Overall Rating
Our overall rating based on a weighted average score of individual ratings.
4.7
4.6
4.3
4.3
4.2
Best For Award
Our ‘Best For’ award highlights how a course platform stands out from the competition and if you do not have time, this should help you to quickly identify the one best suited to your needs.
Best All-Around Course Platform
Best All-In-One Course Platform
Easiest to Use Course Platform
Affordable All-In-One Platform
Most Popular Course Builder
Ease of Use
How easy the platform is to use for a complete beginner?
Course Creation & Engagement
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for course creation & engagement?
Curriculum Builder
How easy and flexible is the process of content upload and curriculum building?
Good
Drag-and-drop course builder, which supports features like bulk upload and video library. You can also add multiple content types in the same lesson.
Good
Drag-n-drop course builder which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. While you can add multiple content types in the same lesson, it's not very flexible.
Average
Drag-n-drop course builder with support for bulk uploading. But it doesn't support cloud import and isn't flexible with adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Excellent
Drag-n-drop course builder which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. Plus you have great flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Excellent
Drag-and-drop course builder, which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. Plus, you have great flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Video Hosting
Does the platform offer inbuilt video hosting?
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Course Player Themes
Does the platform have any themes to customize the look and feel of the course player?
Single
Has a default course player theme, but it's well-designed.
Multiple
Offers four well-designed themes, so you can easily customize the look and feel of your course area.
Single
Has a default course player theme, but it's well-designed.
Single
Has a default course player theme.
Single
Has a default course player theme.
Mobile App
Does the platform offer native mobile app for the students?
Offers free Thinkific app for Android & iOS devices. You can also get branded mobile apps for your business.
Offers free Kajabi app for Android & iOS devices.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
Offers free Zenler app for Android & iOS devices.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
Quizzes
What features are available for creating quizzes and exams?
Advanced
Allows you to add different types of questions, and you can also add images to them. Offers the ability to bulk import questions and also create a randomized question bank. Also integrates directly with a powerful exam solution—Brillium.
Intermediate
Allows you to add different types of questions, and you can also add images to them. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a randomized question bank. You can also use Assessments for creating marketing quizzes.
Very Basic
Allows you to create only multiple choice questions with no support for adding images to your questions. Doesn't have the ability to set a passing grade, bulk import questions or create a randomized question bank.
Advanced
Allows you to add different types of questions and you can also add images to them. Offers the ability to bulk import questions, create a randomized question bank as well as create timed exams.
Basic
Allows you to create graded quizzes with only multiple choice questions. You can't add images to your questions. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a question bank.
Assignments
Can you collect assignments from students and assess them?
You can collect assignments from students and approve them manually.
You can collect assignments from students. It also supports manual grading.
Doesn't allow you to collect assignments from students natively.
You can collect assignments from students and manually approve them.
Doesn't allow you to collect assignments from students natively.
Certificates
Does the platform allow you to create and send certificates natively?
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively but has just one certificate template.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively but has just one certificate template.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Live Classes
Can you set up live classes for your students from inside the platform?
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform. Your students can attend the session from both the Zoom app as well as from inside the student's area.
You can create live lessons inside your course and deliver them using the native live video feature.
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform (not inside your course). Your students can attend the session only from the Zoom app.
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform. Your students can attend the session only from the Zoom app. Even includes a Zoom subscription 🙂
No native Zoom integration but you can still do live classes by setting up a meeting in Zoom and sharing the link.
Interactive Video
Can you add interactive elements inside your videos?
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Community
Does the platform include an online community builder?
Includes the ability to create a community area that you can either offer as part of your online course or sell separately.
Has a full-fledged community builder with support circles, challenges, events, live calls, etc.
Includes the ability to create a community that you can sell separately or offer as part of your online course.
Includes the ability to create a community area that you can either offer as part of your online course or sell separately.
Doesn't have a native community feature but integrates with Circle.so.
Coaching
Does the platform have a feature to manage 1:1 coaching programs?
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Supports a product called Coaching which allows you to create and manage 1:1 coaching programs.
Has a Coaching product, but only single-session coaching is supported.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Supports a product called Coaching which allows you to create milestones and provide feedback to students via private messaging.
Content Drip
Can you drip your course content over time?
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Course Compliance
Can you prevent students from skipping lessons and ensure course compliance?
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. In addition, you can also ensure video watch compliance.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. Doesn't support video watch compliance.
Doesn't have any course compliance features.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. Doesn't support video watch compliance.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. In addition, you can also ensure video watch compliance.
Gamification
Can you create a gamified learning experience for students?
It doesn't have native gamification tools, but you can gamify your courses using Thinkific apps.
It doesn't have gamification tools, but you can do some basic gamification using the Automations feature.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
Copyright Protection
What features the platform offers to protect the copyright of your videos and other content?
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads. You can also stop your students from copying lesson texts.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Site Design & Customization
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for site design & customization?
Hosting
Does the platform include hosting for your website?
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Custom Domain
Can you use a custom domain for your course website?
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
Site Themes
Does the platform offer pre-built site themes?
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Page Builder
How powerful the page builder is for creating and customizing pages?
Intermediate
Has a visual drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. The page builder has a number of pre-built sections and offers some customization capabilities as well.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder which you can use to design & build sales pages, homepage and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements.
Intermediate
Has a drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. While it has limited prebuilt sections, there are lots of design options for these sections.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements.
Basic
Has a drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. However, the page builder has limited customization options.
Advanced Customization
Does the platform give you access to the site backend to do advanced code customization?
You can build and import custom themes into your website. You can also edit your theme's code and customize as you like.
You can build and import custom themes into your website. You can also edit existing theme's code.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't allow you to import custom themes. However, you can use the Power Editor for advanced customization purposes.
Blogging
Can you build a blog for your brand?
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has inbuilt blogging capability which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has inbuilt blogging capability, which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Podcasts
Can you create a podcast on the platform?
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Has a Podcast feature that allows you to create, host, distribute, and monetize podcasts.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
White-Labeling
Can you complete white-label the platform and make it your own?
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Partial
You can white-label your website and student's area but the signup, login and checkout pages still use Teachable's domain.
Change Site Language
Can you change your website language in a single click?
The platform supports 30+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports only English language out of the box. You'll have to manually translate all the text to a different language.
Sales & Marketing
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for sales & marketing?
Product Pricing Options
What pricing options does the platform allow you to offer for your products?
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Coupons
Can you create coupons to discount your products?
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses but coupons are tied to individual products only.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Payment Gateways
What gateways does the platform support for payment processing?
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal, and Thinkific Payments, but Paypal isn't supported for recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal
Supports Stripe and PayPal for both one-time as well as recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal
Supports Stripe and PayPal gateways but Paypal isn't supported for recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal, and Razorpay gateways for one-time and recurring payments.
Teachable Payments
Supports only Teachable Payments. You can't use your own Stripe and PayPal accounts for payment processing except in a few countries where Teachable payments isn't supported.
Checkout Pages
Does the platform have a well-optimized checkout process?
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
The checkout page has a great design but isn't the best for conversions. Users are prompted to create an account before making a payment.
Has a well optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
1-Click Upsells
Does the platform have support for order bumps and 1-click upsells?
Ability to create 1-click upsells on your thank you page. You can also add order bumps if you use Thinkific Payments.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Ability to create 1-click upsells on your thank you page but you can't add an order bump to your checkout page.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Sales Taxes
Can the platform handle sales taxes (e.g. EU VAT) natively?
There is no way to add sales taxes on top of course price. You need to use an external solution like Quaderno to handle taxes.
There is no way to add sales taxes on top of course price. You need to use an external solution like Quaderno to handle taxes.
You can collect sales taxes in the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions. You'll be responsible for remitting taxes to the authorities.
Supports global tax management. You can collect and charge EU VAT as sales taxes for all countries. They will even pay EU VAT to the authorities on your behalf.
Supports global tax management with Teachable Payments.
Affiliate/Referral Marketing
Can you create and run your affiliate program on the platform?
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Powerful affiliate marketing features that include ability to set a custom commission % for your courses, run your affiliate program on autopilot etc. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like the ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. You can also add a student referral program.
Marketing Funnels
Can you build end-to-end funnels using the platform?
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Advanced
Has a powerful Funnel Builder that allows you to build all types of marketing funnels, including lead magnet funnels, product launch funnels, etc.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Basic
Has a basic funnel builder that allows you to build a couple of types of marketing funnels only.
DoesDoesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Landing Pages & Popups
Can you create landing pages & popups for lead generation?
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Has pre-built templates for the same.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Has pre-built templates for the same.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Webinars
Can you create and manage webinars natively?
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
You can easily create evergreen webinars or live webinars on the platform. You can setup webinar pages and emails using the platform.
You can create live webinars but not evergreen webinars on the platform. You can setup webinar pages and emails using the platform. Has native Zoom integration as well.
You can create live webinars but not evergreen webinars on the platform. You can set up webinar pages and emails using the platform. Has native Zoom integration as well.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
Email Marketing
What sort of email marketing capabilities the platform offers?
Very Basic
You can only send broadcast emails but not automated email sequences.
Advanced
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. You also have features for tagging & contact management.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. However, you don't have features for list management and it can't replace a specialized email software yet.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. You also have features for tagging & contact management, but there are limited automation triggers.
Very Basic
You can only send broadcast emails but not automated email sequences.
Reporting & Administration
Progress Reports
Can you track your students progress and lecture completions?
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easiiy.
Has powerful course reporting tools that let you track student progress and lecture completions easily.
You can track student progress but reporting tools are very basic.
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easily.
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easiiy.
Video Analytics
Does the platform provide analytics for your videos?
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
Doesn't provide any analytics for your videos.
Doesn't provide analytics on the performance of your videos.
Provides analytics on video performance.
Admin Users
Can you add additional users to your site for administration purpose?
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
Groups
Can you create cohorts to organize students for reporting and tracking purposes?
Has a feature called 'Groups' that allows you to easily bulk sell your courses and manage the students and track their progress based on cohorts.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them. However, you can create user segments and pull custom progress reports based on that.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Zapier Integration
Does the platform integrate with Zapier?
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration with multiple triggers and actions.
App Store
Does the platform have a dedicated store for third-party apps?
Has an ecosystem of third-party apps around the platform. There is a dedicated app store where developers can build and submit their apps.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Single Sign On
Does the platform support single sign on functionality?
