Summary
When you are looking to take a series of content online, like a Course with Lessons, no matter which tool you choose, there will be a learning curve. With that acknowledged, the next phase of decision-making is choosing the platform. In this post, Jonathan compares Kajabi (A SAAS solution) to LearnDash (WordPress). He discusses why LearnDash may provide more flexibility in juxtaposition to Kajabi’s “swiss army knife” option. Which path will you choose?

Why LearnDash Could Be a Better Alternative to Kajabi for Online Course Creation
Choosing the right platform for creating and selling online courses is crucial for educators and membership entrepreneurs. LearnDash and Kajabi are two popular options offering different course creation and management approaches. LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that gives users more control and flexibility, while Kajabi is an all-in-one platform with built-in marketing tools.
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. LearnDash works well for those already using WordPress or who want more customization options. Kajabi might be better for people who prefer a ready-to-use solution with everything in one place.
The choice between LearnDash and Kajabi depends on your needs, budget, and technical skills. LearnDash costs less but requires more setup time. Kajabi is pricier but offers a smoother start for beginners.
Key Takeaways
- LearnDash offers more flexibility as a WordPress plugin, while Kajabi provides an all-in-one solution.
- Pricing differs significantly, with LearnDash being more affordable but requiring separate hosting.
- The choice depends on user preferences for customization, ease of use, and existing website setup.
How Different Are LearnDash And Kajabi?
LearnDash and Kajabi are two popular options for creating online courses, but they have some key differences.
LearnDash is a WordPress plugin. It integrates with existing WordPress sites. This gives users more control over their course design and functionality.
Kajabi is a standalone platform. It provides everything needed to create and sell courses in one place. This can be easier for beginners but offers less customization.
Pricing varies between the two. LearnDash has a one-time fee plus yearly renewals. Kajabi uses a monthly subscription model with different tiers.
Course creation tools differ as well. LearnDash relies on WordPress editors and add-ons. Kajabi has built-in course builders and templates.
Marketing features are another point of contrast. Kajabi includes email marketing, landing pages, and sales funnels. With LearnDash, users need separate tools or plugins for these functions.
Student engagement options also vary. Both offer quizzes and certificates. Kajabi provides community features. LearnDash requires additional plugins for similar capabilities.
Support and training differ, too. Kajabi offers more hands-on assistance. LearnDash users often rely on WordPress communities and documentation.
The choice between LearnDash and Kajabi depends on specific needs, technical skills, and budget considerations.
From All-In-One Vs. Dedicated Course Builders
Kajabi and LearnDash take different approaches to creating online courses. Kajabi is an all-in-one platform with everything needed to build and sell courses. It provides hosting, website building, marketing tools, and payment processing in one package.
LearnDash focuses solely on course creation as a WordPress plugin. Additional functionality requires a separate WordPress site and other plugins. This specialized approach allows for more customization but needs more setup.
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Kajabi’s all-in-one nature makes it faster to launch courses. Users can get started quickly without technical knowledge. LearnDash offers more control but has a steeper learning curve.
Pricing reflects these differences:
- Kickstarter: $69/monthly
- Basic: $149/monthly
- Growth: $199/monthly
- Pro: $399/monthly
- LearnDash Plugin: $199/year
- LearnDash Plugin + Hosting:: Starter: $300 | Growth $492 | Pro: $996 per year
LearnDash is cheaper, but additional costs for hosting and plugins may apply. Kajabi includes more features at a higher price.
The choice depends on needs and preferences. Kajabi suits those wanting an easy start. LearnDash fits users who are comfortable with WordPress and seeking more control.
Kajabi: Swiss Army Knife Membership Platform
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for creating and selling online courses. It offers many built-in tools to handle various aspects of running an online business.
Pros
Kajabi provides a complete suite of features for course creators. Users can build courses, design websites, manage email marketing, and process payments all in one place. The platform includes customizable themes and templates to create professional-looking sites quickly.
Kajabi’s marketing tools help grow your audience. You can set up sales funnels, create landing pages, and run automated email campaigns. The platform also offers detailed analytics to track student progress and sales performance.
For those new to online courses, Kajabi’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to start. The platform takes care of technical details like hosting and security updates.
