Podia is an all-in-one platform that allows you to create, market, and sell digital products. You can create and sell online courses, downloadables, and memberships.Â
However, there are some limitations and differences between Podia and other platforms.Â
Each platform has different features and benefits that might suit you and your business better. So it’s always a good idea to compare Podia with alternatives.
Key Takeaways:
- Kajabi is our top alternative to Podia
- ClickFunnels 2.0 is great for marketing and improving conversions
- LearnWorlds is our favorite for creating engaging courses
| Platform | Paid Plan Cost from | Free Trial or Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| Kajabi | $149/month | 14-day free trial |
| ClickFunnels 2.0 | $147/month | 14-day free trial |
| Thinkific | $49/month | Free plan |
| LearnWorlds | $29/month | 30-day free trial |
| Systeme.io | $27/month | Free plan |
| Teachable | $59/month | Free plan |
| Passion.io | $97/month | None currently |
| Mighty Networks | $39/month | 14-day free trial |
| Udemy | No paid plan | N/A |
1. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform. You can build a course, sell coaching sessions, create a membership site, start a podcast, and offer many other products on Kajabi.Â
Kajabi has all the required tools and features, meaning you don’t need to use integrations to create, market, and sell your products.
The advanced course-building features and marketing tools make Kajabi our top alternative to Podia.Â
However, it does come at a cost. Kajabi is considerably more expensive than Podia.Â
We recommend Kajabi to small businesses with the intent to scale. Podia is better suited to individuals or small businesses who don’t require all the bells and whistles of Kajabi.
Key Differences Between Kajabi and Podia
- Kajabi has advanced email marketing features, while Podia is far more basic, and you will probably need to continue using an alternative email service provider and integrate it with Podia.
- There are so many more template options on Kajabi (for courses, pages, emails, funnels, products, etc.).
- Podia is a cheaper option than Kajabi.
- You can create unlimited courses on Podia’s first paid plan, whereas Kajabi only allows three on its first paid plan.
- The analytics are less in-depth on Podia compared to Kajabi.
- Kajabi’s help center is far more extensive than Podias.Â
- Create an app on Kajabi that allows users to access content on the go.
Kajabi and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Kajabi | $149/month | $399/month | 3 | 20% on annual plans | 14-day free trial |
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ClickFunnels 2.0 allows you to create, market, and sell digital products.Â
Its main focus is creating funnels to generate interest in your website. You can then convert the interested visitors into paying customers.Â
ClickFunnels 2.0 has CRM, automation features, funnels, A/B testing, and email marketing.
But you can also use ClickFunnels 2.0 to create a website, create courses and membership sites, and sell them in your own e-commerce store.Â
Its course creation features are far simpler than Podia’s, and it is also considerably more expensive.
We recommend Podia for advanced course creation and ClickFunnels 2.0 for marketing features.
Key Differences Between ClickFunnel 2.0 and Podia
- ClickFunnels 2.0 sales funnels and marketing features are far superior to Podia’s.
- Podia’s course creation features are better than ClickFunnels 2.0.
- We’ve found ClickFunnels 2.0 is easier to navigate.
- The drag-and-drop page editor is super easy to use on ClickFunnels 2.0.
- Share Funnels enables you to quickly add converting funnels straight into your ClickFunnels 2.0 account.
- Podia is a cheaper option than ClickFunnels 2.0.
ClickFunnels 2.0 and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| ClickFunnels 2.0 | $147/month | $497/month | 3 | Yes, various discounts depending on the plan | 14-day free trial |
3. Thinkific
Thinkific is a dynamic platform where you can create, market, and sell courses.
It is one of the best-rated course creation platforms available.
You can build a website using one of its ready-made templates and customize it to suit your brand.Â
The course builder is easy to use and beginner friendly. You can include downloadable content, live lessons, and course assignments.
Thinkific has marketing features, such as coupons, order bumps, and bundling options. But features are missing. There is no email marketing built-in, whereas Podia does have email marketing features included.
Both Thinkific and Podia offer free plans that allow you to build courses, but you can’t sell your course on the free Podia plan.
Key Differences Between Thinkific and Podia
- Podia allows you to sell digital downloads. On Thinkific, downloads have to be attached to a course.
