So, you’ve got what it takes to make a name for yourself in educational entrepreneurship. But have you found the right platform that allows you to do so?
Course management or LMS services let you create meaningful content, share them with your students and potential customers, and make substantial profits from selling them. Today, there are hundreds of online LMS platforms out there, each with impressively convincing features that are hard to beat. It can be difficult to decide which one is right for you with all the options available.
Since I began selling courses, I have had many struggles finding the right place to learn my entrepreneurial skills. After becoming more confident, I moved from one platform to another until I found Kajabi. I may have already found the right one, but that won’t stop me from giving you sound advice to guide you through your journey.
I’ll be sharing with you brief rundowns on Kajabi as well as its other alternative LMS services. We will examine their unique assets, the pros and cons, how they compare, and my opinion about who gets to use them.
For those of you who prefer a more visual experience, here is a video review from Legit Marketing Reviews’ YouTube channel. To get a comprehensive overview of Kajabi, you may still want to check out our article below.
Kajabi: A Brief Overview Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
Some of you may have recognized the name “Kajabi” in passing. It is an online course management platform that is popular and well-known. You can create and sell courses with almost any solution you want.
Are you a course builder? Got it. Stable website builder? It’s there. A wide range of pre-made templates and themes? Certainly. A range of excellent sales and marketing tools, including fully functional sales funnel blueprints? Yes! Kajabi has the right tool for you, no matter how complex your content management and sales needs.
Kajabi presenting itself as a one-stop service is enough to resonate with developing and established edupreneurs quite well. For this reason, it has received plenty of glowing reviews, though there are some valid criticisms here and there. It’s no wonder why Trustpilot has scored Kajabi an outstanding 4.6 out of 5.
Kajabi’s Top Features
Kajabi is primarily known for its simple yet intuitive interface, generous range of customization, and flexible editing capabilities. The course builder gives you all the tools you need to create a seamless educational experience for your students and you. Its website editor and free hosting let you create a completely personalized space that you can share with anyone.
Kajabi offers so much more than this. Its built-in suites of marketing tools work as well as any third-party provider combined. It is notable that LMS platforms have sales pipelines included. Other LMS platforms require you to connect with a separate service that offers this feature. On the other, Kajabi’s learning and support resources are as reliable as you could expect.
The Pros and Cons of Using Kajabi
Kajabi has a unique business model that isn’t often found on other LMS platforms. It’s all-in-one and offers many perks. One of these is the minimization of needing to integrate with third-party apps, as nearly all the course management and marketing tools are found in-house. Another lies in revenue – Kajabi takes none of its shares, meaning you get to keep 100% of your profit from selling content.
It’s important to note the many benefits of Kajabi’s business model. However, it is equally important to not overlook its drawbacks. The pricing alone is obvious as plans start at a whopping hundred dollars more than other services. The lack of a free plan doesn’t help either. Many users aren’t happy with the absence of essential course management tools, especially certifications, on the platform. However, the cons, fortunately, don’t greatly outweigh the pros, and, despite the few inconveniences, Kajabi is still worth trying. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
Pricing plans begin with: Kajabi Basic, as low as $119/month
Is there a free plan? It does not offer a free plan, but you can try it for 14 days.
Reasons to choose Kajabi: You won’t need separate platforms or third-party integrations, very pricey yet very valuable plans, a reliable user community, amazing customer support
Kajabi is more suitable for Established professionals, newbies with enough financial resources to afford Kajabi’s features, experienced edupreneurs
Kajabi vs. Thinkific
Joining the likes of Kajabi in the lineup of leading online LMS platforms, Thinkific allows you to focus on the task at hand by exploring a diverse range of course-building tools and using it to your advantage to create content to share with your students. The Thinkific App Store allows you to connect with thousands of third-party platforms and offers a wide range of industry-level tools.
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Thinkific has been my tool for creating and selling course content since before Kajabi. Although my needs might have outstripped the capabilities of Thinkific, I was able to appreciate how it allowed me to manage my courses throughout my tenure. Thinkific offers both a free and a premium plan, making it a viable Kajabi option for anyone with limited resources, especially financial.
The Similarities
Thinkific is a one-stop shop that offers intuitive course management tools and a great learning experience. It is similar to Kajabi and offers a course builder, customizable website editor and a range of business tools. You can also create a community for your students.
Both platforms excel in the area of course options. You can create online courses and/or membership sites, regardless of which platform you choose. You’d even get to whip up assessments within them injected with a ton of variety as well! My subscribers have had no difficulty using the Thinkific interface, just like Kajabi.
