Kajabi, Kartra and ClickFunnels all promise to run an online business from one account, but each starts from a different job. Kajabi is a course and community platform from $179 a month ($143 annual). Kartra is a marketing automation suite from $59 a month (a limited plan) or $119 a month for its first full plan. ClickFunnels is a sales funnel builder from $97 a month ($81 annual) with the most contacts per dollar of the three.
The quick answer: choose Kajabi if your course, coaching program or community is the product. Choose Kartra if you want email and SMS sends, video hosting, calendars and a helpdesk bundled together. Choose ClickFunnels if your priority is funnels that convert, with order bumps, upsells and email follow-up.
Kajabi vs Kartra vs ClickFunnels at a Glance
| Kajabi | Kartra | ClickFunnels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for | Courses, coaching, communities | All-in-one marketing automation | Sales funnels |
| Entry price | $179/mo ($143 annual) | $59/mo Essentials; $119/mo Starter | $97/mo ($81 annual) |
| Contacts on entry plan | 2,500 | 500 (Essentials); 2,500 (Starter) | 10,000 |
| Marketing email | Unlimited sends | Unlimited email and SMS from Starter | 50,000 emails/mo on Launch |
| Courses or products | 5 products on Basic | 1 course on Essentials; unlimited from Starter | 3 courses on Launch |
| Funnels and landing pages | Unlimited | 5 pages on Essentials; unlimited from Starter | Unlimited, core strength |
| Video hosting | Hosts course videos | From Starter | Course video uploads |
| Calendars | Coaching scheduling | From Starter | From Scale |
| Helpdesk | Not listed | From Growth | Message Hub |
| Affiliate program for you | Growth and Pro | Growth and Professional | Optimize and Dominate |
| Transaction fees | 2%, 1% or 0.5% with outside processors | 5% on Essentials; 0% from Starter | None from ClickFunnels |
| Free trial | 14 days | Money-back guarantee instead | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
In This Article
- Kajabi vs Kartra vs ClickFunnels at a Glance
- What Each Platform Is
- Pricing Compared
- Kartra vs ClickFunnels Head to Head
- Kajabi vs Kartra Head to Head
- Kajabi vs ClickFunnels in Brief
- Features Compared Across All Three
- Pros and Cons
- Which Should You Choose?
- Use Cases by Business Type
- Switching Platforms
- Alternatives to All Three
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Each Platform Is
Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for knowledge businesses: courses, coaching programs, communities, podcasts, memberships, newsletters and digital downloads, plus a website builder, email marketing, funnels, checkout with upsells and order bumps, and a branded mobile app on its Pro plan. Its plans include unlimited marketing emails, and contacts start at 2,500.
Kartra
Kartra is a marketing automation suite: page builder with 100+ templates, funnels with a funnel simulator, email automation with A/B tests, checkouts with upsells and coupons, memberships and courses, video hosting, calendars, surveys and quizzes, a helpdesk, affiliate management, webinars and Kartra AI. It also has an agency dashboard for managing client accounts.
ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels is a sales funnel platform co-founded by Russell Brunson: opt-in and sales pages, webinar and application funnels, order forms with order bumps, one-click upsells, email marketing, a CRM with pipelines, workflows, courses, communities and a customer center. See our ClickFunnels review.
Pricing Compared
Kajabi Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Products | Contacts | Admins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $179 | $143 | 5 | 2,500 | 2 |
| Growth | $249 | $199 | 50 | 25,000 | 11 |
| Pro | $499 | $399 | Unlimited | 100,000 | 26 |
All plans include unlimited marketing emails and landing pages. Extra contacts cost $125 a month per 25,000.
Kartra Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Contacts | Key Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $59 | $52 | 500 | 10,000 emails and texts/mo, 5 pages, 1 product, 1 course, 5% fees |
| Starter | $119 | $99 | 2,500 | Unlimited email and SMS, unlimited pages and products, video hosting, calendars, 5 team members |
| Growth | $229 | $189 | 12,500 | Automations, affiliates, surveys and quizzes, helpdesk, 3 domains, 10 team members |
| Professional | $549 | $429 | 25,000 | Real-time funnel analytics, helpdesk live chat, 5 domains |
If you reach your plan's contact limit, Kartra says you are automatically upgraded to the next tier and charged a mid-cycle reconciliation fee. Some figures in Kartra's own plan tables differ between sections, so confirm limits at checkout.
ClickFunnels Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | Contacts | Key Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | $97 | $81 | 10,000 | 50,000 emails/mo, 3 courses, 2 team members |
| Scale | $197 | $164 | 75,000 | 300,000 emails/mo, 6 courses, live chat, API, calendars |
| Optimize | $297 | $248 | 150,000 | 750,000 emails/mo, 10 courses, Affiliate Center |
| Dominate | n/a | $5,997/yr | 400,000 | 1.2 million emails/mo, 20 courses |
See our ClickFunnels pricing guide for every limit.
