E-Books vs. Online Courses vs. Printables: Which Earns the Most in 2025?
Selling digital products is one of the fastest-growing ways to earn passive income in 2025. But with so many options — e-books, online courses, and printables — which one should you focus on?
Each product type has its own startup cost, difficulty level, and income potential. Let’s break it down so you can choose the best fit for your goals.
📘 E-Books
Startup Cost: $0–$100 (cover design, editing).
Earning Potential: $100–$2,000/month (higher for niche bestsellers).
Platforms: Amazon Kindle, Gumroad, Payhip.
Pros:
Easy to create with AI + editing.
Low barrier to entry.
Evergreen sales if SEO-optimized.
Cons:
Highly competitive.
Lower price point ($2.99–$9.99 typical).
🎥 Online Courses
Startup Cost: $50–$500 (camera, mic, hosting like Teachable/Udemy).
Earning Potential: $500–$10,000+/month.
Platforms: Udemy, Teachable, Kajabi, Skillshare.
Pros:
Higher perceived value ($50–$500 per course).
Scales with audience growth.
Strong passive income once recorded.
Cons:
Requires more effort (videos, editing).
Needs authority/expertise.
📝 Printables (Templates, Planners, Stickers)
Startup Cost: $0–$50 (Canva/Creative Market assets).
Earning Potential: $200–$5,000/month (depending on niche + volume).
Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Creative Market.
Pros:
Extremely low cost.
Unlimited reselling.
Perfect for creatives.
Cons:
Small ticket items ($2–$20).
High sales volume needed for big income.
⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison
Product Type | Startup Cost | Price Range | Income Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
E-Books | $0–$100 | $3–$10 | $100–$2,000/mo | Writers, niche experts |
Online Courses | $50–$500 | $50–$500 | $500–$10k+/mo | Educators, professionals |
Printables | $0–$50 | $2–$20 | $200–$5,000/mo | Designers, hobbyists |
🙋 FAQs
Q1: Which digital product is easiest for beginners?
A: Printables — they require little upfront cost and are simple to design with Canva.
Q2: Which one makes the most money in 2025?
A: Online courses generally earn the most because of higher pricing and demand.
Q3: Can I combine them?
A: Yes! Many creators bundle e-books, printables, and courses for higher value.
Q4: Do I need a website to sell digital products?
A: No, you can start on platforms like Amazon, Udemy, or Etsy. A personal website helps you scale later.
Q5: How long before I earn passive income?
A: E-books/printables can sell within weeks, while courses take longer but scale better.
🏆 Conclusion
In 2025, all three — e-books, online courses, and printables — can generate passive income, but they differ in effort and earning potential:
E-Books: Best for beginners with writing skills.
Online Courses: Highest income potential for those willing to put in upfront work.
Printables: Quick, low-cost entry for creatives.
👉 If you want fast wins, start with printables or e-books. If you want big long-term income, invest time in online courses.
The smartest strategy? Combine them — create an e-book, offer a printable workbook, and upsell a full course. That way, you maximize income from a single idea.