Podia vs Kajabi: Best Online Course Platform? Pros & Pricing
Podia vs Kajabi seemed like a close match until I used both and saw how different they really are.
On paper, they seem similar: online courses, memberships, email marketing, the usual stuff. But when you start clicking around, the contrast is obvious.
Podia feels light, like you can launch something today if you want to. Kajabi feels heavy-duty, like it’s ready for your next five years (if you're ready to pay the premium).
So no, neither is “better” in a vacuum. It really comes down to how you want to build your online course business.
Podia vs Kajabi vs FreshLearn - Comparison Checklist
In this comparison table, we have a high-level overview of Podia and Kajabi, and we’ve also added FreshLearn to the mix for an additional option for those of you who are open to more choices. In the detailed comparison that follows, though, we compare only Podia and Kajabi, not FreshLearn.
Introduction to Podia and Kajabi
Let’s see what both platforms bring to the table.
What is Podia?
Podia is positioned as the all-in-one platform for “teams of one.” It's built to help solo creators sell digital products and run their entire business from a single dashboard.
The platform supports both self-paced and cohort-based formats. You can set future start dates, seat limits, timed access, and drip schedules. If you want it to be bundled in other products with a course, you can do that too. There’s also support for comments and discussion forums, which helps students engage and connect inside your course.
On the backend, Podia includes tools for email marketing, affiliate management, and customer messaging.
What is Kajabi?
Kajabi is a premium all-in-one platform for creators selling courses, coaching, or memberships. It combines website building, content hosting, email marketing, and customer analytics in one dashboard.
You can create landing pages, drip content, set up funnels, and run automated campaigns without third-party tools. Templates and workflows are built in, so setup is fast if you know what you’re building.
The tradeoff is that Kajabi comes with a steeper price tag and a bit more complexity upfront. But for established creators or small teams looking to scale with one tool, it offers structure and depth.
Kajabi vs Podia: Detailed Comparison of All Key Features
Now, let’s compare Podia and Kajabi in depth.
Course creation and engagement
Course creation is where most creators spend the bulk of their time, and where Podia and Kajabi start to show their differences early on.
Podia’s course builder is clean and beginner-friendly. Upload content in various formats, videos, PDFs, audio, text, and links, and organize them into modules and lessons without any friction.
However, your students can stream only video and audio files directly from your course, and they must download all other file types to access them.
When it comes to engagement, the features feel thin. You can add basic multiple-choice quizzes, but that’s about it. There are no inbuilt options for grades, no quiz previews, and no visibility into how students perform, making it harder to check whether your courses are landing well.
Kajabi, though feature-rich, felt more organized to me. All the course creation tools were right there on one page. With Podia, I had to click through a few tabs to figure out where everything was.
Kajabi also offers Creator Studio, an AI-powered content repurposing tool built into your Kajabi dashboard. It works by taking a single video, whether from your course, coaching session, Live, community meetup, or even a YouTube link, and transforming it into dozens of other content assets like social media clips, emails, landing pages, copy, and more.
Kajabi offers everything Podia does, plus it allows cloud imports from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making uploading large content batches much smoother. A small touch, but one that saves time if you’re migrating from another platform or managing a lot of video.
Kajabi’s real strength, though, is in its assessments. Your assessment quizzes can be:
- Graded, with pass/fail thresholds
- Open-ended, requiring file uploads
- Short answer, typed into a text field
- Multiple choice options with one or more right answers
All these options improve tracking, allowing you to identify which students are actually making progress.
Winner: Kajabi
Podia nails the simplicity. It's easy to get started and launch fast. But for creators who want deeper student engagement, progress tracking, and long-term scalability, Kajabi offers far more room to grow.
Website, blog, and page building
When you want to build a full-fledged website, Kajabi plays architect, while Podia is more like someone handing you a ready-made kiosk and saying, “Good luck!”
Podia’s page builder is simple. Think drag-and-drop blocks with zero theme customization. You can add text, images, videos, and buttons. That’s about it. It’s quick to use but rigid. Every Podia site kind of looks like every other Podia site: basic but not exactly brand-flexible.
