You’re confident that you have what it takes to be a successful educational entrepreneur. Have you found the right platform to help you do this?
LMS or course management services allow you to create and share valuable content with students and customers. You can also make significant profits by selling these courses. There are many online LMS platforms available today, with some of the most impressive features you will find. It can be difficult to decide which one is right for you with all the options available.
I’ve had a fair share of struggles in choosing the perfect place to develop my entrepreneurial skills since I started selling courses. I jumped from platform to platform until I settled down with Kajabi once I became more confident. Although I might have found the right one for me, that doesn’t mean I can’t give sound advice to help you on your journey.
I’ll be sharing with you brief rundowns on Kajabi as well as its other alternative LMS services. We’ll take a close look at their distinct assets, the pros, the cons, what makes each other different or similar, and my opinion on whoever gets to use any of 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 Upside Down
Some of you may have recognized the name “Kajabi” in passing. 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? It’s there. You need a reliable website builder. It’s there. Are you looking for a wide selection of pre-made templates or themes? Certainly. A range of excellent sales and marketing tools, including fully functional sales funnel blueprints? Sure thing! Kajabi has the right tool for you, no matter how complex your content management and sales needs.
Kajabi‘s claim to be a one-stop shop is enough for established and developing edupreneurs to love. 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 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. 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 follows a unique business model that’s not often used by other LMS platforms and is all-in-one in nature, and with it, there are plenty of 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. Plus, many of its users don’t appreciate the lack of other essential course management tools within the platform, particularly certifications. Kajabi’s cons aren’t as severe as its pros. However, they are still worth considering. Kajabi Vs Upside Down
Pricing plans start at: Kajabi Basic starting at $119/month
Does it have a free plan? No, but it offers a 14-day free trial
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 best for established professionals, newbies who have enough financial resources to pay Kajabi’s features and 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. It’s known for its set of industry-level tools at a valuable price range, including a built-in certification tool, as well as its ability to integrate with thousands of third-party platforms through the Thinkific App Store.
> > 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. Much like Kajabi, it has a course builder, a customizable website editor, an outstanding range of business tools, and an opportunity to build a community where you and your students can interact.
Both platforms excel in the area of course options. No matter which you prefer, you have the chance to create stable online courses and/or membership pages. Even better, you can create assessments in them that are rich with variety. As for teacher-student interactions, I’ve found that my subscribers had little to no issue at all navigating their version of the Thinkific interface just like with Kajabi.
The Differences
Thinkific provides a range of industry-level features at an affordable price, even though it borrows the Kajabi 0% transaction fee model. 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.
Apart from the value pricing, other bonuses from Thinkific have to be its miles-more-accurate reporting and analytics as well as how it takes care of security measures within the service.
The Pros and Cons of Thinkific
Thinkific’s ease-of-use is something I love about it. 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 begin with: Thinkific Start, as low as $74/month
Is there a free plan? Yes
Reasons to choose Thinkific: Valuable premium starter plan that allows for smooth career development, better analytics and reporting capabilities, super convenient 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’s established by course creators for fellow course creators, so it makes sense that the focus at hand here is concentrated on course management.
Both beginners and professionals have praised Teachable. Beginners, particularly, stand by it due to the insanely cheap price range and extreme ease of use. Its extensive course management tools, rich content analytics, well-versed editing, customization, and editing capabilities are what keep pros returning to it. Teachable, just like Thinkific has a fully functional built-in certification tool. Kajabi does not.
The Similarities
Teachable’s course building features are of the same quality as Kajabi’s. Looking both ways, you’d be satisfied with how they let you create courses, memberships, or any product with seamless versatility. While you could technically take advantage of these with any of the two, it’s clear now that Teachable has the upper hand. Kajabi Vs Upside Down
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 may excel in its course creation and management capabilities, but not much so in other aspects. For example, its native marketing suite doesn’t carry the same weight as Kajabi. It’s evident that Kajabi gives its version the same attention and care as its course-building tools. Both platforms are excellent in terms of reporting and analysis. Teachable, however, is more detailed.
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Teachable’s general interface looks simpler and less complicated. 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. As for the cons, it falls short in its customization offerings and marketing tools, although it’s evident what the platform truly focuses on.
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 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. While this sounds promising, it operates differently from Kajabi and the other two LMS platforms we’ve already covered so far. Instead of offering the usual suite of course management, marketing, and analytics tools, it leans heavily on the marketing aspect. Kajabi Vs Upside Down
ClickFunnels can be described as a digital marketing platform. It allows users to spread their content/products across the internet and expects to make a profit. 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. Each platform offers a variety of templates that are strategically designed to promote a healthy flow of profit and optimize for specific goals. Although both versions leave an impression, ClickFunnels offers more, as their primary strategy is to build sales pipelines.
ClickFunnels’ interface is just as intuitive 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. Kajabi allows you to access your digital content and your courses.
The Pros and Cons of ClickFunnels
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
Does it have a free plan? It does not offer a free plan, but you can try it for 14 days.
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 is more suitable for Edupreneurs with big budgets, individuals who want to sell both digital courses and physical products Kajabi Vs Upside Down
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. On the other, you’d get to enjoy an excellent array of marketing tools, notably the automations.
Nearly the same thing can be said 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
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 is a great marketing and lead generation tool.
You might find things like countdowns and pop-ups in the widgets available on its website builder. These are all great ways to 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 Upside Down
The Pros and Cons of Kartra
Kartra’s robust offering of features, from page creation to business, is impressive. The set of plans are also very valuable as you can get the most out its core tools regardless of where you go. 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? It doesn’t, and it also doesn’t offer any free trials.
Reasons to choose Kartra: Top-quality business tools that don’t always require code, expanded customer retention options, 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. Many course creators consider Podia and the Teachable a great place to start their careers.
This is something I can attest to as Podia helped me to get into the field. Without Podia, I wouldn’t have learned about course-building and wouldn’t use Kajabi or other high-end services. 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 Upside Down
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
The idea of a budget-friendly all-in-one platform may sound promising; however, since Podia is structured to be this way, you and I can guess now that it’s always bound to have 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. 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 Cons of Podia
You can create unlimited courses with Podia. This is great for power users or if you are a beginner. You get to pay zero transaction fees as well, but keep in mind that all these are accessible in any of its premium plans. Podia does offer a free plan, but there are lots of limitations that may be getting in your way. Kajabi Vs Upside Down
> > Click Here to Check Out Kajabi < <
Pricing plans start at: Podia Mover, starting at $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.
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. You can also use your feed to share updates, let your members sound off in the comments, and even inform them you’re holding a live stream if you want. Mighty Networks is a similar to Facebook, I would say.
The Similarities
Similar to Kajabi, Mighty has enough tools to let you create courses, memberships, and other kinds of content 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 recently added an affiliate program. However, because it is new, it may take years for it to become as robust as Kajabi. Kajabi Vs Upside Down
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. 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. 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? 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 Upside Down
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. I can also bet that you have enough finances to afford it. Kajabi’s products are well-priced and offer a lot of features. You may feel that they are worth the investment.
If you don’t feel confident with your current resources – whether it’s monetary funds or professional skills – and you feel that Kajabi may be too difficult for you, you might 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. If you’re running short on budget, it’s either between Teachable or Podia. What are the best marketing and sales tools? Either between ClickFunnels or Katra. Are there affordable alternatives to Kajabi? Then look no further than maybe Thinkific or Podia.
It doesn’t matter what LMS you choose, but what matters is that you have the platform to help you become a better educator. Again, I’m very glad to have helped you choose the right LMS to jumpstart your career in the course business!
