Donation processing · head to head
Donorbox vs Givebutter
Donorbox and Givebutter are both donation processing tools. Donorbox fits shops that want serious recurring-gift tooling without building anything; Givebutter fits shops running campaigns, events, and peer-to-peer on one modern platform. The table below lines up price, free tier, and fit so you can see which one matches your shop.
| Donorbox | Givebutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Free to start; ~2.95% platform fee | Free with donor tips on (0% platform fee) |
| Pricing model | Percentage platform fee + processing; Pro plan lowers the percentage | Tips-on free or flat 3%; processing fees apply; optional Plus tier |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Shops that want serious recurring-gift tooling without building anything | Shops running campaigns, events, and peer-to-peer on one modern platform |
| Last verified | Jul 2026 | Jul 2026 |
Donorbox
Strengths: Donation forms live in minutes and embed anywhere; The strongest recurring-gift management in its price class; Free to start; upgrade only when volume justifies it.
Watch for: Platform fee sits on top of payment processing; Free platforms compete hard for simple use cases; The donor-facing pages are more utilitarian than Givebutter's.
Givebutter
Strengths: Free platform spanning donations, ticketing, auctions, and peer-to-peer; The most modern donor-facing experience among the free options; Clean pricing switch: tips on for 0%, tips off for a flat 3%.
Watch for: Processing fees still apply either way; The free tier is a fundraising engine, not a full CRM; Complex recurring-gift programs get more from Donorbox.