Kajabi has made a name for itself as an all-in-one platform for online course creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs. It combines course hosting, email marketing, website building, and automation tools under one roof. But while Kajabi might seem like the complete package, it’s not the best fit for everyone.
Some course creators find Kajabi too expensive for what it offers. Others feel limited by its design constraints or wish they had more control over their website and learning experience. If you’re one of them, you’re probably searching for the best Kajabi LMS alternative—one that’s flexible, scalable, and fits your unique business model.
Let’s dive into the top alternatives to Kajabi and help you discover the platform that aligns with your goals, whether that’s customization, affordability, or community-building features.
Why Look for a Kajabi LMS Alternative?
Kajabi markets itself as an all-in-one platform—and for some, that’s appealing. But here’s the truth: when you try to be everything, you often fall short in critical areas. Some users feel Kajabi lacks advanced course delivery features. Others think the pricing is steep, especially for beginners who don’t yet need all the extras.
Also, Kajabi’s content ownership policies and template limitations might make long-term scaling difficult for some users. Whether you’re looking for more granular control, better integrations, or lower transaction costs, the good news is there are many powerful platforms to choose from.
Top Kajabi LMS Alternatives Worth Exploring
1. LearnDash – Total Control on WordPress
If you’re serious about building a robust, scalable online learning business, LearnDash is the best Kajabi LMS alternative available today. LearnDash operates within WordPress, giving you full ownership and control over your content and website. It’s perfect for creators who want to fine-tune the learning experience—from drip lessons to dynamic quizzes and learner engagement tools.
Unlike Kajabi’s closed system, LearnDash lets you choose your hosting, design, and eCommerce setup. You can integrate it with WooCommerce, MemberPress, Stripe, or whatever fits your tech stack. Plus, the pricing is much more flexible than Kajabi, with no transaction fees and lower ongoing costs.
LearnDash is trusted by universities, major brands, and individual course creators alike—because it puts the power back in your hands.
2. Thinkific – Clean and User-Friendly
Thinkific is another strong Kajabi LMS alternative, especially for creators who want a platform that’s easy to use without sacrificing professionalism. It offers a clean user interface, solid customization tools, and a drag-and-drop course builder.
While it may not have Kajabi’s all-in-one marketing features, Thinkific integrates easily with your favorite marketing tools like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, and Zapier. There’s also a generous free plan available, making it a great starting point for creators who want to build without upfront costs.
3. LearnWorlds – Ideal for Interactive Learning
For course creators who prioritize learner engagement and interactivity, LearnWorlds is a feature-rich platform that stands out. It offers built-in tools for interactive video, in-depth learner analytics, certificates, assessments, and more.
Compared to Kajabi, LearnWorlds offers more advanced learning features while still including marketing capabilities like landing pages and sales funnels. It’s an excellent choice if your focus is on delivering a more immersive educational experience.
4. Podia – Simplified Course Selling
If Kajabi feels overwhelming or bloated, Podia might be the refreshingly simple alternative you need. Podia offers a streamlined interface with everything you need to sell courses, digital downloads, memberships, and webinars.
While Podia lacks some of the advanced customization of LearnDash or interactivity of LearnWorlds, it’s incredibly easy to use and includes built-in email marketing, sales pages, and messaging features. Plus, its pricing structure is far more affordable than Kajabi, with no transaction fees even on lower-tier plans.
5. Teachable – Great for Beginners
Teachable has long been a go-to for creators just starting out, and it’s a worthy Kajabi LMS alternative for beginners. The platform is intuitive, mobile-friendly, and offers tools for drip content, quizzes, certificates, and basic email marketing.
Compared to Kajabi, Teachable focuses more on course creation than marketing automation—but it still provides everything needed to launch and monetize your courses. It also supports Stripe and PayPal integrations, making it easy to get paid quickly.
If you’re just launching your first course and want minimal tech hurdles, Teachable is worth a look.
6. Mighty Networks – Built for Community-Based Learning
One of Kajabi’s limitations is its lack of deep community-building tools. If your business thrives on engagement and student interaction, Mighty Networks is a powerful alternative. It combines online courses with social community features, letting you create a branded, private space for your members.
You can sell memberships, host events, and build structured learning paths—all while keeping students engaged in forums and live chats. For coaches, influencers, and niche experts, Mighty Networks turns your course into a full-blown community experience.
7. Udemy – Marketplace Model with Built-in Traffic
If you’re more focused on exposure than control, Udemy offers a marketplace model where you can publish your courses and tap into their massive global audience. Unlike Kajabi, you don’t have to worry about building a website, marketing funnels, or processing payments—Udemy handles it all.
The downside? You don’t control pricing, student emails, or branding. Still, for new creators looking for validation or passive income, Udemy can be a smart entry point before moving to a more independent platform like LearnDash or Thinkific.
8. ClickFunnels – Funnel-First Learning Platform
ClickFunnels isn’t a traditional learning management system, but it’s a favorite for marketers who prioritize conversion and automation. If your primary goal is to sell high-ticket coaching programs or digital courses through optimized funnels, ClickFunnels offers everything you need.
You can host course content, automate sales sequences, upsell products, and build entire customer journeys. It doesn’t focus heavily on student progress tracking, but when paired with a dedicated LMS like LearnDash, it becomes a sales powerhouse.
9. FreshLearn – Budget-Friendly Simplicity
For creators looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly Kajabi LMS alternative, FreshLearn offers a modern interface and essential features at a low cost. It supports courses, live sessions, assessments, and even certificates.
While FreshLearn may not have advanced automation or deep integrations like Kajabi, it’s a solid starting point for educators who want to validate their course idea without a hefty investment. It’s ideal for freelancers, solo educators, and small teams building a digital product for the first time.
Move Beyond Kajabi with Confidence
Kajabi isn’t the only platform that can help you build and scale your online course business. Whether you’re looking for more customization, better pricing, or deeper community features, the right Kajabi LMS alternative can unlock a more tailored and profitable learning experience.
From LearnDash’s complete WordPress control to Thinkific’s user-friendly design, and from Podia’s simplicity to Mighty Networks’ community features, each platform brings something unique to the table. The key is understanding your priorities and choosing a solution that gives you freedom without friction.
The market is full of powerful options. You’re no longer limited by a single, high-cost system. With the right alternative, you can build a course business that reflects your brand, serves your students, and scales your income—your way.
Interesting Reads
Best Teachable LMS Alternatives to Power up your Online Platform
8 Best Thinkific LMS Alternatives that Deliver Flexibility and Value
