API accessYesYes
Mobile appNoNo
Support channelsTicket support (pass), documentation24/7 phone, chat, email (US)
ActionsRead reviewRead review

Why pick Easy Digital Downloads?

Easy Digital Downloads is the specialist choice for selling digital goods on WordPress, with clean license and subscription handling that WooCommerce bolts on awkwardly. You will buy extension passes to unlock its full power.

Best for: WordPress users selling files and licenses

Read the full Easy Digital Downloads review

Why pick Shift4Shop?

Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) offers a deep, feature-rich platform that becomes free if you process payments through Shift4. That bargain comes with dated interfaces and a payment lock-in that does not suit everyone.

Best for: US sellers who will use Shift4 payment processing

Read the full Shift4Shop review