Circle vs Kajabi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Circle and Kajabi comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Circle
Community platform for creators and brands
Best for you if:
- • You need community platforms features specifically
- • Community platform for creators
- • Courses and discussions
Kajabi
All-in-one creator platform
Best for you if:
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for selling courses, memberships, and digital products
- • It provides website building, email marketing, and payment processing for creators
| At a Glance |  Circle |  Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Community Platforms | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | 86/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Circle | Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsMembership Sites | Online Course PlatformsMembership Sites |
Understanding the Differences
Both Circle and Kajabi solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Circle positions itself as "community platform for creators and brands" while Kajabifocuses on "all-in-one creator platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Circle
Circle makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Kajabi
Kajabi is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Kajabi
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Kajabi is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Kajabi
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Circle is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Circle
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Circle—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Circle higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Kajabi more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Circle Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Kajabi If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Circle (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Circle scores higher in our analysis, but Kajabi might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circle or Kajabi better?
Based on our analysis, Circle scores higher with 86/100. Circle ispaid while Kajabi is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Circle to Kajabi easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Circle and Kajabi offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Circle is paid with potential trial.Kajabi is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.