You’re confident that you have what it takes to be a successful educational entrepreneur. 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. But, with this influx, it can be pretty hard to choose which one suits you best.
I’ve had a fair share of struggles in choosing the perfect place to develop my entrepreneurial skills since I started selling courses. 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. Do check out our article below, however, because it has a comprehensive overview of Kajabi.
Kajabi: An Overview Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
You may have heard the name “Kajabi” before. But for most of you who are not well aware, it is a popular online course management service that’s best known for its all-in-one nature – essentially, you have nearly every solution imaginable to help you create and sell course content within your reach.
Are you a course builder? Got it. Stable website builder? Got it. Are you looking for a wide selection of pre-made templates or themes? Certainly. You will find a variety of great sales and marketing tools. Sure thing! No matter what you need to manage and sell your content, Kajabi has the tool to help you with that.
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. Trustpilot gave Kajabi an exceptional 4.6 rating.
Kajabi’s Key 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.
And it doesn’t stop here, because Kajabi has so much more to offer – its built-in suite of marketing tools, on one hand, works as impressively as most third-party providers combined. The inclusion of sales pipelines, for instance, is noteworthy, as other LMS platforms would have required you to connect with a standalone service that has the feature. On the other, Kajabi’s learning and support resources are as reliable as you could expect.
Kajabi: The pros and cons
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 is revenue. Kajabi does not take any of its shares. This means that you keep 100% of the profit from content sales.
While it’s worth noting the benefits of Kajabi’s business model, we shouldn’t fully ignore its downsides. Pricing is a major problem. Plans start at over $100 more than other services. It doesn’t help that there is no free plan. 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 Beyond Raw
Pricing plans start at: Kajabi Basic starting at $119/month
Is there a free plan? No, but it offers a 14-day free trial
Kajabi is a great choice because you don’t need third-party integrations or platforms, it offers very affordable but very valuable plans, reliable user communities, and 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
Thinkific joins Kajabi and other top online LMS platforms. It allows you to concentrate on the task at hand. You can explore a variety of course-building tools, and use it to your advantage to produce content for 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. Though my needs may have outgrown what Thinkific had to offer, I could at least appreciate how it gave me enough flexibility to handle my courses during my tenure. With a free plan and a little cheaper premium one, Thinkific is seen by many as a solid Kajabi alternative for those with limited resources, particularly financial ones.
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. If you can compare the cost of its premium entry-level plan to the other, you’ll see the difference right away. 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. Another that I didn’t enjoy as much is the lack of depth some of its features have. 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 start at: Thinkific Start as low as $74/month
Is there 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, another popular service, shares the same premise of Thinkific in that you can create a fully integrated learning experience. At the same time, it takes care of the rest, i.e., 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, just like Thinkific has a fully functional built-in certification tool. Kajabi does not.
The Similarities
Teachable’s course-building feature offerings have what I can describe as the same caliber as Kajabi’s version. Both ways you would be happy with the ease with which you can create memberships, courses, and other products with seamless versatility. Although you could technically use these with either of the two, it is clear that Teachable has the advantage. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
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. This is addressed by both Teachable and Kajabi with mobile apps that can be downloaded on any device powered by Android or iOS.
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 remains affordable and is a popular choice for both newbies as well as experienced pros. I strongly considered hopping on the train when I started my course business. Its signature course management features are robust and easy to use, as well. It lacks in customization options and marketing tools. However, this is where the platform really shines.
Pricing plans start with Teachable Basic starting at $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 more suitable for Absolute beginner edupreneurs, established business professionals, budget-conscious power users
Kajabi vs. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels, a leading online service for entrepreneurs and businesses around the globe, is highly recommended. Although this sounds great, ClickFunnels operates in a different way than Kajabi or the other LMS platforms we have covered. It offers the usual course management, marketing and analytics tools but focuses heavily on the marketing aspect. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
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 has a wide variety of competitive business features that can be used for any purpose. It’s pretty versatile, too – not only can you use it to promote your courses, but also your physical products if you have them! ClickFunnels is best recognized for its rich library of sales funnel templates, split testing, and intuitive landing page builder.
The Similarities
One factor that ClickFunnels and Kajabi have in common is 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 can’t be beaten as well when it comes to marketing and sales – the checkout and payment tools, in particular, are as instinctive as you could expect. Plus, their customer service is equally top-notch!
The Differences
A landing page is just as important in digital marketing as creating automated e-mails or crafting well-designed pipelines. Both ClickFunnels and Kajabi have page-building capabilities, but, while Kajabi allows you to build a fully-functioning website, ClickFunnels limits you to only a few page options, especially 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. With Kajabi, meanwhile, you’re essentially only limited to your digital content, including your courses.