With their API, you can integrate with external apps and allow your students to use the same login.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
With their API, you can integrate with external apps and allow your students to use the same login.
Supports SSO functionality.
Customer Support
Rating
How well does the platform perform when it comes to customer support?
Email Support
Can you reach out to the support team via email?
Offers email support on all plans.
Has email support on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Available on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Chat Support
Does the platform offer live chat support?
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours on paid plans.
Offers 24/7 live chat support.
Hybrid
You can reach out via the chat widget but it's not live chat.
Hybrid
You can reach out via the chat widget but it's not live chat.
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours on certain plans.
Phone support
Does the platform offer phone support?
Offers support via phone on the higher tiers.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer support via phone.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Knowledge Base
Does the platform have an in-depth knowledge base?
Has a detailed knowledge base with 800+ articles.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
User Community
Does the platform have an online community for its users?
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
The user community is built on Podia itself, but isn't very active.
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
Has an user community but isn't very engaged.
Pricing
Rating
How flexible and budget-friendly are the pricing plans?
Free Trial
Can you try the platform for free?
Free trial available for Start and Grow plans.
Offers a free trial on all plans.
Offers free trial on all plans.
No free trial available on the paid plans.
Doesn't offer a free trial on the paid plans.
Free Plan
Does the platform have a lifetime free plan?
The free plan lets you create one course. There's no transaction fee.
No free plan is available.
The free plan charges an 8% transaction fee and lets you create only draft courses.
Has a beta plan which is free for now. There's a 10% transaction fee.
Charges a 10% transaction fee and lets you create only one course.
Entry Plan
What is the monthly cost of the paid entry plan?
$49/mo
Best for beginners.
$149/mo
Best for beginners.
$39/mo
Supports unlimited courses and best for beginners.
$67/mo
Offers the best value for money and has all the important features.
$59/mo + 5% Transaction Fee
Allows you to create only five courses and best for beginners.
Most Popular Plan
What is the monthly cost of the most popular plan?
$99/mo
Offers the best value for money.
$199/mo
Offers the best value for money.
$89/mo
Offers best value for money and is popular among creators.
$67/mo
Offers the best value for money and has all the important features.
$159/mo
No transaction fee, and supports unlimited courses.
Unlimited Courses
Does the platform let you create unlimited courses?
You can create unlimited courses on all paid plans.
Limits the number of products you can create.
Lets you create unlimited courses on all plans.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
Unlimited courses on $159/month plan and above.
Unlimited Students
Does the platform let you enroll an unlimited number of students?
You can have unlimited students on all plans, including the free plan.
Limits the number of active members on your website.
Doesn't limit the number of students on any plan.
You can have unlimited students on all plans.
Unlimited students on all plans.
Overall Rating
Our overall rating based on a weighted average score of individual ratings.
4.7
4.6
4.3
4.3
4.2
Select Course Platforms
You can only select up to three Course Platforms.
You can only select up to five Course Platforms.
You have to select at least two Course Platforms.
Thinkific
Kajabi
Podia
New Zenler
Teachable
LearnWorlds
Kartra
Teachery
SamCart
Squarespace
Gumroad
Thinkific
Kajabi
- Thinkific 4.7/ 5
- Kajabi 4.6/ 5
- Podia 4.3/ 5
- New Zenler 4.3/ 5
- Teachable 4.2/ 5
- LearnWorlds 4.2/ 5
- Kartra 3.9/ 5
- Teachery 3.6/ 5
- SamCart 3.8/ 5
- Squarespace 3.7/ 5
- Gumroad 3.5/ 5
Overall Rating
Our overall rating based on a weighted average score of individual ratings.
4.7
4.6
4.3
4.3
4.2
4.2
3.9
3.6
3.8
3.7
3.5
Best For Award
Our ‘Best For’ award highlights how a course platform stands out from the competition and if you do not have time, this should help you to quickly identify the one best suited to your needs.
Best All-Around Course Platform
Best All-In-One Course Platform
Easiest to Use Course Platform
Affordable All-In-One Platform
Most Popular Course Builder
Best for Interactive Courses
Best All-In-One for Sales & Marketing
Not Recommeded
Powerful Checkout + Simple Courses
Powerful Website + Simple Courses
Best for Simpler Digital Products
Ease of Use
How easy the platform is to use for a complete beginner?
Course Creation & Engagement
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for course creation & engagement?
Curriculum Builder
How easy and flexible is the process of content upload and curriculum building?
Good
Drag-and-drop course builder, which supports features like bulk upload and video library. You can also add multiple content types in the same lesson.
Good
Drag-n-drop course builder which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. While you can add multiple content types in the same lesson, it's not very flexible.
Average
Drag-n-drop course builder with support for bulk uploading. But it doesn't support cloud import and isn't flexible with adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Excellent
Drag-n-drop course builder which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. Plus you have great flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Excellent
Drag-and-drop course builder, which supports features like bulk upload and cloud import. Plus, you have great flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Average
Drag-n-drop course builder, but it isn't user-friendly and doesn't support features like bulk upload and cloud import. Also doesn't give flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Below Average
The course builder isn't easy to use and it doesn't support bulk uploading and cloud import. However, it does give flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Below Average
The course builder isn't easy to use and it doesn't support bulk uploading and cloud import. However, it does give flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Average
Drag-n-drop course builder with the flexibility to add multiple content types in the same lesson. However, it doesn't support features like bulk upload and cloud import.
