In 2024, online learning and digital products are booming, with entrepreneurs, educators, and creators seizing the opportunity to share knowledge globally. As the demand for online courses grows, so does the need for reliable, all-in-one platforms that simplify the process of content creation, marketing, and delivery.
Kajabi and Teachable are two of the most popular platforms for online course creators, each offering a unique approach to helping entrepreneurs and educators grow their businesses. Both platforms cater to a wide range of users, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out. However, their distinct strengths make them better suited to different types of course creators, depending on your specific needs. To determine which one is best for your needs, let's compare their key aspects.
Kajabi: The All-in-One Solution for Entrepreneurs
Kajabi stands out as a comprehensive platform that allows you to manage everything related to your online business in one place. It's not just for course creation—it also provides robust tools for website building, email marketing, automation, and even membership management. This makes it ideal for creators who want to centralize their operations without needing to integrate multiple external tools. Whether you're creating online courses, building marketing funnels, or managing a membership community, Kajabi is built to streamline your efforts. Its intuitive interface and range of features are tailored to creators who are ready to scale their business and need a solution that grows with them.
With a G2 rating of 4.3 out of 5, Kajabi users appreciate its flexibility and ability to run everything from one dashboard. However, its pricing might be a concern for those just starting out, as it is generally higher compared to other platforms.
With a grasp of Kajabi's strengths, let's shift our focus to Teachable and see what it has to offer for course creators
Teachable: Simplicity and Scalability for Course Creators
Teachable, on the other hand, is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it the go-to choice for creators who are just getting started with online courses. Its user-friendly design allows anyone to set up a professional-looking course without any technical expertise. Teachable excels in course management, offering the ability to create unlimited courses and enroll unlimited students without additional costs. It also provides tools for tracking student progress, engaging learners with quizzes, and managing payouts for course sales.
With a G2 rating of 4.0 out of 5, Teachable users often highlight its straightforward setup and clean interface. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of Kajabi, like built-in marketing tools, Teachable makes up for it with its affordability and ease of scaling. For first-time creators or those focused primarily on course delivery without the need for extensive business management features, Teachable is an excellent choice.
Core Features Comparison: Kajabi vs Teachable
1. Course Creation and Customization Features
When it comes to course creation and customization, both Kajabi and Teachable offer robust solutions, though they cater to different needs based on the complexity of the course and the creator's experience level.
Kajabi Features
Multimedia-Rich Courses: Supports video, audio, and text formats, allowing creators to deliver diverse and engaging content.
Pipeline Builder: Enables automated course sequences, making it easy to manage the customer journey from lead generation to enrollment.
Drip Content: Allows creators to schedule lessons to release at intervals, promoting a structured learning experience.
Customization Flexibility: Offers full customization of landing and course pages, giving creators control over branding and presentation.
Ideal for Advanced Users: Best suited for creators looking for extensive customization and control over course design.
Teachable Features
Simple Course Creation: Offers user-friendly course templates and lecture modules, perfect for beginners.
Engagement Tools: Includes quizzes to keep students engaged and certificates of completion to mark progress.
Lesson Prerequisites: Supports setting prerequisites, ensuring students follow a structured learning path.
Multimedia Integration: Allows for the inclusion of PDFs, videos, and audio files to deliver content in different formats.
Limited Customization: Compared to Kajabi, it offers fewer customization options, making it easier for those who want a quick setup without detailed design control.
Why Graphy Stands Out
If you’re looking for flexibility in course design and deeper student engagement tools, Kajabi is the better option. It allows for more advanced features like drip content, assessments, and highly customizable pages, giving you full control over the learning experience.
For creators who prioritize ease and speed of setup, Teachable's more guided approach makes it a great entry-level platform.
While both platforms have their strengths, Graphy emerges as a more reliable option with a balanced approach. It combines the customization flexibility of Kajabi with the user-friendly setup of Teachable, featuring interactive course creation, customizable templates, and robust analytics.