Podia does not let you create custom blocks. Also, when I tried to change the website’s theme, I realized that “theme” basically means choosing a few colors. You can adjust the background, heading, and text colors with no advanced design customization. So, the overall structure, layout, and design style remain the same across all Podia sites.
Podia does not have a dedicated blog homepage (like yourwebsite/blog). You can only utilize the platform’s ‘post’ feature to create public posts, which act like your blog entries.
Kajabi offers a true website builder experience. You can choose from customizable themes and play around with sections, blocks, fonts, color schemes, and layout tweaks. Want a hero section followed by testimonials and a video block? Easy. Would you prefer to hide the navigation bar on your sales page but keep it visible on your blog? Also doable.
Similar to Podia, Kajabi doesn’t offer a standalone homepage for your blog; it’s integrated into your main website. However, Kajabi is far more capable. It lets you:
- Attach video or audio.
- SEO meta fields with custom slugs.
- Categorize posts using tags.
Winner: Kajabi
Podia is quick to set up and easy to use, especially for creators just getting started. However, if you're seeking to establish a more comprehensive online presence, Kajabi provides greater flexibility.
Its built-in blog, customizable pages, and structured site builder make it better suited for creators who need more than a basic storefront.
Sales and marketing
Both Kajabi and Podia help creators sell digital products through landing pages, email campaigns, and checkout flows. But their approach to sales funnel building, automation depth, and marketing flexibility varies widely.
Kajabi gives you a real funnel-building tool (called Pipelines), and it’s built for actual marketing. You don’t need to piece things together manually. Just pick a pipeline blueprint (say, “Freebie” or “Zoom Webinar OVO”), and Kajabi builds out the whole thing: landing pages, email sequences, and offers.
You can customize it all afterward, but the heavy lifting is done.
Podia doesn’t have this. No Pipelines, blueprints, or drag-and-drop funnel logic. You can build a basic sales page, but calling it a “funnel” would be too generous.
You’re stuck with rigid sections, limited layout options (two columns max), and no real way to guide a lead through a journey. Want an opt-in page or post-webinar offer sequence? You’ll need third-party tools.
Kajabi also lets you add animations, build more dynamic layouts, and tweak every part of your page.
Podia, on the other hand, feels a lot more like Teachable: blocky, static, and geared toward beginners who just need something simple to get online.
Checkout and payments
Kajabi’s checkout system is built to sell smarter. You get:
- Order bumps (upsell small extras right on the checkout page)
- One-click upsells and downsells after the purchase
- Custom checkout fields, so you can collect extra info like phone numbers or preferences
- Visual customizations: add banners, videos, and testimonials directly on the checkout page
Everything in Kajabi’s checkout flow is designed to increase conversions. You can fine-tune how products are bundled, what pricing options show up, and even run split offers with different triggers.
Podia’s checkout is simpler (and not in a good way).
No visual editing or post-purchase upsells. You get basic order bumps (which they call upsells), and that’s it. The form is clean but static, and you can’t embed videos or customize much. There’s one upside: you can embed the checkout form on other sites, which Kajabi doesn’t do.
Kajabi also lets you trigger automations based on checkout events, like sending a specific email if someone completes a purchase, or assigning tags if they abandon their cart. Podia doesn’t offer automation at this level.
On the backend, both platforms use Stripe and PayPal. But Kajabi recently added Kajabi Payments, their own payment system. With it, you get instant payouts and less admin work. Podia pays out after 2 days, and only through Stripe or PayPal.
Podia does have one standout feature here: native EU VAT handling. If you sell in Europe, Podia automatically applies VAT rates based on the buyer’s location. Kajabi doesn’t handle this out of the box; you’ll need external tools or custom code.
Affiliate marketing
Both Kajabi and Podia have built-in affiliate systems. You can assign commissions, let users sign up as affiliates, and give them dashboards to track performance.
But Kajabi packs in more functionality.
- User-specific commission rates (not possible in Podia)
- Pre-written email templates for affiliate outreach
- Multiple payout methods (Podia only uses PayPal)
Podia does have some control Kajabi lacks: you can run open, closed, or invite-only programs. That’s useful if you want to keep affiliate access tight.