ClickFunnels: The Pros and Cons
Although I don’t know much about sales and marketing jargon, some of my colleagues can confirm that ClickFunnels is a great tool for delivering the intended results. 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
Is there a free plan? No, but it offers a 14-day free trial
ClickFunnels is a strategic focus on digital marketing. This guarantees a higher sales turnout. ClickFunnels also allows for flexible integration with other apps, such as LMS platforms.
ClickFunnels works best for Edupreneurs who have large budgets and individuals who wish to sell digital courses as well as physical products. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
Kajabi vs. Kartra
Kartra is another popular choice for market-savvy entrepreneurs. It specializes in product sales, marketing campaigns and other fail-proof strategies. This one here is interesting – it functions similarly to Kajabi in that it lets you build courses and memberships on the spot, yet also operates similarly to ClickFunnels when it comes to other aspects like page building, marketing tools, and the ability to sell both physical and digital products.
With an eye for increased engagement, Kartra helps you leave your subscribers begging for more through its archive of pre-made full sales campaigns or pipelines, a uniquely convenient scheduling system, and additional website widget options. 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
Kajabi and Kartra excel in offering an impressive range of business features that are industry-leading. 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. Although you may have more options to explore with Kartra, both platforms take the cake in terms of performance and flexibility. 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
ClickFunnels may be losing to Kartra, which has a good number 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 is a great marketing and lead generation tool.
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. This is what happens when you have a platform that puts one thing above all others. There may be some cons, but there will always be pros. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
Kartra’s Pros and Cons
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. Although Kartra is a great tool for business, it’s not as good at course building. It can also be difficult to navigate, especially for beginners.
Pricing plans begin with: 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 more suitable for Individuals who want to sell both digital and physical products, entrepreneurs with a keen eye for better marketing
Kajabi vs. Podia
A fan favorite and an underrated one, Podia is an LMS platform best known for its very affordable price range, extremely easy-to-explore user interface, and a list of valuable yet functional course and business features. It’s akin to Kajabi, but rather a lighter, entry-level version of that. Many course creators consider Podia and the Teachable a great place to start 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! Podia is a leader in communication. It allows users to easily message their customers without any hassle. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
The Similarities
Podia, a type of LMS, is expected to be all-in-one, similar to Kajabi and Thinkific. While the other two are renowned for their premium-level advanced tools, Podia adjusts its version to be more budget-friendly and easy to use. But, no matter where you look, you’ll find a ton of functionality whenever you use any of their feature offerings.
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. You’ll see that it is more affordable than Kajabi’s.
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. Podia may certainly not be as advanced as Kajabi, but it sure is straightforward and functional for its 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 Beyond Raw
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Pricing plans start at: Podia Mover, starting at $33/month
Is there a free plan? Yes
Podia is a great choice because of its flexibility and ease-of-use, creator-friendly course management features and excellent affiliate marketing and drip campaign tools
Podia is best suited for DIY entrepreneurs, absolute beginners, and those who are looking to test drive course management.
Kajabi vs. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks started as a social media network. It has since grown to be a popular platform with a large following.
With a strong emphasis on forging connections and building communities, it allows you to utilize its course-building and marketing functions and share what you’ve made through its customizable social media feed that 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 offer decent video hosting and live streaming, so if teaching via video is your thing, you can film them and upload them to either platform.
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 has recently added an affiliate program, but since it’s new, it might take many years to be as robust as Kajabi’s. Kajabi Vs Beyond Raw
The Differences
Kajabi and Mighty are different in that they specialize in something else. Kajabi focuses more on community building, while Kajabi focuses on courses and a variety of other things. And, as you can expect, it’s clear that Mighty’s course-building capabilities are… not at their best. They are functional but not as advanced and sophisticated as Kajabi’s.
Kajabi‘s communication tools are good enough but not as dynamic as Mighty. Although Kajabi claims to be a one-stop platform, I find it hard to believe that it can keep up with Mighty’s messaging, social feed, and comments capabilities. I am a Kajabi user, so I can attest to this!
The Pros and Cons of Mighty Networks
It is obvious that Mighty Networks excels in community-building. It has been deemed an ideal platform for networking. It can be used for course content as well as for many other products. It’s been established that Mighty’s ability to create course content is very limited. To add insult to injury, this feature is only available to subscribers to higher business plans.
Pricing plans begin with: The Community Plan, as low as $33/month
Does it offer a free plan? No, but it offers a 14-day free trial
Mighty Networks is a great choice: A highly-optimized social network for you and your friends, a more-functional mobile app, and minimal course-building and other 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 Beyond Raw
This comprehensive review has come to an end. I hope you found it helpful in making your final decision. Picking the most suitable LMS platform can be somewhat of a rough task but with enough credible resources and opinions from other users, it may be less cumbersome.
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. Better marketing and sales tools? You can choose between ClickFunnels and Katra. Affordable alternatives to Kajabi itself? Then look no further than maybe Thinkific or 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.
