Thinkific is a well-regarded platform for building your online coaching business, with over 50,000 course creators relying on its flexibility and scalability. It boasts a comprehensive suite of features for developing online courses, fostering communities, and managing memberships.
However, it’s important to note that Thinkific has its limitations, particularly in areas like website building, funnel creation, and marketing tools. If these elements are crucial for your business strategy, exploring alternative platforms might be a wise decision.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top alternatives to Thinkific that might align better with your specific needs.
Why Look for a Thinkific Alternative?
Thinkific may be a great tool. But when it comes to meeting all your personal requirement, it might lag behind. For some, price might be a big concern, for others ease of use. Let’s check some of the main reasons one might look for alternatives to Thinkific.
Pricing Concerns
Pricing is one of the most common reasons for users to seek alternatives to Thinkific. While Thinkific does offer a free plan, many of its valuable features are confined to higher-tier subscriptions. For example, platforms like Teachery and Podia present attractive pricing structures that grant unlimited access to all functionalities, making them appealing options for creators watching their budgets.
Feature Limitations
Despite its robust course creation capabilities, Thinkific has certain feature limitations that may not satisfy every user’s requirements. For instance, it lacks some advanced marketing tools and community engagement features available in alternatives like Kajabi or Mighty Networks. Creators seeking more robust features like email marketing, live streaming, or event management might prefer other platforms.
Different Integrations
Another aspect to consider is the integration capabilities of Thinkific. While it does connect with several third-party applications, it may not support all the tools that some creators depend on. Alternatives like Kartra and Podia offer broader integration options and built-in tools that can enhance workflows without the need for multiple applications.
Learning Curve
Finally, the learning curve associated with Thinkific can be a deterrent for some users. Despite being user-friendly, the platform might overwhelm newcomers to online course creation, especially compared to simpler alternatives like Teachery. Platforms that emphasize ease of use and straightforward setup can be more appealing to those looking to launch their courses quickly without navigating complex systems.
Paid Thinkific Alternatives
Let us first take a look at the paid alternatives to Thinkific. In the following section, we have collected 9 free Thinkific alternatives for you. Let’s explore them one by one.
1. Kajabi
Kajabi’s user-friendly interface and extensive tool set make it a go-to option for creators seeking an all-in-one solution. The platform simplifies the management of different facets of an online business, from content creation to marketing and community engagement. Its intuitive design ensures that users can easily navigate and utilize the features to meet their business objectives effectively.
Features
- Website Builder: Tools to create and customize professional websites without needing coding skills.
- Online Course Creation: Comprehensive features for designing, organizing, and selling online courses.
- Email Marketing: Integrated email marketing tools for creating, managing, and automating email campaigns.
- Community Building: Robust community features to foster engagement and interaction among users and customers.
- Analytics and Reporting: Advanced analytics to track performance, sales, and user engagement.
- Marketing Automation: Tools for automating marketing tasks, including email sequences and sales funnels.
- Payment Processing: Integrated payment processing to handle transactions and subscriptions easily.
Best For
Kajabi is particularly well-suited for course creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs in search of a holistic business solution. It excels for those who want to blend community building with marketing and content creation. The platform’s extensive feature set makes it ideal for businesses that require robust tools to manage multiple operational aspects seamlessly.
Comparison to Thinkific
Unlike Thinkific’s focus on course creation, Kajabi provides tools for managing a complete online business. This makes Kajabi an excellent alternative for those who need more than just course management capabilities. Its all-in-one approach allows businesses to streamline their operations and integrate various elements of their digital strategy effectively.
2. Teachable
Designed with ease of use in mind, Teachable’s interface is accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. The platform guides creators through the entire course setup process—from uploading content to designing sales pages. Its dashboard facilitates straightforward management of courses, students, and sales analytics, ensuring that both course creators and learners can navigate the platform with ease.
Features
- Customizable Course Templates: Easily create and customize online courses with flexible templates.
