Choosing the right sales funnel tool can make or break your online business. If you’re trying to decide between CartFlows and ClickFunnels, you’re probably wondering which one will give you the best results without breaking the bank.
CartFlows is a WordPress plugin that works with your existing website and offers a more affordable option, while ClickFunnels is a standalone all-in-one platform with more built-in features but higher costs. The right choice depends on whether you already use WordPress, your budget, and how much control you want over your funnels.
We’ve tested both tools and broken down everything you need to know. From pricing and features to ease of use and design options, we’ll help you figure out which funnel builder fits your business best.
Understanding CartFlows and ClickFunnels
CartFlows is a WordPress plugin designed for building sales funnels, while ClickFunnels operates as a standalone all-in-one platform. Both tools help businesses create sales funnels, but they work in different ways and serve different needs.
What Is CartFlows?
CartFlows is a WordPress plugin that lets us build sales funnels directly on our WordPress website. It works seamlessly with WooCommerce, making it a natural choice for WordPress users who already have an online store.
The plugin uses a drag-and-drop builder that doesn’t require coding knowledge. We can choose from pre-built templates to speed up the funnel creation process.
CartFlows focuses on checkout optimization and funnel building within the WordPress ecosystem. This means we keep everything on our existing website instead of using a separate platform. The plugin integrates with our current WordPress setup, so we don’t need to manage multiple systems.
The pricing is more affordable than most standalone funnel builders. CartFlows offers annual payment options for all its plans, which helps reduce costs for businesses on a budget.
What Is ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is a complete sales funnel builder that operates independently from WordPress. It provides everything we need in one package, including hosting, page builders, and marketing tools.
The platform includes features like checkout processes, membership sites, and email autoresponders built right in. We don’t need to connect external tools or plugins to get these functions working.
ClickFunnels offers more customization options and advanced features than many competitors. However, this power comes with a steeper learning curve and higher price point. The platform handles all the technical aspects of hosting and maintenance for us.
This all-in-one approach means we can build complete marketing systems without touching WordPress. ClickFunnels provides its own proprietary hosting environment and ecosystem.
Who Are They For?
CartFlows works best for:
- Businesses already using WordPress and WooCommerce
- Users who want to keep their funnel on their existing website
- People looking for an affordable sales funnel solution
- Those comfortable working within WordPress
ClickFunnels works best for:
- Businesses wanting a standalone platform
- Users who need built-in email and membership features
- People willing to invest more for advanced tools
- Those who prefer not to use WordPress
CartFlows suits businesses that value simplicity and cost-effectiveness. ClickFunnels fits businesses that need powerful features and don’t mind the higher investment.
Key Differences Between CartFlows and ClickFunnels
CartFlows works as a WordPress plugin while ClickFunnels operates as its own standalone platform. These different approaches affect how you’ll build funnels, where your data lives, and how much control you have over hosting.
Platform and Integration
CartFlows is a WordPress sales funnel builder that adds funnel features to your existing WordPress site. It works directly with WooCommerce integration to handle payments and product management. We install it like any other WordPress plugin, and it uses the same dashboard we’re already familiar with.
ClickFunnels runs as a standalone platform with its own interface and tools. It doesn’t require WordPress or any other content management system. The platform includes everything from page building to payment processing in one package.
Key Integration Differences:
- CartFlows: Requires WordPress and WooCommerce to function
- ClickFunnels: Works independently without any external platform
- CartFlows: Uses your existing WordPress theme and plugins
- ClickFunnels: Provides its own templates and tools
Standalone vs WordPress Solutions
ClickFunnels gives us a complete website builder and funnel system in one place. We don’t need to manage WordPress, buy separate hosting, or deal with plugin updates. Everything runs through ClickFunnels’ servers and interface.
CartFlows requires an active WordPress site to work. We need to set up WordPress hosting, install WooCommerce, and then add CartFlows on top. This means managing more moving parts, but it also means we can use any WordPress theme or plugin alongside our funnels.