- You can create student discussion communities on Thinkific, which isn’t available on Podia.
- Admins are available on Thinkific plans. On Podia, you have to pay $20 per admin.
- You can offer webinars on Podia. Webinars aren’t available on Thinkific.
- Thinkific has no email marketing features. Podia has built-in email marketing features.
- Students can leave course reviews on Thinkific.
- Thinkific has more in-depth student progress tracking.
Thinkific and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Thinkific | Free | $199/month | 4 | 25% on annual plans | Free plan |
4. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is an online course creation platform. You can create a website to sell your online courses.
If you’re looking to create an interactive and engaging course, LearnWorlds is one of the best options. You can add elements to increase engagement and buttons to alter the flow of your course based on each student.Â
You can also sell a variety of other digital products and host your community and group on LearnWorlds.
There are available marketing features like coupons and memberships. However, LearnWorlds doesn’t have email marketing tools while Podia does. You would need to integrate your LearnWorlds website with another tool for this.
The LearnWorlds help center is incredibly helpful. It offers webinars, e-books, and lots of other resources to help you create a successful website.
Key Differences Between LearnWorlds and Podia
- LearnWorlds charges a $5 transaction fee on its first paid plan. None of Podia’s paid plans have transaction fees.
- Podia includes email marketing. You would need to use an alternative tool for LearnWorlds.
- LearnWorlds has a far more comprehensive course creation tool with interactive videos.
- Podia’s range of templates is far fewer than LearnWorlds.Â
- You can build a more engaging community on LearnWorlds due to the extensive features available.
- There is less in-depth analytics and reporting on Podia compared to LearnWorlds.
- You can’t build a mobile app on Podia like you can on LearnWorlds.
LearnWorlds and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| LearnWorlds | $29/month | $299/month | 4 | Up to 20% on annual plans | 30-day free trial |
5. Systeme.io
On Systeme.io, you can create courses, build a website, and sell products, but sales funnels and email marketing are where Systeme.io really shines.
They have advanced marketing tools with proven sales funnel templates and the ability to send unlimited emails.
The price plans are comparable, with both platforms offering a free plan. However, on Systeme.io, the free plans allow you to launch your first paid course. Whereas on Podia, you have to upgrade to sell your first course.Â
If you’re looking for a platform with a heavy marketing focus, choose Systeme.io. But if course-building is your focus, we recommend Podia.
Key Differences Between Systeme.io and Podia
- Podia has more course functionalities than Systeme.io.
- You can host live webinars on Podia.
- Systeme.io’s marketing features are far superior to Podia.
- Podia allows you to create and sell coaching products. Coaching isn’t available on Systeme.io.
Systeme.io and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Systeme.io | Free | $97/month | 4 | 30% on annual plans | Free plan |
6. Teachable
You can create and sell online courses, digital downloads, and coaching products on Teachable.Â
The courses are fully customizable with the easy-to-use course creation tool. You can create courses with quizzes and give students completion certificates.
You can also sell group and 1-to-1 coaching calls. There are different ways to package your coaching sessions, like memberships and hourly or time-based options. Students can book directly through your Teachable website.
Key Differences Between Teachable and Podia
- There are transaction fees on the first paid plan on Teachable. Podia only charges a transaction fee on its free plan.
- You can’t create a community as easily on Teachable as you can with Podia.
- Teachable includes admin users, which are charged $20 per admin on Podia.
- You can communicate with your students on messenger with Podia, which isn’t available on Teachable.
Teachable and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Teachable | Free | $665/month | 4 | Discount on annual plans | Free plan |
7. Passion.io
Passion.io is a platform that allows you to create communities and courses on your own app.
You cannot create a website. All users must access your content through the app.Â
No coding or app-creating knowledge is required. With its drag-and-drop builder, Passion.io is easy to use, and you can create your app in minutes.Â
All the plans include your own branded app with payment processing and in-app and web purchases. However, if you want to add custom branding, you need to upgrade to the Ultimate plan ($297 per month) or above.
Users can download the app content to watch offline or you can live stream to your audience.Â
Key Differences Between Passion.io and Podia
- Passion.io is app-based rather than web-based like Podia.
