Heartbeat vs Teachable: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Heartbeat and Teachable 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:
Heartbeat
The community-first platform to monetize your audience with courses, events, and discussions.
Best for you if:
- • You need community platforms features specifically
- • All-in-one platform for community building, courses, and events.
- • Monetize your audience with flexible payment options and subscriptions.
Teachable
Create and sell online courses
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Online course creation platform
- • Student management tools
| At a Glance |  Heartbeat | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Community Platforms | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Heartbeat | Teachable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsMembership Sites | Online Course PlatformsLMS |
Understanding the Differences
Both Heartbeat and Teachable solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Heartbeat positions itself as "the community-first platform to monetize your audience with courses, events, and discussions." while Teachablefocuses on "create and sell online courses". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Heartbeat
Heartbeat makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Teachable
Teachable is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Teachable won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Teachable
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Teachable is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Teachable
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Heartbeat is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Heartbeat
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Teachable has a free tier to get you started.
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 Teachable higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Teachable more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Teachable Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Heartbeat 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 Teachable (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Teachable scores higher in our analysis, but Heartbeat 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 Heartbeat or Teachable better?
Based on our analysis, Teachable scores higher with 84/100. Heartbeat ispaid while Teachable is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Heartbeat to Teachable 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 Heartbeat and Teachable offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Heartbeat is paid with potential trial.Teachable is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.