9 Best Podia Alternatives in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

Podia is a well known all-in-one platform for creators, offering tools for selling online courses, digital downloads, and memberships. It has gained recognition through its diverse features, affordable pricing and marketing capabilities.

Even with its popularity, Podia has limitations such as the lack of a mobile app, extra costs for email marketing beyond 100 subscribers, limited customization options, and the removal of its free plan in 2024,  these and more make creators explore alternatives.

Depending on your specific needs, there are numerous platforms that offer superior features in specific areas such as better mobile support, more advanced course creation tools, stronger community features, or simply better value for money and that's what we'll be discussing in this article.

Podia vs. Top Alternatives: 2025 Comparison Table

Best Podia Alternatives in 2025

1. Teachable

Brief Overview

Teachable is a top online course hosting platform that provides tools for creators to monetize their expertise with ease. Teachable provides a complete solution for creators who want to generate revenue from education products.

Comparison with Podia

Both Teachable and Podia offer creator monetization products, but their offerings differ to some extent. Podia focuses on providing an all-in-one solution with built-in email marketing and a simple pricing structure while Teachable takes a creator-first approach with stronger emphasis on multiple features for creators and mobile experience. 

Advantages Over Podia

Teachable’s advantages over Podia include:

• Dedicated mobile app: Teachable offers a dedicated iOS student mobile app, providing seamless mobile learning
• AI-powered tools: Teachable provides AI course outline generation and AI-powered content creation tools
• More competitive entry pricing: Teachable's pricing starts at $29/month (annual) compared to Podia's $33/month

Podia Advantages Over Teachable

Podia maintains several competitive advantages over Teachable including:

• Simpler pricing structure: Podia has only two main plans compared to Teachable's four tiers
• Built-in email marketing included: Basic email features are included in all plans
• No limits on products: All Podia plans include unlimited products
• Cleaner interface: Many users find Podia easier to use
• Better transaction fee structure: The Mover plan has a lower 5% transaction fee compared to Teachable’s 7.5% transaction fee on the Starter plan.

Pricing Comparison

Teachable Pricing

• Starter: $29/month, 7.5% transaction fee
• Builder: $69/month, 0% transaction fee
• Growth: $139/month, 0% transaction fee
• Advanced: $309/month, 0% transaction fee

Podia Pricing

• Mover: $33/month, 5% transaction fee
• Shaker: $75/month, 0% transaction fee

Teachable has a lower starting price but is more expensive on its higher tiers. There is a transaction fee on the lowest tier for both products at 7.5% for Teachable and 5% for Podia.

Best For

Teachable is best for individual creators, influencers, and solopreneurs who want to offer several digital products to their users. It's particularly well-suited for those who:

• Value mobile learning experiences for their students
• Want AI assistance in course creation
• Plan to offer coaching, communities, and downloads alongside courses
• Need built-in marketing tools without complex integrations

Final Verdict

In comparison to Podia, Teachable emerges as the best choice for creators who want product diversity and mobile accessibility. Its AI-powered tools and comprehensive feature set at competitive price points make it a better choice for growing businesses. However, Podia remains the better option for those who prefer simplicity.

2. SchoolMaker

Brief Overview

SchoolMaker is an all-in-one course platform tailored for coaches, cohort-based course creators, and education-focused entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional platforms that prioritize content hosting, SchoolMaker integrates community, scheduling, coaching tools, and accountability systems into a single streamlined interface. Its clean design and emphasis on structured cohort learning make it ideal for high-touch programs and coaching businesses looking to scale without losing the personal touch.

Comparison with Podia

While Podia aims to be a generalist platform offering everything from online courses to digital downloads and email marketing, SchoolMaker focuses on a specific use case: helping coaches and educators deliver transformational learning experiences. Podia’s strength lies in simplicity and accessibility for creators selling various digital products, while SchoolMaker goes deeper into cohort-based learning, live coaching, and community management.

