Best Crowdfunding Sites for Every Campaign in 2025

With over $10 million raised across successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns in the last year alone, our team knows a thing or two about choosing the right crowdfunding platform. Here’s the deal: while having an innovative product is crucial, the platform you choose – and how you leverage it – often determines whether you’ll smash through your funding goals or struggle to gain traction. Drawing from our experience managing over 200 campaigns, we’ll cut through the noise and show you exactly what works on today’s leading crowdfunding sites, from platform-specific conversion tactics to real campaign data you won’t find anywhere else.

Top Crowdfunding Platforms in 2025

We’ve categorized the leading crowdfunding platforms based on their proven track records with specific campaign types, helping you quickly identify which platform will serve your project best. Drawing from hundreds of campaigns, we’ll break down exactly where each platform shines – and where it doesn’t.

Best for Product & Innovation Launches

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is an online crowdfunding platform that enables individuals and businesses to raise funds for creative projects by connecting them with backers who contribute financially in exchange for rewards or early access to the final product.

Platform Fees

• Base platform fee: 5% of total funds raised
• Payment processing fees: 3-5% per pledge

In the United States, these fees are typically structured as follows:

• Standard Fee: 3%+0.20 USD per pledge.
• Micropledge Fee: The fee for pledges under 10 USD is 5%+0.05 USD per pledge.

These fees may differ by country; for instance, in Canada, the processing fee is similar but expressed in CAD.

Strengths

• Largest backer community for creative products 
• High trust factor – backers are more likely to support projects over $100 here than on other platforms
• Killer discovery algorithm that works
• The all-or-nothing model creates genuine urgency 

Limitations

• Strict approval process that can take 3-5 business days (and often requires revisions)
• No flexibility in the all-or-nothing funding model
• Can’t edit funding goals once launched 

A word from the experts: The biggest mistake we see is creators underestimate the importance of product positioning on the crowdfunding landing page and in all other marketing materials. It’s crucial to capitalize on the pain points the product relieves. Then, create the visuals and copy on your page that accurately portray the product and how users will integrate it into their daily lives.

For an inside look at how crowdfunding works, read our article. 

Indiegogo

Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals and organizations to raise funds for a wide range of projects, including businesses, creative endeavors, and charitable causes. Unlike Kickstarter, which operates on an all-or-nothing funding model requiring projects to meet their goals to receive any funds, Indiegogo offers both fixed and flexible funding options, allowing campaigners to keep whatever amount they raise even if they do not meet their target.

Platform Fees

• Standard platform fee: 5% fee of the total funds raised for campaigns that meet their funding goals. If you choose the InDemand program (available after a successful campaign), the fee increases to 8% if you previously ran your campaign on another platform.

Funding Types: Indiegogo offers two funding options:

• Flexible Funding: You keep all funds raised regardless of whether you meet your goal, but the 5% fee applies to the total raised.
• Fixed Funding: You only receive funds if you meet your goal, and no fees are charged if you don’t.

• Payment processing
  • Transaction Fees: Indiegogo charges a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for pledges made through third-party credit cards. This fee can vary slightly based on specific circumstances.
  • Wire Transfer Fee: An additional $25 fee applies if you transfer funds to a non-US bank account.

Pro Tip: Factor in international transfer fees ($25 for non-US campaigns) and currency conversion costs that most creators overlook

Strengths

• Flexible funding options that are a game-changer for phased product launches
• InDemand program (our secret weapon for post-campaign success, including extra PR buzz)
• More lenient creative guidelines (perfect for boundary-pushing innovations)
• Great for international campaigns (supports multiple currencies and has a strong global backer base)

Limitations

• Smaller active backer community than Kickstarter (you’ll need to bring more of your own traffic)
• The burden of credibility is more on the creators than the platform (meaning your credibility assets need to be rock-solid)
• Support can be slower than Kickstarter (average 48-hour response time)

Patreon

Patreon is a membership platform that allows content creators to receive recurring financial support from their fans, known as patrons, in exchange for exclusive content and perks. Unlike traditional crowdfunding platforms that fund specific projects, Patreon focuses on providing ongoing financial support for creators’ continuous work, fostering a closer relationship between creators and their audience.

