If you’re looking to create and sell online courses, you’ve probably come across Kajabi and Thinkific. Both platforms are heavy hitters in the industry, offering powerful tools to help you succeed. But which one is the right choice for you?
I’ve spent a lot of time testing and comparing these two platforms, so I’m here to give you the lowdown.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which one aligns with your goals, your budget, and your style.
Plus, I’ve got some exclusive 30-day free trial links for both Kajabi and Thinkific so you can test them out yourself! (Yes, they’re affiliate links, and using them helps support my blog—thank you!)
Kajabi: The All-in-One Solution
If you’re someone who wants everything in one place, Kajabi might be your dream platform. It’s designed to handle everything from course hosting to email marketing to your website. Seriously, it’s like having a virtual assistant that never sleeps.
What Makes Kajabi Stand Out?
1. All-in-One Business Platform:Kajabi is not just for courses. You can host coaching programs, communities, podcasts, newsletters, sales funnels, landing pages, and even your website—all under one roof. Oh, and there’s a blog feature, too.
Start your 30-day Kajabi trial here
2. Powerful Marketing Tools:
Kajabi’s marketing funnels are a lifesaver. You can create sequences to guide potential students from “just browsing” to “shut up and take my money” in no time.
3. Email Marketing Built Right In:
Forget paying for extra email software—Kajabi has beautiful templates and automations that keep your audience engaged.
4. Live Video Integration:
You can now host live coaching calls directly in Kajabi, and the recordings are automatically saved for your members. No more juggling Zoom links!
5. Ease of Use:
Kajabi makes it easy to look professional even if you’re a total beginner. From stunning templates to AI tools that outline courses for you, it’s all about saving you time.
Thinkific: The Course-Creation Specialist
Thinkific shines when it comes to its course-building capabilities. If you’re laser-focused on creating the most detailed, high-quality courses possible, this platform might be the one for you.
Why Thinkific Might Be a Better Fit
1. Advanced Course Tools:Thinkific specializes in course creation, offering detailed features like quizzes, surveys, and assignments. It’s the go-to for educators who want to provide a robust learning experience.
Get your 30-day Thinkific trial here
2. Flexibility with Integrations:
While it’s not an all-in-one platform, Thinkific’s third-party integrations give you the freedom to choose tools you love, like MailChimp or ActiveCampaign for email marketing.
3. Community Features:
Thinkific also allows you to build communities and memberships, though it’s more focused on courses.
4. Sleek AI Tools:
Thinkific’s AI helps you build opt-in pages and courses faster than ever. If speed and ease are your priorities, this feature is a game-changer.
5. Affordable Starting Plans:
Their pricing starts slightly lower, but keep in mind you may end up paying for additional tools to handle things Kajabi includes, like email marketing.
Pricing: Let’s Talk Numbers
Both platforms offer tiered pricing to match your needs.
• Kickstarter Plan: Starts at $55/month. Perfect for beginners looking to launch one course.
• Growth Plan: $199/month if billed annually. This is the sweet spot for most users, allowing for up to 15 products and robust automations.Sign up for Kajabi’s free trial here
• Basic Plan: $39/month. Great for starting out, but doesn’t include many advanced features.
• Pro Plan: $79/month if billed annually. Comparable to Kajabi but requires separate tools for email and funnels.Start your Thinkific free trial here
Which Platform Wins?
Here’s the deal: It depends on what you need.
• Go with Kajabi if you want an all-in-one solution to streamline your business. It’s perfect for course creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs who need everything in one place. Yes, it costs more upfront, but it can save you money (and sanity) by replacing multiple subscriptions.• Choose Thinkific if you’re hyper-focused on course creation and want maximum flexibility with integrations. Just be prepared to piece together other tools for email and marketing funnels.
Try Thinkific for free here
My Honest Recommendation
I personally use Kajabi for my business because I love the all-in-one convenience. I don’t have the patience (or mental bandwidth) to manage multiple tools.
Kajabi’s email marketing, live coaching, and funnel automations make my life so much easier. Plus, the interface is sleek, and the customer support is top-notch.
That said, I’ve worked with clients who swear by Thinkific, especially if they’re focused on creating in-depth courses or need more flexibility.
Still on the fence? Use the free trials linked below to test them out. Whether you choose Kajabi or Thinkific, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Try Kajabi for 30 days here
Get started with Thinkific here
Have questions about Kajabi or Thinkific? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll help you figure out the best choice for your business!