Kajabi vs Thinkific
Kajabi edges it for most people (established creators and coaches), but Thinkific is the better pick if you're serious course creators.
Kajabi
All-in-one platform to build, market, and sell courses, coaching, and communities.
$143/mo
- Genuinely all-in-one, no separate email or funnel tools needed
- Strong marketing automation and funnels
- Polished member and mobile experience
- Expensive entry point ($89/mo billed monthly)
- Contacts are hard-capped per tier, so price scales with audience
Thinkific
Polished course and community builder with zero platform transaction fees.
$36/mo
- 0% platform transaction fees across all plans
- Strong, polished course-building experience
- Robust community features bundled in
- No permanent free plan (30-day trial only)
- Entry price is high vs. budget competitors
Side by side
| Kajabi | Thinkific | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $143/mo | $36/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Transaction fees | 0% revenue share; payment processing 2.9% + $0.30 (Basic), 2.8% (Growth), 2.7% (Pro) | 0% via Thinkific Payments; external Stripe/PayPal gateway adds 5% (Basic), 2% (Start), 1% (Grow) until $1M in sales |
| User rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Founded | 2009 | 2012 |
Best for…
Choose Kajabi if
- Established creators and coaches
- Creators wanting courses + email + funnels in one
Choose Thinkific if
- Serious course creators
- Coaches building a course + community
What you'll pay
Kajabi vs Thinkific: monthly cost
Drag to your size and we'll sort the tools cheapest-first and show where each one jumps a tier.
Related guides
- Is Kajabi worth it? An honest 2026 verdict
Is Kajabi worth it in 2026? An honest take on its premium price, who it's for, and the cheaper alternatives that beat it for most creators.
- Course platform transaction fees explained (2026)
Course platform transaction fees can cost more than the monthly price. See who charges what, plus a $5k/mo worked example.
- How to choose an online course platform (2026 guide)
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kajabi or Thinkific better?
Kajabi scores higher on our composite (4.1 vs 4.0), mainly on value and features. But Thinkific wins for specific cases: serious course creators and coaches building a course + community. Neither is "best" universally; it depends on your situation.
Which is cheaper, Kajabi or Thinkific?
Thinkific has the lower entry price ($36/mo). Watch transaction fees too: Kajabi keep more of each sale. Use the calculator below for your real cost.
More: all course platforms · Kajabi alternatives · Thinkific alternatives
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