The Differences
Thinkific offers its users a lineup of industry-level features at a reasonably valuable price range, despite borrowing the 0% transaction fee model from Kajabi. You’ll be able to see the differences in the premium entry-level plan and the one below. The former does not offer a free plan, but it offers a functional, though limited, one.
Other than the value pricing, Thinkific’s other bonuses include its far-more-accurate reports and analytics, as well as the way it handles security measures within the service.
The Pros and Cons of Thinkific
One thing that I like about Thinkific is that it’s user-friendly for both me and my students. The lack of depth in some features is another thing that I did not like. I don’t mind its built-in credential tool as much, but the lack of advanced business tools and theme options for websites was certainly a downer, though all of it has been made up for with a wider range of integrations.
Pricing plans begin with: Thinkific Start, as low as $74/month
Does it have a free plan? Yes
Why Thinkific? A premium starter plan that offers smooth career progression, superior analytics and reporting capabilities, and a super-intuitive user interface.
Thinkific is more suitable for Newbie edupreneurs with limited skills, those who wish to sell courses without any complex marketing jargon
Kajabi vs. Teachable
Teachable is another popular service that shares the same premise as Thinkific in that it lets you build a completely integrated learning experience. It also takes care of all the technical stuff. It was created by course creators for course creators. Therefore, it is natural that the main focus here is on course management.
Teachable has been lauded by beginners and bona fide creators alike. Beginners, particularly, stand by it due to the insanely cheap price range and extreme ease of use. Pros, meanwhile, come back to it because of its set of comprehensive course management tools, robust content analytics, and well-versed editing and customization capabilities. Teachable, like Thinkific, offers a fully functioning built-in certification tool, something Kajabi, unfortunately, does not have.
The Similarities
Teachable’s course-building feature offerings have what I can describe as the same caliber as Kajabi’s version. Looking both ways, you’d be satisfied with how they let you create courses, memberships, or any product with seamless versatility. Although you could technically use these with either of the two, it is clear that Teachable has the advantage. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
A key factor in the process of course creation is accessibility, so it’s a given that your students must be able to explore your content conveniently at any time and any place, even without the presence of a laptop/computer. Both Kajabi and Teachable address this with mobile apps that you can download on any handheld device, whether it’s powered by iOS or Android.
The Differences
Teachable is a great course creator and manager, but it’s not as good in other areas. Its native marketing suite, for example, doesn’t bear the same weight as Kajabi’s – it’s obvious that the latter gives its version the same attention as its course-building tools. Despite this, I gotta admire how well both platforms hold up in terms of reporting and analysis, though Teachable is a bit more detail-oriented.
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Teachable’s interface is simpler and more intuitive. Even though you won’t have to code a lot, especially if it’s new to the process, Teachable gives you the freedom to go beyond its limitations with its Power Editor.
The Pros and Cons of Teachable
Teachable is, and remains to be, extremely affordable, making it a solid hit for newbies and budget-conscious pros alike – so much so that I was strongly considering hopping on it when I entered into the course business! The platform’s course management features, which are robust and simple to use, are also a strong point. It lacks in customization options and marketing tools. However, this is where the platform really shines.
Pricing plans begin with: Teachable Basic, as low as $29/month
Is there a free plan? Yes
Teachable is a great choice because of its user-friendly interface, advanced course management and analytics, and simple interface that allows for advanced-level adjustments.
Teachable is better suited for absolute beginner entrepreneurs, established business professionals, and budget-conscious power users
Kajabi vs. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels, a leading online service for entrepreneurs and businesses around the globe, is highly recommended. While this sounds promising, it operates differently from Kajabi and the other two LMS platforms we’ve already covered so far. It offers the usual course management, marketing and analytics tools but focuses heavily on the marketing aspect. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
Simply put, ClickFunnels is primarily a digital marketing platform that allows users to have their products/content spread throughout the internet, with potential profits expected at their doorstep. It offers a variety of business features that are competitive and can be used for any purpose. It is versatile too. You can use it to promote both your courses and your physical products, if you have them. ClickFunnels is most well-known for its extensive library of sales funnel templates and split testing.
The Similarities
ClickFunnels shares a common feature with Kajabi: the sales funnel feature. Both platforms offer a wide range of templates each strategically designed to encourage a bountiful flow of profit and optimized for any objective. Although both versions leave an impression, ClickFunnels offers more, as their primary strategy is to build sales pipelines.
The general interface of ClickFunnels is as easy to navigate as Kajabi. Both services are top-notch when it comes marketing and sales. The checkout and payment tools in particular are as intuitive as you would expect. Their customer service is also top-notch.
The Differences
In digital marketing, making an effective landing page is as important as sending automated e-mails and crafting well-designed pipelines. Kajabi and ClickFunnels both have page-building abilities, but Kajabi only allows you to create a fully functioning website. ClickFunnels, however, limits you to a handful of page options, including the landing page.
