If you’re looking for an alternative to Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) to sell digital products on your WordPress site, or if you are searching for solutions that might better fit your needs, you’re in the right spot.
We are going to talk about the best alternative to Easy Digital Downloads.
While EDD is often regarded as a great choice for establishing digital product stores, users may face several challenges along the way. Like-
It can quickly become complex.
Reporting capabilities are minimal.
Costs can add up fast.
Technical support might not be up to standard.
With all that in mind, in this article, we’ll explore Download Monitor vs Easy Digital Downloads with the four best alternatives to EDD that could offer you a simpler, more cost-effective, and better-supported solution.
Let’s start with-
Easy Digital Downloads Overview
Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) enables the sale of various digital downloads like software, eBooks, videos, and more, featuring a shopping cart system with Buy Now and Add to Cart buttons.
No coding is required, and you can create a professional product page. It has Integration with popular payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net that enables seamless online transactions.
It also has features including coupon code generation, file download tracking, and customer management.
EDD has compatibility with all WordPress themes and plugins, ensuring great website speed and performance. While the plugin itself is free, users can extend functionality with paid add-ons.
Affordable plans tailored to diverse business needs start at just $99.50 per month. Currently, it has 50000+ active installations.
Premium plans offer advanced features and access to plugin extensions, with options to upgrade as businesses grow. Additionally, a free version of the plugin is available on WordPress.org.
Features of EDD:
Unlimited file downloads
File delivery automation
User-friendly My Account page
Integration with email marketing services
Easy refund processing
File download tracking
Built-in analytics and reporting dashboard
Responsive and friendly customer support team
Download Monitor
Grow your audience, track download performance, and convert your leads into paying customers with an easy-to-use digital downloads solution for WordPress
Why Look For an Alternative to Easy Digital Downloads?
Easy Digital Downloads differs from hosted eCommerce platforms by not offering hosting and website maintenance services.
Instead, it operates as a lightweight plugin designed for straightforward integration into existing WordPress setups.
Although EDD has the necessary features to manage and sell digital products, still there are users who are looking for alternatives. Why?
EDD doesn’t have any free plan (there is a free plugin). You will also need third-party plugins to add advanced features. Pricing is also a big factor for users switching to other alternatives.
Also, users who have switched from EDD to another platform have said these are the main challenges they faced while using it-
More Possible Reasons
1. Complexity: Despite its name, setting up and configuring EDD can be complex, requiring time and effort to ensure smooth operation.
2. High Cost: While EDD itself is free, accessing advanced features like different payment gateways or content restrictions requires purchasing extensions and add-ons, potentially leading to high costs, especially for small businesses.
3. Poor Support: With a large user base and numerous support requests, EDD’s support team may need help to address all issues promptly, leading to occasional dissatisfaction among users.
The active installation of Easy Digital Downloads went from 60000 to 50000 in 2021. The number is still the same. Also, they increased their pricing by 30-50% overall. That is also one of the reasons why people seem to be switching.
Now, let’s see the alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads.
Download Monitor: The Perfect Easy Digital Downloads Alternative
Download Monitor stands out as a robust WordPress plugin designed to efficiently manage, sell, and distribute digital downloads.
Powering free and paid digital product downloads for more than 100,000 WordPress websites.
Whether you’re offering software, eBooks, music, or any other downloadable content, this tool streamlines the entire process, from upload to tracking, right within your WordPress site.
Download Monitor provides an interface that simplifies digital asset management.
Users can easily upload files directly to their WordPress dashboard, categorize them with tags and categories, sell them, and organize them for seamless access and navigation.
What Sets Download Monitor Apart?
One of the key features that sets Download Monitor apart is its comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Users gain valuable insights into download statistics, including the number of downloads, download dates, and even IP addresses of users.
This level of detail enables informed decision-making, helping to identify popular content and optimize offerings accordingly.
Unlike Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), which is designed to handle various types of digital products, Download Monitor focuses exclusively on managing and selling downloadable content.
This specialization ensures that users benefit from a platform finely tuned to their specific needs, without the clutter of features unrelated to managing downloads.
The plugin prioritizes maintaining control over the WordPress environment. Users can customize download pages using flexible templates to align with their branding and design preferences.
