Quick Summary
| Feature | Teachable | Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | online courses growth | Enterprise online courses |
| Free Tier | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Trial only |
| Affiliate Pay | 30% recurring | 30% recurring |
The Bottom Line Up Front
For most small businesses and entrepreneurs, Teachable delivers better value and lower cost of entry. Kajabi wins for enterprises with complex requirements and dedicated IT resources.
Teachable — Strengths
Teachable is the most accessible entry point in the online courses space. Their free tier is genuinely functional, not crippled. The upgrade path is gradual rather than cliff-like, meaning you only pay for features you actually use. For affiliates: their program pays 30% recurring per referral.
Kajabi — Strengths
Kajabi wins in enterprise environments where compliance, custom integrations, and dedicated support matter more than cost. Large sales teams report better pipeline visibility. The 30% recurring affiliate commission reflects their higher average contract value.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Teachable if you're a founder, small team, or growing business. The free tier covers most early-stage needs and the upgrade path is predictable. Choose Kajabi if you have a 50+ person sales team and a budget that supports enterprise tooling.
Our Recommendation
Start with Teachable free. Migrate your data into it this week. Evaluate in 30 days. If you need features beyond what free provides, upgrade. You'll know by then whether Kajabi's additional capabilities justify the cost difference.