Additionally, Graphy offers dedicated customer support, providing new creators with personalized assistance to help them get set up and started. Unlike its competitors, Graphy does not charge any revenue share, making it a cost-effective choice for creators. As an all-in-one solution, Graphy effectively scales with business growth without sacrificing ease of use.
2. Ease of Use: Kajabi vs Teachable
Kajabi: Empowering Creators with Control
Kajabi features a drag-and-drop website and course builder that allows users to create customized websites and courses easily. Its intuitive interface and variety of pre-designed themes enable quick setups without sacrificing design quality. While it's user-friendly, beginners may find its extensive features overwhelming. However, experienced creators will appreciate Kajabi's robust tools for automation, marketing, and detailed analytics, making it ideal for those managing complex online businesses.
Teachable: The Beginner-Friendly Choice
Teachable excels as a user-friendly platform, especially for first-time course creators. Its simple setup wizard and user-friendly dashboard make launching courses straightforward, allowing users to focus on content rather than technicalities. Teachable's simplicity is a significant advantage for beginners, while experienced creators may find it lacking in advanced features needed for scaling.
Which Platform is Better Suited for Beginners vs. Experienced Creators?
For beginners, Teachable is likely the better choice due to its straightforward setup and ease of use. It allows new creators to quickly familiarize themselves with course delivery. In contrast, experienced creators may prefer Kajabi for its comprehensive tools and customization options.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy emerges as a balanced option, combining the customization of Kajabi with the user-friendly setup of Teachable. With features like an AI-based assistant, a branded mobile app, and robust marketing tools, Graphy is an excellent choice for creators seeking scalability and ease of use as their businesses grow.
Overall, Graphy is an ideal choice for those just starting their journey in online education. The platform assigns a dedicated representative to assist new creators throughout the setup process, making it easy to launch courses effectively. With an intuitive interface and comprehensive resources, new users can quickly navigate the platform and begin building their content.
3. Pricing, Plans, and Transaction Fees
When it comes to pricing, Kajabi and Teachable offer plans tailored to various needs, whether you're just starting out or scaling your online course business. Here’s how their pricing structures compare:
Kajabi Pricing:
Kickstarter Plan: This entry-level option costs $55/month when billed annually ($69/month on a monthly basis) and is designed to help you set up your business foundation. It includes 50 landing pages, a single product, and 250 contacts, with no transaction fees to worry about.
Basic Plan: For $119/month billed annually ($149/month for monthly billing), this plan equips you with unlimited landing pages, three products, and 10,000 contacts, making it a great choice for those looking to launch their business. It also has no transaction fees.
Growth Plan: Available at $159/month when billed annually ($199/month billed monthly), this plan provides unlimited landing pages, 15 products, and 25,000 contacts, along with features like advanced automation and an affiliate program, all without any transaction fees.
Pro Plan: This comprehensive package costs $319/month billed annually ($399/month for monthly billing) and offers unlimited landing pages, 100 products, and 100,000 contacts. It includes advanced automation, custom branding, and multiple website options, with no transaction fees.
Teachable Pricing:
Free Plan: This plan is ideal for creators who want to test the platform before committing. It allows basic exploration without any upfront cost.
Basic Plan: At $59 per month (billed annually), the Basic Plan provides essential features for launching an online business. This includes a 5% transaction fee, up to five published products (courses, coaching, downloads), community features, one membership tier, integrated email marketing, and options for coupons and order bumps.
Pro Plan: Priced at $159 per month (billed annually), the Pro Plan removes transaction fees and allows for up to 50 published products. It includes all Basic Plan features plus additional perks like unlimited membership tiers, affiliate marketing, live chat support, upselling, public API access, removable branding, and support for up to five admin seats.
Pro+ Plan: For $249 per month (billed annually), the Pro+ Plan caters to fast-growing businesses. It builds on the Pro Plan by supporting up to 200 products across all categories, offering custom user roles, and providing enhanced functionality for larger teams and organizations.