The standalone nature of ClickFunnels makes it simpler for beginners. The WordPress approach of CartFlows offers more flexibility for people who already run WordPress sites.
Data Ownership and Hosting
With CartFlows, we own and control all our data because it lives on our WordPress hosting account. We choose our hosting provider and can move our site whenever we want. Our customer data, pages, and content belong to us completely.
ClickFunnels hosts everything on their servers. Our funnels and data stay within their platform. If we stop paying for ClickFunnels, we lose access to our funnels unless we export them first.
CartFlows requires us to pay for WordPress hosting separately. ClickFunnels includes hosting in its monthly fee. We have more control with CartFlows but also more responsibility for backups, security, and server management.
Sales Funnel Capabilities and Features
Both platforms give us tools to build multi-step funnels with upsells and order bumps, but they take different approaches. CartFlows works as a WordPress plugin focused on WooCommerce stores, while ClickFunnels operates as a standalone funnel builder with its own ecosystem.
Sales Funnel Types
ClickFunnels offers pre-built sales funnel templates for various business needs. We get options for lead generation funnels, product launches, webinar funnels, and membership sites. The platform includes templates designed for specific industries and goals.
CartFlows focuses on WooCommerce-based funnels. We can build product funnels, lead funnels, and checkout sequences that integrate directly with our WordPress site. The funnel builder lets us create custom paths based on customer behavior.
Both platforms support multi-step funnels. We can map out the customer journey from landing page to final purchase. ClickFunnels provides more template variety out of the box, while CartFlows gives us flexibility to design funnels that match our existing WordPress theme.
Checkout Pages and Editors
CartFlows includes a checkout editor built for WooCommerce. We can customize checkout pages using popular WordPress page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg. The checkout pages integrate with WooCommerce payment gateways and maintain our site’s design consistency.
ClickFunnels has its own checkout editor. We don’t need external tools to modify checkout pages. The platform handles payments through its own system and supports major payment processors.
CartFlows offers global checkout options that work across all our funnels. We can set up one checkout configuration and apply it to multiple products. ClickFunnels also provides checkout customization, but it operates separately from WordPress and WooCommerce.
One-Click Upsells and Order Bumps
Both platforms let us add one-click upsells after the initial purchase. Customers can accept additional offers without re-entering payment information. This feature helps increase average order value.
Order bumps appear on checkout pages as small add-ons. We can offer complementary products or upgrades right before customers complete their purchase. CartFlows integrates these bumps into WooCommerce checkout flows, while ClickFunnels manages them within its own system.
CartFlows supports downsells when customers decline an upsell. We can present a lower-priced alternative to recover potential lost sales. ClickFunnels includes similar downsell capabilities with dynamic offers based on customer responses. Both tools track which offers perform best so we can optimize our funnel revenue.
Templates, Landing Pages, and Design Flexibility
ClickFunnels offers a standalone platform with ready-made templates, while CartFlows works as a WordPress funnel builder that connects with your favorite page builders like Elementor and Divi.
Template Library and Funnel Templates
ClickFunnels provides a larger template library with hundreds of pre-built funnel templates. These cover different business types and include complete sequences with landing pages, checkout pages, and thank you pages. The templates are ready to use right away without needing any additional tools.
CartFlows takes a different approach with its template library. The free version includes basic funnel templates designed specifically for WooCommerce stores. The premium version adds more options, but the total number is smaller than ClickFunnels. What makes CartFlows different is that its templates work directly with your WordPress site and can be customized using any WordPress page builder you already have installed.
Landing Page Builders and Editors
Both platforms give us drag-and-drop editors for building landing pages. ClickFunnels includes its own built-in editor where we can move elements around and customize designs without touching code. The drag-and-drop functionality is simple to learn, though it has less customization depth than specialized page builders.
CartFlows doesn’t have its own page editor. Instead, it uses whatever WordPress page builder we already have on our site. This means we get the full power of tools like Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder, or the Gutenberg editor. These WordPress page builders often provide more design control and flexibility than ClickFunnels’ built-in editor.
