Ask HN: What Platform Do You Prefer for Monetization as a Developer?

6 points by ShawnBasquiat 4 days ago

Hey HN,

I’m curious about what platforms or payment systems developers prefer when it comes to monetizing their apps, projects, or digital products. There are so many options out there, and each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Some examples:

AWS Billing: For developers selling SaaS or cloud solutions directly on AWS Marketplace.

PayPal: A trusted name with global reach but sometimes criticized for fees or support issues.

Stripe: A popular choice for handling subscriptions, one-time payments, and more, with lots of developer-friendly APIs.

Paddle: Handles global taxes and compliance but is more tailored for SaaS businesses.

Gumroad: Simple for creators, but maybe too limited for more complex setups.

Others like Braintree, Square, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store for specific ecosystems.

If you’re monetizing your work as a developer, what’s your go-to platform or payment system? What made you choose it over others? Are there any tools you avoid due to fees, complexity, or lack of features?

Would love to hear your experiences, especially for small-scale projects versus larger SaaS.