Kajabi is undoubtedly an amazing platform for creators, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. I gave all its competitors a go to find out which alternative platforms are worth considering.
1 | Platform | Best for | Costs from |
---|---|---|---|
2 | GoHighLevel | Best overall and best value for money | $97/month |
3 | Systeme.io | Best budget-friendly option | Free or $27/month |
4 | LearnWorlds | Best for large organizations | $27/month |
5 | Kartra | Best for multi-language products | $119/month |
6 | Thinkific | Best for third-party integrations | Free or $49/month |
7 | Mighty Networks | Best for community building | $49/month |
8 | ClickFunnels | Best for funnel building | $97/month |
9 | SamCart | Best for sales tools | $79/month |
8 Best Kajabi Alternatives You Can Try in 2024
1. GoHighLevel: Best Overall Bang for Your Buck
What Is It?
GoHighLevel is an all-in-one solution aimed at marketing professionals and agencies. However, it’s a great option for anyone who needs tools to run and manage their business online—including course creators.
The platform contains a full customer relationship management system, marketing suite, course builder, and more. It also utilizes automation to make everything run smoothly.
Best of all, pretty much all the features are unlimited, and you can upgrade to the Pro plan and sell GoHighLevel as SaaS.
In short, if you’re looking for a way to generate uncapped revenue for an affordable price, you can’t beat this platform!
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get an extended 30-day free trial for the Pro plan | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Starter | $97 | $970 ($80/month) |
Unlimited | $297 | $2,970 ($247/month) |
Pro | $497 | $4,970 ($414/month) |
5 Standout GoHighLevel Features
- Connect and use multiple communication channels: Use WhatsApp, phone, social media messaging, and more.
- Sophisticated calendar booking system: Take payments upfront, manage multiple calendars, create different calendar types, and automate the lot!
- Create automated workflows: GoHighLevel has one of the most advanced automated features I’ve seen in a platform of this kind.
- Social media management: Take care of all your social media posting in one place, schedule, bulk upload, and use templates.
- Drag-and-drop builders: GoHighLevel has modern drag-and-drop building tools that are simple to use.
GoHighLevel Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Huge range of features (mostly unlimited)
- Sell the platform as SaaS
- Hundreds of good-quality templates
- Suitable for selling physical products
- Good customer support
- Development team is always releasing new features or improving existing ones
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Course builder not as sophisticated as Kajabi
- Help articles are often outdated
Overall Verdict
I think GoHighLevel is more than worth the learning curve. Although the platform has a less sophisticated course-builder than Kajabi, the wealth of other features is unparalleled—particularly where its marketing capabilities are concerned.
When the time comes to expand your business or find ways to create additional revenue streams, you may find Kajabi limited in this respect. GoHighLevel, on the other hand, offers limitless possibilities while still remaining affordable.
2. Systeme.io: Best Wallet-Friendly Kajabi Alternative
What Is It?
On paper, Systeme.io does everything that Kajabi does. You can build courses and communities and create sales funnels and marketing campaigns, and you have a variety of selling tools available.
The difference is that Systeme.io is not as sophisticated as Kajabi, and most of its tools are basic in comparison.
On the flip side, it’s incredibly affordable and easy to learn, so this is the perfect option if you have a limited budget.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get the Starter plan for just $16.40/month | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Free | N/A | N/A |
Startup | $27 | $228 ($19/month) |
Webinar | $47 | $396 ($33/month) |
Unlimited | $97 | $828 ($69/month) |
5 Standout Systeme.io Features
- Best free plan: Free plans are notoriously limited, but you can do a lot with Systeme.io’s. You get enough features to get your business up and running.
- Drag-and-drop page editor: Unlike Kajabi, Systeme.io features drag-and-drop capabilities, making page editing easy.
- Choice of payment gateways: Besides PayPal and Stripe, Systeme.io offers native integrations with seven other payment gateways.
- 0% transaction fees: On all plans—even the free one!
- Plenty of templates: Systeme.io offers loads of great-looking templates for funnels, landing pages, blogs, and more.
Systeme.io Pros and Cons
Pros
- Super affordable plans
- Awesome free plan
- Short learning curve
- Decent feature set for the price
- Unlimited customers on all plans
- Create course bundles and membership sites
Cons
- Limited automation capabilities
- Customer support is via email only
- Advanced users may find it too basic
- No standalone website builder
Overall Verdict
Feature-wise, Systeme.io isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it’s a solid option for anyone who doesn’t want to suffer Kajabi’s high prices. Moreover, it’s probably the most beginner-friendly option on this list since the tools are so easy to master.