- Quizzes and Assessments: Tools to create quizzes and assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Completion Certificates: Ability to issue certificates of completion to students.
- Integrated Payment Processing: Seamless management of transactions and subscriptions.
- Affiliate Programs: Built-in affiliate marketing tools to promote courses.
- Email Marketing Capabilities: Tools for creating and managing email marketing campaigns.
- Analytics and Reporting: Detailed analytics to monitor course performance and sales.
- Custom Domain Support: Option to use a custom domain for your course website.
- Mobile Optimization: Mobile-friendly course pages for accessibility on all devices.
Best For
Teachable is ideal for educators, trainers, and entrepreneurs focused on delivering high-quality online courses. It caters particularly well to those who prioritize course creation over other business functionalities. The extensive customization options and marketing tools make it especially appealing for individuals or organizations looking to monetize their expertise through structured learning experiences.
Comparison to Thinkific
When comparing Teachable to Thinkific, both platforms excel in course creation but have distinct focuses. Thinkific offers more advanced learning tools such as surveys, live video capabilities, and enhanced student engagement features. While Teachable provides a user-friendly experience with strong marketing capabilities, Thinkific is often seen as more suitable for users who require extensive student management tools and classroom-like functionalities. Additionally, Thinkific allows for a more comprehensive integration of third-party applications compared to Teachable’s offerings.
3. Teach.io
With its user-friendly interface, Teach.io makes it easy for educators to create and manage their online courses. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to focus on crafting engaging content rather than getting bogged down by technical details. Teach.io also offers valuable resources to help users get started and thrive in their course creation journey.
Features
- Live Webinars: Host live webinars for real-time interaction and teaching.
- Chat Functionalities: Integrated chat features for communication between instructors and students.
- Gamification Elements: Incorporate gamification to enhance engagement and motivation.
- Classroom Features: Tools for creating and managing online classrooms.
- Community Features: Built-in community functionalities to foster interaction and collaboration.
- Analytics and Reporting: Track course performance and student progress.
Best For
Teach.io is an excellent choice for course creators and educators seeking a straightforward platform for developing and selling online courses. It provides all the essential tools needed to grow and monetize your community in one place, all for a flat monthly fee.
Comparison to Thinkific
Teach.io’s emphasis on simplicity and ease of use positions it as a strong alternative to Thinkific for those who prefer a more streamlined experience. You can start monetizing courses immediately with this all-in-one platform that eliminates app switching and complex integrations.
4. Mighty Networks
The platform prioritizes a community-first approach, allowing course content to blend seamlessly with interactive features like discussion feeds and group chats. This integration fosters an active learning environment, making it ideal for cohort-based courses that require live interactions. The user interface is crafted for easy navigation between course materials and community discussions, ensuring a smooth experience for both creators and participants. Mighty Networks also includes analytics tools to monitor course performance and student engagement.
Features
- Online Course Creation and Management: Tools to create, host, and sell online courses.
- Community Building: Features to foster engagement and interaction within vibrant communities.
- Mobile Apps: Availability of mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Branded App Options: Customizable branded app options for users.
- Messaging Capabilities: Integrated messaging features for communication.
- Native Live Streaming: Support for live streaming directly within the platform.
- Event Support: Hosting capabilities for both online and in-person events.
- API Integration: API integration available for Business Plan users to enhance customization and connectivity with other tools.
Best For
Mighty Networks is best suited for creators aiming to build a community-driven learning environment alongside their courses. It appeals to those looking to combine educational content with social interaction, making it perfect for membership sites or programs that require ongoing participant engagement. The platform is particularly attractive for users interested in offering both online courses and in-person events while leveraging the power of community in their teaching.
Comparison to Thinkific
When comparing Mighty Networks to Thinkific, it’s clear that the two platforms serve different primary purposes despite both offering course creation capabilities. Mighty Networks excels in community engagement features like member chat and native live streaming—capabilities not available on Thinkific. Furthermore, Mighty Networks allows for managing in-person events, providing a more holistic approach to learning experiences.