The plugin also offers access control features, allowing administrators to restrict access based on user roles or require authentication for certain downloads.
Learn why you should choose Download Monitor as your EDD alternative today.
Amazing Features of Download Monitor Plugin
1. File Management
Download Monitor allows you to upload and organize files directly within your WordPress dashboard.
You can create categories and tags to efficiently categorize and label your files for easy navigation and management.
2. Customizable Download Buttons
The plugin provides customizable download buttons that you can easily embed into your posts, pages, or custom post types.
You can customize the appearance of these buttons to match your website’s design and branding.
3. Download Tracking
One of the core features of Download Monitor is its ability to track downloads.
It offers detailed insights into download statistics, including the number of downloads, download dates, and the IP addresses of users who downloaded the files.
This tracking functionality helps you analyze the popularity of your downloads and understand user engagement with your content.
4. Shortcodes and Widgets
Download Monitor offers shortcodes and widgets that allow you to display download buttons and files anywhere on your website.
You can use these shortcodes and widgets to showcase popular downloads, recent downloads, or files from specific categories.
5. Access Control and Permissions
The plugin enables you to control access to your downloadable files. You can restrict downloads based on user roles or require users to log in before accessing certain files.
Additionally, you can set download limits or expiration dates for files, ensuring better control over your content distribution.
6. Notifications and Alerts
The plugin supports notifications and alerts for various download-related events.
You can configure email notifications to be sent to administrators or users when specific actions occur, such as a new download being added or a download reaching a certain milestone.
7. Extensions and Add-ons
Download Monitor offers a range of extensions and add-ons to enhance its functionality further.
These extensions cover various aspects such as enhanced tracking, integration with third-party services, advanced access control, and more.
Noteworthy extensions include-
- Forms: Download monitor has integrations with both Ninja Forms and Gravity Forms, that will help create your order forms and also protect your files. You can easily create a download gate for your files.
- Advanced Access Manager: The Advanced Access Manager extension allows you to create advanced download limitations per download on a global level.
- Email Lock: You can export your email lists in CSV format. You can then import these lists into your favorite CRM or email marketing service.
Check out All the Extension Lists of Download Monitor
More Features with Pros and Cons
More Features include-
- Sell digital products in a single click.
- Option to restrict access to members only.
- Google Drive and Amazon S3 integrations to host files on these cloud platforms and link them to the WordPress site.
- Sell or distribute unlimited file downloads for free.
- Integrate with PayPal payment gateway.
- Add multiple file versions for each product.
- Organize downloads effectively with categories and tags.
- Lock downloads with email, Twitter, or forms (Ninja Forms/Gravity Forms).
- Create a document library for easy access to files.
- Display a custom page while a download is in progress.
- Impose restrictions based on user, role, IP, date limit, daily number of downloads, etc
Read: The Amazing Features of Download Monitor
Pros
Intuitive interface for managing downloads.
Support for various file types.
Download statistics tracking.
Customizable templates for download pages.
Cons
Some advanced features may require premium extensions.
Limited customization options without coding knowledge.
Pricing: The premium version of the plugin starts from $39/year.
Download Monitor vs Easy Digital Downloads: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Download Monitor | Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) |
| Specialization | Download Monitor focuses solely on managing downloadable content | EDD caters to a broader range of digital products, which may result in a less focused experience |
| Ease of Use | Download Monitor offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to upload, categorize, and track downloads directly within WordPress. | EDD provides a user-friendly experience, but its broader feature set may introduce more complexity for users primarily concerned with managing downloads. |
| Download Tracking Capabilities | Download Monitor provides robust tracking features, offering detailed insights into download statistics such as the number of downloads, download dates, and user IP addresses. | EDD offers basic tracking capabilities, but Download Monitor’s focus on download management results in more comprehensive tracking functionality. |
| Customization Options | Download Monitor offers customizable templates for download pages, allowing users to align the presentation of their downloadable content with their branding and design preferences. | While EDD provides some customization options, Download Monitor’s emphasis on tailored download pages gives users greater control over the appearance of their content. |
| Community Support | Download Monitor has a supportive community with extensive documentation and resources, ensuring users have the assistance they need to maximize the plugin’s potential. | EDD also boasts a strong community, but Download Monitor’s specialized focus may result in more targeted support for users managing downloadable content. |
| Active Installations | 100,000+ | 50,000+ |
| 5-star Reviews | 391 | 472 |
| Cost | Download Monitor is free to use with no initial cost for the base plugin. | While EDD is free initially, additional costs may arise from purchasing premium extensions for advanced features. |
| Extension Costs | Download Monitor extensions are typically more cost-effective, with fewer premium add-ons required to access advanced features. | EDD offers numerous premium extensions, which can quickly accumulate costs for users seeking specific functionalities. |
More Alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads
Here are the other alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads you can check out-
WooCommerce (Woo)
WooCommerce stands as a formidable alternative to EDD, providing a robust platform for selling digital products, merchandise, and services.