Advantages Over Podia

SchoolMaker stands out as a Podia alternative in several key ways:

• No transaction fees: All SchoolMaker pricing plans do not have transaction fees
• Built for cohort-based learning: Offers native support for scheduling sessions, managing cohorts, and automating progress tracking.
• Integrated calendar and accountability: Includes tools to track student progress, automate reminders, and keep learners on track
• Superior community experience: Designed for engagement with focused, distraction-free communities.
• Advanced coaching workflows: Coaches can set up calls, feedback cycles, and personal assignments without relying on external tools
• Clean, modern UI: Offers a distraction-free, elegant experience for both creators and learners
• Lower starting price: Entry-level plans are slightly cheaper than Podia’s

Podia Advantages Over SchoolMaker

Even with SchoolMaker’s unique benefits, Podia has its own benefits for a different type of user:

• Built-in email marketing: Podia includes email broadcasts and automations in all plans
• Digital product sales: More robust tools for selling downloads, webinars, and memberships

Pricing Comparison

SchoolMaker Pricing

• Lite: $29/month, 0% transaction fee
• Starter: $99/month, 0% transaction fee
• Pro: $165/month, 0% transaction fee
• Business: $249/month, 0% transaction fee

SchoolMaker's starting price is slightly cheaper than Podia’s ($29 vs $33) and has 0% transaction fees on all plans compared to Podia’s 5% fee on the Mover plan.

Best For

SchoolMaker is ideal for:

• Coaches and educators running live, cohort-based programs
• Businesses offering high-touch learning or coaching services
• Creators who want to track student accountability and engagement
• Teams who need integrated scheduling, community, and course tools
• Programs that thrive on structure, interaction, and progress tracking

Final Verdict

SchoolMaker is a powerful Podia alternative for coaches and educators who want more than a content hosting platform. If your focus is on live sessions, community engagement, and accountability, not just selling digital products, SchoolMaker offers an integrated system that Podia can’t match. While Podia remains a solid choice for creators who want simplicity and digital product versatility, SchoolMaker is the better fit for those building transformational learning experiences in 2025.

3. Thinkific

Brief Overview

Thinkific is a comprehensive online course platform designed to help educators and entrepreneurs create, market, and sell online courses. With its drag-and-drop course builder and extensive customization options, Thinkific has become a popular choice for course creators who want full control over their learning environment while maintaining ease of use.

Comparison with Podia

While both platforms serve online creators, Thinkific and Podia take different approaches. Thinkific focuses on providing a flexible learning platform with strong educational tools and B2B features, while Podia emphasizes simplicity and an all-in-one approach. Thinkific offers more advanced course creation features, while Podia bundles email marketing into its core offering.

Advantages Over Podia

Thinkific offers several strengths that set it apart:

• No transaction fees on any paid plan: Unlike Podia's Mover plan (5% fee), all Thinkific paid plans have 0% transaction fees
• Mobile app access: Thinkific provides access to branded mobile learning experiences
• SCORM compliance: Available on higher plans for corporate training needs
• More comprehensive B2B features: Advanced features like group orders and bulk student imports
• Better analytics: More detailed reporting and custom dashboards
• Stronger community features: Dedicated Spaces for cohort-based learning

Podia Advantages Over Thinkific

Despite Thinkific's strengths, Podia excels in several areas:

• Built-in email marketing: Included in all plans (up to 100 subscribers free)
• Simpler setup: Faster to launch with less configuration needed
• All-in-one simplicity: Everything integrated without need for additional tools
• Better for digital downloads: More streamlined process for selling various digital products

Pricing Comparison

Thinkific Pricing

• Basic: $36/month, 0% transaction fee
• Start: $74/month, 0% transaction fee
• Grow: $149/month, 0% transaction fee
• Plus: Custom pricing

Best For

Thinkific is ideal for:

• Educators who need structured learning paths and assessments
• Businesses requiring SCORM compliance and B2B features
• Course creators who want zero transaction fees from the start
• Organizations needing detailed analytics and reporting

Final Verdict

Thinkific presents a compelling alternative to Podia for course creators who prioritize educational features and want to avoid transaction fees. While Podia offers better all-in-one simplicity, Thinkific's zero transaction fees on all paid plans and superior learning management features make it the better choice for serious educators and growing course businesses.

4. Kajabi

Brief Overview

Kajabi is an all-in-one digital storefront that offers a comprehensive platform for creators and entrepreneurs to sell and manage digital products, online courses, and memberships. Unlike many competitors, Kajabi includes built-in tools for websites, email marketing, sales funnels, and analytics, eliminating the need for multiple integrations.

Comparison with Podia

While both platforms aim to be all-in-one solutions, Kajabi and Podia target different segments. Podia focuses on simplicity and affordability for solo creators, while Kajabi positions itself as a premium solution with advanced marketing automation and business tools. The key difference is that Podia provides straightforward tools for quick launches, while Kajabi offers extensive features for scaling businesses.

