Kajabi Pricing - Is It Too Expensive?
I thought I’d just break down all the Kajabi pricing tiers, reveal hidden costs that inflate budgets, and show you exactly what financial value each plan delivers.
But once I narrowed down on Kajabi pricing, I’ve also added:
- Real cost comparisons,
- Upgrade triggers that catch creators off guard, and
- Analysis of when Kajabi's premium pricing makes sense versus when it doesn't.
For the guide to make (real) sense.
Kajabi is one of the most comprehensive course creation platforms available, and commands premium prices to match that position. With plans starting at $89/month and climbing to $399/month, it sits firmly in the expensive category among online course platforms.
The question isn't whether Kajabi costs more than competitors (it does), it’s whether that premium price delivers premium value for your specific situation.
And the answer isn't simple either.
Kajabi's cost can be a smart consolidation move that saves money across multiple tool subscriptions or an expensive overpayment for features you'll never use.
The difference lies in understanding exactly what you get at each tier and how those features align with your business needs. Let’s get started.
TL;DR Kajabi pricing plans compared
Understanding Kajabi's "all-in-one" philosophy and its impact on price
Kajabi is an all-in-one knowledge commerce platform, and this philosophy directly drives its pricing structure. It has helped over 75 million customers launch more than 100,000 businesses.
The platform bundles course hosting, website building, email marketing, sales funnels, membership sites, coaching programs, podcasting tools, online communities, and analytics into one integrated system.
That means you're not paying for individual features; you're paying for their integration and the promise that everything works together without plugins, code, or broken connections.
You’ll see this bundled strategy reflected in its pricing. Instead of charging separately for each feature, Kajabi packages everything at premium rates.
This approach explains why even Kajabi's lowest plan starts at $89/month, while many competitors begin at around $39. So basically, you're buying the ability to run your entire online business from one dashboard without technical complexity.
The pricing assumes you'll use multiple tools and value the time savings from having them pre-integrated rather than managing separate subscriptions and connections.
Kajabi pricing plans: A detailed financial breakdown
Kajabi offers four pricing tiers to match different business stages and revenue levels. The pricing structure encourages upgrades through feature limitations, so it’s important to understand not just what you get, but what you'll pay extra for as you grow.
Kajabi Kickstarter Plan: Your entry point to the ecosystem
The Kickstarter plan is Kajabi's entry-level offering, designed to help new creators become familiar with the platform without a full financial commitment. At $62/month (when paid annually), it's an affordable way to test Kajabi's ecosystem, but the tight limitations mean most users will likely need to upgrade within months of launching.
The Kickstarter plan is Kajabi's entry-level offering, designed to help new creators become familiar with the platform without a full financial commitment. At $62/month (when paid annually), it's an affordable way to test Kajabi's ecosystem, but the tight limitations mean most users will likely need to upgrade within months of launching.
Let’s break down what you get and what you don’t.
Monthly price: $89
Annual price: $62/month (30% discount = $744/year vs $1,068 monthly billing)
Key feature limits and what they mean for your wallet
- One product + one community: This severely restricts your ability to test different course ideas or price points. If you want to launch a second course or add a membership component, you'll need to upgrade immediately, making your true cost higher than the advertised $62.
- 250 contacts and 7,500 marketing emails monthly: Your email list will hit this ceiling fast with any successful lead magnet or marketing effort. Growing beyond 250 subscribers forces an upgrade to Basic ($104/month). That's a $504 annual increase.
- One funnel: You get one sales sequence. No A/B testing different approaches, no separate funnels for different products. This limitation could hamper growth optimization and force upgrades for basic marketing strategies.
- AI features included despite entry-level pricing: Access to Creator Studio and Kajabi AI tools gives you content creation assistance typically found in higher-tier plans. This represents genuine value at the $89 price point.
- No third-party integrations or custom domains: Missing Zapier connections, custom domain support, affiliate programs, and webhooks. If you need these integrations, you'll pay significantly more for Basic or Growth plans.
Who is the Kickstarter Plan best for?
This plan suits complete beginners with small audiences testing their first course concept. It’s also ideal for solo creators who need basic functionality without advanced integrations.
Value proposition at this price
It’s a great entry point into Kajabi's ecosystem under $100/month. With AI tools and basic automation included, it’s good for concept validation without major financial commitment.
