What is the Best 'PAID' Online Course Platform for Creators [2025 update]

7 hours ago3 min read

If you're looking to create and sell online courses, you’ve likely come across three major platforms: Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi. Each platform offers unique features, but which one is the best fit for your needs?

In this post, I’ll compare Thinkific vs Teachable vs Kajabi, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses—while also explaining why Thinkific stood out as the best choice for me to host my 10 courses.

1. Pricing: Which Platform Offers the Best Value?

One of the biggest factors when choosing a course platform is pricing. Let’s break it down:

Platform	Basic Plan	Mid-Tier Plan	Advanced Plan
Thinkific	$36/month (Basic)	$74/month (Start)	$149/month (Grow)
Teachable	$39/month (Basic, with 5% transaction fee)	$119/month (Pro)	$199/month (Pro+)
Kajabi	$71/month (Kickstarter)	$119/month (Basic)	$159/month (Growth), $319/month (Pro)

👉 Winner: Thinkific – It provides the best balance of affordability and features without hidden transaction fees. I really wouldn't like to see 5% of my course revenue going to my hosting platform and if you want more than the 'Basic' plan, spending over $100 USD per month wasn't suitable for my budget.

Check out the official Thinkific pricing page here.

📢 Exclusive Offer: If you sign up using my affiliate link, you'll get a 30-day free trial on your selected Thinkific plan instead of the standard 14 days! Claim your trial here: https://try.thinkific.com/RomneyNelson.

2. Ease of Use: Which Platform is the Most User-Friendly?

All three platforms offer intuitive dashboards, but there are key differences:

Thinkific: Features an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop course builder, allowing creators to quickly build and customize their courses. No coding skills required.
Teachable: Also beginner-friendly but slightly more limited in terms of site customization.
Kajabi: Offers extensive customization options but has a steeper learning curve.

👉 Winner: Thinkific – It strikes the best balance between ease of use and customization.

3. Course Creation Features: Which Platform Gives You the Most Control?

Thinkific: Lets you create courses, memberships, and communities, while offering full control over branding. It also includes powerful integrations with marketing tools and analytics.
Teachable: Good for beginners but lacks some advanced customization options.
Kajabi: Offers robust automation and marketing tools but at a much higher cost.

4. Payment Options: How Flexible Are Your Revenue Streams?

Thinkific: Allows payments via Stripe, PayPal, and custom payment options. You can set up one-time fees, subscriptions, and payment plans.
Teachable: Supports Stripe and PayPal, but certain payout options are only available on higher plans.
Kajabi: Offers Stripe and PayPal payments. The same as Thinkific.

5. Memberships & Subscriptions: Can You Build Recurring Revenue?

Thinkific: Even on the Starter Plan, you can create memberships and subscription-based courses, allowing for consistent monthly income.
Teachable: Offers memberships, but with fewer customization options.
Kajabi: Strong membership capabilities but only available on higher-tier plans.

Final Verdict: Why Thinkific is the Best Choice for Most Creators

While all three platforms have their strengths, Thinkific provides the best combination of affordability, customization, and flexibility. It’s beginner-friendly while still offering advanced features as you grow.