Kajabi is one of the most popular online platforms for digital businesses that create and sell courses, coaching, podcasts, and communities.
However, many businesses may be looking for a less costly solution that gives them more control over the design and feel of the site – one popular alternative to Kajabi is WordPress.
- Kajabi starts at $149 per month
- Kajabi is rated as the #1 platform on SupplyGem
- Kajabi has an excellent rating of 4.6/5 on Trustpilot
- Kajabi is the winner of this comparison
- WordPress is a free, open-source software
- WordPress is not rated on SupplyGem
- 3/5 on Trustpilot
- WordPress is a more customizable alternative
Key Takeaways:
- Kajabi is an all-in-one platform, whereas WordPress is self-hosted
- WordPress is free software while Kajabi starts at $149 per month
- Kajabi has native digital product, marketing, and sales features
What Are Kajabi and WordPress?
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for online businesses to create, host, and deliver digital products.
Some of the digital products subscribers can create include:
- Courses
- Podcasts
- Coaching
- Communities
- Memberships
In addition to digital products, users can also market and sell physical products and services.
What makes Kajabi an all-in-one platform is that users can natively create websites, landing pages, and funnels and set up email marketing.
On the other hand, WordPress is a self-hosted website solution for businesses.
To set up the software, users must first download it and then host it using a third-party solution.
This means users must integrate third-party apps to get the functionality of a community, courses, and membership site and the ability to sell products.
The WordPress software can be considered a starting point for building a site.
Key Differences Between Kajabi and WordPress
We’ve highlighted the key differences between them below for you to understand Kajabi and WordPress better:
- Type of Platform – Kajabi is an all-in-one platform, which means that users can create and host products, market them, and sell them without needing any other software. In contrast, WordPress is a self-hosted solution, meaning users must purchase and integrate software for each feature they require.
- Pricing – Kajabi has a subscription-based pricing model, with monthly plans starting from $149. In contrast, WordPress is free to download and requires no subscription; however, users must purchase hosting from a third-party provider.
- Native Product Features – Kajabi has a wide range of digital products that can be created on the platform whereas WordPress does not have any native product creation tools.
- Technical Knowledge – Kajabi can be used when a user subscribes; no setup is required. In contrast, WordPress requires basic technical knowledge to set up the hosting and customize a site.
| Platform | Kajabi | WordPress |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Platform | All-in-one | Self-hosted |
| Pricing | Plans start from $149/month | Free to download |
| Native Product Features | Courses, coaching, podcasts, and communities | None |
| Technical Knowledge | None required | Some required |
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
It should be noted that there are two WordPress platforms, and they’re often confused – for this comparison guide, we will be referring to WordPress.org only.
To help you understand their differences, we’ve highlighted them below.
WordPress.com is a website platform that also provides hosting to users who build a site.
In contrast, WordPress.org is free software users must download and host on a third-party platform.
As you’re setting up the hosting yourself with WordPress.org, this also means that you’re responsible for the site’s security, maintenance, and backups. Whereas, if you’re using WordPress.com, this is all taken care of for you.
Given this added complexity, you might wonder why people would use WordPress.org instead of WordPress.com.
The primary reason is that WordPress.org gives business owners more flexibility to customize their site and generate earnings.
Therefore, it’s the recommended solution for e-commerce stores, membership sites, course creators, and affiliate marketers.
User Experience: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi has a very easy-to-use interface, and whether you’re setting up a digital product, automating marketing, or creating a website, the platform provides prompts and suggestions throughout the process.
For example, when creating a community, Kajabi provides users with a progress bar and instructions for setting it up.
In contrast, WordPress’s user experience is a lot more challenging.
To begin with, it’s suggested that users start by reading a comprehensive guide that takes them through the process.
After completing the read-through, users must download the software and begin the hosting setup.
Once the site is live, WordPress customers can design it using templates, integrations, and third-party tools.