Below Average
The course builder isn't easy to use, and it doesn't support bulk uploading and cloud import. However, it does give flexibility in terms of adding multiple content types in the same lesson.
Below Average
The product builder is easy to use and it supports bulk uploading. However, it only supports files-based content. You can't add text or other lesson types.
Video Hosting
Does the platform offer inbuilt video hosting?
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting via Wistia.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Limited
You can host up to 50 videos on the entry-level plan. Unlimited video hosting is available on the higher levels.
No video hosting included. You'll need to host your videos outside and then embed them in your lessons.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Limited
It offers 30 minutes of video storage with all of its website plans. To remove video storage limits, you need to purchase the highest-tier Digital Product Add-on plan.
Unlimited
Unlimited video hosting.
Course Player Themes
Does the platform have any themes to customize the look and feel of the course player?
Single
Has a default course player theme, but it's well-designed.
Multiple
Offers four well-designed themes, so you can easily customize the look and feel of your course area.
Single
Has a default course player theme, but it's well-designed.
Single
Has a default course player theme.
Single
Has a default course player theme.
Single
Has a default course player theme but has some options for design customization.
Multiple
Offers three well-designed themes, but all of them have a similar design.
Multiple
Minimal and Sidebar
Single
Has a default course player theme, but it's well-designed.
Single
Has a default course player theme, but you can make minor layout changes.
None
Doesn't have an inbuilt course player. The videos play in the default browser player.
Mobile App
Does the platform offer native mobile app for the students?
Offers free Thinkific app for Android & iOS devices. You can also get branded mobile apps for your business.
Offers free Kajabi app for Android & iOS devices.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
Offers free Zenler app for Android & iOS devices.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
There are no LearnWorlds mobile apps but you can get a custom mobile app built for your brand. You'll need to pay separately for the same.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
Doesn't offer any mobile app functionality.
No mobile app for students, only for creators.
Offers free Gumroad app for Android & iOS devices.
Quizzes
What features are available for creating quizzes and exams?
Advanced
Allows you to add different types of questions, and you can also add images to them. Offers the ability to bulk import questions and also create a randomized question bank. Also integrates directly with a powerful exam solution—Brillium.
Intermediate
Allows you to add different types of questions, and you can also add images to them. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a randomized question bank. You can also use Assessments for creating marketing quizzes.
Very Basic
Allows you to create only multiple choice questions with no support for adding images to your questions. Doesn't have the ability to set a passing grade, bulk import questions or create a randomized question bank.
Advanced
Allows you to add different types of questions and you can also add images to them. Offers the ability to bulk import questions, create a randomized question bank as well as create timed exams.
Basic
Allows you to create graded quizzes with only multiple choice questions. You can't add images to your questions. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a question bank.
Advanced
Supports many different types of questions, including advanced ones like Match & Ordering. It also supports advanced features, such as randomized question banks and timed exams.
Intermediate
Allows you to add different types of questions, and you can also add images and videos to them. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a randomized question bank.
The platform doesn't support quizzes.
Basic
Allows you to create graded quizzes with only multiple choice questions. Doesn't have the ability to bulk import questions or create a question bank.
The platform doesn't support native quizzes.
Doesn't include quiz creation capability.
Assignments
Can you collect assignments from students and assess them?
You can collect assignments from students and approve them manually.
You can collect assignments from students. It also supports manual grading.
Doesn't allow you to collect assignments from students natively.
You can collect assignments from students and manually approve them.
Doesn't allow you to collect assignments from students natively.
You can collect assignments from students.
Doesn't allow you to collect assignments from students natively.
The platform doesn't support assignments.
Has a Worksheets feature that lets you create assignments and surveys. However, it doesn't have a file upload option for students and doesn't support manual grading.
You can't create assignments.
You can't create assignments.
Certificates
Does the platform allow you to create and send certificates natively?
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively but has just one certificate template.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively but has just one certificate template.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Includes pre-designed certificate templates as well.
Allows you to create and send certificates natively. Doesn't include any pre-designed certificate templates.
Doesn't have a native certificate builder.
You can't create certificates.
Doesn't have a native certificate builder.
Doesn't have a native certificate builder.
You can't create certificates of completion.
Live Classes
Can you set up live classes for your students from inside the platform?
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform. Your students can attend the session from both the Zoom app as well as from inside the student's area.
You can create live lessons inside your course and deliver them using the native live video feature.
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform (not inside your course). Your students can attend the session only from the Zoom app.
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform. Your students can attend the session only from the Zoom app. Even includes a Zoom subscription 🙂
No native Zoom integration but you can still do live classes by setting up a meeting in Zoom and sharing the link.
Native Zoom integration, so you can schedule a class from inside the platform. Your students can attend the session from both the Zoom app as well as from inside the student's area.
No native Zoom integration, but you can still do live classes by setting up a meeting in Zoom and sharing the link.
No native Zoom integration but you can still do live classes by setting up a meeting in Zoom and sharing the link.
No support for live classes.
No support for live classes.
Doesn't have native live streaming capability or a Zoom integration.
Interactive Video
Can you add interactive elements inside your videos?