Cons
Kajabi’s pricing is higher than that of most alternatives. The platform’s cheapest plan is $69 monthly (semi-cut-down version).
Some users find Kajabi’s course builder less flexible than other options. The platform has limits on course structure and content types. This can frustrate creators who want more control over their course design.
Kajabi does not offer as many integrations as some competitors. While it works well as a standalone system, it may not connect easily with other tools you already use.
LearnDash: WordPress Plugin
LearnDash is a popular learning management system (LMS) plugin for WordPress. It offers tools to create and sell online courses directly from a WordPress site. LearnDash provides flexibility for course creators while leveraging WordPress’s extensive ecosystem.
Pros
LearnDash integrates seamlessly with WordPress, allowing users to build courses on their existing sites. It supports various content types, including video, audio, and quizzes. The plugin offers features like drip-feeding content, course prerequisites, and certificates of completion.
LearnDash works well with many WordPress themes and plugins. This compatibility lets users customize their course sites extensively. The plugin also includes built-in payment options and supports major payment gateways.
Pricing for LearnDash is more affordable than some all-in-one platforms. It uses a one-time fee model rather than monthly subscriptions. This can be cost-effective for course creators who already have a WordPress site.
Cons
LearnDash requires more technical know-how than some other course platforms. Users need to manage their own WordPress hosting and updates. This can be challenging for those new to WordPress.
The plugin doesn’t include all the marketing tools on some all-in-one platforms. Users may need to add extra plugins for email marketing, affiliate programs, or advanced analytics.
While LearnDash offers many features, some users find the interface less intuitive than other course platforms. There can be a learning curve when setting up complex course structures or membership levels.
Plans And Pricing
Kajabi and LearnDash offer different pricing structures for their online course platforms. Kajabi provides all-in-one packages, while LearnDash uses a plugin model with annual licenses.
Kajabi
Kajabi has four main pricing tiers. Kickstarter starts at $69. However, we look at the basic plan, which starts at $149 per month. It includes three products, three pipelines, and up to 10,000 contacts. The Growth plan is $199 per month. It allows 15 products, 15 pipelines, and up to 25,000 contacts. The Pro plan costs $399 per month. It offers 100 products, 100 pipelines, and up to 100,000 contacts.
All Kajabi plans include:
- Unlimited landing pages
- Unlimited marketing emails
- 0% transaction fee
- Kajabi University access
- Webinars and events
A 14-day free trial is available for new users to test the platform.
LearnDash
LearnDash uses a yearly pricing model for its WordPress plugin. The Basic package costs $199 per year. It can be used on one site.
All LearnDash plans include:
- Unlimited courses
- Unlimited users
- Course content protection
- Drip-feed lessons
- Advanced quizzing
- Certificates
- Course forums
LearnDash offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users need to factor in additional costs for WordPress hosting and other plugins they might need.
Initial Setup
Getting started with Kajabi and LearnDash involves different processes. Kajabi offers a quick setup with its all-in-one platform. Users can sign up for an account and start building their course immediately.
LearnDash requires a few extra steps. First, you need a WordPress website. You’ll need to set it up if you don’t have one. Then, you install the LearnDash plugin on your WordPress site.
Kajabi provides templates for course creation. This makes it easier for beginners to design their courses quickly. LearnDash also offers templates, but they’re more customizable.
Both platforms have a learning curve. Kajabi’s interface is user-friendly for those new to course creation. LearnDash may take more time to learn, especially for those unfamiliar with WordPress.
Here’s a quick comparison of the initial setup steps:
-
Kajabi:
- Sign up for an account
- Choose a template
- Start building your course
-
LearnDash:
- Set up a WordPress site
- Install LearnDash plugin
- Activate the plugin
- Configure settings
- Begin course creation
Kajabi’s setup is faster, while LearnDash offers more control but requires more initial work.
Course Builder
LearnDash and Kajabi both offer course builders, but they work differently. LearnDash uses a block-based editor inside WordPress. This lets course creators quickly add text, images, videos, and quizzes.
Kajabi has its drag-and-drop course builder. It’s simpler to use for beginners. The builder lets users add lessons, videos, and quizzes without coding skills.