Advantages Over Podia

• True all-in-one ecosystem: More comprehensive than Podia's offerings, including CRM functionality
• Advanced marketing automation: Sophisticated email sequences, A/B testing, and sales funnels
• AI-powered tools: Kajabi's AI assistant helps with content creation and strategy
• Branded mobile app: Ability to create your own iOS and Android apps
• Superior analytics: More detailed reporting and business insights
• No transaction fees: All plans include 0% transaction fees

Podia Advantages Over Kajabi

• Much more affordable: Kajabi pricing starts at $71/month vs Podia's $33/month
• Simpler learning curve: Easier to use for beginners
• Faster setup: Can launch products more quickly
• Better for simple digital downloads: More streamlined process

Pricing Comparison

Kajabi Pricing

• Kickstarter: $71/month, 0% transaction fee
• Basic: $119/month, 0% transaction fee
• Growth: $159/month, 0% transaction fee
• Pro: $319/month, 0% transaction fee

Kajabi’s pricing is much higher than Podia’s probably due to the fact that it offers many more features than Podia. 

Best For

Kajabi is ideal for established creators and entrepreneurs who:

• Need comprehensive marketing automation
• Want to eliminate multiple tool subscriptions
• Have the budget for a premium platform
• Plan to scale significantly

Final Verdict

While Podia excels as an affordable, user-friendly platform perfect for beginners, Kajabi stands out as the superior choice for serious entrepreneurs ready to scale. The higher price point is justified by the elimination of multiple tool subscriptions and the potential for increased revenue through advanced marketing features. Choose Podia if you're just starting out; choose Kajabi if you're ready to invest in comprehensive growth.

5. Mighty Networks

Brief Overview

Mighty Networks is a robust all-in-one platform designed to build vibrant online communities with integrated courses, events, livestreaming, and monetization tools. Its standout feature is a deep commitment to community-first learning experiences, combining education, engagement, and interaction in a single ecosystem.

Comparison with Podia

While Podia centers its platform around course creation with some community features, Mighty Networks takes a community-first approach. Podia provides a traditional course platform feel with straightforward product selling, while Mighty Networks blends education with social networking and gamification to create more engaging learning environments.

Advantages Over Podia

Mighty Networks offers several unique benefits:

• Community-first design: Activity feeds, chat, profiles, and member discovery create immersive environments
• Integrated gamification: Points, badges, and streaks increase engagement organically
• Native mobile apps: Full-featured iOS and Android apps for on-the-go access
• Unlimited scalability: Unlimited members and courses even on lower tiers
• All-in-one experience: Courses, events, and community under one roof

Podia Advantages Over Mighty Networks

Podia maintains advantages in several areas:

• Lower entry price: Podia starts at $33/month vs Mighty's $41/month
• Zero transaction fees on higher plans
• Simpler setup: Less complex for basic course selling
• Better for digital downloads: More straightforward product delivery
• Built-in email marketing: Included in all plans

Pricing Comparison

Mighty Networks Pricing

• Community Plan: $41/month, 3% transaction fee
• Courses Plan: $99/month, 2% transaction fee
• Business Plan: $179/month, 2% transaction fee
• Growth: $360/month, 1% transaction fee

Best For

Mighty Networks is ideal for:

• Coaches and educators who prioritize community engagement
• Cohort-based program leaders
• Membership site owners
• Brands valuing peer-to-peer learning

Final Verdict

If your main goal is to deliver straightforward courses and digital products, Podia is a solid choice. However, if you want to build a high-retention, highly engaged learning community with seamless integration of courses, events, and community experiences, Mighty Networks is the superior alternative. The slightly higher entry price is justified by superior engagement features that can lead to better student retention and completion rates.

6. LearnWorlds

Brief Overview

LearnWorlds is an all-in-one, AI-powered learning management system (LMS) designed for course creators, educators, and training organizations. With an emphasis on interactive learning, automation, and customization, LearnWorlds equips users to deliver professional, engaging educational experiences.

Comparison with Podia

While both platforms support course creation and selling, they differ significantly. Podia emphasizes ease of use and quick setup for solo creators, while LearnWorlds stands out for its rich interactivity, advanced learning analytics, and strong focus on learner engagement. LearnWorlds offers more immersive learning experiences but with a steeper learning curve.