Note: You’ll need Kajabi’s Growth plan ($159/month, billed annually) to access affiliate tools, while Podia includes them on the Shaker plan ($75/month, billed annually).
Winner: Kajabi
Podia works fine if you're selling one thing to one person at a time. But if you want to build actual sales systems (funnels that convert browsers into buyers, checkouts that maximize order value, campaigns that run themselves), Kajabi gives you the tools to make it happen.
The only point in Podia's favor here is that EU VAT handling could save European sellers some hassle. Everything else? Kajabi dominates.
Email marketing and automation
Podia gives you the basics: broadcasts and sequences. You can send one-off emails or set up simple drip campaigns triggered by a product purchase or sign-up. But beyond that, there’s not much room to scale or personalize. No tagging, segmentation, or real behavioral triggers.
Want to send different emails based on who clicks a link or finishes a course? You’ll hit a wall fast.
Kajabi, on the other hand, is built for creators who want control. You get a full visual automation builder that’s designed to go beyond "send this email after 3 days." It's “if-this-then-that” logic that lets you respond to exactly how your audience interacts with your content: clicks, opens, inactivity, course completions, and more.
You can personalize workflows and build smarter campaigns without duct-taping extra tools.
That’s why, for many users, Kajabi can fully replace standalone tools like ConvertKit or Mailchimp.
List management is another key difference. Kajabi lets you tag and segment subscribers. You can group users based on behavior, purchases, or engagement, then send targeted messages that feel personal and timely.
Email builders are also different. Podia has recently upgraded its builder and added templates, which is a welcome change.
But Kajabi still leads here. You get a drag-and-drop builder with flexible blocks, so your emails look just as polished as your landing pages. That’s only for broadcasts, though; email sequences on both platforms still use simple text editors.
And analytics? Both platforms let you track open rates, clicks, and unsubscribes. No major edge there.
One small edge Podia does offer is internal messaging. It lets you have direct, chat-style conversations with your students inside the platform. That’s useful if you're running a cohort course or offering hands-on support.
Winner: Kajabi
If your email marketing needs are basic(occasional broadcasts, a few sequences, and maybe some reminders), Podia works. But the moment you need segmentation, tagging, or behavior-based automation, it just doesn’t cut it.
Kajabi, on the other hand, gives you the tools to run full-scale campaigns without duct-taping together other platforms. And if you're already paying for an all-in-one, that matters.
Community
Let’s talk about community, because for online courses, it’s no longer optional. If people don’t feel connected, they drop off. Fast.
Podia keeps it simple.
You get a forum-style space. You can post updates, share videos or text, and members can respond. There’s a hashtag-based organization, and you can set up different topics. That’s about it. No chat, live events, or built-in momentum tools. It works for basic discussion, but don’t expect it to drive deep engagement.
You can create multiple community spaces in Podia, and even lock access to certain ones based on membership tiers. That’s useful for paid groups or VIP content. But again, everything stays inside a stripped-down forum format.
Kajabi, on the other hand, is playing a different game.
They acquired Vibely (a full-blown community platform) and integrated it as Kajabi Communities. The difference shows. You're not just getting a forum but a full engagement toolkit.
Live calls? Built in.
Group chat? Done.
Challenges, leaderboards, badges, and even ambassador programs? All there.
You can set up weekly challenges, track who’s completed what, and reward them with points or ranks. Members can share photos or videos of their progress, and the whole thing feels alive (not like a dead forum where posts go to be ignored).
There’s one catch, though: Kajabi Communities run in a separate app from the main course experience. So your members will need two logins if you use both. It’s a trade-off, but the upside is you’re giving them a way more dynamic space to connect, learn, and stay motivated.
Winner: Kajabi
If you just need a place for students to ask questions and share wins, Podia's forum works fine.
But if you want to build an actual community (the kind where members log in daily, push each other forward, and become your best marketing channel), Kajabi gives you tools that actually drive engagement.