It is a sure way to increase your leads by hiring affiliates from your member base. Both services offer simple, yet powerful tools that will allow you to do this. ClickFunnels allows you to use this function regardless of whether you have a physical or digital product. Kajabi allows you to access your digital content and your courses.
ClickFunnels: The Pros and Cons
I may not be that knowledgeable with deep marketing/sales jargon, but some of my colleagues who are can attest that ClickFunnels excels when it comes to delivering what it’s supposed to do. ClickFunnels is guaranteed to give entrepreneurs a better conversion rate turnout, and the funnel-building and landing page creation tools are equally outstanding. It doesn’t excel in course-building, which is why it’s not as important for developers.
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Pricing plans begin with: ClickFunnels Basic, as low as $127/month
Does it have a free plan? It does not offer a free plan, but you can try it for 14 days.
Reasons to choose ClickFunnels: Strategic focus on digital marketing, the guarantee of a bigger sales turnout, flexible integration with other apps such as LMS platforms
ClickFunnels is more suitable for Edupreneurs with big budgets, individuals who want to sell both digital courses and physical products Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
Kajabi vs. Kartra
Kartra is another popular option for market-savvy edupreneurs, as it specializes best in product selling, marketing campaigns, and other fail-proof schemes. This one is very interesting. It functions in a similar way to Kajabi, allowing you to create courses and memberships right away. However, it also works similarly to ClickFunnels with other aspects such as page building and marketing tools. You can sell physical and digital products.
Kartra is designed to increase engagement and leave subscribers asking for more. It has a large archive of full sales pipelines or campaigns, an easy scheduling system, additional widget options, and a unique scheduling system. You can also share your campaigns with fellow Kartra users, and even acquire a 360-degree view of where your leads are heading.
The Similarities
Both Kartra and Kajabi excel when it comes to offering a hefty load of industry-grade business features. You’d be able to succeed no matter where you are because both have optimized templates. You’d also have access to a wide range of marketing tools, including automations.
Similar results can be made about their page-building capabilities. While Kartra offers more options, they are still the most flexible and performant platform. I’d just like to add my two cents here: though there are notable similarities both Kartra and Kajabi share, I also think the same applies to ClickFunnels, considering there are certain characteristics that are identical to the other.
The Differences
Kartra may have the upper hand over ClickFunnels as it manages to have a decent amount of course management tools. If you compare it to Kajabi’s version of Kartra, you might find that Kartra isn’t able to keep up with it as well. Despite this, Kartra does exceedingly well in its marketing, lead generation, and customer retention capabilities.
If you take a look at the widget options in its website builder, you may find stuff like countdowns, pop-ups, and anything that can easily convince potential customers. I guess that’s what happens when you run a platform that prioritizes one thing a bit more than the rest – there may be cons, but there will certainly always be pros. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
The Pros and Cons of Kartra
Kartra is robust in its offering of features from business to page creation, and its set of plans is worth great value as you could make the most out of its core tools no matter where you look. While Kartra may shine in its business tools, the same can’t be said with its course building. Plus, I heard it can be quite difficult to explore sometimes, especially for first-timers.
Pricing plans start at: Kartra Starter as low as $79/month
Is there a free plan? No, and it doesn’t offer a free trial either
Kartra is a top-quality business tool that doesn’t always need code, enhanced customer retention options and powerful video hosting.
Kartra is better suited for individuals who want to sell digital and physical products. It’s also more appropriate for entrepreneurs with an eye for marketing.
Kajabi vs. Podia
Podia, a fan favorite and underrated LMS platform, is well-known for its low price, easy-to-use user interface, and list of useful yet functional course and business features. It is similar to Kajabi but a lighter and more accessible version. Podia, along with the previously mentioned Teachable, has been seen by many course creators as a great starting point in their careers.
I can certainly attest to this as this platform helped significantly in welcoming me into the field – without Podia, I wouldn’t even know about the ins and outs of course-building, and I wouldn’t even end up using higher-end services like Kajabi to this day! Course management aside, Podia takes one step ahead of the rest in communication, as it offers users the ability to directly message their customers with no fuss. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
The Similarities
Podia is poised to be a kind of LMS that’s all-in-one in nature, much like Kajabi and, to some extent, Thinkific. Podia’s version is more affordable and easier to use than the premium-level tools of the two other LMSs. You’ll find tons of functionality no matter where your eyes go.
Podia offers a variety of flexible and dynamic functions that cover nearly every aspect of course management. These include the course builder, player, page themes, sales funnels, and even sales funnels.