Kajabi's pricing is higher but offers an all-in-one package that includes marketing tools, website hosting, and course management, potentially saving users money by reducing the need for multiple platforms. It has no transaction fees, allowing creators to keep all their earnings. Users can try the platform with a 14-day free trial, and discounts are available for annual subscriptions.
In contrast, Teachable is more affordable, especially for beginners, with tiered plans and a unique free plan that lets new creators test the waters.
However, transaction fees apply to lower-tier plans, impacting profits unless users upgrade to a higher plan. Overall, Kajabi provides excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive solution, while Teachable is a cost-effective choice for beginners but may not fully meet the needs of those aiming for significant growth.
For creators focused on long-term profitability, Kajabi's higher pricing is justified by its extensive features and absence of transaction fees.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Let’s take a look at Graphy’s pricing structure to understand how it is a better option.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Features |
Launch Plan | $36 | 0% transaction fees, unlimited products, 10,000 contacts, 1 admin account, up to 300 webinar participants. |
Rise Plan | $74 | 0% transaction fees, unlimited products, Android and iOS apps, 25,000 contacts, 10 admin accounts, up to 500 webinar participants. |
Scale Plan | $189 | 0% transaction fees, unlimited products, Android and iOS apps, 100,000 contacts, 25 admin accounts, up to 500 webinar participants. |
Hidden Fees: No hidden fees or transaction charges.
Graphy’s pricing model offers exceptional value with competitive monthly costs but also stands out due to its commitment to transparency. Unlike Kajabi and Thinkific, which may impose transaction fees on certain plans, Graphy guarantees 0% transaction fees across all tiers, allowing creators to retain their full earnings. This, combined with unlimited products and comprehensive features tailored for course creation, makes Graphy an ideal choice for creators looking to maximize their profitability while simplifying the course management process.
4. Support & Resources for Creators
Kajabi:
Basic Support: Kajabi provides a comprehensive Help Center filled with guides, articles, and FAQs that are valuable for self-service troubleshooting. However, live support options are limited for free users.
Paid Plans: Subscribers to paid plans benefit from email support, while those on higher-tier plans, such as the Growth and Pro plans, receive priority assistance and access to live chat for immediate help. Kajabi also conducts regular webinars and training sessions to help creators make the most of the platform.
Resources: Kajabi offers a wide range of educational materials, including tutorials, video guides, and a lively community forum where creators can connect and exchange insights. While these resources are extensive, users on lower-tier plans may experience longer wait times for direct support.
Teachable:
Free Plan: Similar to Thinkific, the free plan provides access to a Knowledge Base filled with articles, video tutorials, and community forums. However, users on this plan do not receive live support.
Paid Plans: Users on the Basic plan have access to email support, while those on the Pro and Business plans enjoy live chat support for more immediate assistance. Additionally, Teachable hosts regular webinars to guide users in effectively navigating the platform.
Resources: Teachable supplies a range of tutorials, live workshops, and community forums for creators to connect and exchange insights. However, the limited access to live support for free or Basic plan users may hinder timely problem-solving.
Kajabi excels in comprehensive support and training resources, particularly with its 24/7 chat support and Kajabi University. Teachable provides adequate support but is more limited in live assistance, making Kajabi the better choice for users who prioritize constant access to support.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy stands out by giving creators easy access to support and resources through its Assist feature, community forums, and dedicated help options. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, Graphy provides solid support to keep you on track.
For those new to course creation, Graphy provides a dedicated person to assist with setup and ensure a smooth start. This ongoing support allows creators to concentrate on developing high-quality content and growing their audience, knowing they have a reliable partner to help with any technical details along the way
5. Monetization and Payment Flexibility
Flexible monetization and global payment options are crucial for creators looking to maximize revenue and expand internationally.
Kajabi Monetization
Course Sales & More: Kajabi enables creators to sell courses, memberships, coaching programs, and digital products, offering multiple revenue streams with flexible pricing options.