There’s no other course-creation platform out there that will let you set up and run your business for free, so that’s why I rate Systeme.io so highly.
3. LearnWorlds: Best Kajabi Alternative for Large Organizations
What Is It?
LearnWords is a course-creation platform with a bit of a difference. Organizations can use it as a lightweight learning management system (LMS).
When I say “lightweight,” I mean that it lacks certain tools to be considered a full LMS, such as talent development pathways, appraisals, and onboarding. However, it is SCORM-compliant and features the most comprehensive quiz and exam-building tool I’ve seen in a platform of this kind.
Additionally, you can use LearnWorlds to create communities, eBooks, coaching sessions, webinars, and more.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get an extended 30-day free trial | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Starter | $29 | $288 ($24/month) |
Pro Trainer | $99 | $948 ($79/month) |
Learning Center | $299 | $2,988 ($249/month) |
5 Standout LearnWorlds Features
- SCORM compliant: It integrates with other LMS platforms to enhance an organization’s learning experience.
- Interactive video: Add quizzes, interactions, buttons, and more to your video content.
- Advanced assessment tools: Create different types of exams, assessments, and quizzes, and award digital certificates for completion.
- AI assistant: Use the cool AI tool to work efficiently, from generating course content to evaluating exam scores, and more.
- Mobile app builder: Create your own custom app for your students (this costs extra, though).
LearnWorlds Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Lightweight LMS system
- Great for graded learning and exams
- Large choice of native integrations
- Create multiple course types, eBooks, and webinars
- White label capabilities
Cons
- No live chat or phone support
- Steep learning curve
- Course-building tool is complicated to use
- Lacks email marketing
Overall Verdict
LearnWorlds is a good choice if you want to build exam- or assessment-led courses. I think the platform works best for structured learning, which is why it’s suitable for larger organizations.
The interface isn’t beginner-friendly, though, so that’s something to consider. Also, if your course content is more “loose” and casual, I’d say there are better options on this list.
4. Kartra: Best Kajabi Alternative for Multiple Languages
What Is It?
Kartra is a sophisticated all-in-one business solution that provides tools for creating learning products, marketing them, and scaling your business.
What I like about the platform is that most of its core plan features are unlimited—including the number of products you create and sell.
There are a few unique things to be found here, too, such as the ability to create custom integrations as well as helpdesk and funnel simulator features.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get a 30-day free trial and $30 off the Starter plan | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Starter | $119 | $1,188 ($99/month) |
Growth | $229 | $2,268 ($189/month) |
Professional | $549 | $5,148 $429/month) |
5 Standout Kartra Features
- Unlimited languages: Kartra lets you create unlimited versions of your products, funnels, and more and translate them into different languages.
- Funnel simulator: Test out the effectiveness of your funnels before you go live
- SMS marketing: Send unlimited SMS messages and combine them with your email marketing.
- Automated workflows: Automate course admin, multi-channel campaigns, funnels, and more.
- Helpdesk: Add value to your customers by creating a helpdesk complete with live chat support.
Kartra Pros and Cons
Pros
- Huge variety of features and tools
- All-in-one platform
- Responsive and helpful customer support
- Host unlimited video content
- Funnel mapping and simulation
Cons
- Expensive plans
- You have to subscribe to the high-tier plans to access certain features
- Platform is not very user-friendly
- Steep learning curve
Overall Verdict
Kartra is expensive, but you get a diverse and interesting range of features.
I don’t recommend it for beginners. The platform can be overwhelming and complicated if you’re new to course creation and marketing.
However, I believe it’s a sound choice for experienced individuals who need a solid platform with lots of marketing tools. Additionally, the unlimited language capabilities are crucial for folks planning to market and sell in non-English speaking countries.
5. Thinkific: Best Kajabi Alternative for Integrations
What Is It?
Thinkific is often cited as a main Kajabi competitor, but its features aren’t as comprehensive. I did notice, though, that it has recently updated its platform, and the interface now looks suspiciously like Kajabi’s!
You can use the platform to create courses, communities, and digital downloads, but there are precious few tools with which to market them. Instead, Thinkific offers a massive range of native integrations so that you can use the marketing platforms of your choice.
