Kajabi vs Payhip: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Kajabi and Payhip 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.
Bottom line: Kajabi wins this matchup. Our overall Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Our free Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Pick Payhip if you need e-commerce.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Kajabi
Unify your course, marketing, and community business
Best for you if:
- • You want all-in-one solution
- • You want marketing automation
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want sell digital products
- • You want easy setup
| At a Glance | Kajabi | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $55/monthKickstarter | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Creator Platforms | E-commerce |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Kajabi or Payhip?
Choose Kajabi if
Unify your course, marketing, and community business
- You want all-in-one solution
- You want marketing automation
- Your work is creator platforms-shaped, not e-commerce-shaped
Choose Payhip if
Sell digital products and memberships
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want sell digital products
- You want easy setup
- Budget matters (Free vs $55/month)
- Your work is e-commerce-shaped, not creator platforms-shaped
| Feature | Kajabi | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 323 reviews | ★4.7/5 10 reviews |
| Categories | Creator PlatformsOnline Course Platforms | E-commerceMembership Sites |
In-Depth Analysis
Kajabi
Unify your course, marketing, and community business
Kajabi's pricing is on the higher end, especially for beginners, with the 'Kickstarter' tier at $55/month offering limited features.
Strengths
- +All-in-one solution
- +Marketing automation
- +Premium features
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Overkill for beginners
Key features
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Payhip's pricing is very generous, especially with its 'Free Forever' tier which only charges a 5% fee per sale.
Strengths
- +Sell digital products
- +Easy setup
- +Fair pricing
- +Good for creators
- +No monthly fee option
Weaknesses
- -Per-transaction fees
- -Limited features
- -Basic storefront
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Customization limited
Key features
Pricing: Kajabi vs Payhip
| Plan | Kajabi | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $55 month Kickstarter | Free Free Forever |
| Tier 2 | $119 month Basic | $29 month Plus |
| Tier 3 | $159 month Growth | $99 month Pro |
| Tier 4 | $319 month Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Kajabi pricing and Payhip pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Payhip has a free tier. Kajabi is paid only.
Go with: Payhip
Want the highest-rated option?
Kajabi: 4.3/5 (323 reviews). Payhip: 4.7/5 (10 reviews).
Go with: Payhip
Value user reviews?
Kajabi: 323 reviews (4.3/5). Payhip: 10 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Kajabi
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kajabi is paid. Payhip is freemium. Payhip lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Kajabi is a creator platforms tool. Payhip is in e-commerce. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Payhip is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Kajabi
- Larger review base (323 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Payhip
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5
- Better fit for e-commerce
The Bottom Line
Kajabi wins this matchup. Our overall Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Our free Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Payhip has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kajabi or Payhip better?
Kajabi is rated in our evaluation. Kajabi is paid and Payhip is freemium.
What are Kajabi and Payhip used for?
Kajabi: Unify your course, marketing, and community business. Payhip: Sell digital products and memberships.
What does Kajabi cost vs Payhip?
Kajabi is a paid tool. Payhip is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.