If you’re looking for an affordable Kajabi alternative, you’re not alone. While Kajabi is a powerful platform for course creators and digital entrepreneurs, its high pricing and limited customization can be a deal-breaker. Not to mention, some key features—like advanced automation and flexible design options—are either missing or locked behind expensive plans.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for a platform that doesn’t fit your needs or budget. There are several great alternatives that offer course hosting, email marketing, memberships, and more—without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch to a more budget-friendly option, this guide will help you find the best Kajabi alternatives to suit your business.
Let’s take a closer look at the top choices and see which one is right for you.
List of the best Kajabi alternatives
1. Circle
Circle is a community-focused platform designed to help course creators, coaches, and membership site owners build highly interactive spaces for their audience. Unlike Kajabi, which focuses on course creation and marketing, Circle prioritizes engagement, making it a great option if you want to create a thriving community around your digital products.
What is good about Circle?
- Strong Community Features – Circle offers discussion boards, group chats, live streams, and private spaces to keep your audience engaged. If you want more interaction in your courses or memberships, this is a major advantage.
- Simple Course Hosting – While not as feature-rich as Kajabi, Circle lets you create and sell online courses, making it a solid choice for knowledge-based businesses.
- Custom Branding – You can personalize your community space with custom colors, branding, and domain settings to match your business identity.
- Affordable Pricing – Compared to Kajabi, Circle’s pricing is much lower, making it a budget-friendly option for creators focused on community-building.
Cons
- Limited Course Creation Features – While Circle supports course hosting, it doesn’t offer advanced features like quizzes, certificates, or in-depth analytics.
- No Built-in Email Marketing – You’ll need to use third-party tools for email automation and sales funnels, which may require extra setup and cost.
- Not a Full-Fledged All-in-One Platform – If you need everything Kajabi offers (courses, memberships, marketing, and automation) in one place, Circle might not be the best standalone solution.
2. Podia
Podia is a user-friendly platform designed for course creators, digital product sellers, and membership site owners. It provides an all-in-one solution for selling courses, memberships, and digital downloads, making it a strong alternative to Kajabi at a much lower cost.
What is good about Podia?
- Easy to Use – Podia is known for its simple interface, making it easy to set up and manage your online business without technical skills.
- Affordable Pricing – Compared to Kajabi, Podia offers lower-cost plans while still providing essential features for course creators and digital product sellers.
- Unlimited Products – You can sell unlimited courses, memberships, and digital products on all plans, which is a big plus for creators with large content libraries.
- Built-in Email Marketing – Podia includes email marketing tools that let you send newsletters, automate sequences, and manage contacts without needing extra software.
- No Transaction Fees – Unlike some platforms, Podia doesn’t take a cut from your sales, helping you keep more of your revenue.
Cons
- Limited Customization – While you can brand your storefront, design flexibility is somewhat restricted compared to platforms like Kajabi or WordPress-based solutions.
- Basic Website Features – Podia is great for selling products but lacks advanced website-building tools, making it less ideal if you want a fully customized site.
- No Course Completion Certificates – If you need certification features for your students, you’ll have to integrate with third-party tools.
3. Systeme
Systeme is an all-in-one business platform that helps course creators, digital product sellers, and online coaches manage everything from course hosting to email marketing and sales funnels. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to Kajabi, offering similar features at a fraction of the cost.
What is good about Systeme?
- Completely Free Plan Available – Unlike Kajabi, Systeme offers a free plan with no time limit, making it a great choice for beginners who want to start without upfront costs.
- All-in-One Platform – Systeme includes course hosting, email marketing, automation, sales funnels, and affiliate management in one place, reducing the need for extra tools.
- Drag-and-Drop Funnel Builder – You can easily create landing pages and sales funnels without coding, helping you convert more visitors into customers.
- No Transaction Fees – You get to keep 100% of your earnings, no matter which plan you choose.
- Automation Features – Systeme lets you set up automated email sequences, sales processes, and upsells, making it easier to scale your business.
Cons
- Limited Design Flexibility – The page builder is functional but doesn’t offer as much creative freedom as platforms like WordPress or Kajabi.
- Basic Course Features – Systeme is great for simple courses but lacks advanced tools like interactive quizzes, certificates, and detailed analytics.
- Support Can Be Slow – Some users report slower response times from customer support, which might be frustrating if you need immediate help.
4. GoHighLevel
GoHighLevel is a powerful marketing and business automation platform designed for agencies, coaches, and course creators. Unlike Kajabi, which focuses primarily on course hosting and memberships, GoHighLevel provides advanced marketing tools, CRM features, and automation, making it a great choice for those looking to scale their business efficiently.
What is good about GoHighLevel?
- Comprehensive Marketing Automation – GoHighLevel includes email, SMS marketing, sales funnels, and appointment scheduling in one platform, reducing the need for third-party tools.
- Built-in CRM – Manage leads, clients, and sales pipelines with an integrated CRM system that helps you track and nurture customer relationships.
- White-Labeling Option – Agencies and coaches can fully rebrand GoHighLevel under their business name, making it a strong option for those managing multiple clients.