The course builder is pretty basic, but it’s quite user-friendly. You can also add many elements, including exams and assessments.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get an extended 30-day free trial for the Start plan | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Basic | $49 | $432 ($36/month) |
Start | $99 | $888 ($74/month) |
Grow | $199 | $1,788 ($149/month) |
5 Standout Thinkific Features
- Decent free plan: Sell one of each product type with no transaction fees.
- TCommerce: This is Thinkific’s own payment gateway, saving you from using a third-party provider.
- Live chat support: This is available on all paid plans (but the free plan only gets email support).
- Native integrations: Get the platform capability you need with the apps you are already using.
- Digital download tool: Thinkific has created a standalone tool for building digital downloads, and it’s pretty good!
Thinkific Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good free plan and affordable paid plans
- Recently upgraded platform interface
- Long-running, established platform
- Beginner friendly
- 0% transaction fees on all plans
- Course builder is drag-and-drop
Cons
- The platform runs slowly, and pages take ages to load
- No email marketing tool
- Limited website templates
- No coaching product feature
Overall Verdict
Thinkific is a middle-of-the-road platform, and while it’s cheaper than Kajabi, it’s definitely not better. However, its free plan is worth signing up for, and if you’re only creating basic courses, you’ll probably find its feature set perfectly adequate.
I’d also say it’s the best choice if you are already using other marketing platforms and want to continue doing so. Thanks to the integration capabilities, Thinkific will likely connect seamlessly with the platforms of your choice.
6. Mighty Networks: Best Kajabi Alternative for Communities
What Is It?
Mighty Networks is a platform centered around community building. Much like a Facebook group, you get a dedicated space where your audience can gather and engage in conversation feeds.
Within your community, you can create and offer courses, run live events, and offer other digital products. You also have a range of features to build engagement, such as polls, quizzes, and challenges.
If you love chatting with people in real-time, this could be an option for you.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get a 14-day free trial | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Basics | $49 | N/A |
Course | $119 | $1,188 ($99/month) |
Business | $219 | $2,148 ($179/month) |
Path-to-Pro | $360 | $4,320 ($360/month) |
5 Standout Mighty Networks Features
- Multiple monetization options: Besides charging for community access, you can charge for courses, bundles, and digital downloads. You can even create hidden plans and discounts.
- Native live streaming: No need to use Zoom or similar—live stream directly from Mighty Networks.
- Unlimited video content: Upload as many videos to your community as you want.
- Charge in over 120 currencies: Reach global audiences better by charging in their own currency.
- Featured content: “Stick” important content to the top of everyone’s newsfeeds.
Mighty Networks Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly platform
- Setting up a community is quick
- Help resources are good quality
- Community interface is modern and looks great
- Branded app upgrade available
Cons
- Can’t create or sell content outside of your community
- Plans are expensive
- Limited customization options
- No marketing tools
Overall Verdict
If community building is your primary focus, Mighty Networks is a top choice. It certainly offers more features in this respect than Kajabi does.
However, if you want to build standalone courses (not connected to a community), this is where you will become stuck. It’s not possible to do this in Mighty Networks; therefore, a different alternative will be better.
7. ClickFunnels: Best Kajabi Alternative for Funnel Building
What Is It?
ClickFunnels is primarily a marketing and sales platform with funnels as the main focus. However, it also features courses, membership sites, and community-building features.
The platform is decent, and the quality is on par with Kajabi. The learning content creation tools are not quite as sophisticated, however, but the marketing tools are better.
ClickFunnels founder Russel Brunson has instilled a unique culture among his customers. Many are fiercely dedicated to the platform and strive to join the “famous” Two Comma Club, which becomes possible after generating $1 million in revenue. There’s a lot of showmanship involved that might not suit everyone.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get a 30-day trial for the Pro plan | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Startup | $97 | $972 ($81/month) |
Pro | $297 | $2,976 ($248/month) |
5 Standout ClickFunnels Features
- Store funnels: Sell physical products—this is one of the few platforms that makes it easy.
- Smart checkout: Build a customized checkout process, including autofill, one-click, and more.
- Real-time collaboration: Work with team members simultaneously on the same funnel or product.
- Multiple split testing: Test two or more variations of your funnel to see what works.
- Customer center: Create a one-stop shop for your customers where they can access all their content and view a smart dashboard.
ClickFunnels Pros and Cons
Pros
- Best funnel builder in town
- Lots of features for the price
- Good user experience
- Modern interface
- Great sales tools, including smart checkout
Cons
- Pricey plans
- Beginners might be overwhelmed
- ClickFunnels has a certain culture that not everyone will enjoy
Overall Verdict
This is another platform I wouldn’t recommend for beginners. Its high price point is one reason, and it’s also harder to learn than Kajabi.