With over 5 million active installations, it offers users greater control and flexibility.
Its seamless integration with WordPress facilitates quick store setup, leveraging the platform’s extensive themes and plugins for customization.
This transparent approach allows users to retain more of their earnings while enjoying the benefits of a powerful eCommerce solution.
Features:
Transparent Pricing Model
Seamless WordPress Integration
Extensive Customization Options
Scalability and Flexibility
Comprehensive Marketing Tools
WordPress Download Manager
WordPress Download Manager is a plugin for managing files on your WordPress site. It helps you keep track of who downloads your files and gives you control over access.
You can set passwords and user roles to manage who can download, control download speeds, and limit the number of downloads per user.
It also has features like Captcha Lock and IP Block to stop bots, unwanted users, or spammers. Plus, you can make users agree to your terms and conditions before downloading.
Features:
Drag and Drop File Upload
Chunk upload support to override HTTP max upload limit
Media Library file protection
Integrated document viewer ( DOC, PDF, and POWERPOINT )
Custom post type and taxonomy, adding a download is just like creating a post
MemberPress
MemberPress is a top choice for establishing membership sites offering subscription content, digital downloads, or courses on WordPress.
Renowned for its user-friendly interface and ease of installation, MemberPress packs numerous features, making it accessible to users of all coding expertise levels.
Its standout WordPress subscription plugin simplifies selling subscription content and streamlines payment management seamlessly.
With MemberPress, managing a membership site becomes hassle-free, enabling users to focus on delivering valuable content to subscribers.
Features-
Pricing page themes
Paywall capabilities
Drip content
Coupons
WP Simple Pay
WP Simple Pay presents itself as a compelling alternative to EDD, providing users with a streamlined solution to monetize products and services directly through WordPress-powered websites.
Featuring a user-friendly interface and seamless integration, WP Simple Pay enables creators to effortlessly set up payment forms and commence selling within minutes, empowering them to maximize their online sales potential.
Features:
Seamless WordPress Integration
Easy Payment Forms
Subscription Support
Mobile Optimization
Customizable Checkout
Download Monitor vs Easy Digital Downloads: Summary Table for Top EDD Alternatives
| Feature | Download Monitor | WooCommerce | MemberPress | WordPress Download Manager | WP Simple Pay |
| Digital Products | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Physical Products | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Memberships | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Payment Gateways | Varied | Varied | Varied | Varied | Varied |
| Extensions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Free with paid extensions | Free with paid extensions | Subscription-based | Subscription-based | Free with paid extensions |
Download Monitor vs Easy Digital Downloads: Choose the Best One to Ensure Your Business Growth
While Easy Digital Downloads stands as a top WordPress plugin for selling digital products, it might not fit everyone’s needs.
If you’re seeking a straightforward solution to manage digital files, distribute or sell products, and scale your online store affordably, you need to explore alternative options.
You need to factor such as complexity, reporting capabilities, costs, and technical support so that you can find the solution that aligns best with your goals and objectives.
The goal is to prioritize functionality, user experience, and scalability to ensure a successful and sustainable digital storefront for your business.
If you have any questions, do let us know in the comment section.
Download Monitor
Grow your audience, track download performance, and convert your traffic into email subscribers with an easy-to-use digital downloads solution for WordPress.