- Advanced Funnel Builder – Create high-converting landing pages and sales funnels with a simple drag-and-drop editor.
- Membership & Course Hosting – While not as robust as Kajabi, GoHighLevel allows you to sell courses and memberships as part of your business model.
Cons
- Higher Learning Curve – With so many features packed into one platform, GoHighLevel can be overwhelming for beginners.
- More Expensive Than Some Alternatives – While more affordable than Kajabi at higher tiers, the starting price may still be high for solo creators.
- Limited Customization for Course Pages – The course builder is not as flexible as platforms specifically designed for online learning.
5. Thinkific
Thinkific is a powerful and flexible course creation platform that allows educators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs to build and sell online courses. It’s a strong Kajabi alternative, offering a free plan and more customization options for course pages.
What is good about Thinkific?
- Free Plan Available – Unlike Kajabi, Thinkific offers a free plan with essential features, making it a great choice for beginners.
- No Transaction Fees – You keep 100% of your revenue, even on lower-tier plans.
- Highly Customizable Course Pages – Thinkific gives you more design flexibility with its drag-and-drop page builder, allowing you to create unique course landing pages.
- Course Completion Certificates – You can issue certificates to students after they complete your courses, helping boost engagement.
- Multiple Learning Tools – Thinkific supports quizzes, assignments, drip content, and interactive learning experiences to keep students engaged.
- Built-in Community Features – Unlike some other platforms, Thinkific includes basic community tools to encourage student interaction.
Cons
- No Built-in Email Marketing – While Thinkific offers integrations, it doesn’t include email automation like Kajabi does.
- Limited Sales Funnel Features – You may need external tools like ClickFunnels or ConvertKit to build complex funnels.
- Higher Pricing for Advanced Features – While the free plan is helpful, advanced features like memberships and advanced analytics require a paid plan.
Also Read: Best Online Course Platforms
6. Teachable
Teachable is one of the most popular platforms for course creators, offering a simple and user-friendly way to create, host, and sell online courses. It’s a great alternative to Kajabi, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with strong learning management features.
What is good about Teachable?
- Easy Course Creation – Teachable makes it simple to upload videos, PDFs, quizzes, and other content, allowing you to build structured courses without technical skills.
- Flexible Pricing Plans – Compared to Kajabi, Teachable offers more affordable plans, including a free plan (with transaction fees) to help you get started.
- Built-in Payment Processing – You can accept payments directly through Teachable, which handles taxes, refunds, and payouts for you.
- Course Completion Certificates – Unlike some alternatives, Teachable lets you offer certificates to students who complete your courses.
- Integrated Coaching Features – If you offer coaching alongside courses, Teachable includes tools for scheduling and managing client sessions.
Cons
- Limited Website Customization – Teachable’s website builder is fairly basic, making it harder to create a highly customized site compared to platforms like WordPress.
- Transaction Fees on Lower Plans – If you’re on the free or basic plan, Teachable takes a percentage of your earnings.
- No Built-in Community Features – If you want an interactive student community, you’ll need to use third-party tools like Circle or Facebook Groups.
7. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is a feature-rich online course platform designed for educators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs who want more customization and engagement tools. It stands out from Kajabi by offering interactive learning features, making it an excellent choice for those who want to create a more dynamic course experience.
What is good about LearnWorlds?
- Highly Customizable Course Player – Unlike Kajabi, LearnWorlds allows you to customize the course player with branding, colors, and layouts to create a unique learning experience.
- Interactive Learning Tools – Features like interactive videos, quizzes, and eBooks help keep students engaged.
- Built-in Community – LearnWorlds includes discussion forums and social learning features to foster student interaction.
- Advanced Analytics & Reporting – Track student progress with in-depth reports and learning analytics.
- White-Labeling Option – If you want full branding control, LearnWorlds allows you to remove its branding on higher-tier plans.
Cons
- No Free Plan – Unlike some alternatives, LearnWorlds doesn’t offer a free plan, only a free trial.
- Transaction Fees on the Starter Plan – The lowest-tier plan includes a $5 fee per course sale, which can add up over time.
- More Complex Setup – With all its customization options, LearnWorlds has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler platforms like Podia or Teachable.
8. FreshLearn
FreshLearn is a simple yet powerful platform designed for course creators, coaches, and digital product sellers. It offers an affordable way to create and sell online courses without dealing with complex technical setups. Compared to Kajabi, FreshLearn provides a more budget-friendly solution with essential features for online education.
What is good about FreshLearn?
- Free Plan Available – FreshLearn offers a free plan with no transaction fees, making it a great choice for beginners who want to start without upfront costs.
- Unlimited Courses & Students – Even on lower-tier plans, you can create and sell unlimited courses without restrictions.
- Built-in Sales & Marketing Tools – FreshLearn includes landing pages, payment processing, and basic email marketing features to help you sell courses.
- Drip Content & Certificates – Schedule course content delivery and provide completion certificates to keep students engaged.