That said, if you want a stellar funnel builder, ClickFunnels is about as good as it gets.
Overall, I’d say this platform is best suited to marketers with some experience who don’t place course building at the center of their business.
8. SamCart: Best Kajabi Alternative for Sales Tools
What Is It?
SamCart is a shopping cart tool that allows you to create and embed checkouts and sales pages for just about any type of product.
With multiple types of checkouts, up, down, and cross-selling tools, and cart abandonment features, you can tailor your checkout page to maximize profit while making it easier for the customer to purchase.
While the focus of this platform is most definitely centered on selling tools, a course creation tool is also provided.
What Does It Cost?
Latest deal | Get an extended 30-day free trial for the Grow plan | |
Plan | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
Launch | $79 | $708 ($59/month) |
Grow | $159 | $1,428 ($119/month) |
Scale | $319 | $2,868 ($239/month) |
5 Standout SamCart Features
- Express checkout: Allows customers to purchase in under 10 seconds.
- CheckoutOS: A mobile-friendly checkout option with autofill that allows customers to purchase no matter where they are.
- Cart Abandonment: This handy tool is used to engage customers who have abandoned their cart and convince them to make that purchase.
- Cross-sell courses: Allows the promotion of your other courses within a course that a customer has purchased.
- Sales page templates: There are loads of beautifully designed page templates for you to pick from.
SamCart Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modern platform and user-friendly interface
- High-converting checkout options and sales aids
- 0% transaction fees on sales
- Can be used for physical and digital products
Cons
- Expensive plans
- Learning product creation tools are limited
- Limited customization options
- Lacks marketing tools, such as email
Overall Verdict
Unlike other platforms on this list, SamCart does not offer an all-in-one experience. What it boils down to is that SamCart is a shopping cart solution and not much else.
Yes, you can design courses and then create an amazing checkout page to go with it, but if you need tools to market your product, you will have to look elsewhere.
In summary, I feel that SamCart could be a worthwhile option if you are struggling at the point of sale—the checkout options will certainly make this easier. However, the expense of the platform and the marketing limitations could make it unaffordable for many.
Two Platforms Like Kajabi I Recommend Avoiding
Teachable
Unfortunately, Teachable isn’t what it once was. Recently, its subscription prices have increased, but the platform’s quality hasn’t improved.
Yes, there’s a “free” plan, but once you realize you have to pay a massive $1 plus 10% on every sale, it quickly loses its value. The cheapest paid plan also has a steep transaction fee of 5%.
The Pro and Pro+ plans have no transaction fees, but you pay from $159 per month, get ZERO marketing features, no proper website builder, and no community feature. Plus, you have to use what is quite frankly an outdated platform.
There’s no reason to go for something just as expensive as Kajabi but with significantly fewer features and a worse user experience.
Podia
I think Podia is incredibly misleading. It has a free plan and a Starter plan that costs from $9 per month. The catch with both of these is that you can’t actually publish and sell anything except for one download and one coaching product.
Anything you do sell is subject to hefty transaction fees (10%-5% depending on the plan), and if you want to avoid these, you have to subscribe to the most expensive Shaker plan, which costs from $89 per month.
Then, you have to add on the cost of email marketing, too. This costs from $9-$413 per month, depending on how many emails you want to send.
Like Teachable, it lacks other marketing tools, such as funnels. And, although it does have a website builder and community feature, the user experience simply isn’t as good as Kajabi’s.
In conclusion, although the plans look cheap, the transaction and email fees could end up costing you big.
Best Kajabi Competitor: Final Thoughts
In my mind, it’s important to find a platform that doesn’t require you to integrate (and pay for) third-party apps to get the functionality you require.
Kajabi obviously does an excellent job of achieving this, but where its competitors are concerned, I feel that GoHighLevel offers the most comprehensive feature set and best value for money overall.
Systeme.io is definitely the runner-up because it’s budget-friendly and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Migrate My Kajabi Content and Data to an Alternative Platform?
Yes, it’s possible to migrate Kajabi content to an alternative platform. GoHighLevel allows you to migrate your Kajabi courses, while Systeme.io and Mighty Networks also have a migration service.
Which Kajabi Alternative Is Best for Beginners?
Systeme.io is an excellent beginner-friendly Kajabi alternative. It has a generous free plan, affordable paid plans, and features that are easy to learn and use.