BIG Digital Downloads Products vs Courses Plusfor Shopify (2026)
BIG Digital Downloads Products and Courses Plus both cater to merchants selling digital products, but they target different segments with distinct features. BIG Digital Downloads Products is positioned as a straightforward solution for selling a wide array of digital files, emphasizing ease of use and broad compatibility with different file types, making it suitable for merchants selling ebooks, software licenses, or other downloadables. Its strength lies in its simplicity, unlimited storage, and features focused on controlling download access and security. The app’s high rating and substantial number of reviews suggests strong user satisfaction with its core functionality. Courses Plus, on the other hand, focuses specifically on creating and selling online courses and coaching programs. Its features are geared towards building structured learning experiences, including quizzes, progress tracking, and certificate generation. While it also supports general digital product sales, its main value proposition is enabling merchants to monetize their expertise through eLearning. The subscription and bundling features offer opportunities for recurring revenue, targeting merchants who want to build a comprehensive online learning platform.
At a Glance
BIG Digital Downloads Products
600 reviews
Courses Plus
160 reviews
Detailed Overview
BIG Digital Downloads Products
Sell digital products, ebook, digital downloads, license keys.. Download/upload in 1-click any file
Key Features
- Sell any kind of digital product & digital file ( pdf,jpeg,mp4,zip,rar, etc.)
- Sell any kind of digital download. Unlimited storage,unlimited digital downloads
- Make the files downloadable all at once or individually. Sell license keys.
- Limit how many hours/days a file can be downloaded and how many times it can be
- Stamp any PDF you're selling. Easy to sell downloadable digital assets. Etsy alt
Courses Plus
Create online courses & digital products with your store. Sell more via bundles and subscriptions
Key Features
- Create and sell your own online courses
- Provide tests and exams with quizzes (AI course and quiz creation available)
- Monitor customers progress and quiz scores, verify students' assignments
- Generate PDF certificates for students who successfully completed your courses
- Offer bundles, membership subscriptions, add managers for team enrollments
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.9/5 |
Rating BIG Digital Downloads Products5/5 Courses Plus4.9/5 | ||
| Reviews | 600 | 160 |
Reviews BIG Digital Downloads Products600 Courses Plus160 | ||
| Primary Focus | General Digital Downloads | Online Courses & eLearning |
Primary Focus BIG Digital Downloads ProductsGeneral Digital Downloads Courses PlusOnline Courses & eLearning | ||
| Key Features | Unlimited storage, Download limits, PDF stamping, License key sales | Course creation tools, Quizzes (AI option), Progress tracking, Certificates, Subscriptions & Bundles |
Key Features BIG Digital Downloads ProductsUnlimited storage, Download limits, PDF stamping, License key sales Courses PlusCourse creation tools, Quizzes (AI option), Progress tracking, Certificates, Subscriptions & Bundles | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants selling diverse digital files (ebooks, software, etc.) | Educators, coaches, and businesses offering online learning programs |
Target Merchant BIG Digital Downloads ProductsMerchants selling diverse digital files (ebooks, software, etc.) Courses PlusEducators, coaches, and businesses offering online learning programs | ||
| Ease of Use | Likely simpler setup due to focus on file delivery | Potentially more complex setup due to course creation and management features |
Ease of Use BIG Digital Downloads ProductsLikely simpler setup due to focus on file delivery Courses PlusPotentially more complex setup due to course creation and management features | ||
| Value Proposition | Easy digital file delivery with access control and security features | Building and selling comprehensive online courses and learning platforms |
Value Proposition BIG Digital Downloads ProductsEasy digital file delivery with access control and security features Courses PlusBuilding and selling comprehensive online courses and learning platforms | ||
Our Verdict
For merchants primarily selling single digital items like ebooks, software keys, or digital art, BIG Digital Downloads Products is the clear choice. Its simplicity, high rating, and focus on secure file delivery make it ideal for straightforward digital product sales. The unlimited storage is a major advantage.
However, if your goal is to create and sell online courses or build a subscription-based learning platform, Courses Plus is the better option. Its course creation tools, quiz functionality, and progress tracking features are essential for delivering a comprehensive learning experience. The lower number of reviews compared to BIG Digital Downloads Products might reflect a more niche audience or a more recent entry into the market, but the 4.9-star rating indicates strong user satisfaction within its target market.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to use for basic digital download sales?
BIG Digital Downloads Products is likely easier to use for basic digital download sales due to its focus on file delivery and access control. Courses Plus, while also capable of selling digital products, has a steeper learning curve due to its course creation features.
Which app is better for selling online courses with quizzes and progress tracking?
Courses Plus is the better choice for selling online courses with quizzes and progress tracking. Its feature set is specifically designed for creating and managing online learning experiences, whereas BIG Digital Downloads Products lacks these features.
Does BIG Digital Downloads Products support subscriptions?
No, BIG Digital Downloads Products does not mention support for subscriptions in its description or key features. Courses Plus explicitly offers subscription features for recurring revenue.
Does Courses Plus offer unlimited storage like BIG Digital Downloads Products?
The provided description of Courses Plus does not mention unlimited storage. In contrast, BIG Digital Downloads Products explicitly states unlimited storage, giving it an edge for merchants dealing with numerous or large files.
Which app is a better alternative to Etsy for selling digital products?
BIG Digital Downloads Products is explicitly mentioned as an Etsy alternative, particularly for downloadable digital assets. Its focus on individual file sales and access control aligns well with the type of digital products commonly sold on Etsy.
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