5. LearnDash
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, LearnDash is accessible for both course creators and students. The intuitive interface allows users to set up courses quickly without needing coding skills. Thanks to its seamless integration with WordPress, users can take advantage of existing themes and plugins to enhance their course offerings. The platform also includes tools for tracking student progress and engagement metrics, providing valuable insights into learner performance.
Features
- WordPress LMS: A Learning Management System integrated with WordPress.
- Drag-and-Drop Course Builder: Simplifies the course creation process with an intuitive interface.
- Multimedia Support: Supports various multimedia formats, including videos and quizzes.
- Drip-Feed Content Delivery: Schedule content to be released over time to students.
- Automated Notifications: Send automated notifications to users.
- Badges and Certificates: Award badges and certificates upon course completion.
- Membership Creation: Tools to create and manage memberships.
- Course Bundles: Ability to bundle multiple courses together.
- Subscription Options: Create subscription-based access to courses.
Best For
LearnDash is ideal for educators, trainers, and businesses already utilizing WordPress who want to expand into e-learning. It caters specifically to users seeking a powerful LMS that offers extensive customization options and control over hosting and monetization. This platform is ideal for creating customized online learning spaces within WordPress.
Comparison to Thinkific
LearnDash requires a WordPress site, which may involve additional setup and maintenance; however, it offers unparalleled customization through the extensive WordPress plugin ecosystem. In contrast, Thinkific is a standalone platform that simplifies the process by managing hosting and security updates for users who prefer not to handle these aspects themselves. Unlike Thinkific’s broader digital product capabilities, LearnDash specializes in WordPress course management and customization.
6. Udemy
Udemy’s user-friendly interface streamlines the process of course creation and management. The platform prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that users can easily navigate its features. With an extensive marketplace at their disposal, instructors benefit from built-in exposure to potential students.
Features
- Online Learning Marketplace: A platform for educators to create and sell courses globally.
- Course Creation Tools: Support for creating courses with multimedia content.
- Quizzes: Ability to include quizzes in courses for assessment.
- Certificates: Issue certificates upon course completion.
- Marketing Tools: Robust tools to help instructors promote their courses.
- Analytics Tools: Detailed analytics to track course performance and audience engagement.
- Global Audience Reach: Access to a worldwide audience of learners.
Best For
Udemy is perfect for educators and course creators aiming to tap into a global audience through a well-established online learning marketplace. This platform is ideal for those who prioritize accessibility and integrated marketing tools. Its comprehensive feature set makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes—from solo instructors to larger educational organizations.
Comparison to Thinkific
With contrast to Thinkific, Udemy offers the advantage of a built-in audience and marketplace. This makes Udemy a better choice for those looking to reach a wider audience without significant marketing investments. With its user-friendly design and extensive marketing capabilities, Udemy serves as an excellent alternative to Thinkific for those prioritizing reach and accessibility in their online teaching endeavors.
7. Skillshare
Skillshare’s user-friendly interface simplifies the process of course creation and management. The platform is designed to foster engagement and interaction within the community, ensuring that users can effectively connect with one another and the course content. By prioritizing project-based learning, Skillshare enhances the overall educational experience for students, encouraging them to apply what they learn in practical ways.
Features
- Online Learning Community: A vibrant platform for learners and educators.
- Course Creation Tools: Support for creating courses with multimedia content.
- Community Discussions: Features to facilitate discussions and interactions among users.
- Project-Based Learning: Emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning experiences.
- Creative and Professional Skills: Focus on courses related to creative and professional skills.
- Target Audience: Popular among artists, designers, and entrepreneurs.
Best For
Skillshare is an excellent platform for creators and entrepreneurs eager to share their skills and knowledge with a global audience. Its focus on creative and professional development makes it suitable for a diverse range of educators and course creators who want to inspire others through their expertise.
Comparison to Thinkific
Skillshare stands out with its built-in community and emphasis on project-based learning. This makes Skillshare a better choice for those seeking to engage with a global audience while fostering community interaction. Skillshare in the best choice for educators looking to connect with learners in an interactive environment.
