Payhip vs Kajabi: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Payhip 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.
Bottom line: Kajabi wins this matchup. Stan Store is our overall Membership Sites pick. Pick Payhip if you need e-commerce.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Kajabi
Unify your course, marketing, and community business
Best for you if:
- • You want all-in-one solution
| At a Glance | Payhip | Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $55/month Kickstarter |
Category | E-commerce Membership Sites | Creator Platforms Online Course Platforms |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.7 10 reviews | 4.3/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.1 323 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Payhip or Kajabi?
Choose Payhip if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want sell digital products
- You want easy setup
- Budget matters (Free vs $55/month)
- You work in e-commerce, not creator platforms
Choose Kajabi if
- You want all-in-one solution
- You want marketing automation
- You work in creator platforms, not e-commerce
In-Depth Analysis
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
- Pro: Sell digital products
- Pro: Easy setup
- Pro: Fair pricing
- Pro: Good for creators
- Pro: No monthly fee option
Weaknesses
- Con: Per-transaction fees
- Con: Limited features
- Con: Basic storefront
- Con: Better alternatives exist
- Con: Customization limited
Key features
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
- Pro: All-in-one solution
- Pro: Marketing automation
- Pro: Premium features
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Overkill for beginners
Key features
Pricing: Payhip vs Kajabi
| Plan | Payhip | Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Forever | $55 month Kickstarter |
| Tier 2 | $29 month Plus | $119 month Basic |
| Tier 3 | $99 month Pro | $159 month Growth |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $319 month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Payhip pricing and Kajabi pricing.
Key Takeaways
Kajabi
- Larger review base (323 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Payhip
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for e-commerce
The Bottom Line
Kajabi wins this matchup. Stan Store is our overall Membership Sites pick. Payhip has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payhip or Kajabi better in 2026?
Kajabi wins this matchup. Stan Store is our overall Membership Sites pick. Pick Payhip for e-commerce workflows (main strength: sell digital products). Pick Kajabi for creator platforms workflows (main strength: all-in-one solution).
What are Payhip and Kajabi used for?
Payhip: Sell digital products and memberships. Kajabi: Unify your course, marketing, and community business.
What does Payhip cost vs Kajabi?
Payhip's paid plans start at Free (Plus). Kajabi's paid plans start at $55/month (Kickstarter).
What's the main difference between Payhip and Kajabi?
Payhip's main strength: sell digital products. Kajabi's main strength: all-in-one solution.