Customization with WordPress Page Builders
CartFlows shines when we want deep customization options. Since it works with Elementor, Divi, and other WordPress page builders, we can modify every aspect of our landing pages and checkout pages. These page builders offer thousands of design elements, widgets, and styling options.
ClickFunnels keeps customization within its own system. We can change colors, fonts, images, and layouts, but we’re limited to what the platform allows. There’s no option to connect external page builders or add custom WordPress plugins. This makes ClickFunnels simpler but less flexible for users who want complete design control over their funnels.
Marketing Automation, Analytics, and Integrations
Both platforms offer email marketing capabilities and third-party connections, but they take different approaches. ClickFunnels provides built-in automation tools, while CartFlows relies on integrations with external services.
Email Marketing and Visual Automation
ClickFunnels includes its own email marketing platform called Actionetics. This gives us a built-in way to create automated email campaigns without paying for separate tools. The platform lets us set up email sequences and workflows directly inside the funnel builder.
CartFlows works differently. It doesn’t have its own email system. Instead, it connects with popular email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and Drip. This means we need to already have an account with one of these services.
If we want a visual automation builder, ClickFunnels has one included. We can create automated workflows that trigger based on customer actions. CartFlows gives us access to visual automation too, but only through the third-party tools it connects with.
A/B Split Testing and Conversion Tracking
Both platforms support A/B testing to help us improve our funnels. We can test different versions of our pages to see which ones convert better.
ClickFunnels includes analytics and tracking tools built into the platform. We get detailed metrics about funnel performance without needing extra setup. The system shows us conversion rates, page views, and sales data. We can also connect Google Analytics if we want more detailed tracking.
CartFlows offers A/B split testing features as well. Since it runs on WordPress, we can track performance through the CartFlows dashboard. We also have the option to add Google Analytics for deeper insights into visitor behavior.
Third-Party Integrations
ClickFunnels connects with payment gateways, CRM systems, and various marketing tools. The platform works as a standalone system, so most integrations happen through its own built-in features or API connections.
CartFlows has a different advantage. It integrates directly with WordPress and WooCommerce. This means we can use any WordPress plugin that works with our site. We get access to countless integrations through the WordPress ecosystem. The platform connects easily with email marketing services, CRM tools, and payment processors that already work with WooCommerce.
Pricing Plans and Value for Money
CartFlows and ClickFunnels take very different approaches to pricing. CartFlows works as a WordPress plugin with lower costs, while ClickFunnels operates as a standalone platform with higher monthly fees.
CartFlows Pricing Structure
CartFlows offers a free version with basic features that works with WooCommerce. The free plan lets us build simple funnels and test the platform before committing to a paid option.
The CartFlows Pro plan starts at around $239 per year when billed annually. This plan includes advanced features like one-click upsells, order bumps, and A/B testing. We get unlimited funnels and can use the plugin on unlimited sites with this pricing.
For agencies or developers managing multiple client sites, the higher-tier plans offer additional templates and priority support. The pricing stays affordable compared to other funnel builders since we’re just paying for the plugin itself.
ClickFunnels Pricing Tiers
ClickFunnels pricing starts higher than CartFlows since it’s a complete hosted solution. The Basic Plan costs $147 per month with annual billing. This plan includes 20 funnels, 1 website, and 3 payment gateways.
The Pro Plan runs $197 per month and gives us unlimited funnels and websites. We also get access to more advanced features like follow-up funnels and affiliate program management.
The Funnel Hacker Plan is the premium tier at $297 per month. It includes everything from the Pro Plan plus priority support and additional training resources. These prices add up quickly over a year, making ClickFunnels a bigger investment than CartFlows.
Free Trials and Refunds
ClickFunnels offers a 14-day free trial so we can test the platform before paying. This trial gives us access to most features and lets us build real funnels to see if it fits our needs.
CartFlows doesn’t have a traditional trial, but the free version works as an extended test period. We can use it as long as we want to evaluate the basic functionality. If we buy CartFlows Pro and don’t like it, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Both platforms let us try before we fully commit. The difference is that CartFlows has a permanently free option while ClickFunnels requires payment after the trial ends.