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Allows you to edit your videos on the fly and add interactive elements like questions, buttons, etc. inside them.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Doesn't have a feature for creating interactive videos.
Community
Does the platform include an online community builder?
Includes the ability to create a community area that you can either offer as part of your online course or sell separately.
Has a full-fledged community builder with support circles, challenges, events, live calls, etc.
Includes the ability to create a community that you can sell separately or offer as part of your online course.
Includes the ability to create a community area that you can either offer as part of your online course or sell separately.
Doesn't have a native community feature but integrates with Circle.so.
Includes the ability to create a community area, but you don't have the ability to restrict access based on users' purchases.
Doesn't have a native community feature.
Doesn't have a native community feature or integration with community builders.
Doesn't have a native community (or even lesson comments) feature.
Doesn't have a native community feature.
Doesn't have a native community feature.
Coaching
Does the platform have a feature to manage 1:1 coaching programs?
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Supports a product called Coaching which allows you to create and manage 1:1 coaching programs.
Has a Coaching product, but only single-session coaching is supported.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Supports a product called Coaching which allows you to create milestones and provide feedback to students via private messaging.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Doesn't support a 1:1 coaching product.
Content Drip
Can you drip your course content over time?
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes the ability to drip content over time.
Includes ability to drip content over time.
Includes the ability to drip content over time.
You can't drip content over time.
You can't drip content over time.
Course Compliance
Can you prevent students from skipping lessons and ensure course compliance?
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. In addition, you can also ensure video watch compliance.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. Doesn't support video watch compliance.
Doesn't have any course compliance features.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. Doesn't support video watch compliance.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. In addition, you can also ensure video watch compliance.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. In addition, you can also ensure video watch compliance.
You can force linear progression through the course, but it's not flexible.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion.
You can set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz. Doesn't support video watch compliance.
You can't restrict course progress based on lecture completion or passing a quiz.
You can't set course compliance based on lecture completion or passing a quiz.
Gamification
Can you create a gamified learning experience for students?
It doesn't have native gamification tools, but you can gamify your courses using Thinkific apps.
It doesn't have gamification tools, but you can do some basic gamification using the Automations feature.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools for online courses, but it does have some basic gamification for its community builder.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have gamification tools.
Doesn't have any gamification tools.
It doesn't have any gamification tools.
Copyright Protection
What features the platform offers to protect the copyright of your videos and other content?
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads. You can also stop your students from copying lesson texts.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Advanced
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads. Plus you can add watermarks to your videos/PDFs to discourage sharing.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Basic
Has basic protection to prevent file downloads.
Site Design & Customization
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for site design & customization?
Hosting
Does the platform include hosting for your website?
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Limited
Supports 50GB bandwidth on the entry-level plan. Unlimited bandwidth is available on the higher levels.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Unlimited
Your subscription includes unlimited website hosting and a free SSL certificate.
Custom Domain
Can you use a custom domain for your course website?
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default, but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default, but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
You get a free subdomain for your website by default, but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
Your store gets a URL on the Gumroad domain by default but you can also use a custom domain if you want.
Site Themes
Does the platform offer pre-built site themes?
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Doesn't offer any site themes, and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Has a library of themes that you can install on your website in a single click.
Doesn't offer any site themes and all sites built on the platform use the default template.
Page Builder
How powerful the page builder is for creating and customizing pages?
Intermediate
Has a visual drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. The page builder has a number of pre-built sections and offers some customization capabilities as well.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder which you can use to design & build sales pages, homepage and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements.
Intermediate
Has a drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. While it has limited prebuilt sections, there are lots of design options for these sections.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements.
Basic
Has a drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages and other pages on your website. However, the page builder has limited customization options.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder which you can use to design & build sales pages, homepage and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements.
Advanced
Has a visual drag & drop page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages, homepage, and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements and templates for them.
Very Basic
The page builder is rudimentary. It has a pre-built layout and you can't even change the order of page sections.
It just has a checkout page builder, but you can't create standalone sales pages or website pages.
Advanced
Has a visual point-and-click page builder, which you can use to design & build sales pages, homepage, and other pages on your website. The page builder is really powerful and offers a lot of pre-built elements and templates for them.
Doesn't include a page builder. The platform supports elementary customization for product pages and you can't create additional pages.
Advanced Customization
Does the platform give you access to the site backend to do advanced code customization?
You can build and import custom themes into your website. You can also edit your theme's code and customize as you like.
You can build and import custom themes into your website. You can also edit existing theme's code.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't allow you to import custom themes. However, you can use the Power Editor for advanced customization purposes.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
You can create your own template, as well as add custom code to individual pages to customize your website
Doesn't have any ability to customize the site themes or make any changes in the backend.
Blogging
Can you build a blog for your brand?
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has inbuilt blogging capability which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has inbuilt blogging capability, which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has inbuilt blogging capability which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have inbuilt blogging functionality.
Doesn't have inbuilt blogging functionality.
Doesn't have built-in blogging functionality.
Has native blogging capability, which can be used to build a fully functional blog.
Doesn't have inbuilt blogging functionality.
Podcasts
Can you create a podcast on the platform?
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Has a Podcast feature that allows you to create, host, distribute, and monetize podcasts.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
You can create a podcast and share it on podcasting services via an RSS feed.
Doesn't have a podcast feature.
