Flippa and Empire Flippers can both facilitate online-business sales, but they represent different marketplace models. Flippa is broader and offers more self-service flexibility; Empire Flippers is more curated and higher-touch.
Quick comparison
| Flippa | Empire Flippers | |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace model | Broad marketplace + optional brokerage | Curated marketplace with vetting |
| Seller entry | Self-service packages start at $29 | No listing fee; business must pass requirements |
| Seller success cost | Success fees start at 5%; varies by tier | $10k minimum on smaller deals, then 15% / blended tiers |
| Buyer access | Free browsing + optional Premium | ID and proof-of-funds verification to unlock sensitive details |
| Post-sale | Transfer support available | Migration support is a core part of the model |
Which is better for sellers?
Flippa is likely the more natural starting point when you want lower-cost self-service access, a broad buyer pool and multiple listing/service levels. Empire Flippers may be stronger when your business comfortably meets its current requirements — at least $2,000 average monthly net profit over the previous 12 months — and you value curation and hands-on support enough to accept its commission model.
Which is better for buyers?
Flippa offers more breadth and lower-friction browsing. That makes screening discipline important. Empire Flippers restricts sensitive listing access until buyers verify identity and funds, which creates a more controlled diligence environment.
Fee structure matters more at some deal sizes
Empire Flippers’ February 2026 update raised its minimum commission to $10,000. Its public seller page then applies 15% up to $700,000, 8% on the portion from $700,000 to $5 million, and 2.5% on the portion above $5 million. Flippa’s published model is different: listing packages plus a success fee that starts at 5% and varies by deal.
That means you should model your own expected selling price rather than declaring one platform categorically cheaper.
Verdict
Choose Flippa for breadth, flexible seller paths and lower-friction marketplace access. Choose Empire Flippers when curation, vetting and managed migration are more important than minimizing platform commission.
Explore Flippa ↗Fact-check: Platform facts and pricing checked September 14, 2026. Official sources: Flippa pricing · Empire Flippers selling · Empire Flippers buying · Empire Flippers vetting. Pricing and policies can change; verify before transacting.