Monthly billing on each vendor's pricing page, November 2026. Kartra Essentials ($59) is left out because of its 500-contact and 5-page limits.
Contacts per Dollar
Contacts drive the real bill for list-based businesses.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Contacts |
|---|---|---|
| ClickFunnels Launch | $97 | 10,000 |
| Kartra Starter | $119 | 2,500 |
| Kajabi Basic | $179 | 2,500 |
| ClickFunnels Scale | $197 | 75,000 |
| Kartra Growth | $229 | 12,500 |
| Kajabi Growth | $249 | 25,000 |
Worked Example: The Cheapest Plan for Your List
Using monthly list prices and only the contact limit:
| List Size | Kajabi | Kartra | ClickFunnels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 contacts | Basic, $179 | Starter, $119 | Launch, $97 |
| 10,000 contacts | Growth, $249 | Growth, $229 | Launch, $97 |
| 20,000 contacts | Growth, $249 | Professional, $549 | Scale, $197 |
| 60,000 contacts | Pro, $499 | Above listed plans | Scale, $197 |
Other limits (products, courses, team seats, emails sent) can push you to a higher plan, so check them too.
Transaction Fees
- ClickFunnels: keeps no percentage of your sales.
- Kartra: 5% on Essentials, 0% from Starter.
- Kajabi: no platform cut with Kajabi Payments (US card rates of 2.9%, 2.8% or 2.7% plus 30 cents by plan) or PayPal; a 2%, 1% or 0.5% fee by plan with other outside processors.
Kartra vs ClickFunnels Head to Head
Kartra and ClickFunnels are the two most often compared, because both started as marketing platforms rather than course tools.
| Kartra | ClickFunnels | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Starter $119 ($99 annual), 2,500 contacts | Launch $97 ($81 annual), 10,000 contacts |
| Unlimited email and SMS sends from Starter | 50,000 emails/mo on Launch | |
| Pages and funnels | Unlimited from Starter; funnel simulator | Unlimited; deep funnel templates and training |
| Checkout | Upsells, coupons, card and PayPal | Order bumps, one-click upsells, subscriptions, payment plans |
| Video hosting | Built in from Starter | Course video uploads |
| Calendars | From Starter | From Scale |
| Helpdesk | From Growth | Message Hub for conversations |
| Surveys and quizzes | From Growth | Forms in funnels |
| Affiliate management | From Growth ($229) | From Optimize ($297) |
| Team members | 5 on Starter, 10 on Growth | 2 on Launch, 5 on Scale |
| Agency tools | Agency dashboard for client accounts | Workspaces for brands |
| Over the contact limit | Automatic upgrade plus reconciliation fee | Move up a plan |
Kartra vs ClickFunnels Features
Kartra wins on bundled tools. Video hosting, calendars, a helpdesk with live chat, surveys and an agency console come in the box, and Starter includes unlimited email and SMS sends. If you would otherwise pay for a video host, scheduler and support desk, Kartra replaces them.
ClickFunnels wins on funnels and checkout. Its funnel templates, order bumps, one-click upsells and checkout flow are its core product, backed by a large training library. It also gives four times the contacts of Kartra Starter for less money.
On SMS, Kartra's plans allow text messages, but third-party guides report that sending needs a connected SMS gateway; confirm with Kartra before relying on it. ClickFunnels' pricing page does not list SMS marketing.
Kartra vs ClickFunnels Email Marketing
Kartra's email builder supports sequences, automations and A/B tests, and Starter removes any monthly sending cap. ClickFunnels includes broadcasts, sequences and workflows with a monthly send limit by plan (50,000 on Launch, 300,000 on Scale). For a small list mailed often, Kartra's unlimited sends help; for a large list, ClickFunnels' contact allowances matter more.
Kartra vs ClickFunnels Membership Sites
Both host courses. Kartra allows unlimited memberships and courses from Starter, with its own video hosting. ClickFunnels caps courses and communities by plan (3 on Launch) and adds completion certificates. For many courses on a budget, Kartra Starter is the stronger pick.
Kartra vs ClickFunnels for Lead Generation
For collecting leads, both give you opt-in pages, forms and follow-up email. ClickFunnels' advantage is list size: Launch holds 10,000 contacts and Scale 75,000, so a fast-growing list costs less to keep. Kartra's advantage is what happens after the opt-in: texts, calendar bookings, surveys and helpdesk tickets in the same account. Remember that Kartra upgrades you automatically when you pass your contact limit, so a lead magnet that takes off can raise your bill mid-cycle.
