Best Alternatives to Thinkific For Online Creators

Comparing Top Online Course Platforms for Creators and Entrepreneurs

In 2025, choosing an online course platform has become more important than ever. There are a number of platforms like Thinkific, Kajabi, Podia, and Mighty Networks you can use to create and sell your online courses. Each have their own unique features and are tailored to different needs and business models. The perfect site for making and marketing your online narrative broadly depends on your exact requests for pricing, adjustment, selling, and community-building abilities.

When course creators are analyzing options, they should think of numerous factors besides the basic functionality. There are some platforms that provides great marketing automation while other platforms focuses more on course creation or community. You can find all kinds of pricing models, from free plans with fewer features to expensive subscriptions that come with powerful tools.

Many teachers find that what works for one may not work for another. So, make sure to take advantage of free trials that most platforms offer. All the trial periods — 14 day period or 30-day period — give course creators a chance to learn a platform’s user experience, the features they get, and whether they’ll suit that course creator’s instructional and business orientation.

Fundamentally, What Is Thinkific?

Thinkific is an all-inclusive online course platform that allows creators and entrepreneurs to develop, market and sell supplemental learning products. Established in 2012, it has become a top-choice for course creation software with 50K+ active course creators across 190 countries.

The platform features a user-friendly interface containing drag-and-drop functionality requiring no coding knowledge. Users can create multimedia courses with videos, quizzes, surveys, and downloadable materials to engage their students.

Thinkific is a software as a service or SaaS compatible software and it has tiered pricing plans. There is a free version for beginning teachers while there are premium plans for already well-established teachers. Every level has different features of course creation, marketing tools, and student management options.

A major strength of Thinkific is its all-in-one software. It takes care of everything from hosting to delivery, along with payment processing and enrolments. This eliminates the need for multiple software solutions.

The platform works with a lot of modern third-party applications like email marketing, CRM, payment innovators. Course creators can easily integrate Thinkific with other business tools they use

Thinkific stands out for its customization options. Users can add branding to their school site with a custom domain, colors, and logos without any technical knowledge.

Main Pros Of Thinkific

Thinkific is a very easy-to-use course platform with a nice design that anyone can learn to use with ease. Creators can easily create professional-looking courses without any coding experience using a drag-and-drop course builder.

The platform offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of content, allowing the use of videos, PDFs, tests, surveys, and more. This flexibility helps make attractive educational experiences that suit different teaching methods.

 

Thinkific has strong marketing features to aid users in product promotion. You get access to coupons, affiliate programmes, and email marketing integrations for easier student acquisition.

Thinkific’s main goal is security and reliability. The software also manages any and all technical-related elements, such as hosting, security updates, and compliance elements. Creators only need to focus on creating.

You can customize many themes and match all your branding elements with it. Course creators can create a school that looks professional with their branding.

Thinkific’s payment processing is straightforward, with no fees for paid plans. Creators get paid straight away instead of having to wait like on the marketplace.

The student management system will help track progress, project communications, and enhance efficiency analytics to help improve your course over time.

Main Cons Of Thinkific

Although popular, Thinkific has a few big downsides every course creator should know before investing.

Built-in Marketing tools are weaker: Thinkific’s marketing ability is weaker than Kajabi and other competitors. Users frequently have to use third-party tools to run marketing campaigns.

Thinkific doesn’t offer much in terms of sales funnel design, which may mean you need a third-party app to create one.

Email marketing capabilities: Thinkific only offers basic email function. Most course creators lack the automations sequences they really require to engage with students.

Website Customization Issues: Although you can customize Thinkific websites, many people find they can’t create a unique brand with the tools.

The lower plans have higher transaction fees that can eat into profits, which is a bummer if you are just starting out.

The community building features aren’t as expensive as vendors like Mighty Networks, making it harder to engage students.

Thinkific’s mobile app is not as good as some other platforms. So, students might not be happy on mobile.

It may be less intuitive for new course creators because alternatives focus especially on beginners (i.e. Ease of Use).

Membership Site Limitations: If you want to build complex membership sites with diverse tiers, you may find Thinkific’s features limiting.

Thinkific Best Alternatives For Creators

Need a platform to build and sell online courses other than Thinkific? There are many strong alternatives that offer unique features for different creator needs, pricing models, and specialized capabilities that might fit your specific needs better.