Therefore, when you compare the user experience of WordPress and Kajabi, it’s evident that Kajabi is far superior.
Websites, Landing Pages, and Funnels: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi supports users in building websites, landing pages, and funnels by providing them with a drag-and-drop builder and the ability to use custom domains.
When creating a website on Kajabi, subscribers can choose a range of free-to-use templates before customizing them.
Moreover, the platform has a native blogging tool for users to incorporate into their website.
Building websites, funnels, and landing pages is incredibly easy since the platform provides templates for each and a powerful drag-and-drop editor.
WordPress users will need to use a third-party platform that provides them with a template or builder tool to create a website, landing page, or funnel.
Many platforms provide specific templates to suit all types of products and needs.
One popular example is Evanto, which lets you browse premium WordPress themes.
As WordPress requires users to download and often purchase website, landing page, and funnel templates, it is clear that Kajabi is the better platform when judged on these features.
Digital Products: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi has an extensive range of digital product creation tools that let subscribers create the following:
- Courses
- Coaching programs
- Podcasts
- Communities
- Memberships
Each digital product type has a drag-and-drop builder, making the creation intuitive.
Moreover, subscribers can use the landing page, website, and funnel tools to market, advertise, and sell their products.
Again, WordPress doesn’t have native digital product features.
Therefore, users must use a third-party platform to create, host, and sell them.
To help you understand some popular platforms that work with WordPress, we’ve created a list below:
- Mighty Networks – Community, courses, and coaching
- BuddyBoss – Website theme, community, and courses
- Thinkific – Courses and community
As Kajabi has product creation tools and supports marketing and delivery, it’s the clear winner in this comparison.
Physical Products: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi doesn’t have a native feature for selling physical products.
Therefore, to sell them on the platform, users must integrate either a Shopify buy button or a third-party service using Zapier.
Again, WordPress doesn’t have a native e-commerce store solution; instead, users must use a third-party theme.
The benefit of purchasing a theme is that most are for lifetime use, meaning you only have to pay once.
There are hundreds of WordPress e-commerce themes starting at around $40.
We would say that WordPress is the better option for selling physical products.
This is because an e-commerce theme is inexpensive and only has to be purchased once, whereas having to subscribe to Shopify or another platform is a lot more expensive.
Moreover, Kajabi has more limited customization options, whereas a WordPress site can be custom-built precisely to a user’s specifications.
Marketing Features: Kajabi vs WordPress
When picking a platform to run an online business, it’s essential to understand the native marketing features and how they can help grow your sales.
Email and SMS
Kajabi has a native email marketing feature that lets users send and automate emails. Some popular triggers and flows include purchase confirmation, welcome emails, and promotions.
Moreover, the platform provides templates and a step-by-step guide for users to send emails quickly.
In contrast, WordPress has no native email features but can easily integrate with G-Suite, Zoho, and other providers.
Automation
Kajabi also provides users with an automation tool that lets them set triggers and actions using ‘if’ and ‘when’ statements.
Some common examples of when Kajabi users create them include event registration, rewarding certificates, and offering coupons.
Again, WordPress doesn’t have a native automation tool; users would likely use Zapier to achieve similar functionality.
Therefore, Kajabi is rated better for native automation features.
Integrations: Kajabi vs WordPress
As Kajabi is an all-in-one platform, users are less likely to use third-party integrations.
However, if they do, they can select one of Kajabi’s native integrations, which include:
- Email marketing
- Aweber
- ActiveCampaign
- Drip
- ConvertKit
- MailChimp
- Sales and conversion
- CloudFlare
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Segment
- Google Analytics
- Meta Pixel
- Other
- Typeform
- Zapier
As Kajabi has a native Zapier integration, if users want to use a non-native third-party platform, they can connect it with Zapier
Because thousands of third-party platforms have been built specifically for WordPress, there are many integrations.
This makes connecting WordPress to other platforms straightforward.