Platform Fees

Patreon offers three main plans, each with different fees:

• Lite Plan: 5% of total earnings from patrons.
• Pro Plan: 8% of total earnings from patrons. This plan includes additional features such as membership tiers and analytics.
• Premium Plan: 12% of total earnings from patrons. This plan offers the most features, including dedicated support and advanced tools.

Strengths

• Recurring revenue model (finally, predictable income for creators!)
• Killer community features that drive engagement
• Super flexible reward tiers
• Built-in CRM

Limitations

• Not great for one-off projects (this is better for a marathon, not a sprint)
• Content creation becomes a regular commitment
• Higher fees than traditional crowdfunding

Best for Equity Crowdfunding

Now we’re playing in the big leagues! These platforms are where serious startups go to raise serious capital. But heads up – you’ll need more than a great idea to succeed here.

StartEngine

StartEngine is an equity crowdfunding platform that allows everyday individuals to invest in startups and early-stage companies, facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and non-accredited investors. 

Platform Fees

• Setup Fee: StartEngine charges a one-time setup fee for creating an offering on their platform. This fee varies based on the complexity of the offering but typically covers the costs associated with reviewing and approving offering materials.
• Platform Fee: 7% on funds raised during a successful campaign. This fee is applied only if the campaign meets its funding goal.
• Escrow Fee: This is a percentage fee based on the funds raised and charged by a third-party escrow service holding investor funds.
• Compliance Fee: A compliance fee ensures that the offering meets all regulatory requirements, and it can vary depending on its complexity.

• Processing Fee: 3.5% fee on investments for credit card and payment processing costs.
• Wire Transfer Fees: If investors choose to pay via wire transfer, their bank may charge additional transaction fees, which StartEngine does not cover.

Strengths

• Massive investor network (we’re talking 1M+ potential investors)
• Non-accredited investors welcome (this gives you a wider funding pool!)
• Secondary trading marketplace (major win for investor liquidity)
• Helpful marketing tools that convert

Limitations

• Complex compliance requirements (get ready for some paperwork)
• Higher marketing needs (organic traffic isn’t gonna cut it here)
• Competitive space (standing out requires serious strategy)
• Long-term commitment required (this isn’t your 30-day Kickstarter sprint)

Fundable

Fundable is a crowdfunding platform specifically designed for startups and small businesses looking to raise capital through rewards or equity crowdfunding. 

Platform Fees

• Monthly Subscription Fee: Fundable charges a flat fee of $179 per month to create and manage fundraising campaigns. This fee is not pro-rated, meaning that it is charged in full regardless of the campaign’s success.
• Payment Processing Fees: For rewards-based campaigns, Fundable applies a processing fee of 3.5% plus $0.30 per transaction. Notably, there are no success fees, so if a campaign raises funds, the organizer retains the full amount raised minus these processing fees.

Strengths

• Cost-effective for larger raises due to flat-fee structure
• Dual fundraising options: rewards or equity campaigns
• Comprehensive startup support infrastructure
• A strong network of accredited investors
• Professional campaign development assistance
• Built-in marketing and promotional tools

Limitations

• Substantial monthly commitment, regardless of campaign success
• Intensive documentation requirements for equity campaigns
• More restricted audience reach than major platforms
• Significant upfront preparation is needed
• Higher barrier to entry for early-stage startups
• Complex regulatory compliance for equity raises

WeFunder

WeFunder is an equity crowdfunding platform that enables individuals to invest in early-stage startups. It allows companies to raise capital from the public while providing investors with opportunities to support and potentially profit from innovative businesses.