LifterLMS

LifterLMS is a plugin for WordPress, not a hosted solution. This gives people what they want when setting up a learning platform without the monthly fees based on sales.

The platform has a core plugin with additional add-ons. For basic features, the platform has a starting price of $99/year. There are premium add-ons too that can be purchased separately or in a bundle.

Since it is integrated with WordPress, LifterLMS has great customization options. The creators fully own the content and student data and can do whatever they want without any restrictions from the platform.

You can use the drip content, quizzes, assignments, certificates and membership feature. The platform also allows course bundles and multiple payment options.

Prices Core Free | Earth Bundle $299 | Universe Bundle $499 | Infinity Bundle $1,499 per year

Kajabi

Kajabi’s an all-in-one course creator business tool solution. Kajabi comes with website building, email marketing, sales funnel and community features unlike Thinkific.

Costs start from $79 a month, making it much pricier than Thinkific. But this does mean you don’t need multiple software to do your marketing.

The platform comes with advanced automation for marketing and students. The Pipelines feature of this platform allows you to create complete marketing funnels.

Users can access courses wherever they are thanks to Kajabi’s mobile app. The platform is best suited for established creators with a larger budget who need robust marketing features along with course delivery.

Prices Kickstarter $89 | Basic $149 | Growth $199 | Pro $399 per month

LearnDash

The LearnDash is a premium WordPress LMS plugin used by educational institutions and professional training organizations. It gives a lot of flexibility while still keeping it professional.

Pricing begins at $199/year for a single site license. This means that it is cheaper than a lot of hosted platforms for creators with technical or development skills.

You can easily create quizzes, drip content, create dynamic forums, and track progress in detail. Its focus course creator helps make professional path with prerequisites and course points.

LearnDash can smoothly integrate with most WordPress themes and plugins, allowing creators to build very customized learning experiences. The interface has been updated recently for the ease of use of non-technical people.

Prices $199 per year

Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks distinguishes itself with community-centric learning experiences. The platform emphasizes social learning and network building alongside course delivery.

Pricing starts at $49/month for basic features, with the Business plan at $119/month offering full course capabilities. This positions it between Thinkific and Kajabi in terms of cost.

The platform excels in creating engaging communities around courses. Features include live events, member profiles, direct messaging, and activity feeds that foster student interaction.

Mighty Networks offers a native mobile app experience for both iOS and Android. The platform works particularly well for creators building membership sites or cohort-based courses where student interaction drives value.

Prices The Community Plan $49 | The Course Plan $119 | The Business Plan $219

Tutor LMS

Tutor LMS is a WordPress alternative that allows for a free and premium version. The basic course creation options are quite robust in the free version.

You can get the premium plans starting at just $199/year, which is good for creators on a tighter budget. Even the basic version of the platform includes content dripping, assignments, quizzes, and certificates.

Tutor LMS has a user interface that is easy to navigate through as it is clean and intuitive. In fact, we found it easier to use than many other plugins in WordPress. It has excellent support for page builders like Elementor for custom design.

The platform allows you to monetize your content through WooCommerce and Paid Memberships Pro. Users can choose how they want to get paid.

Prices Individual $199 per year

Podia

Podia’s all-in-one platform is simplified to let you sell online courses, downloads, and memberships. The simple interface will attract creators looking for something easy to use.

Pricing starts at $39/month, which makes it less expensive than Kajabi but slightly costlier than the entry plans from Thinkific. All plans include unlimited courses and students.

With zero transaction fees on every plan, the platform won’t eat into profits. Podia’s email marketing tools let creators keep in touch with their students.

Podia’s course player offers an uncluttered learning experience. Working with Podia is very easy as there aren’t many features available on the platform.

Prices Mover $39 | Shaker $89 per month

Teachable

Teachable has similar features and pricing to Thinkific, making it one of its closest competitors. This platform is focused on creating and selling courses.Prices are similar to Thinkific, starting at $39/month. Unless you purchase one of its paid options, Teachable will charge you transaction fees that interfere with earnings on your course sales.

Easy course creation system that allows you to create quizzes, lectures and completion certificates. It’s coaching feature helps in one-on-one sessions apart from the conventional courses.