When comparing integrations, WordPress has far more integrations and options for site owners than Kajabi.
Reporting and Analytics: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi has an analytics dashboard that gives access to the following key data points:
- Net revenue
- Subscription metrics
- Opt-ins
- Page views
- Product progress
- Offers sold
- Affiliates
Moreover, subscribers can use the Google Analytics integration if they’re looking for a more comprehensive set of reports.
As WordPress has minimal native reporting, it would be suggested that owners use Google Analytics and other reporting tools.
Therefore, we would rank Kajabi’s reporting and analytics tools as superior to WordPress.
Support and Migration: Kajabi vs WordPress
Inside Kajabi’s help center, users migrating to the platform can review their guides that give step-by-step instructions for migrating communities and websites to the platform.
The platform doesn’t offer a dedicated migration manager although subscribers can speak to their support.
Kajabi offers users several support options, which include:
- Live chat
- Live webinars
- Kajabi Access
As WordPress is open-source software, there is no live chat or support email; instead, users are limited to their community forum.
Users can post their issues on the community forum and will be able to speak to fellow WordPress users and open-source contributors to solve their problems.
Affordability: Kajabi vs WordPress
Kajabi has three subscription plans, ranging in price between $149-$399 per month.
The platform’s entry-level plan lets subscribers create three products and funnels, as well as unlimited landing pages and marketing emails.
Business owners wanting to create more products must opt for a more expensive subscription plan.
WordPress is, without a doubt, the more affordable solution since the software is free to download and self-hosting can cost less than $50 per year.
However, it should be noted that the price can increase quickly depending on your requirements.
For example, having a course and community with branded apps could cost thousands per year.
Therefore, before opting for WordPress, you should consider what additional software you require and the price of it.
Because the price of using WordPress can vary so widely, it’s hard to compare the platform with Kajabi for affordability; therefore, we rank them as even.
Bottom Line
After reading the detailed comparison guide, you’ll see that Kajabi and WordPress cater to two different audiences.
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that is great for businesses without technical knowledge and want to get going quickly.
WordPress, as it’s self-hosted, is better for those requiring specific customizations and technical knowledge.
It should also be clear that WordPress’s price varies greatly depending on a user’s wants and needs.
Therefore, Kajabi may often be a much cheaper and easier-to-use alternative for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WordPress Have the Same Features as Kajabi?
WordPress.org is a self-hosted solution, whereas Kajabi is an all-in-one platform. Therefore, you must use plug-ins and integrations to get the same functionality and features on a site created using WordPress.org.
Is Kajabi Better than WordPress?
Kajabi is, without a doubt, a more comprehensive solution as it’s an all-in-one platform that allows users to get started immediately. In contrast, WordPress.org offers users more control over their site functionality. On balance, Kajabi is the better solution for online businesses.
Is WordPress Cheaper than Kajabi?
WordPress.org is considerably cheaper than Kajabi since it’s a self-hosted solution. This means users can get set up for under $50 per year. However, to have the same features and tools as Kajabi, users must purchase many additional third-party plug-ins and platform software.
Should I Use Kajabi or WordPress?
Kajabi is perfect for business owners that are either not tech-savvy or want a done-for-you solution. All Kajabi subscribers have to focus on are building and selling products. In contrast, if a user is price sensitive, wants more control over the platform, or needs further customization, then WordPress.org may be the best solution.
Is Kajabi Easier to Use than WordPress?
Yes, Kajabi is considerably more straightforward to use than WordPress.org. This is because it’s an all-in-one platform that allows you to create, host, deliver, and sell products on the platform. In contrast, WordPress.org users must set up the hosting and piece together these features from several third-party platforms to gain the same functionality.
Can I Use Kajabi or WordPress for Free?
Although WordPress.org’s software is free to download, users must pay for self-hosting, which can be purchased for under $50 annually. In contrast, Kajabi’s subscription plans start at $149 per month.