The Differences
Although the idea of an all-in-one platform that is budget-friendly may sound appealing, Podia, as it is designed, can be guessed now that there will always be limits. Compare its features to Kajabi’s, and you’ll notice one is less high-end than the other.
Podia may have the right platform to help beginners grow, but not enough to further develop them into experts – it’s for this reason that I had to switch to Thinkific once I felt it was the right time. Although Podia is not as sophisticated as Kajabi’s, it is still very functional and straightforward for the price. Not to mention its interface is such a breeze to explore, so much so that both beginners and pros like it!
The Pros and Con of Podia
You can create unlimited courses with Podia. This is great for power users or if you are a beginner. All premium plans include transaction fees, and you don’t have to pay any transaction fees. Podia does offer a free plan, but there are lots of limitations that may be getting in your way. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Pricing plans begin with: Podia Mover, as low as $33/month
Is there a free plan? Yes
Reasons to choose Podia: Flexible and convenient ease of use, creator-friendly course management features, great affiliate marketing and drip campaign tools
Podia is more suitable for DIY entrepreneurs, absolute newbies, those looking for a test drive in course management
Kajabi vs. Mighty Networks
Originally a social media network, Mighty Networks has built a huge following, further developing into a well-rounded platform that doesn’t just give you access to the typical LMS tools but also a great range of communications features to help keep your students engaged with your content.
It places a strong emphasis upon forging connections and building community. You can also use its marketing and course-building functions. And you can share what you have made through your customizable social media feed, which you can personalize. Your feed can be used to send updates, allow your members to comment, or even notify them that you are hosting a live stream. If I could describe Mighty Networks in a few words, it’d be “it works just like Facebook!”
The Similarities
Like Kajabi’s Mighty, Mighty offers enough tools to allow you to create memberships and courses in-house. Both have decent video hosting and live-streaming, which means, if you’re into teaching through the video format, you could film and upload them to any either platform scot-free.
Both services offer mobile apps that you, or your students, can download to interact with your content anywhere and anytime. This is a great advantage because they are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Accessibility is high assured. Mighty recently added an affiliate program. However, because it is new, it may take years for it to become as robust as Kajabi. Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
The Differences
The major distinction between Mighty and Kajabi has to be what it specializes best – the former focuses more on community-building, and the other on the courses, coupled with a bunch of other things. As you can see, Mighty’s ability to build courses is not as good as it could be. They are functional but not as advanced and sophisticated as Kajabi’s.
Kajabi‘s communication tools, meanwhile, are decent enough, but they’re not as dynamic as Mighty’s. I get that Kajabi is going all-in as a one-stop platform, but, compared to Mighty’s social feed, messaging, and comments capabilities, it can’t keep up as much as it could – I can even vouch for this as a Kajabi user myself!
The Pros and Cons of Mighty Networks
It is obvious that Mighty Networks excels in community-building. The platform has been recognized as an ideal place for networking. It can be used for course content as well as for many other products. Speaking of course content, it’s also established that Mighty’s course-building is limited. Plus, to add salt to the wound, you can only get this feature if you’re subscribed to a higher business plan.
Pricing plans begin with: The Community Plan, as low as $33/month
Is there a free plan? It does not offer a free plan, but you can try it for 14 days.
Reasons to choose Mighty Networks: Highly-optimized social feed for you and your members, a better-functioning mobile app, minimal course-building and marketing tools
Mighty Networks is more suitable for Edupreneurs who believe that communication is at the heart of course management, professionals looking to integrate it with other services
Conclusion Kajabi Vs Mighty Networks
As we reach the end of this comprehensive list of reviews, I hope that this one helped you in any way in forming your final decision. Although choosing the right LMS platform is not an easy task, there are many credible resources and opinions available from other users that can help you make a decision.
If you’re considering a service that I use, Kajabi, I can assume that your professional skills are developed enough to make you want to try it out if you’re planning on stepping into the edupreneur’s world. You will also likely have the finances to pay for it. Kajabi’s products are well-priced and offer a lot of features. You may feel that they are worth the investment.
However, if you think you’re not confident with the resources you currently have – may it be a lack of monetary funds, professional skills, or other things – and if you feel that whatever Kajabi offers may be too much for your liking, then you may not be ready. If that’s the case, I’m always glad to let you try out any of my other suggestions.
Mighty Networks is a great option if you are interested in connecting with your fellow members, but don’t mind the basic course tools. It’s possible to choose between Teachable and Podia if you have a tight budget. What are the best marketing and sales tools? You can choose between ClickFunnels and Katra. Affordable alternatives to Kajabi itself? Look no further than Thinkific and Podia.
No matter what you choose, what matters most is that you have a platform to mold you into a better edupreneur. Again, I am glad that I was able to help you select the right LMS for your course business career.