White-Labeling
Can you complete white-label the platform and make it your own?
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Partial
You can white-label your website and student's area but the signup, login and checkout pages still use Teachable's domain.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as the student area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as the students' area.
Ability to completely white-label your website as well as the students' area.
You can't white-label the platform at all. Your users will create an account on the Gumroad website rather than your own website.
Change Site Language
Can you change your website language in a single click?
The platform supports 30+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform supports only English language out of the box. You'll have to manually translate all the text to a different language.
The platform supports only English language out of the box. You'll have to manually translate all the text to a different language.
The platform supports only the English language out of the box.
The platform supports only the English language out of the box and you can't modify the language or wording.
The platform supports several languages out of the box.
The platform supports 10+ different languages out of the box.
The platform automatically translates the default site text to users' browser language.
Sales & Marketing
Rating
How does the platform perform based on the features for sales & marketing?
Product Pricing Options
What pricing options does the platform allow you to offer for your products?
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions, and payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Allows you to create one-time pricing, subscriptions as well as payment plans. You can also create multiple tiers for your product.
Multiple
Supports one-time pricing, subscriptions, rentals, and pay-what-you-want models. You can't create payment plans though.
Coupons
Can you create coupons to discount your products?
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses but coupons are tied to individual products only.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allow you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You can only create coupons for individual courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your courses. You choose to apply a coupon to either an individual course or multiple courses.
Allows you to create coupons to offer a fixed amount or a percentage off on your products. You can choose to apply a coupon to either an individual product or all products.
Payment Gateways
What gateways does the platform support for payment processing?
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal, and Thinkific Payments, but Paypal isn't supported for recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal
Supports Stripe and PayPal for both one-time as well as recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal
Supports Stripe and PayPal gateways but Paypal isn't supported for recurring payments.
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal, and Razorpay gateways for one-time and recurring payments.
Teachable Payments
Supports only Teachable Payments. You can't use your own Stripe and PayPal accounts for payment processing except in a few countries where Teachable payments isn't supported.
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal and other gateways like 2Checkout and Shopify gateways to process one-time payments but for recurring payments, only Stripe is available.
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, and two other gateways for both one-time and recurring payments.
Stripe
Stripe is the only payment processor with direct integration with Teachery.
Stripe + PayPal + Others
Supports multiple gateways, including Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, and a managed gateway called SamPay.
Stripe + PayPal
Supports Stripe and PayPal. However, PayPal doesn't work for recurring payments.
Gumroad
Gumroad manages payments on your behalf and you can't use your own Stripe/Paypal account. However, your users will see both the card and the PayPal options.
Checkout Pages
Does the platform have a well-optimized checkout process?
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
The checkout page has a great design but isn't the best for conversions. Users are prompted to create an account before making a payment.
Has a well optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account. Plus, you can choose from dozens of checkout page templates.
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
Excellent
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account. Plus, you can choose from dozens of checkout page templates.
Below Average
Doesn't have a well-optimized checkout process. Users are first prompted to create an account and then make a payment.
Has a well-optimized checkout process where users first make a payment and are then prompted to create an account.
1-Click Upsells
Does the platform have support for order bumps and 1-click upsells?
Ability to create 1-click upsells on your thank you page. You can also add order bumps if you use Thinkific Payments.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Ability to create 1-click upsells on your thank you page but you can't add an order bump to your checkout page.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Doesn't allow you to create 1-click upsells or order bumps.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page and create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
You can't create 1-click upsell on the thank you pages.
Allows to add an order bump to your checkout page as well as create 1-click upsells on your thank you page.
Doesn't allow you to create 1-click upsells or order bumps.
You can't offer upsells during checkout.
Sales Taxes
Can the platform handle sales taxes (e.g. EU VAT) natively?
There is no way to add sales taxes on top of course price. You need to use an external solution like Quaderno to handle taxes.
There is no way to add sales taxes on top of course price. You need to use an external solution like Quaderno to handle taxes.
You can collect sales taxes in the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions. You'll be responsible for remitting taxes to the authorities.
Supports global tax management. You can collect and charge EU VAT as sales taxes for all countries. They will even pay EU VAT to the authorities on your behalf.
Supports global tax management with Teachable Payments.
There is no feature for handling sales taxes natively. You need to use the Quaderno integration for the same.
Supports global tax management. You can collect and charge EU VAT as sales taxes for all countries.
There is no feature for handling sales taxes natively.
You can collect sales taxes in the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions. You'll be responsible for remitting taxes to the authorities.
There is no way to add sales taxes on top of the course price. You need to use an external solution like TaxJar to handle taxes.
It collects and remits EU VAT on your behalf. It manages sales taxes for a few other locations as well.
Affiliate/Referral Marketing
Can you create and run your affiliate program on the platform?
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Powerful affiliate marketing features that include ability to set a custom commission % for your courses, run your affiliate program on autopilot etc. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like the ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. You can also add a student referral program.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like the ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Powerful affiliate marketing features that include the ability to set a custom commission % for your courses, run your affiliate program on autopilot etc. No referral marketing feature.
Offers affiliate tracking features, but it's very basic and your affiliates don't even get a personalized dashboard. No referral marketing feature.
Powerful affiliate marketing features that include the ability to set a custom commission % for your courses, run your affiliate program on autopilot etc. No referral marketing feature.