Memberships & Subscriptions: Creators can offer subscription-based memberships, allowing for recurring revenue models.
Coupons & Discounts: Kajabi provides tools to create coupon codes and discounts to incentivize sales.
Payment Gateways: Kajabi supports both Stripe and PayPal as payment gateways, but it does not charge any transaction fees on any plan, which allows creators to keep more of their earnings.
Upsell & Cross-Sell: Kajabi also offers advanced upsell and cross-sell features, enabling creators to increase their average revenue per customer.
Teachable Monetization
Course Sales & Coaching Services: Teachable supports one-time course payments, subscriptions, and even coaching services, providing a range of options for creators to monetize their expertise.
Affiliate Marketing: Teachable has built-in affiliate marketing tools, allowing creators to recruit affiliates who can promote and sell their courses.
Payment Gateways: Teachable also integrates with Stripe and PayPal for processing payments, but it charges a 5% transaction fee on lower-tier plans, which can eat into profits for smaller creators.
Payout Flexibility: Teachable handles payouts to creators automatically, offering more flexibility in terms of global payments and scheduling.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy offers a robust suite of monetization tools that distinguish it from platforms like Teachable and Kajabi:
Diverse Offerings: Graphy allows creators to sell courses, memberships, and digital products, with features designed to boost engagement, such as live courses that promote real-time interaction with learners.
Wider Payment Gateway Options: Graphy offers a broader range of payment gateways, including localized options, making it ideal for creators targeting international markets.
Seamless Integration of Discounts: Graphy takes it further by integrating these tools seamlessly with live courses, helping creators maximize their revenue potential.
Flexible Pricing Structure: Graphy’s pricing model is designed for scalability, without the rigid restrictions of tiered plans, making it an excellent option for creators looking to grow and expand globally.
In conclusion, while Teachable and Kajabi have their strengths, Graphy’s flexibility and unique features make it a top choice for creators focused on growth and reaching international audiences.
6. Marketing Tools & Audience Growth
Effective marketing tools are essential for scaling online courses, and the depth of these features can significantly impact audience reach. Let's explore how Kajabi and Teachable compare in terms of marketing capabilities.
Kajabi Marketing Features
SEO Tools: Kajabi offers robust SEO tools to help creators optimize their course pages and digital products for search engines, making it easier for potential students to discover their offerings.
Built-in Email Marketing: Kajabi stands out by including advanced email marketing features directly in the platform. This includes email campaigns, automations, segmentation, and personalized drip sequences, allowing creators to engage with their audience efficiently without needing third-party tools.
Affiliate Marketing: Kajabi provides affiliate marketing capabilities across all plans, enabling creators to set up affiliate programs to grow their audience and increase sales through partnerships.
Advanced Analytics: Kajabi offers comprehensive built-in analytics, including detailed reports on course sales, email performance, and customer behavior, allowing creators to make data-driven decisions without upgrading to higher-tier plans.
Teachable Marketing Features
SEO Tools: Teachable offers basic SEO tools similar to Thinkific, helping creators improve course visibility through organic search.
Built-in Email Marketing: Teachable includes simple email marketing tools for basic updates and engagement, but for advanced automation, integrations with third-party apps like Mailchimp or ConvertKit are necessary.
Affiliate Marketing: Teachable provides built-in affiliate marketing tools on all paid plans, allowing creators to leverage affiliates to promote their courses and boost sales.
Analytics: Teachable offers basic sales and student progress analytics. However, for deeper insights and advanced reporting, creators need to upgrade to higher-priced plans.
Which is Better for Scaling Your Course Business through Marketing and Sales Automation?
For creators who want an all-in-one platform that can handle both course creation and marketing, Kajabi is the clear winner. Its built-in marketing tools, advanced sales funnels, and customizable checkout experience give it the edge for scaling a business with automation.