8. Kartra
Kartra provides a user-friendly interface that allows creators to efficiently build and manage their online courses and marketing funnels. The drag-and-drop page builder simplifies the design process, enabling users to create visually appealing landing pages without needing extensive technical skills. The platform uses email automation to keep students engaged by sending personalized reminders and notifications.
Features
- Course and Membership Sales: Focus on selling courses and memberships.
- Customizable Pages: Tools to create and customize web pages.
- Lead Forms: Design and implement lead capture forms.
- Email Marketing: Integrated email marketing tools for campaigns.
- Surveys and Quizzes: Create surveys and quizzes for engagement and assessment.
- Affiliate Management: Tools to manage and track affiliate programs.
- Calendar Scheduling: Calendar tool for arranging calls with potential clients.
Best For
Kartra is ideal for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking a comprehensive marketing solution that incorporates course creation as part of a broader sales strategy. This platform is ideal for users who want to combine online courses with lead generation and marketing funnels. The platform’s features are especially beneficial for high-ticket product sales where personalized engagement can significantly boost conversion rates.
Comparison to Thinkific
Kartra and Thinkific both support online course creation, but they serve different purposes. Kartra is a comprehensive marketing and sales platform, ideal for selling courses and generating leads, starting at $99/month. Thinkific, on the other hand, focuses on course delivery and community engagement, with a free plan available. Unlike Thinkific, Kartra offers features like native live streaming and tools for running marketing campaigns for clients.
9. Teachery
The user interface of Teachery is clean and intuitive, allowing users to create courses quickly without needing technical skills. The platform features a drag-and-drop course builder that simplifies the customization of lessons and sub-lessons. Although it does not offer native video hosting, users can easily embed content from platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud. Teachery also includes an autosave function to protect users from losing their work. However, it lacks student assessment tools like quizzes or certificates, which may limit engagement options.
Features
- Customizable Templates: Two templates for creating minimalistic courses.
- Promotional Codes: Ability to create and manage promotional codes.
- Upsell Options: Tools to offer upsell opportunities to students.
- Course Bundles: Create and sell bundles of multiple courses.
- Drip Content: Schedule content to be released over time.
- Membership Options: Support for creating membership-based access.
- Unlimited Sales Pages: Create unlimited sales pages for courses.
- Landing Pages: Design and manage landing pages.
- Email Capture Pages: Create pages to capture email addresses.
- Email Marketing Integration: Seamless integration with platforms like MailChimp and ConvertKit.
Best For
Teachery is perfect for beginner course creators or those seeking a simple platform to launch their online courses without the need for advanced features. Its flat-rate pricing structure provides unlimited access to all functionalities, making it appealing for users who want to create multiple courses without incurring additional costs. The platform’s focus on ease of use makes it suitable for individuals who prioritize getting started quickly over complex marketing needs.
Comparison to Thinkific
Teachery emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it a great option for new educators looking for a straightforward course creation experience. In contrast, Thinkific offers a more comprehensive suite of features geared towards advanced course management and marketing capabilities. Unlike Thinkific, Teachery offers a minimalistic approach that may appeal more to those who do not require such complexities.
Free Thinkific Alternatives
1. Google Classroom
Google Classroom offers a user-friendly platform for educators and students, streamlining assignment management and enhancing communication. With its intuitive interface, teachers can easily create and distribute assignments, while students benefit from a centralized view of their tasks. The platform promotes collaboration through real-time interactions and supports personalized learning experiences.
Features
- Free Platform: No cost for educators and students.
- Course Creation and Management: Tools to create and manage courses.
- Assignment Distribution: Easily distribute and collect assignments.
- Communication Tools: Effective communication features for educators and students.
- Google Workspace Integration: Seamless integration with Google Docs, Drive, and Meet.
Limitations
While Google Classroom excels in basic course management and communication, it lacks advanced features like course monetization, detailed analytics, and deep customization options. This platform is better suited for educational institutions than for-profit course creators.