LearnDash gives more control over course layout and design. Users can customize every aspect of their courses. This works well for people who want a unique look.
Kajabi’s builder is more structured. It has pre-made templates for different course types. This helps create professional-looking courses quickly.
Both platforms support multimedia content. Users can add videos, audio files, and PDFs to their lessons. They also allow quiz creation and assignments.
LearnDash integrates with many WordPress plugins. This adds extra features to the course builder. Kajabi’s builder is more limited but covers most basic needs.
For complex courses, LearnDash may be better. Its flexible builder can handle advanced course structures. Kajabi works well for straightforward online courses.
Quiz Builder
Quizzes play a crucial role in online courses. Both Kajabi and LearnDash offer quiz tools to test student knowledge.
Kajabi’s quiz builder is easy to use. It lets course creators make multiple-choice, multiple-select, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Quizzes can include images and videos to engage students.
LearnDash has more advanced quiz options. It supports eight question types, including essay and matching. Course makers can set time limits, randomize questions, and show explanations for answers.
LearnDash also offers question banks. These let instructors pull from a pool of pre-made questions. This saves time when making new quizzes.
Both platforms allow grading and reporting on quiz results. Instructors can see how students perform and identify areas for improvement.
Kajabi links quizzes to its course completion tracking. LearnDash ties quizzes to its broader learning management features.
For basic quizzes, either tool works well. LearnDash gives more options for complex assessments. The choice depends on specific course needs and quiz complexity.
Built-In Order & Payment Support
Kajabi and LearnDash offer ways to process payments and orders for online courses. Kajabi comes with built-in payment processing. It connects to popular gateways like Stripe and PayPal. This lets course creators start selling quickly without extra setup.
LearnDash needs some extra steps for payments. Users must add a separate e-commerce plugin to their WordPress site. Popular options include WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads. This takes more time to set up but gives more control over the checkout process.
Kajabi handles the entire sales funnel in one place. It includes:
- Shopping carts
- Checkout pages
- Order tracking
- Subscription management
LearnDash relies on WordPress plugins for these features. This can mean a steeper learning curve. But it also allows for more customization of the buying experience.
Both platforms support one-time payments and recurring subscriptions for courses. They also offer coupon codes and payment plans to boost sales. Kajabi edges out LearnDash in ease of use for payments. LearnDash wins on flexibility, letting users choose their preferred payment tools.
Sales And E-Commerce Integrations
Kajabi and LearnDash both offer ways to sell courses and digital products online. Kajabi comes with built-in e-commerce features. Users can set up payment gateways, create coupons, and manage subscriptions on the platform.
LearnDash relies more on WordPress plugins for e-commerce. Popular options include WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads. This gives users flexibility in choosing their preferred tools.
Some key e-commerce features:
- Payment gateways: Both support major providers like PayPal and Stripe
- Coupons and discounts: Available in Kajabi and LearnDash
- Subscriptions: Recurring payments are possible on both platforms
- Upsells: Kajabi has built-in features, and LearnDash needs plugins
- Affiliate programs: Included in Kajabi, requires add-ons for LearnDash
Kajabi makes it simple to start selling quickly with its all-in-one approach. LearnDash offers more customization but needs extra setup.
For advanced sales funnels, Kajabi has the edge with built-in tools. LearnDash users may need to connect multiple plugins to achieve similar results.
Both platforms can handle different pricing models:
- One-time payments
- Subscriptions
- Payment plans
- Free courses
The choice depends on your specific needs and comfort with WordPress.
Certificate Builder
LearnDash comes with a built-in Certificate Builder. This tool lets course creators design custom certificates for their students. Users can add text, images, and dynamic fields to their certificates.
The Certificate Builder uses a drag-and-drop interface. This makes it easy to create professional-looking certificates without coding skills. Course creators can choose from pre-made templates or start from scratch.
Certificates can include:
- Student name
- Course title
- Completion date
- Custom text
- Company logo
- Instructor signature
LearnDash’s Certificate Builder integrates with the course completion system. When a student finishes a course, they automatically receive their certificate. This saves time for course creators and provides instant gratification for learners.
