Systeme.io vs Kajabi: Which is Best for Online Courses?
Introduction: Too Many Tools, Too Little Time
You’re ready to build and sell your online course—but now you’re stuck choosing between Systeme.io and Kajabi.
Sound familiar?
Maybe you’ve watched a few YouTube reviews or scrolled through comparison charts. But at the end of the day, you just want to know:
Which one’s actually going to help you launch and grow without burning out or going broke?
Let’s break it down in plain English—no fluff, no hype.
Meet the Platforms
What is Systeme.io?
Systeme.io is an all-in-one marketing platform designed for simplicity. It includes tools for online courses, email marketing, funnels, and automation—without needing a dozen plugins.
Created by an online entrepreneur for online entrepreneurs, it’s popular among solopreneurs, course creators, and digital marketers who want something affordable and beginner-friendly.
What is Kajabi?
Kajabi is a more premium, established course platform that positions itself as the all-in-one solution for high-level creators. It’s got polish, power, and a price tag to match.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Course Creation & Delivery
Kajabi gives you slick course design tools, progress tracking, and mobile optimization. It’s like the Apple of course platforms—beautiful but not cheap.
Systeme.io offers a straightforward course builder with drip content, video hosting, and quizzes.
Email Marketing & Automation
Systeme.io includes built-in email marketing with automation on all plans—even the free one.
Kajabi has visual workflows and powerful tagging, but it’s only available on paid plans that start at $149/month.
Sales Funnels & Checkout
Both platforms let you build sales funnels and landing pages. Systeme.io comes with a funnel builder baked in—modeled after tools like ClickFunnels.
Membership & Communities
Kajabi recently introduced “Communities,” similar to a built-in Facebook group experience.
Systeme.io lets you lock content behind memberships and manage users simply, but it lacks community chat features.
Affiliate Program Management
Systeme.io gives you a full affiliate management tool on every plan. Kajabi? You’ll need their Growth plan ($199/month) to unlock affiliate features.
Ease of Use: Which Feels Simpler?
Systeme.io is built with non-techy people in mind. You can launch your course, email list, and funnel with zero coding or integrations.
Pricing Breakdown: Budget vs. Premium
| Feature | Systeme.io (Free–$97/mo) | Kajabi ($149–$399/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Courses & Funnels | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Yes (Limits apply) |
| Emails & Automation | ✅ Included | ✅ On paid plans |
| Affiliates | ✅ All plans | ❌ Only Growth+ |
| Communities | ❌ Limited | ✅ Rich experience |
Where Each Platform Shines (And Struggles)
When Systeme.io is the better pick
- You’re just getting started with your first course
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want an all-in-one system with zero tech headaches
- You need affiliate marketing out of the box
When Kajabi might be worth it
- You’ve got a team or established audience
- You want sleek branding and a community experience
- You don’t mind paying $150–$399/month for premium features
- You’re scaling a 6- or 7-figure digital business
Final Verdict: Choose Based on Your Stage
Kajabi is powerful—but pricey and overkill for beginners.
Systeme.io covers 90% of what most people need at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s What to Do Next
👉 Still undecided? Don’t overthink it.
Set up your free Systeme.io account, build your first course, and test the waters without risk.
💡 You’ll learn more by doing than comparing.