Platform Fees

• Platform Fee: WeFunder charges a 7.5% fee on the total amount raised by a company through its fundraising campaign, applicable only if the company successfully reaches its fundraising goal
• Payment Processing Fee: In addition to the platform fee, there is a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction for credit card payments. For ACH or wire transfers, WeFunder charges a 2% fee, with a minimum of $8 and a maximum of $150.
• Investor Agreement Fee: When investors make an investment, they must sign an investor agreement, which incurs a fee of $25
• Wire Transfer Fee: If a company opts to receive funds via wire transfer instead of ACH, there is an additional charge of $30 per wire transfer
• Investor Exit Fee: If an investor sells their shares before a liquidity event (like an IPO or acquisition), WeFunder charges a 2% fee on the total transaction amount

Strengths

• Low minimum investment threshold ($100)
• Extensive startup portfolio across sectors
• Comprehensive fundraising support infrastructure
• Strong investor protection mechanisms
• Robust due diligence process
• Clear regulatory compliance framework
• Active investor community engagement

Limitations

• Significant fee structure for fundraising companies
• Complex transaction cost layers for investors
• Extensive documentation requirements
• Potential stigma from traditional VCs
• Time-intensive compliance process
• Limited secondary market options

Republic

Republic is an equity crowdfunding platform that allows both accredited and non-accredited investors to invest in startups and early-stage companies across various sectors, including technology, real estate, and entertainment.

Platform Fees

• Success Fee: Republic charges a 6% success fee on the total funds raised during a campaign. This fee is applicable only if the campaign successfully meets its funding goal.
• Setup Fee: A one-time setup fee may also apply to creating an offering, which varies depending on the campaign’s specifics.

• Processing Fees: Republic typically charges around 3.5% plus $0.30 per transaction for credit card payments made by investors. This fee can vary depending on the payment method used and the investor’s location.

Strengths

• Top-tier due diligence (instant credibility boost)
• Great deal flow curation (less competition = higher success rate)
• Active, sophisticated investor community
• Stellar post-raise support (they care about your success)

Limitations

• Super selective acceptance process (we’re talking 3% acceptance rate)
• Extensive documentation is needed (I hope you love spreadsheets!)
• Higher minimum raise requirements
• Longer review process (patience is key here, folks)

Best for Personal Fundraising & Charity

GoFundMe

GoFundMe is primarily focused on personal fundraising and charitable causes. GoFundMe has raised over $30 billion since its inception in 2010 and is widely recognized for its ease of use and community support.

Platform Fees

• No Platform Fee: GoFundMe does not charge a platform fee for creating or managing a fundraiser. This means that organizers can start campaigns without any upfront costs.
• Transaction Fees: The only fees deducted from donations are transaction fees, which amount to 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation. This fee covers the costs associated with payment processing and secure delivery of funds. For example, if someone donates $50, the organizer would receive approximately $48.25 after fees are deducted.
• Voluntary Tipping: Donors have the option to leave a voluntary tip for GoFundMe when making a donation. This tip helps support the platform’s operations but is not mandatory. If donors choose to make recurring donations, they incur a fee of 5% per donation.

Strengths

• Exceptional platform reputation with over $30 billion raised since 2010
• Straightforward campaign setup and management
• Flexible funding model – keep whatever you raise
• Industry-leading donor protection guarantee
• Immediate access to funds as they arrive
• Strong mobile optimization for on-the-go management

Limitations

• Success is heavily dependent on personal network reach
• Limited organic discovery features
• Basic customization options for campaign pages
• Transaction fees can impact larger donation amounts

Mightycause

Mightycause is a crowdfunding platform primarily designed for nonprofits and individuals looking to raise funds for various causes, including healthcare, education, and community projects. 

Platform Fees

• Monthly Subscription Fee: Mightycause offers two subscription plans:
  • Essential Plan: $79 per month
  • Accelerate Plan: $119 per month
    These plans provide access to different levels of features and fundraising tools.
• Transaction Fees: Mightycause charges a processing fee of 0.95% plus $0.29 per credit card transaction
• Optional Donor Cover Fees: Donors can choose to cover the platform fees, which are typically around 7.9% plus $0.30 per transaction (or 6.9% plus $0.30 for subscribers). This feature allows nonprofits to receive 100% of the donations if donors opt to cover these costs.