- AI Course Builder – Quickly generate course outlines and content with AI-powered assistance.
Cons
- Limited Customization – While FreshLearn allows branding, design options are not as flexible as platforms like Thinkific or LearnWorlds.
- Basic Community Features – Unlike Kajabi or Circle, FreshLearn does not have advanced community-building tools.
- Fewer Integrations – FreshLearn supports some third-party tools, but it lacks deep integrations with popular marketing and CRM platforms.
9. LearnDash
LearnDash is a WordPress-based learning management system (LMS) that gives you full control over your online courses. Unlike Kajabi, which is a hosted solution, LearnDash integrates directly with your WordPress site, offering more flexibility and customization. It’s a great option for those who want complete ownership of their platform and don’t mind managing their own website.
What is good about LearnDash?
- Full Control Over Your Course Website – Since LearnDash is a WordPress plugin, you own your platform and have full control over design, features, and pricing.
- One-Time Payment Option – Unlike Kajabi’s subscription model, LearnDash offers a one-time purchase option, which can save money in the long run.
- Advanced Learning Features – Includes quizzes, assignments, certificates, and drip content for structured learning experiences.
- Deep Integrations – Works seamlessly with WordPress page builders, membership plugins, and third-party tools like WooCommerce, Stripe, and Zapier.
- Scalable – Ideal for those who want to expand their online business without being locked into a single platform’s pricing structure.
Cons
- Requires WordPress Knowledge – Unlike Kajabi, which is a plug-and-play solution, LearnDash requires some familiarity with WordPress to set up and maintain.
- Hosting & Maintenance Needed – Since it’s self-hosted, you’ll need to handle updates, backups, and security on your own or hire a developer.
- No Built-In Email Marketing – LearnDash doesn’t include native email marketing features, so you’ll need to integrate with third-party services.
10. Ruzuku
Ruzuku is a straightforward online course platform designed to make course creation as easy as possible. It’s a great alternative to Kajabi for those who want a simple, no-frills platform without the complexity of advanced marketing tools. Ruzuku focuses on structured learning, making it an excellent choice for educators and coaches who prioritize ease of use.
What is good about Ruzuku?
- User-Friendly Course Builder – Ruzuku’s interface is designed for simplicity, allowing you to create and launch courses without technical knowledge.
- Live Sessions & Webinars – Unlike some platforms, Ruzuku includes built-in webinar hosting and live session capabilities to engage students in real time.
- No Transaction Fees – You keep all your revenue, no matter which plan you choose.
- Structured Learning Paths – Ruzuku helps you create step-by-step learning experiences with progress tracking and automated reminders.
- Unlimited Students & Courses – Even on lower-tier plans, you can enroll unlimited students and offer unlimited courses.
Cons
- Limited Customization – Ruzuku doesn’t offer much flexibility in terms of design and branding compared to platforms like Thinkific or LearnWorlds.
- Fewer Marketing Features – While Kajabi includes email automation and sales funnels, Ruzuku focuses more on course delivery rather than marketing.
- Higher Pricing for Basic Features – Despite its simplicity, Ruzuku’s pricing is higher than some competitors that offer more tools for the same cost.
11. Kartra
Kartra is an all-in-one business platform that goes beyond course hosting. It includes marketing automation, sales funnels, email campaigns, and membership site management. Unlike Kajabi, which primarily focuses on course creation and memberships, Kartra is designed to handle the entire sales and marketing process, making it a great option for digital entrepreneurs who want everything in one place.
What is good about Kartra?
- All-in-One Marketing & Sales Platform – Kartra includes built-in email automation, sales funnels, checkout pages, and CRM tools, reducing the need for third-party integrations.
- Membership & Course Hosting – While not as specialized as Kajabi, Kartra allows you to create and sell courses through its membership site feature.
- Drag-and-Drop Page Builder – Design high-converting landing pages and sales funnels without coding skills.
- Behavior-Based Automation – You can set up automated sequences that trigger based on user actions, helping to personalize the customer journey.
- Affiliate Management System – If you want to grow your course sales through affiliates, Kartra has built-in tools to manage commissions and payouts.
Cons
- Steeper Learning Curve – With so many features, Kartra can be overwhelming for beginners who just want a simple course platform.
- More Expensive Than Some Alternatives – While it includes a lot of tools, Kartra’s pricing is higher than platforms like Podia or Teachable.
- Limited Course Engagement Features – Unlike Thinkific or LearnWorlds, Kartra doesn’t have interactive learning tools like quizzes or certifications.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Kajabi alternative depends on your needs, budget, and the level of control you want over your online course business. If you’re looking for a free or lower-cost option, Podia, Systeme, or FreshLearn are great choices. For those who want more customization, Thinkific, LearnWorlds, or LearnDash offer greater flexibility. If an all-in-one marketing and sales platform is your priority, GoHighLevel or Kartra might be the best fit.
No matter which platform you choose, it’s important to find one that fits both your teaching style and business goals. Whether you need advanced marketing tools, community features, or simple course delivery, there’s an affordable alternative that can help you grow your online business without overspending.