Teachable, while great for basic needs, requires external tools for more complex sales and marketing processes, making it a better option for smaller businesses or those just getting started.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy distinguishes itself from Kajabi and Teachable with its advanced marketing and audience growth tools. It features superior SEO capabilities, built-in email automation, and robust affiliate marketing options that exceed the basic offerings of its competitors.
Graphy also delivers in-depth analytics on sales, user engagement, and course performance, enabling creators to make data-driven decisions. Its real-time community chat significantly enhances student engagement, and Graphy Assist further boosts discoverability, ensuring your content reaches a wider audience effortlessly.
With features aimed at engaging potential customers, Graphy Assist streamlines marketing strategies, allowing creators to focus on what they do best—developing exceptional content.
7. Community Features and Membership Capabilities
Kajabi:
Comprehensive Membership Options: Kajabi excels in community-building with extensive membership site capabilities. Creators can offer gated content for paid subscribers, fostering exclusive learning environments.
Engagement Tools: The platform supports building forums, challenges, and member-only content, promoting a vibrant community around courses.
Teachable:
Basic Membership Features: Teachable provides essential membership options, allowing creators to gate content for paid members. However, it requires third-party tools for more complex community features like forums or interactive challenges.
Limited Community Tools: Its community-building capabilities are less robust than those of Kajabi.
Kajabi is the better choice for creators aiming to build a comprehensive community around their content. In contrast, Teachable is suitable for simpler membership models but may need external tools to enhance community features.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy excels with its advanced community chat feature, offering real-time interaction that elevates the learning experience. With tools like group chats, live Q&A sessions, and instant support, creators can foster dynamic engagement and build an interactive community.
This all-in-one platform strengthens student relationships and enhances satisfaction without the need for external tools, making it an ideal choice for those focused on active community engagement.
8. Mobile Experience and Accessibility
Kajabi:
Responsive Design: Kajabi offers a fully responsive platform, ensuring both creators and students can access it seamlessly from any device.
Mobile App for Students: Students benefit from a mobile app that allows them to access courses on-the-go, enhancing flexibility and engagement.
Creator Management: Creators can also optimize and manage their courses on mobile devices, enabling edits and updates from anywhere. However, Kajabi charges an additional $199/month for its mobile app feature, making it a costly option for those who want full mobile functionality.
Teachable:
Mobile-Friendly Experience: Teachable ensures a mobile-friendly experience for course delivery, allowing students to easily access courses from smartphones or tablets.
Limited Creator Management: However, there is no dedicated mobile app for creators to manage their courses, which can be limiting for those needing on-the-go management.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Kajabi provides a good mobile experience with its dedicated app for students and creators, but the extra $199/month fee for this functionality may discourage some users. On the other hand, Teachable does not offer a dedicated mobile app, limiting its accessibility for users on the go.
In contrast, Graphy takes mobile experience to the next level with its fully branded app included at no extra cost in its Rise and Scale plans. Available on both iOS and Android, the app allows students to learn on-the-go with offline access to all course materials.
Creators enjoy the flexibility of managing their courses from anywhere, making real-time edits, and monitoring student progress through their mobile devices. This convenience helps foster stronger connections between creators and their audiences.
Quick Comparison Table: Kajabi vs. Teachable
Feature | Kajabi | Teachable |
All-in-one platform | Yes | No |
Course creation | Robust | Robust |
Customization | High | High |
Marketing tools | Comprehensive | Basic |
Sales funnels | Built-in | Limited |
Email marketing | Built-in | Requires integration |
Pricing | Higher | Lower |
Transaction fees | No | Yes (for lower plans) |
Customer support | 24/7 chat (higher plans) | Limited live chat |
Community features | Strong | Basic |
Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
Overall Value: Which Platform to Choose?
When evaluating Kajabi and Teachable, both platforms present distinct benefits and limitations that could impact your choice as a course creator. Below is a summary of their strengths and weaknesses:
Kajabi Pros & Cons
Pros:
All-in-One Platform: Kajabi offers a holistic solution, encompassing everything from course development to marketing, allowing creators to handle their business operations from a single interface.