Strengths

• Complete nonprofit toolkit with advanced donor management
• Powerful peer-to-peer campaign capabilities
• Sophisticated donor data analytics and reporting
• Multi-channel fundraising integration
• Automated receipt generation and tax documentation
• Custom branding options for campaign pages
• Seamless recurring donation management

Limitations

• Monthly subscription requirements may strain smaller organizations
• Steeper learning curve for platform mastery
• More limited organic reach than major platforms
• Advanced features restricted to a higher-tier plan
• The initial time investment needed for proper setup

Best for Real Estate

CrowdStreet

CrowdStreet is a specialized crowdfunding platform focused on commercial real estate investments, catering exclusively to accredited investors. 

Platform Fees

• No Fees for Investors: CrowdStreet does not charge investors any fees to set up an account or to invest in individual deals. This makes it appealing for investors looking to maximize their returns without upfront costs.
• Sponsor Fees: Instead of charging investors, CrowdStreet charges sponsors a 1.5% technology fee on the funds raised for each deal they list on the platform. This fee may be passed on to investors, depending on the specific deal structure.
• Minimum Investment Requirement: The minimum investment amount on CrowdStreet is typically $25,000, which is significantly higher than many other crowdfunding platforms.

Strengths

• Exceptional deal flow in commercial real estate
• Institutional-quality investment opportunities
• Comprehensive due diligence materials
• Direct sponsor-to-investor communication
• Sophisticated investor dashboard
• Detailed market analysis tools
• Strong track record of completed deals

Limitations

• Exclusive to accredited investors
• Substantial minimum investment requirements
• Extended investment lock-up periods (3-5 years typical)

*A lock-up period means that investors are required to hold their investment for a specified duration and cannot sell their shares during this time, limiting liquidity and access to their funds until the period expires or the investment is realized.

• Complex fee structures vary by deal
• Limited secondary market options
• High learning curve for new real estate investors

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crowdfunding Platform

Alright. We all know picking your platform isn’t just about comparing fees and features. After managing hundreds of campaigns, we’ve identified the make-or-break factors that determine success. Here’s what you need to know before making your choice:

1. Campaign Type Alignment

Pay close attention because this is where most creators go wrong! Each platform has its sweet spot:

• Is your product super innovative? Kickstarter’s early-adopter community will eat it up
• Need flexible funding options? Indiegogo’s your best friend
• Building a content empire? Patreon’s recurring model is your ticket to sustainable growth
• Ready for serious startup funding? StartEngine and Republic are your power players.

2. Pre-Launch Requirements

The truth bomb most guides won’t drop: your platform choice directly impacts your pre-launch timeline and budget. You’ll need:

For Rewards-Based Platforms:

• Marketing budget: 25-30% of your funding goal
• Email list: Minimum 10K subscribers for six-figure campaigns
• Content creation: 3-4 months of prep time
• Team resources: At least one full-time campaign manager

For Equity Platforms:

• Legal prep: 2-3 months minimum
• Financial documentation: Full audit trail
• Team presentation: Professional media kit
• Marketing infrastructure: Comprehensive investor deck

3. Audience Dynamics

Your platform is more than a funding tool – it’s your gateway to a specific community. Based on our campaign data:

• Kickstarter backers are tech-savvy early adopters (perfect for gadgets and innovation)
• Indiegogo brings in the global crowd (great for international scaling)
• Patreon attracts passionate superfans (ideal for content creators)
• Equity platforms connect you with serious investors (perfect for scalable startups)

“The magic happens when your product matches your platform’s audience type and psychology.”

Ready to Launch? 

Remember, choosing your platform is just the first step. The real magic happens in the execution – and that’s where having an experienced team in your corner makes all the difference. Whether aiming for a six-figure product launch on Kickstarter or building a passionate patron community, success comes down to strategy, timing, and expert execution.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into platform-specific strategies, I recommend checking out our blog. Our team’s got insights from many successful campaigns, and we’re always stoked to help ambitious creators maximize their crowdfunding potential. Here’s to your future funding success! 🚀