Kartra vs ClickFunnels Cost Over a Year
Using list prices for the subscription alone:
| Plan | 12 Months, Monthly Billing | 12 Months, Annual Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Kartra Starter (2,500 contacts) | $1,428 | $1,188 |
| Kartra Growth (12,500 contacts) | $2,748 | $2,268 |
| ClickFunnels Launch (10,000 contacts) | $1,164 | $970 |
| ClickFunnels Scale (75,000 contacts) | $2,364 | $1,970 |
Kartra's annual figures multiply its per-month annual price by 12; ClickFunnels' are from its help center. If you would otherwise pay separately for video hosting, a scheduler and a helpdesk, add those to the ClickFunnels column before comparing.
Which Is Easier to Use, Kartra or ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is more focused, so getting one funnel live is usually faster, and its training is built around that path. Kartra has more modules to learn (helpdesk, calendars, video, surveys, automations), which takes longer to set up but means fewer outside tools.
Kajabi vs Kartra Head to Head
| Kajabi | Kartra | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Courses, coaching, communities, podcasts | Marketing automation and funnels |
| Entry full plan | Basic $179, 2,500 contacts, 5 products | Starter $119, 2,500 contacts, unlimited products |
| Unlimited marketing emails | Unlimited email and SMS from Starter | |
| Branded mobile app | Pro plan | Not listed |
| Podcasts and newsletters | Included | Not listed |
| Video hosting | Hosts course videos | From Starter |
| Helpdesk | Not listed | From Growth |
| Calendars | Coaching scheduling | From Starter |
| Fees | Outside-processor fee 2% to 0.5% | 0% from Starter |
Kajabi gives a more polished student and member experience, with podcasts, a branded app and communities built around the content. Kartra gives more marketing tools for less money, plus unlimited products from Starter. Course-first businesses usually prefer Kajabi; marketing-first businesses usually prefer Kartra.
Kajabi vs ClickFunnels in Brief
Kajabi is the better course and community platform; ClickFunnels is the better funnel builder and gives four times the contacts on its entry plan at a lower price. Our full ClickFunnels vs Kajabi comparison covers this pair in depth.
Features Compared Across All Three
Funnels and Pages
ClickFunnels is the specialist, with funnel types for opt-ins, webinars, applications, sales letters and memberships. Kartra offers a drag-and-drop page builder with 100+ templates and a funnel simulator to map campaigns. Kajabi includes unlimited landing pages and funnels that lead into its products.
Edge: ClickFunnels.
Courses, Memberships and Communities
Kajabi is the most complete here: courses, coaching programs, communities, podcasts and a branded app on Pro. Kartra offers unlimited courses and memberships from Starter, with built-in video hosting. ClickFunnels caps courses and communities by plan.
Edge: Kajabi.
Email, SMS and Automation
Kajabi and Kartra both offer unlimited email sends on their full plans, and Kartra's plans include text messages. ClickFunnels caps monthly sends by plan but includes visual workflows and a CRM with pipelines. Kartra's advanced automations sit on Growth.
Edge: Kartra for the breadth of messaging; ClickFunnels for funnel-based follow-up.
Checkout and Upsells
All three support upsells. ClickFunnels and Kajabi both list order bumps, and ClickFunnels' one-click upsell flow is its signature. Kartra's checkouts include upsells and coupons and accept cards and PayPal.
Edge: ClickFunnels.
Teams, Agencies and Support Tools
Kajabi allows the most admin seats (11 on Growth, 26 on Pro). Kartra has an agency dashboard for client accounts and a helpdesk for your own customers. ClickFunnels uses workspaces for separate brands, from 1 on Launch to 20 on Dominate.
Edge: depends on need. Kartra for agencies and customer support, Kajabi for larger teams.
Pros and Cons
Kajabi
Pros
- Best course, coaching and community experience
- Unlimited marketing emails
- Podcasts and branded app on Pro
- 14-day free trial and 30-day guarantee
Cons
- Highest entry price at $179
- Only 2,500 contacts on Basic
- Outside-processor fee on some gateways
- No SMS listed
Kartra
Pros
- Video hosting, calendars and helpdesk built in
- Unlimited email and SMS sends from Starter
- Unlimited products and courses from Starter
- Agency dashboard
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Essentials has 5% fees and 500 contacts
- Automatic upgrade when you pass the contact limit
- Most to learn of the three
- Affiliates and helpdesk only from Growth
ClickFunnels
Pros
- Most contacts per dollar
- Strongest funnel templates, bumps and upsells
- No transaction fee from ClickFunnels
- Annual Launch plan at $81 a month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Course and community caps by plan
- Monthly email send limits
- Calendars only from Scale
- Affiliate Center only on Optimize and Dominate
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Kajabi If
- Your course, coaching program or community is the core product.
- You want a polished member experience, podcasts or a branded app.
- Your list is modest and you value simplicity over funnel depth.