No Transaction Fees: Creators using Kajabi can keep all their earnings, as the platform does not impose transaction fees, unlike many competitors.
Robust Marketing Features: Kajabi provides sophisticated marketing tools, including email automation, sales funnels, and comprehensive analytics, simplifying audience outreach.
Customizable Checkout Experience: The platform enables extensive customization of checkout pages, which enhances the purchasing experience for users.
Cons:
Higher Cost: Kajabi tends to be more expensive than Teachable, which might be a deterrent for beginners or those on a limited budget.
Steeper Learning Curve: New users might find the extensive features daunting, leading to a more challenging onboarding experience.
Limited Design Flexibility: While Kajabi excels in marketing capabilities, some users may find it less adaptable for specific course design requirements compared to other platforms.
Teachable Pros & Cons
Pros:
User-Friendly Design: Teachable is recognized for its straightforward interface, making it ideal for creators who want to launch their courses quickly.
Built-In Affiliate Marketing: The platform includes affiliate marketing tools, enabling creators to expand their audience through partnerships.
Integrated Email Marketing: Teachable provides email marketing features on lower-tier plans, allowing for direct communication with learners.
Cost-Effective for Beginners: Teachable's pricing structure is generally more accessible, especially for those just starting in course creation.
Cons:
Transaction Fees on Lower Plans: The platform charges a 5% transaction fee for its Free and Basic plans, which can significantly reduce earnings.
Limited Customization Options: Teachable offers fewer branding and course design customization options compared to Kajabi.
Basic Community Features: The community-building tools available are minimal, which may limit student engagement.
Customer Support Delays: Users have noted slower response times from Teachable's support team, particularly during busy periods.
Why Graphy Stands Out
Graphy sets itself apart as a creator-focused platform by offering an integrated approach that combines monetization, marketing, and community-building tools. Here’s why Graphy is an appealing option for creators:
Diverse Monetization Options: Graphy allows creators to select various earning methods, including subscriptions, one-time payments, and tiered memberships, all without transaction fees or revenue sharing. This feature offers a notable advantage over Kajabi and Teachable, both of which have additional costs.
Branded Mobile App: Graphy includes a branded mobile app option in its Rise and Scale plans at no extra cost, enhancing the learning experience by allowing students to access content anytime, anywhere. This accessibility boosts interaction and course completion rates, contrasting with Kajabi, which charges an additional $199 for its mobile app feature.
Robust Community Interaction: The platform fosters strong engagement between creators and students through real-time chat, discussion forums, and group messaging.
Advanced Marketing Capabilities: Graphy equips creators with powerful marketing tools, including in-depth analytics, SEO resources, and email automation, enabling them to grow their audience effectively. These features exceed the basic marketing options found on Kajabi and Teachable.
Seamless Scalability: Graphy is designed for easy growth, allowing creators to expand their business without worrying about additional fees or restrictions.
Personalized Support: From the start, Graphy offers tailored guidance to ensure a smooth onboarding experience, with educational resources designed to meet the needs of both newcomers and experienced users.
Conclusion
Both Kajabi and Teachable are powerful platforms, but their strengths cater to different needs:
Kajabi is the ultimate all-in-one solution for businesses focused on scaling and growing a complete online presence, offering advanced marketing, sales automation, and customization options.
Teachable is ideal for creators who want a simpler, more affordable solution to get their courses online quickly, without needing complex marketing tools.
When choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to your goals as a creator—whether you’re looking to build a highly customized, all-in-one business or need a straightforward, beginner-friendly platform to get started quickly.
While Kajabi leads in overall capabilities for scaling businesses, and Teachable wins for affordability and simplicity for newcomers, Graphy emerges as an even better option. With its balance of advanced features, affordability, and a user-friendly interface, Graphy empowers creators to effectively scale their online presence without overspending.
Ready to elevate your online course business? Explore Graphy today!