Sure, the two-login thing is clunky. But I'd rather deal with an extra login than watch my community ghost the space after the initial excitement wears off.
Mobile app
Here’s a clear-cut difference: Kajabi offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android. Podia doesn’t have one.
Kajabi’s app lets students access courses anytime, anywhere. Your students can watch lessons, take quizzes, track progress, and join community chats, all from their phones. It’s designed for learning on the go, which fits how people actually consume content today.
The app also sends smart notifications. So, students get alerts when new modules drop, blog posts go live, or course updates happen. This keeps users engaged without having to log in manually.
Plus, Kajabi’s app supports many of the new community features: gamification, challenges, and leaderboards, making it easier to stay connected and motivated. Still, the community and course apps are separate (like I’ve already mentioned), and it can be a bit inconvenient.
Podia has no app at all. That’s a big miss. Without a mobile app, your audience is limited to desktop or mobile browsers. Many people don’t log in to a laptop every day. Having no app can hurt engagement and retention.
Winner: Kajabi (by default)
If your audience includes anyone who owns a smartphone (so... everyone), this single factor might determine your platform choice.
Yes, Kajabi costs more. Yes, the two-app thing is weird. But, at least your students can actually access what they paid for.
And, Podia forcing mobile users into web browsers in 2025? That's a fundamental misunderstanding of content consumption.
Kajabi vs Podia pricing analysis
Features don't matter if you can't afford them.
At first glance, this looks simple. Podia = cheap. Kajabi = expensive. But dig deeper, and the math gets interesting.
Podia starts at $39/month, but here's the catch: 5% transaction fees on every sale. Sell $2,000 monthly? You're paying $139 (100 + 39). Sell $5,000? That's $289 (250 + 39).
Most creators upgrade to the $79 Shaker plan to avoid transaction fees and unlock affiliate opportunities.
Podia built its brand on the promise of "no transaction fees." Now they've quietly added them while still claiming to be creator-friendly.
On the other hand, let’s look at Kajabi. Skip Kajabi's $69 tier; it's useless. Real pricing starts at $149/month (Basic) or $199/month (Growth), which most creators choose for the affiliate features and higher limits.
Yes, it's 2-3x more expensive than Podia. But consider what you'd pay elsewhere:
The verdict on pricing
Podia wins on sticker price. No question.
But Kajabi wins on value (if you do use what it offers).
Starting out? Testing ideas? Tight budget? Podia makes sense. Just watch those transaction fees.
Ready to scale? Need real marketing tools? Want everything in one place? Kajabi's higher price pays for itself by replacing your entire tech stack.
The expensive platform might save you money. Funny how that works.
Final verdict: Kajabi vs Podia
After testing every feature and running the numbers, here's who should choose what.
Who should choose Podia?
Podia works best for creators who value simplicity over sophistication. You're the ideal Podia user if:
- You're just starting out, testing course ideas, or running a side project. Maybe you're a coach launching your first program, a freelancer packaging your expertise, or a hobbyist sharing your craft.
- Budget matters to you. That $39-79/month fits comfortably, and you'd rather invest in content creation than platform fees. You don't need fancy funnels or complex automation; a simple "here's my course, here's the checkout" approach works fine.
- You already have ConvertKit for email, or you use social media for marketing. You just need somewhere to host and sell your content without the bells and whistles.
Still confused? Have a look at the comprehensive list of the best Podia alternatives here.
Who should choose Kajabi?
Kajabi is built for creators ready to scale. Choose Kajabi if:
- You're past the testing phase. Your courses sell consistently, and you're thinking about your next five products, not just your first one. Maybe you're transitioning from side hustle to full business, or you're already established and tired of juggling six different tools.
- You understand that automation equals leverage. Those "if-then" workflows, sophisticated funnels, and behavior-based campaigns are how you'll scale without burning out.
- The higher price doesn't scare you because you see it as consolidation, not expense. One platform replacing your entire tech stack means less complexity, better data, and more time to focus on what matters: creating and selling.
In short,
An alternative to consider: FreshLearn
If Kajabi's all-in-one power appeals to you but the $199/month price tag doesn't, and Podia feels too basic for your growth ambitions, there's a middle ground worth exploring.