Best For
Google Classroom is ideal for educational institutions, K-12 teachers, and non-profit organizations seeking a free and straightforward tool to manage online classes and assignments. It’s particularly beneficial for those already using Google Workspace who want seamless integration with familiar tools.
Trade-offs
Choosing Google Classroom means sacrificing advanced features and monetization options. While it’s excellent for basic educational needs, it may not meet the demands of businesses looking to generate revenue from their courses.
2. Klasio (Free Plan)
Klasio offers a straightforward user experience that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. Its intuitive interface allows users to create courses quickly without getting bogged down by technical complexities. The platform provides robust support to ensure users can navigate any challenges they may encounter while building their online courses.
Features
- No Web Hosting or Plugins: Eliminates the need for external web hosting or plugins.
- Course Creation and Management: Tools to create and manage online courses.
- Hosting, Marketing, and Selling: All-in-one platform for hosting, marketing, and selling courses.
- Content Types: Supports video lessons, quizzes, and email automation.
- Community Management: Tools to manage and engage with communities.
- Affiliate Management: Facilitates managing affiliates for collaboration and growth.
Best for
Klasio is best suited for knowledge entrepreneurs looking to launch their online courses without the hassle of technical setups. It caters to a wide range of instructors, including those teaching hobbies like hiking or cooking, as well as professional skills such as coding. Its all-in-one solution is ideal for individuals who want to focus on content creation rather than technical details.
Comparison to Thinkific
Klasio stands out with its simplified course management features. Thinkific may offer more advanced customization options and integrations but can be more complex for beginners. Klasio’s drag-and-drop interface and comprehensive support make it a more accessible choice for those new to online course creation. Klasio also offers dedicated service to business who want to streamline their employee training activities. Currently, Klasio is offering its early access package that’s completely free. Plus, beta testers get additional benefits such special gifts and discounts. This makes Klasio one the best free Thinkific Alternatives
3. Moodle
Moodle’s modern interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. Users can easily navigate their courses through a personalized dashboard that displays current, past, and upcoming courses. The platform’s drag-and-drop functionality simplifies file management, allowing educators to upload resources from various cloud storage services effortlessly. Notifications keep users informed about assignments and deadlines, while the messaging feature fosters communication between students and instructors.
Features
- Free and Open-Source: No cost and open for customization.
- Dynamic Course Creation: Tools to create dynamic and interactive online courses.
- Multimedia Integration: Supports integration of various multimedia content.
- Collaborative Activities: Features like forums, wikis, and glossaries for collaboration.
- Assessment Tools: Built-in tools for quizzes and assignments.
- Progress Tracking: Ability to track and monitor student progress.
- Badges: Award badges for student achievements.
Best For
Moodle is particularly well-suited for educational institutions, trainers, and organizations seeking a customizable and scalable LMS without the costs associated with proprietary systems. It is especially advantageous for those with the technical expertise to set up and maintain the platform, as it offers extensive customization options through plugins and themes. The flexibility of Moodle makes it ideal for diverse learning environments, ranging from small classrooms to large-scale corporate training programs.
Comparison to Thinkific
The two platforms, Moodle and Thinkific, serve different purposes within the e-learning landscape. Moodle primarily functions as an LMS focused on course management and educational collaboration, making it suitable for institutions that prioritize extensive customization and control over their learning environments. In contrast, Thinkific is designed specifically for course creation and marketing, offering a more streamlined experience for selling online courses without the need for technical setup.
Conclusion
Some tools covered in this list have a higher focus on ease of use and simplicity. Others act like an all-in-one powerhouse that helps you build, engage, and monetize your community seamlessly.
Your choice depends completely on what you want to achieve. At the end of the day, the platform that better fulfills all your teaching and business needs is the winner.
We hope, with the right choice, you’ll be well on your way to launching an online course that inspires and engages your learners. Plus, it helps you turn your passion into income. Happy teaching