Does have features for setting up an affiliate program.
Offers essential affiliate marketing features like the ability to set a commission % but doesn't allow your affiliates to register and get approved automatically. No referral marketing feature.
Marketing Funnels
Can you build end-to-end funnels using the platform?
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Advanced
Has a powerful Funnel Builder that allows you to build all types of marketing funnels, including lead magnet funnels, product launch funnels, etc.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Basic
Has a basic funnel builder that allows you to build a couple of types of marketing funnels only.
DoesDoesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
You can build all types of marketing funnels but there is no visual funnel builder.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Doesn't offer this capability. You'll need to use an external solution like ClickFunnels.
Landing Pages & Popups
Can you create landing pages & popups for lead generation?
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Has pre-built templates for the same.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Has pre-built templates for the same.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Doesn't have any pre-built templates.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Has pre-built templates for the same.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Allows you to build landing pages as well as popups to collect email addresses. Doesn't have any pre-built templates, though.
You can't create landing pages or popups.
Webinars
Can you create and manage webinars natively?
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
You can easily create evergreen webinars or live webinars on the platform. You can setup webinar pages and emails using the platform.
You can create live webinars but not evergreen webinars on the platform. You can setup webinar pages and emails using the platform. Has native Zoom integration as well.
You can create live webinars but not evergreen webinars on the platform. You can set up webinar pages and emails using the platform. Has native Zoom integration as well.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
Doesn't have native webinar functionality.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
Doesn't have native webinar functionality.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
You can't create live or evergreen webinars on the platform.
Email Marketing
What sort of email marketing capabilities the platform offers?
Very Basic
You can only send broadcast emails but not automated email sequences.
Advanced
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. You also have features for tagging & contact management.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. However, you don't have features for list management and it can't replace a specialized email software yet.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. You also have features for tagging & contact management, but there are limited automation triggers.
Very Basic
You can only send broadcast emails but not automated email sequences.
Doesn't have any email marketing tools. You can't even send broadcast emails to your students.
Advanced
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. You also have features for tagging & contact management.
You can't send either broadcast or automated emails to students.
Only lets you send automated notification emails.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated emails. However, you can't create full email sequences and the automation feature is very basic as well.
Basic
You can send broadcast emails as well as automated email sequences. However, you don't have features for contact management.
Reporting & Administration
Progress Reports
Can you track your students progress and lecture completions?
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easiiy.
Has powerful course reporting tools that let you track student progress and lecture completions easily.
You can track student progress but reporting tools are very basic.
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easily.
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easiiy.
Has a powerful course reporting tool that lets you track student progress and lecture completions easiiy.
Very basic course reporting tools.
Very basic course reporting tools.
Doesn't provide any progress reports.
Doesn't provide any progress reports.
No tools for course reporting or progress reporting.
Video Analytics
Does the platform provide analytics for your videos?
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
Doesn't provide any analytics for your videos.
Doesn't provide analytics on the performance of your videos.
Provides analytics on video performance.
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
Lets you track the performance of your videos through various metrics.
You don't get any analytics for course videos.
Doesn't provide any analytics for your videos.
Doesn't provide any analytics for your videos.
Doesn't have any tools for tracking video analytics.
Admin Users
Can you add additional users to your site for administration purpose?
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins and assistants access to your account.
Doesn't let you add admins and assistants to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
You can give admins access to your account.
Doesn't let you add admins and assistants to your account.
Groups
Can you create cohorts to organize students for reporting and tracking purposes?
Has a feature called 'Groups' that allows you to easily bulk sell your courses and manage the students and track their progress based on cohorts.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them. However, you can create user segments and pull custom progress reports based on that.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them. However, you can create user segments and pull custom progress reports based on that.
Doesn't have a way to group students into cohorts and manage them.
Doesn't have a way to group students into cohorts and manage them.
Doesn't have a way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a direct way to group students and manage them.
Doesn't have a way to group students into cohorts and manage them.
Zapier Integration
Does the platform integrate with Zapier?
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration with multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration with multiple triggers and actions.
Powerful Zapier integration which has multiple triggers and actions.
Has a Zapier integration but it only supports trigger events in SamCart. You can't perform an action in SamCart using Zapier.
Has a Zapier integration with limited triggers and actions.
Basic Zapier integration which only supports triggers in Gumroad but you can't take any action inside the platform.
App Store
Does the platform have a dedicated store for third-party apps?
Has an ecosystem of third-party apps around the platform. There is a dedicated app store where developers can build and submit their apps.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Has third-party integrations but no dedicated app store.
Single Sign On
Does the platform support single sign on functionality?
With their API, you can integrate with external apps and allow your students to use the same login.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
With their API, you can integrate with external apps and allow your students to use the same login.
Supports SSO functionality.
With their API, you can integrate with external apps and allow your students to use the same login.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Doesn't have any SSO functionality.
Customer Support
Rating
How well does the platform perform when it comes to customer support?
Email Support
Can you reach out to the support team via email?
Offers email support on all plans.
Has email support on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Available on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Has email support on all plans.
Offers email support on all plans.
Offers email support.
Chat Support
Does the platform offer live chat support?
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours on paid plans.
Offers 24/7 live chat support.
Hybrid
You can reach out via the chat widget but it's not live chat.