FreshLearn positions itself between these extremes (more capable than Podia, more affordable than Kajabi). The platform was built with creators in mind (especially solo educators, coaches, and small teams). It’s modern, easy to use, and packed with practical tools that don’t require a tech background.
Everything from course creation to monetization happens under one roof, with none of the clunky workarounds or locked features you’ll find elsewhere.
Here’s why thousands of creators are making the switch.
- Unlimited everything: FreshLearn is purpose-built for solo creators and small teams. Clean UI, no setup friction, and everything just works. Launch courses, masterclasses, digital downloads, and even blogs, without jumping through hoops.
- No upgrade needed for basic features: Kajabi limits your growth unless you upgrade. FreshLearn gives you unlimited students, courses, and digital products, even on its entry-level plans.
- Flexible checkout with instant payouts: Podia requires upgrades for branded checkouts. FreshLearn gives you full control from day one. That includes removing the platform's branding (even on the No Brainer plan).
- Free forever plan that actually works: While Kajabi locks you into a 30-day trial, FreshLearn offers a free plan you can actually build and launch from. You can create paid courses, publish blogs, and validate your ideas without spending a penny.
- Built-in gamification and assessments: Track learner progress with leaderboards and badges. Add quizzes, assignments, and auto-generated certificates, ideal for both async and live cohorts.
- Full media flexibility: Embed YouTube, Vimeo, Amazon S3, or Google Drive videos. Add quizzes, assignments, and auto-certificates. And drive better engagement with progress tracking, badges, and leaderboards.
- Free white-glove migration: Switching from Kajabi or Podia? FreshLearn handles your content migration (for free) when you opt for annual billing.
- No transaction fees. Transparent pricing: FreshLearn takes no cut from your sales. Plans start at $0, scale up to just $139/month, and don’t penalize growth. Compare that to platforms that charge fees and restrict core features unless you upgrade.
- Human support, always on: 24/7 live chat. Actual help when you need it. No bots or long queues. Plus, step-by-step guidance through FreshLearn's Creator Academy so you can not only launch, but also sell well.
Learn how FreshLearn stacks up against Kajabi as the right alternative here.
Conclusion: The best platform for your needs
Kajabi makes you pay a premium for polish. Podia keeps it simple (but a bit too simple).
Here’s how to make a quick decision: Testing ideas? Try Podia. Running a business? Consider Kajabi. Want the best of both worlds? FreshLearn gives you room to grow without breaking the bank.
We’ve compared course delivery, checkout, automation, community (and more), and FreshLearn consistently punches above its price tag.
More than 15,000 creators have already made the switch (many from Kajabi and Podia), citing ease of use, fair pricing, and customer support as top reasons. Start free with FreshLearn and see how it stacks up, without paying a cent upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which platform is better for beginners, Podia or Kajabi?
Podia is more beginner-friendly because of its simple UI and low learning curve. Kajabi is more powerful, but the setup takes longer. If you're just getting started and need to launch quickly, Podia might be easier to navigate.
2. Does Kajabi justify its higher price over Podia?
Kajabi justifies its premium pricing only if you're running a scaled operation with complex funnels, branded websites, and multi-product ecosystems. For most solo creators, Podia covers the essentials at a fraction of the cost, unless you absolutely need Kajabi’s advanced automations and CRM.
3. Is there a cheaper Kajabi alternative with similar features?
Yes, there are powerful Kajabi alternatives with similar (and sometimes more advanced features). For example, FreshLearn is a strong Kajabi alternative for creators who want sales funnels, email automation, and advanced course delivery without Kajabi’s $149+ price tag.
The platform offers many of Kajabi’s strengths but with a simpler UI and more flexible pricing.
4. Can I migrate my courses from Podia to Kajabi?
There’s no native migration tool between Podia and Kajabi. You’ll need to recreate lessons, re-upload videos manually, and set up pricing tiers again. This process can take hours or even days, depending on course size.
FreshLearn, on the other hand, offers free course migration and saves creators the hassle and time of rebuilding everything from scratch.
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