Teachable offers in-depth analysis of student progress and sales. This platform is ideal for creators who want to deliver a plain and simple course without any marketing tools or community features.

Prices Basic $59 | Pro $159 | Pro + $249

LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds focuses on interactive learning and engagement features. The platform is notable for its interactive video technology and e-book creation.

Pricing begins at $29/month plus a $5 fee per course sale. Higher levels take out the transaction fees and add marketing tools like custom mobile apps.

You can make use of SCORM files, eBooks, interactive videos and more. The social learning tools of this platform allow users to engage with comments, certificates, and learner portfolios.

LearnWorlds allows for the branding of your own course with extensive personalization possibilities using your own code. The site is good for those who want to present courses professionally and interactivity.

Prices Starter $29 | Pro Trainer $99 | Learning Center $299

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best Thinkific alternatives for online creators?

A: Some of the best Thinkific alternatives for online creators include Teachable, Kajabi, and Podia. These platforms offer features like course creation tools, landing page builders, and community platforms to help you sell online courses effectively.

Q: Is there a free plan available with any Thinkific alternatives?

A: Yes, several Thinkific alternatives offer a free plan. For example, Teachable provides a free plan that allows you to create and sell online courses with limited features. This is a great way to test the platform before committing.

Q: How do I choose the best platform to create and sell online courses?

A: Choosing the best platform to create and sell online courses depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like ease of use, pricing, integrations, and features like marketing tools and community support. Platforms like Kajabi and Teachable are highly regarded for their comprehensive features.

Q: What features should I look for in a Thinkific alternative?

A: When looking for a Thinkific alternative, consider features such as an intuitive online course builder, marketing automation tools, community engagement options, and customizable landing pages. These features can enhance your online course business significantly.

Q: Can I manage online courses effectively on platforms other than Thinkific?

A: Yes, many other platforms such as Teachable, Kajabi, and Podia allow you to manage online courses effectively. They provide tools for tracking student progress, offering quizzes, and engaging with learners through community platforms.

Q: What are the pros and cons of using Teachable vs Thinkific?

A: Teachable and Thinkific both have their pros and cons. Teachable is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent marketing features, while Thinkific offers more comprehensive customization options. Consider your priorities, like ease of use or customization, when choosing between them.

Q: How does LearnWorlds compare to Kajabi and Thinkific?

A: LearnWorlds offers unique features such as interactive videos and extensive analytics, making it a strong competitor against Kajabi and Thinkific. It is particularly popular among course creators looking for an engaging online learning experience.

Q: Are there any best Kajabi alternatives for 2025?

A: Yes, some of the best Kajabi alternatives for 2025 include Teachable, Podia, and Thinkific. Each offers unique features that cater to different needs for online course creators, such as community platforms and effective online marketing tools.

Q: What is the easiest platform for an online course creator?

A: The easiest platform for an online course creator is often considered to be Teachable due to its simple setup and user-friendly interface. It allows you to create online tutorials and sell courses without extensive technical knowledge.

Q: How can I create an online course business without using Thinkific?

A: You can create an online course business using various alternatives such as Kajabi, Teachable, or Podia. These platforms provide all the necessary tools to create courses, manage students, and sell online effectively.

Final Thoughts

The choice of platform for your online courses is dependent on what exactly you are looking for. many educators find Thinkific a solid choice but other options like kajabi and Podia and mighty networks offer other attractive features that might suit other creators.

Key considerations when selecting a platform include:

• Pricing structure and affordability
• User experience for both creators and students
• Marketing and sales tools
• Community-building capabilities
• Mobile accessibility

The perfect stage must go further than empowering day-to-day operations to achieve business objectives. It must align with long-term goals and provide the tools necessary to scale the operation. Numerous platforms allow a free trial before you purchase- 14 days or 30 days to test out the features.

If you’re looking for features to build a robust community, Mighty Networks might be worth your attention. If you prefer something that has great marketing capabilities, go for Kajabi, however, it is more costly.

Udemy has the biggest marketplace exposure but gives less control over price and branding With Podia, Creators Who Are Just Starting Out Get Easy And Value.

By 2025, most platforms are no longer simply course hosting platforms, but ones that help you build an entire online business equipped with various tools.

Creators should focus on the platforms that provide the features that are most important to their teaching style and business model before making a final decision. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs.