Thinkific vs Payhip: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Thinkific 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: Thinkific 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:
Thinkific
Turn your knowledge into income with an easy-to-use course platform
Best for you if:
- • You want no transaction fees
- • You want good free tier
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
- • You want sell digital products
- • You want easy setup
| At a Glance | Thinkific | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Online Course Platforms | E-commerce |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Thinkific or Payhip?
Choose Thinkific if
Turn your knowledge into income with an easy-to-use course platform
- You want no transaction fees
- You want good free tier
- Your work is online course platforms-shaped, not e-commerce-shaped
Choose Payhip if
Sell digital products and memberships
- You want sell digital products
- You want easy setup
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
- Your work is e-commerce-shaped, not online course platforms-shaped
| Feature | Thinkific | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 612 reviews | ★4.7/5 10 reviews |
| Categories | Online Course PlatformsLMS | E-commerceMembership Sites |
In-Depth Analysis
Thinkific
Turn your knowledge into income with an easy-to-use course platform
Thinkific is well-positioned for course creators who want 0% transaction fees.
Watch out
Branded mobile app costs $199/mo on top of any plan, nearly doubles Grow pricing
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Good free tier
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -Limited marketing tools
- -Support response times
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: Thinkific vs Payhip
| Plan | Thinkific | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $36 month Basic | Free Free Forever |
| Tier 2 | $73 month Start | $29 month Plus |
| Tier 3 | $146 month Grow | $99 month Pro |
| Tier 4 | Custom Plus | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Thinkific pricing and Payhip pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Thinkific
Want the highest-rated option?
Thinkific: 4.5/5 (612 reviews). Payhip: 4.7/5 (10 reviews).
Go with: Payhip
Value user reviews?
Thinkific: 612 reviews (4.5/5). Payhip: 10 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Thinkific
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Thinkific is a online course 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 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Thinkific
- Larger review base (612 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Payhip
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Better fit for e-commerce
The Bottom Line
Thinkific wins this matchup. Our overall Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Our free Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thinkific or Payhip better?
Thinkific is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Thinkific and Payhip used for?
Thinkific: Turn your knowledge into income with an easy-to-use course platform. Payhip: Sell digital products and memberships.
What does Thinkific cost vs Payhip?
Thinkific is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Payhip is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.