Ease of Use, Customer Support, and User Experience
ClickFunnels offers a standalone platform with drag-and-drop tools that work right out of the box, while CartFlows requires WordPress and WooCommerce but gives you more control over your existing site. Both platforms provide customer support, though they take different approaches to helping users succeed.
Getting Started and User Interface
ClickFunnels is built as a complete system that doesn’t need any other software to work. We found that users can start building funnels immediately after signing up, thanks to its drag-and-drop editor and pre-designed templates. The platform handles everything from hosting to payment processing in one place.
CartFlows takes a different path since it works as a WordPress plugin. We need to have WordPress and WooCommerce already installed before adding CartFlows. This means more setup steps at the beginning, but it lets us keep our existing WordPress site and all its features.
The learning curve differs between the two. ClickFunnels provides a simpler starting point for people who’ve never built sales funnels before. CartFlows requires some WordPress knowledge, which can slow down beginners but gives experienced WordPress users the flexibility they already know.
Customer Support Options
ClickFunnels provides live chat support and maintains a detailed knowledge base. We can get help quickly when issues come up, which helps keep our conversion rate steady and our customer engagement strong.
CartFlows relies on documentation and community forums for support. This approach works well for WordPress users who are comfortable searching for answers and participating in community discussions. The support style matches what most WordPress users already expect from plugins.
Learning Curve and Community
ClickFunnels attracts people who want an all-in-one solution without technical setup. The community includes many entrepreneurs and small business owners who share funnel templates and strategies. We get access to training materials designed specifically for the platform.
CartFlows appeals to WordPress users who already understand how plugins and themes work together. The community consists of developers and WordPress enthusiasts who can help with custom solutions. This makes the customer experience more technical but also more customizable for our specific needs.
Choosing the Right Tool: Use Cases and Best Alternatives
Both tools serve different types of users based on their technical skills and business setup. CartFlows works best for WordPress users, while ClickFunnels suits those who want an all-in-one platform without needing WordPress.
Who Should Choose CartFlows?
We recommend CartFlows if you already run your website on WordPress. It works as a plugin that adds funnel features to your existing site. This makes it perfect for WordPress users who don’t want to manage multiple platforms.
Course creators and service providers often choose CartFlows because it integrates with WooCommerce. You can build sales funnels using page builders you already know, like Elementor or Gutenberg. The learning curve is gentler if you’re familiar with WordPress.
CartFlows costs less than ClickFunnels in most cases. You pay for the plugin once, then use your existing hosting. This makes it budget-friendly for small businesses and solopreneurs. If you need features like FunnelKit for checkout optimization, you can add them as separate plugins.
Who Should Choose ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels works better if you don’t use WordPress or want everything in one place. It includes hosting, email tools, and a membership site builder. You don’t need to buy or manage separate services.
We find that beginners often prefer ClickFunnels because it requires no technical setup. Everything comes pre-configured. You just pick a template and customize it. The platform handles all the backend work for you.
Service providers who sell coaching or consulting packages benefit from ClickFunnels’ built-in features. The platform includes webinar tools and appointment scheduling. However, you’ll pay more each month compared to CartFlows.
Top ClickFunnels and CartFlows Alternatives
Several ClickFunnels alternatives offer different features at various price points. SamCart focuses specifically on checkout pages and works well for digital product sellers. It costs less than ClickFunnels but offers fewer funnel-building features.
HubSpot provides a free funnel builder with its CRM. This works great for B2B companies that need marketing and sales tools in one place. The free version has limits, but paid plans include automation and analytics.
FunnelKit (formerly WooFunnels) serves as another WordPress option like CartFlows. It offers similar features with a different interface. Many users compare these two when looking for the best ClickFunnels alternative on WordPress.
Other options include Leadpages for landing pages and Kajabi for course creators who need a membership site builder. Each tool targets specific needs, so we suggest testing free trials before committing.