- Both platforms allow you to build sales funnels, but Passion.io’s sales funnels are all in-app.
- There are no email marketing features on Passion.io. Podia has built-in email marketing.
Passion.io and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Passion.io | $97/month | $297/month | 3 | Discount on annual plans | Not currently |
Mighty Networks allows you to create a community. Its focus is on bringing everything together in one place. Users can access your community through your branded app or the web.
You can create courses and offer communities for each course. You can also run events and live streams in your communities.Â
Both you and your members can post on the feed, share events, and more.
No email marketing software is included, but you can talk directly with your community members and send out group messages. Members can also send direct messages to each other.
Key Differences Between Mighty Networks and Podia
- Mighty Networks community offers more features, including integrated events, group messaging, polls, quizzes, etc.
- There is no app available on Podia. Mighty Networks offers both iOS and Android apps.
- On Podia, you can sell digital downloads. If you want to provide digital downloads on Mighty Networks, they must be rooted in a course.
- Podia allows you to sell coaching as a product. On Mighty Networks, you have to create it as a course or link it to your community.
- Email marketing is included on Podia, which isn’t offered on Mighty Networks. However, you can still contact your community and send push notifications.
Mighty Networks and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Mighty Networks | $39/month | $119/month | 3 | 2 months free per year | 14-day free trial |
9. Udemy Teach
Udemy is slightly different from Podia and other course creation platforms.Â
On Udemy, you can create a course without a paid subscription plan. Udemy then lists your course on its website, and you get paid based on sales.
You don’t have a website when you use Udemy, so it can be difficult to establish yourself as a brand.Â
However, Udemy has the benefit of already having users actively searching for an online course. This gives you an audience without having to find one yourself.
The student experience is seamless on Udemy, but you can’t create a community or sell any other digital products.
Key Differences Between Udemy and Podia
- Podia allows you to create a website, design a custom course, and market the course.
- Udemy lets you list your course on its website and pays you for your course purchases.
- Udemy is free for teachers. On Podia, there is a free plan, but you must join a paid membership to sell your course.
Udemy and Podia Cost Comparison
| Lowest Tier Paid Plan | Top Tier Paid Plan | Plans Available | Plan Discounts | Free Plan or Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podia | Free | $89/month | 3 | 17% on annual plans | Free plan |
| Udemy Note: Premium Instructors receive between 37%-97% of the revenue from their content sales. | Free | Free | 3 | None | N/A |
How to Choose an Alternative to Podia
Choosing the perfect platform to create your business on will depend on your needs and preferences. There is no right choice.Â
These are the main areas in which Podia thrives, and features that are missing, compared to other platforms.
Pros of Choosing Podia:
- All-in-one platform
- Huge variety of course possibilities, including payment plans, quizzes, drip-feed, upsells, bundles, etc
- Sell various digital products, including e-books, webinars, workshops, downloads, etc
- Easy-to-navigate course creator and website builder with no code required
- Plenty of built-in integrations are available
- Affordable plans
- Ability to create a community
- Live on-page chat with customers
- Affiliate program
Cons of Choosing Podia:
- Fewer templates than other platforms
- Restricted course activityÂ
- No mobile app is available
- Not as in-depth reporting
- Integrations required for enhanced sales funnels and email marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Alternative to Podia?
It depends on your needs. Overall, our favorite all-in-one platform with the most features is Kajabi.
Is There a Cheaper Option than Podia?
Podia, Thinkific, Systeme.io, and Teachable all offer free plans.
LearnWorlds is one of the cheapest online course creation platforms at $29 per month. However, it is not an all-in-one platform, as you will need to use marketing integrations.
Are There Any Free Alternatives to Podia?
Podia does have a free plan. Other platforms, like Thinkific, Systeme.io, and Teachable, also have free plans.
Which Podia Alternative Has the Best Features?
ClickFunnels 2.0 has the best marketing and sales funnels features, LearnWorlds has the best course creation features, and Kajabi offers both great marketing features and a comprehensive course creator.
Is There a Better Alternative to Podia for Beginners?
It depends on your needs and business intentions. Thinkific offers a free plan to start with, so it might be a good choice for building your first course.
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