Hybrid
You can reach out via the chat widget but it's not live chat.
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours on certain plans.
Doesn't offer chat support.
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours.
Hybrid
You can reach out via the chat widget but it's not live chat.
Paid add-on
You can get live chat support by paying an extra amount every month.
Offers live chat support from Monday to Friday during business hours on all plans.
Doesn't offer live chat support.
Phone support
Does the platform offer phone support?
Offers support via phone on the higher tiers.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer support via phone.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn’t offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Doesn't offer phone support.
Knowledge Base
Does the platform have an in-depth knowledge base?
Has a detailed knowledge base with 800+ articles.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
Has a comprehensive knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
Has a detailed knowledge base.
User Community
Does the platform have an online community for its users?
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
The user community is built on Podia itself, but isn't very active.
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
Has an user community but isn't very engaged.
Doesn't have a user community.
Has a user community on Facebook, but it's not very active.
There's no community for Teachery users.
Has an engaged user community on Facebook.
Doesn't have a user community on Facebook or any other platform.
Doesn't have a user community.
Pricing
Rating
How flexible and budget-friendly are the pricing plans?
Free Trial
Can you try the platform for free?
Free trial available for Start and Grow plans.
Offers a free trial on all plans.
Offers free trial on all plans.
No free trial available on the paid plans.
Doesn't offer a free trial on the paid plans.
Free trial available on all plans.
No free trial is available, but they have some $1 trial offers.
Free trial available on all plans.
Offers a free trial on all plans.
Offers a free trial on all plans.
No free trial is required as the platform doesn't have a monthly subscription.
Free Plan
Does the platform have a lifetime free plan?
The free plan lets you create one course. There's no transaction fee.
No free plan is available.
The free plan charges an 8% transaction fee and lets you create only draft courses.
Has a beta plan which is free for now. There's a 10% transaction fee.
Charges a 10% transaction fee and lets you create only one course.
No free plan available.
Doesn't have a free plan.
NO free plan available.
No free plan is available.
No free plan is available.
Has a free plan, but it charges a transaction fee.
Entry Plan
What is the monthly cost of the paid entry plan?
$49/mo
Best for beginners.
$149/mo
Best for beginners.
$39/mo
Supports unlimited courses and best for beginners.
$67/mo
Offers the best value for money and has all the important features.
$59/mo + 5% Transaction Fee
Allows you to create only five courses and best for beginners.
$29/mo + $5 Transaction Fee
Best for beginners.
$99/mo
Best for beginners. Has limits on products, videos, pages, etc.
$49/mo
Has only one pricing plan.
$79/mo
Best for beginners.
$35/mo + 7% fee
Best for beginners.
10% Fee
Gumroad doesn't charge you a monthly fee. Rather it charges you a flat 10% transaction fee.
Most Popular Plan
What is the monthly cost of the most popular plan?
$99/mo
Offers the best value for money.
$199/mo
Offers the best value for money.
$89/mo
Offers best value for money and is popular among creators.
$67/mo
Offers the best value for money and has all the important features.
$159/mo
No transaction fee, and supports unlimited courses.
$299/mo
Most popular plan as it includes interactive learning features.
$199/mo
Most popular plan with no limit of products, videos, pages, etc.
$49/mo
Has only one pricing plan.
$159/mo
Offers the best value for money.
$67/mo + 3% fee
Offers the best value for money.
10% Fee
Gumroad doesn't charge you a monthly fee. Rather it charges you a flat 10% transaction fee.
Unlimited Courses
Does the platform let you create unlimited courses?
You can create unlimited courses on all paid plans.
Limits the number of products you can create.
Lets you create unlimited courses on all plans.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
Unlimited courses on $159/month plan and above.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
The entry-level plan doesn't support unlimited products, but the higher plans do allow unlimited products.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
You can create unlimited courses on all plans.
Unlimited Students
Does the platform let you enroll an unlimited number of students?
You can have unlimited students on all plans, including the free plan.
Limits the number of active members on your website.
Doesn't limit the number of students on any plan.
You can have unlimited students on all plans.
Unlimited students on all plans.
You can have unlimited students on all plans.
You can't have unlimited students.
You can have unlimited students on all plans.
There's no limit on the number of students.
There's no limit on the number of students.
You can have unlimited students on all plans.
Overall Rating
Our overall rating based on a weighted average score of individual ratings.
4.7
4.6
4.3
4.3
4.2
4.2
3.9
3.6
3.8
3.7
3.5
This table compares top course platforms based on the most important criteria which include ease of use, course creation & engagement, site design & customization, sales & marketing, customer support, and pricing.
Based on extensive testing and years of experience, we’ve arrived at platform ratings for each of these criteria, and the overall rating is calculated by doing a weighted average of the individual ratings.
If you want to explore any of these providers further, you should check out the detailed reviews linked at the end of the table.
You can also read these in-depth comparison guides:
- Teachable vs Thinkific
- Kajabi vs Teachable
- Kajabi vs Thinkific
- Podia vs Teachable
- Podia vs Kajabi
- New Zenler vs Kajabi
If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below.
Last Updated: The information in this tool was last updated on May 1, 2023.
Disclaimer: SellCoursesOnline.com is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. However, this doesn’t influence our reviews or product listings. All opinions are based on our tests and personal experience with a product/service.