The tool also allows for PDF downloads of certificates. Students can save or print their achievements as needed. This feature adds value to the learning experience and helps with record-keeping.
Course creators can set up different certificates for various courses or achievements. This flexibility lets them tailor the recognition to specific programs or skill levels.
LearnDash’s Certificate Builder works well for businesses, educational institutions, and individual instructors. It adds a professional touch to online courses and helps motivate students to complete their learning journey.
Course Control And Access
LearnDash gives course creators fine-tuned control over content access. Users can set up drip-fed lessons, releasing material gradually over time. This helps prevent students from feeling overwhelmed.
The plugin also allows for prerequisite courses. Students must complete certain modules before moving on to more advanced topics. This ensures learners build a strong foundation.
Kajabi offers similar features for controlling course access. Its platform includes options for drip content and prerequisites. Course creators can easily set up these restrictions through the user-friendly interface.
Both platforms let instructors limit how long students can access course materials. This creates urgency and encourages timely completion.
LearnDash integrates with many WordPress membership plugins. This gives added flexibility for managing student access. Kajabi has built-in membership features, simplifying the process on its all-in-one platform.
Course access reports are available on both systems. Instructors can track student progress and engagement. This data helps improve course design and identify struggling learners.
Neither platform places strict limits on student numbers. Course creators can enroll as many students as they want. This allows for scalable course businesses.
User Roles And Membership
LearnDash and Kajabi both offer user role and membership features, but they approach them differently.
LearnDash gives course creators more control over user roles. It allows for custom role creation and fine-tuned permissions. This can be useful for large organizations with complex hierarchies.
Kajabi has pre-set roles such as admin, author, and member. While less flexible, this setup is more straightforward for most course creators to manage.
Both platforms let you create membership levels. This allows you to offer different content or features based on a user’s membership tier.
LearnDash integrates with WordPress user management. You can use other WordPress plugins to expand your role and membership options.
Kajabi’s membership features are built-in. They’re easy to set up but less customizable than LearnDash’s WordPress-based system.
Here’s a quick comparison of user role features:
Feature | LearnDash | Kajabi |
---|---|---|
Custom Roles | Yes | No |
Pre-set Roles | Yes | Yes |
Membership Levels | Yes | Yes |
Integration Options | Many | Limited |
Both platforms allow for drip content based on membership level. This lets you release course materials over time or after completing specific tasks.
Design And Customization
Kajabi offers pre-designed themes and templates for courses and websites. Users can customize these templates with drag-and-drop tools. This makes it easy to create professional-looking sites without coding skills.
LearnDash works with any WordPress theme. It gives more design freedom but requires more technical know-how. Users can pick from thousands of WordPress themes or create custom designs.
Kajabi’s design options are more straightforward to use but more limited. LearnDash offers more flexibility through WordPress but has a steeper learning curve.
Both platforms let users add their branding. With Kajabi, removing their branding requires a higher-tier plan. LearnDash doesn’t add its branding to courses.
For quick setup, Kajabi wins. For total design control, LearnDash is better. The choice depends on the user’s design skills and customization needs.
Key features:
- Kajabi: Pre-made templates, drag-and-drop editor
- LearnDash: WordPress integration, theme compatibility
Design skills needed:
- Kajabi: Beginner-friendly
- LearnDash: Some technical knowledge helpful
Support And Documentation
Kajabi and LearnDash both offer support and documentation for their users. Kajabi provides 24/7 live chat support on all plans. They also have email support and an extensive knowledge base.
LearnDash offers email support during business hours. Their documentation includes video tutorials and written guides. Users can also access a community forum to get help from other LearnDash customers.
Both platforms have active Facebook groups where users can ask questions. These groups are moderated by staff and experienced members.
Kajabi creates regular webinars and training sessions for new features. LearnDash relies more on written documentation for updates.
Here’s a quick comparison of support options:
Feature | Kajabi | LearnDash |
---|---|---|
Live chat | 24/7 | No |
Email support | Yes | Yes |
Knowledge base | Yes | Yes |
Video tutorials | Yes | Yes |
Community forum | No | Yes |
Facebook Group | Yes | Yes |
New users may find Kajabi’s support more accessible. LearnDash requires some technical know-how, especially for WordPress beginners.