Key pricing considerations for this plan
The 250-contact limit means that most users outgrow this plan within a few months of successful marketing. Since you can't downgrade back to Kickstarter, it's essentially a one-way trial period.
If you anticipate needing integrations or custom domains soon, starting with Basic might be more cost-effective than upgrading quickly.
Kajabi Basic Plan: The budget-friendly option for growing creators
Compared to Kickstarter's tight restrictions, Basic offers more room to grow with three products, 10,000 contacts, and professional features like custom domains and third-party integrations.
At this price point, you're paying for the ability to build a legitimate online business rather than just test concepts.
Monthly Price: $149
Annual Price: $104/month (30% discount = $1,248/year vs $1,788 monthly billing)
Key feature limits and what they mean for your wallet:
- Three products maximum: Enough for most solo creators to test different course ideas or price points, but you'll hit this ceiling if you create multiple course modules, coaching programs, or membership tiers. Expanding beyond three offerings forces an upgrade to Growth ($199/month).
- 10,000 contacts vs 1,000 active members: The contact limit seems generous, but the real constraint is 1,000 active members (users who logged in within 30 days). If you're running an engaged community or membership site, this becomes the barrier that forces upgrades before the limit.
- Unlimited marketing emails and landing pages: You’ll have no restrictions on email frequency or page creation, which saves money compared to platforms that charge per email send or landing page (I personally liked this ^^).
- Custom domain and third-party integrations: Unlike Kickstarter, you get professional branding with your own domain and can connect tools like Zapier, analytics platforms, and other marketing software. This adds much value for the $50/month price jump.
- Single website and admin user: Standard limitation that works for solo creators but becomes restrictive when building a team or managing multiple brands.
Who is the Basic Plan best for?
Solo entrepreneurs selling 1-3 products with growing audiences under 10,000 contacts can consider this plan. It’s also ideal for creators who need professional features like custom domains and integrations, but don't require advanced automation or affiliate programs.
Value proposition at this price
Zero transaction fees (some competitors charge 5% at this level), unlimited landing pages, unlimited marketing emails, and AI-powered content generation are all offering great value at this point.
If you're currently paying for separate email marketing, website hosting, and funnel tools, Basic often costs less than the combined cost of these subscriptions.
Key pricing considerations for this plan
The three-product limit becomes the primary upgrade trigger for prolific creators. The lack of advanced automation and analytics means you're managing most processes manually, which becomes time-consuming as you scale.
However, the unlimited email and landing page features provide genuine value that justifies the price point for active marketers.
Kajabi Growth Plan: Your scale-up investment
Marked as their "Most Popular" option, the Growth plan removes key limitations from Basic while adding professional features like affiliate marketing, advanced automation, and white-label branding. The jump from Basic buys you room to grow and tools to automate, making it the logical choice for creators outgrowing the three-product restriction.
Monthly Price: $199
Annual Price: $111/month (44% discount = $1,332/year vs $2,388 monthly billing)
Key feature limits and what they mean for your wallet
- 15 products and 15 funnels: A substantial upgrade from Basic's 3-product limit, giving you room for multiple course tiers, coaching programs, and membership options. This capacity supports diverse revenue streams without forcing immediate upgrades.
- 25,000 contacts vs Basic's 10,000: More than doubles your audience capacity, supporting serious list-building efforts. Most creators can operate at this level for several years before hitting contact limits.
- Advanced automations: Unlike Basic's simple automations, Growth delivers complex "when, then, but only if" workflows. You can create conditional rules across funnels, email campaigns, forms, offers, and course lessons to automate customer journeys that would otherwise require manual intervention.
- Built-in affiliate marketing system: Track affiliate registrations, conversions, and automatically calculate earnings. Affiliates get unique share links and personalized coupon codes.
- White-label branding: Professional appearance without "Powered by Kajabi" branding. For creators charging premium prices, this control protects positioning and credibility.
- Still limited to one website: Despite the higher price, you're restricted to one website, which limits multi-brand strategies or separate audience targeting.
Who is the Growth Plan best for?
If you’re a creator actively selling multiple products, building teams, or running complex marketing campaigns, this plan is for you.
It’s also apt for coaches and course creators who need affiliate programs, advanced automation, and professional branding to support higher-priced offerings.
Value proposition at this price
At $149/month, you're paying for business acceleration tools that can generate measurable returns. For example, the affiliate system typically pays for itself if partners drive just 2-3 additional sales monthly. The plan also includes 24/7 live chat support, critical when running paid campaigns or launches.
You get webhooks for advanced integrations, unlimited marketing emails, unlimited landing pages, and AI-powered content generation, which justifies the price increase for active businesses.
Key pricing considerations for this plan
At almost $2,400 annually, this plan requires serious revenue to justify the investment. The single website limitation means multi-brand creators still can't fully leverage the higher price point.
That means, go for it only when you’re sure that your returns are worth the investment.
Kajabi Pro Plan: An enterprise-level investment
The Pro plan, at $279 per month, is Kajabi's top-tier pricing. It targets established creators with multiple brands or large-scale operations. At this price point, you pay for maximum capacity and advanced technical control.
The jump to Growth brings enterprise-level features, like multiple websites, custom code editing, and higher limits across all metrics.
Monthly Price: $399
Annual Price: $279/month (30% discount = $3,348/year vs $4,788 monthly billing)
Key feature limits and what they mean for your wallet
- 100 products and 100 funnels: Removes practical limitations for prolific creators or agencies managing multiple client accounts. With this capacity, you can support extensive product catalogs without forced upgrades.
- 100,000 contacts and 20,000 active members: Supports large-scale operations with substantial audiences. Most creators never reach these limits, making Pro overkill unless you're operating at significant scale.
- Three websites vs Growth's single site: This is the major differentiator, allowing separate brands, audience targeting, or client management. Each website gets full Kajabi functionality independently.
- Custom code editor access: Full HTML/CSS and Liquid template editing capabilities. Requires technical expertise but allows pixel-perfect customization of themes, landing pages, and checkout flows.
- 25 admin users vs Growth's 10: Supports larger teams with granular access controls. Useful for agencies or businesses with extensive support staff.
Who is the Pro Plan best for?
Digital agencies managing multiple client sites, established creators running several brands, or large operations with teams exceeding 10 admin users — all benefit much from this plan. The technical customization appeals to businesses needing specific design control.
Value proposition at this price
The code editor and multiple websites are Pro's primary justifications. Custom code control offers design flexibility not available on lower tiers, while multiple websites eliminate the need for separate Kajabi accounts.
For agencies or multi-brand creators, these features can justify the premium cost.
Key pricing considerations for this plan
At nearly $4,800 annually, Pro costs more than most small businesses' entire software budgets. The features primarily benefit technical users or large-scale operations. For most solo creators, Growth provides sufficient capacity and features at half the cost.
Upgrade only if you specifically need multiple websites, custom code editing, or managing teams that require 10 or more admin users.
The Kajabi Access add-on: An extra layer to consider
Kajabi Access is an optional add-on available for any plan at $99/month extra. It serves as a middle ground between plan tiers, offering doubled limits and premium features without requiring a full upgrade.
For creators approaching their current plan's restrictions but not needing every feature of the next tier up, Access provides relief at a lower cost than upgrading.
What access adds to your plan
- Doubled limits based on the current plan: Basic users get six products and six funnels instead of three. Growth users receive expanded capacity without needing to upgrade to Pro pricing. This doubling applies across products, contacts, and members.
- Custom code editor access: Unlocks HTML/CSS and Liquid template editing normally reserved for Pro plan users. This gives Growth plan subscribers advanced customization control without the need to pay $399 per month.
- Six one-on-one success sessions: 45-minute sessions with Kajabi Customer Success Managers who help optimize your platform usage and business strategy. These expert consultations provide personalized guidance that is not available at lower tiers.
- Early Beta access: First access to new Kajabi features before general release, allowing you to test and implement new tools ahead of competitors.
So, when does Access make financial sense?
If you're on Growth ($199/month) but need Pro-level contact limits or code editor access, Access at $298 total costs $101 less than Pro's $399. The one-on-one sessions alone could justify the cost if you're struggling with platform optimization.
But note that adding Access to Basic creates a total cost of $248 per month (only $49 less than the full feature set of the Growth plan). At that point, upgrading to Growth makes more sense. Access works best for Growth users who need specific Pro features but not the full package.
The "true cost" of Kajabi: What's included and potential additional expenses
Kajabi's advertised pricing covers more than most platforms, including video hosting, email marketing, website hosting, landing pages, and checkout systems, all bundled together.
The platform charges zero transaction fees (you only pay standard 2.9% + $0.30 to Stripe/PayPal), which saves money compared to competitors charging 5% platform fees.
But, additional costs can quickly inflate your budget. Custom domains cost $5-50 annually through third-party providers. Premium website templates range from $147 to $897, if you want professional designs beyond the included basics.
Add to these, popular add-ons like
- Creator Studio ($9-29/month),
- Branded mobile apps ($89-199/month), and
- Kajabi Access ($99/month for doubled limits).
Third-party integrations through Zapier often require premium accounts ($19-69/month) for complex workflows. If you need advanced CRM or specialized tools, expect separate subscription costs.
Here’s a real cost example: A Growth Plan user adding common extras faces significant cost inflation:
- Growth Plan (annual): $159/month
- Custom domain: $4/month ($50/year)
- Branded mobile app: $89/month
- Zapier Pro: $20/month
The monthly recurring total is $272/month, which is 71% higher than the advertised $159.
After year one, you'd still be paying $113 more monthly than the sticker price for these common business necessities.
Evaluating Kajabi's price: pros and cons of its pricing model
Here’s a quick review of what works and what doesn’t with the Kajabi pricing structure.
Kajabi’s pricing structure works well for established creators with predictable revenue, but it restricts experimentation. Even routine marketing efforts like lead magnets can trigger expensive plan upgrades when contact limits are reached.
This unpredictable cost scaling has led hundreds of users to migrate to platforms like FreshLearn, where growth doesn't automatically mean higher platform fees, and important features aren't locked behind premium tiers.
Kajabi pricing vs. the market: How does it stack up?
While Kajabi positions itself as a premium all-in-one solution, its price point isn't a fit for everyone. Let's see how its pricing philosophy compares against two major competitors in the course creation space.
Kajabi vs. Teachable vs. Thinkific: Pricing comparison
Kajabi starts at $62/month (Kickstarter) with all-in-one features included, while Teachable begins at $29/month (Pro) and Thinkific at $36/month (Basic).
But a direct comparison isn't straightforward, as these platforms take different approaches to pricing and features.
- Kajabi’s all-in-one approach (integrated course hosting, email marketing, funnels, and website building) doesn’t need multiple subscriptions but creates a high entry barrier for new creators.
- Teachable takes another approach, starting at $29/month with 7.5% transaction fees, scaling up to $309/month for their Advanced plan. They include built-in email marketing from their Builder plan at $69/month and offer integrated affiliate programs, making them more accessible for beginners.
- Thinkific offers a different model: Basic plans at $36/month provide unlimited courses and students across all tiers, unlike Kajabi, which restricts this. Their higher-tier plans include advanced course features like quizzes and exams, plus expanded community capabilities. But these educational tools are only available with the Start plan and above.
Where do competitors gain an advantage over Kajabi?
The short answer is their pricing accessibility and specific strengths. Thinkific's unlimited course structure eliminates the product restrictions that force expensive Kajabi upgrades, while their advanced educational tools surpass what Kajabi offers for serious course creators.
Teachable provides a more gradual pricing ramp, allowing creators to start affordably and scale features as revenue grows, rather than Kajabi's steep tier jumps.
Where do they fall short?
However, both competitors have notable gaps that limit their effectiveness. Thinkific needs users to manage separate platforms for email marketing capabilities.
Teachable's email marketing, while included, remains basic compared to the advanced automation and funnel integration that Kajabi provides natively.
Is there a truly all-in-one solution? - Check FreshLearn
FreshLearn bridges these gaps by combining the best of both worlds: unlimited courses and students like Thinkific, but with comprehensive email marketing and sales funnels starting from their Pro plan at just $29/month.
This pricing undercuts Kajabi's $89 entry point by 67% while providing features that Thinkific lacks entirely and Teachable charges $69+ to access.
Making your decision: Is Kajabi's pricing right for you?
There's no right or wrong answer to whether Kajabi's pricing makes financial sense. The right choice depends on your specific situation, business stage, and growth trajectory. Here are some questions to guide your decision:
- What's your realistic monthly software budget? Be honest about what you can afford without straining cash flow. If $89/month feels like a stretch, Kajabi probably isn't your best starting point. Factor in potential upgrades - most users outgrow their initial plan within 12-18 months.
- Which Kajabi features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves? List the specific tools you need today, not what you might want eventually. Paying for unused features is expensive. If you only need course hosting, you're overpaying for email marketing, funnels, and community tools you won't touch.
- What are you currently spending on separate tools? Add up costs for email marketing, website hosting, Online course platforms, and funnel software. If the total approaches Kajabi's pricing, consolidation might save money and reduce management complexity.
- How comfortable are you with technical integration? Kajabi's all-in-one approach reduces setup work but increases learning curves. Some creators prefer managing best-of-breed tools separately rather than learning one complex system.
- What's your projected growth timeline? If you expect to hit contact limits or need multiple products within 12 months, factor upgrade costs into your budget. Kajabi's tier jumps can add $600-2,400 annually when you hit constraints.
- How much do you value integrated convenience? Some creators love having everything in one dashboard. Others prefer specialized tools that excel in specific areas. Your preference affects whether Kajabi's premium is worthwhile.
Does Kajabi's pricing align with your budget, or would a more cost-effective solution like FreshLearn better suit your financial plan without sacrificing essential features? See our detailed comparison at Kajabi Alternatives to evaluate alternatives.
Final verdict
Kajabi's pricing reflects its position as a premium, comprehensive platform. For established creators who use multiple features and have predictable revenue streams, the all-in-one convenience can justify the investment.
But the platform delivers genuine value when you leverage its full suite of tools and can afford the $89-399/month commitment.
The reality is that creators don't need to pay premium prices for professional results. FreshLearn offers a compelling balance of great features and significantly better pricing.
Starting with a generous free tier (versus Kajabi's $89 minimum), FreshLearn includes AI-powered course creation tools, unlimited products without transaction fees, and an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve.
Many creators find that they can achieve their business goals at a fraction of Kajabi's cost while accessing modern features, such as AI content generation, that Kajabi lacks.
FreshLearn also helps you avoid switching barriers by offering free course migration. You can experience the platform with your actual content before committing. The platform migrates one course completely free, and if you upgrade to an annual plan, Freshlearn handles your entire Kajabi account migration at no extra cost, including all courses, products, and member data.
Compare Kajabi and FreshLearn directly to see how you can get the features you need at a price that makes sense. The right platform balances your feature needs with your budget scope.
The best way to make the most out of your platform subscription is to perform a thorough analysis and comparison of the multiple options available today.
Sounds like a lot of work? We have got you covered. Read these posts to get an in-depth idea of where Kajabi stands compared to its competitors.
Kajabi pricing FAQ
1. Does Kajabi offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Kajabi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers. You can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of making your first payment. After 30 days, payments are non-refundable, but you can cancel anytime to stop future charges.
2. How does the 14-day free trial work with billing?
The platform collects credit card information to start the trial, but you won't be charged during the 14-day period. Billing automatically starts after the trial ends unless you cancel.
3. What happens if I go over my plan limits?
When you reach 90% of your contact limit, you'll receive in-app notifications. At 100% usage, you get a 30-day grace period to upgrade your plan or remove contacts before your account is restricted.
4. Are there any setup fees with Kajabi?
No, there are no setup fees beyond the monthly or annual subscription cost. Kajabi doesn't charge any upfront costs.
5. What payment methods does Kajabi accept for subscriptions?
Kajabi accepts major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. For customer payments, Kajabi offers Kajabi Payments, Stripe, and PayPal, with additional options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay available through Kajabi Payments.
6. Are there platforms with similar features to Kajabi but better pricing?
Yes, platforms like FreshLearn aim to provide a comprehensive feature set comparable to many aspects of Kajabi but with a more accessible pricing model. Many users migrate for this reason, finding they can get essential course creation, email marketing, and sales funnel features at significantly lower costs. You can see a direct comparison at FreshLearn Vs Kajabi.
You might also like
Hosted by