Choose Kartra If
- You want email, SMS sends, video hosting, calendars and a helpdesk in one bill.
- You sell many products or courses and want them unlimited from the first full plan.
- You run an agency and need client accounts under one console.
Choose ClickFunnels If
- Your priority is converting traffic with funnels, order bumps and upsells.
- You have, or plan to build, a list larger than a few thousand contacts.
- You want templates and training that teach funnel strategy.
Use Cases by Business Type
| Business | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Course creator with a community | Kajabi | Courses, communities and app in one place |
| Coach selling high-ticket programs | ClickFunnels | Application funnels, checkout and upsells |
| Marketer running many small offers | Kartra | Unlimited products, email and video |
| Agency managing client funnels | Kartra or ClickFunnels | Agency dashboard or brand workspaces |
| Info-product seller with a big list | ClickFunnels | 10,000 to 75,000 contacts on lower plans |
| Membership with support tickets | Kartra | Helpdesk built in |
Switching Platforms
- 1Export contacts with tags and purchase history
- 2List products, prices, bumps, upsells and coupons
- 3Rebuild your best-selling funnel first
- 4Move course videos and enroll existing students
- 5Reconnect payments and run a test purchase
- 6Rebuild email sequences and automations
- 7Plan how active subscriptions will keep billing
- 8Keep the old account until everything is proven
Alternatives to All Three
- GoHighLevel: CRM, SMS, calling and funnels for agencies. See GoHighLevel vs Kartra.
- Systeme.io: a free plan with funnels, email and courses. See Systeme.io vs Kartra and Systeme.io vs Kajabi.
- Thinkific: a course platform with quizzes and certificates. See Thinkific vs ClickFunnels.
More in our ClickFunnels alternatives guide.
Our Verdict
There is no single winner, because each platform is best at a different job. Kajabi is the best home for a course, coaching or community business. Kartra packs the most tools into one bill, with video hosting, calendars, a helpdesk and unlimited email and SMS sends from Starter. ClickFunnels is the best funnel builder of the three and gives by far the most contacts per dollar.
If you are torn between Kartra and ClickFunnels, the question is simple: do you want more built-in tools (Kartra) or better funnels and a bigger list allowance (ClickFunnels)?
Build Your Funnel With ClickFunnels
Pages, checkout, email and courses in one account, with a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better, Kajabi, Kartra or ClickFunnels?
Kajabi is best for course, coaching and community businesses that want a polished student experience. Kartra is best for marketers who want funnels, email, SMS sends, video hosting, calendars and a helpdesk at a lower entry price. ClickFunnels is best for selling through funnels with bumps and upsells.
Is Kartra Better than ClickFunnels?
Kartra includes video hosting, a helpdesk, calendars and unlimited email and SMS sends from its Starter plan, which ClickFunnels does not match on Launch. ClickFunnels gives far more contacts per dollar, 10,000 on Launch versus 2,500 on Kartra Starter, and stronger funnel templates and training.
Which Is Cheapest, Kajabi, Kartra or ClickFunnels?
Kartra Essentials is the lowest price at $59 a month, but it is limited to 500 contacts, 5 pages and 1 product and charges 5% transaction fees. Among full plans, ClickFunnels Launch at $97 a month ($81 annual) is cheapest, then Kartra Starter at $119 and Kajabi Basic at $179.
Do Kajabi, Kartra or ClickFunnels Charge Transaction Fees?
ClickFunnels says it takes no percentage of sales. Kartra charges 5% on Essentials and 0% from Starter. Kajabi adds a 2%, 1% or 0.5% fee by plan when you use an outside processor other than PayPal, and Kajabi Payments has its own card rates.
What Is the Difference Between Kajabi and Kartra?
Kajabi is centered on courses, coaching, communities, podcasts and a branded app, with unlimited marketing emails. Kartra is centered on marketing automation, with funnels, email and SMS sends, video hosting, calendars, surveys, a helpdesk and an agency console, and starts at a lower price.
Which Has the Best Free Trial?
Kajabi offers 14 days free. Kartra's pricing page leads with a 30-day money-back guarantee rather than a free trial. ClickFunnels offers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
Which Is Easiest to Use?
Kajabi is generally the simplest for launching a course and community. ClickFunnels is the most focused for building a sales funnel. Kartra has the most built-in tools, which means the most to learn.
What Happens If I Go Over My Contact Limit?
Kartra automatically upgrades you to the next tier and charges a mid-cycle reconciliation fee. Kajabi sells extra contacts in blocks of 25,000 for $125 a month. ClickFunnels plans set contact limits, so you move up a plan when you outgrow yours.
Try the Funnel-First Option
Start a free ClickFunnels trial, build one funnel with a checkout, order bump and email follow-up, and compare it with Kajabi and Kartra on your own offer.
Start Your Free ClickFunnels Trial