Marketing Tools
Kajabi and LearnDash offer marketing tools to help course creators promote and sell their content. Kajabi provides a range of built-in features for email marketing, sales funnels, and landing pages. These tools are designed to work seamlessly within the Kajabi ecosystem.
LearnDash takes a different approach. It integrates with popular WordPress marketing plugins and tools. This gives users more flexibility in choosing their preferred marketing solutions.
Some key marketing features include:
Kajabi:
- Email marketing campaigns
- Sales funnel builder
- Landing page templates
- Affiliate program management
LearnDash:
- Integration with email marketing services
- Compatibility with landing page builders
- Support for various eCommerce plugins
- Ability to use WordPress-specific marketing tools
Kajabi’s all-in-one system may be more accessible for beginners who want everything in one place. LearnDash offers more customization options but requires users to set up and manage separate marketing tools.
Both platforms allow course creators to run promotions, offer coupons, and create upsells for their products. The choice between Kajabi and LearnDash for marketing depends on the user’s comfort level with technology and desire for customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences between Kajabi vs. LearnDash?
A: The main difference between Kajabi and LearnDash lies in their functionality. Kajabi is an all-in-one solution that includes marketing tools, while LearnDash is a plugin specifically designed for learning on WordPress sites, offering more flexibility for course creators.
Q: Is LearnDash or Kajabi a better option for course creators?
A: Whether LearnDash or Kajabi is a better option depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a comprehensive platform with built-in marketing and funnel automation, Kajabi may be more suitable. However, if you prefer the flexibility of WordPress and are already using it, LearnDash is a strong choice.
Q: Can I integrate LearnDash with other third-party tools?
A: LearnDash allows for integration with various third-party tools, making it versatile for email marketing and other automation options. Kajabi also offers integrations, but they are more limited compared to the extensive options available for LearnDash.
Q: What are the advantages of using Kajabi vs LearnDash?
A: The advantages of using Kajabi vs. LearnDash include its all-in-one functionality, facilitating easier funnel creation, and marketing automation. However, LearnDash may offer more customization options if you’re comfortable working within a WordPress environment.
Q: How does Kajabi branding affect my courses?
A: If you sign up for Kajabi, your courses will have Kajabi branding. However, you can remove the Kajabi branding if you choose a higher-tier plan. In contrast, LearnDash does not impose branding on your courses, allowing for complete customization.
Q: What are some Kajabi alternatives that I should consider?
A: Some Kajabi alternatives include platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Podia. These platforms also cater to course creators and offer various functionalities that can be compared to Kajabi vs. LearnDash.
Q: What is the cost comparison between LearnDash and Kajabi?
A: LearnDash is generally cheaper than Kajabi, mainly if you already use a WordPress site. Kajabi’s pricing reflects its all-in-one solution, which includes numerous marketing features that LearnDash does not offer out of the box.
Q: Can I use LearnDash to build my courses on a WordPress page?
A: Yes, LearnDash is built explicitly as an LMS plugin for WordPress, making it an ideal option to create and manage your courses directly on your WordPress site.
Q: How does the learning functionality compare between Kajabi and LearnDash?
A: The learning functionality in Kajabi is integrated with marketing tools, making it user-friendly for those focused on sales funnels. In contrast, LearnDash provides robust features for creating and managing online courses, making it highly customizable.
Final Thoughts
LearnDash and Kajabi are both solid options for creating online courses. LearnDash works well for those already using WordPress. It offers flexibility and integration with other plugins. Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that handles everything in one place.
Course creators should think about their needs and skills. LearnDash requires more setup but gives more control. Kajabi is easier to use but less customizable.
Budget is another crucial factor. LearnDash has a lower upfront cost, but extra fees may add up. Kajabi’s plans include more features but at a higher price.
Both platforms have pros and cons. LearnDash shines in its WordPress integration and flexibility. Kajabi excels in its all-in-one approach and ease of use.
The best choice depends on individual goals and preferences. Trying out demos or free trials can help make the decision. Either way, both tools can help create and sell successful online courses.