Advantages Over Podia

• Interactive learning features: Interactive videos, SCORM support across plans, social learning tools
• Mobile app builder: Create native iOS/Android apps with visual editor
• Advanced automation: 30+ triggers and conditions for personalized learning paths
• Full white-labeling: Available even on lower-tier plans
• Built-in marketing tools: Funnels, pop-ups, upsells, and affiliate management

Podia Advantages Over LearnWorlds

Despite LearnWorlds' features, Podia maintains advantages:

• Simpler interface: Easier to navigate and set up
• Built-in email marketing: Included vs separate in LearnWorlds
• Better for simple products: More straightforward for basic digital downloads

Pricing Comparison

LearnWorlds Pricing

• Starter: $24/month + $5/course sale
• Pro Trainer: $79/month, no transaction fees
• Learning Center: $249/month, no transaction fees
• High Volume: Custom pricing

Podia Pricing

• Mover: $39/month, 5% transaction fee
• Shaker: $89/month, 0% transaction fee

Learnworlds offers cheaper prices than Podia and the $5/course sale fee might be better if you sell high priced courses (above $100) because Podia’s 5% fee becomes more expensive at prices higher than that.

Best For

LearnWorlds is best suited for:

• Professional educators p=who prioritize engagement
• Organizations that need SCORM support
• Businesses that want an advanced white-label LMS
• Course creators focused on interactive content

Final Verdict

If your primary focus is creating an interactive, immersive, and highly branded learning experience with advanced automation, LearnWorlds is a powerful alternative to Podia. However, if you're a solo creator looking for simplicity and integrated email marketing without per-sale fees, Podia may be the better fit. LearnWorlds shines particularly for professional education and corporate training scenarios.

7. Circle

Brief Overview

Circle is a course creation platform that combines courses, community, events, and communications into one branded space. It is designed to help creators and businesses build vibrant, community-powered learning experiences. With features like live Q&As, email campaigns, AI-powered assistants, and gamification, Circle simplifies and unifies your entire course and community ecosystem.

Comparison with Podia

While both platforms support online course creation, Circle and Podia have focus areas. Podia focuses on straightforward course selling with some community features, while Circle focuses on community engagement as the core of the learning experience. Podia gives you a traditional course platform, while Circle provides a social learning environment.

Advantages Over Podia

Circle stands out in several ways:

• Community-centered courses: Deep integration between courses and community discussions
• Built-in live events: Office hours, coaching, and live sessions within the platform
• Gamification features: Leaderboards, points, unlockable content, and VIP clubs
• AI automation tools: AI agents to guide students and automate interactions
• Better engagement metrics: Advanced analytics for community participation

Podia Advantages Over Circle

Podia maintains advantages in key areas:

• Lower pricing: Starts at $33/month vs Circle's $89/month
• Simpler setup: Less complex for basic course selling
• Built-in email marketing: Included in base price
• Better for digital downloads: More straightforward delivery

Pricing Comparison

Circle Pricing

• Professional: $89/month, 2% transaction fee
• Business: $199/month, 1% transaction fee
• Enterprise: $419/month, 0.5% transaction fee
• Plus Branded App: Custom pricing

Circle’s pricing is significantly higher than Podia’s pricing and it also has transaction fees on all plans compared to Podia which has transaction fees on only the Mover plan.

Best For

Circle is best suited for:

• Creators prioritizing group learning and interaction
• Cohort-based program leaders
• Businesses that host integrated events and discussions
• Course sellers that prioritize community engagement

Final Verdict

If your program thrives on social learning, interaction, and community building, Circle is the perfect Podia alternative. It delivers a rich, engaging experience that blends live sessions, discussions, and courses seamlessly. However, if you need a simpler, more affordable solution for straightforward course selling, Podia remains the better choice for basic needs.

8. LearnDash

Brief Overview

LearnDash is a powerful learning management system (LMS) plugin for WordPress, designed to give course creators full control over their content, branding, and monetization. LearnDash caters to educators, entrepreneurs, and developers who want a course platform that integrates seamlessly with WordPress.

Comparison with Podia

Podia and LearnDash take very different approaches. Podia is a standalone, hosted platform that handles everything for you, while LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that gives you complete control but requires more technical knowledge. Podia is optimized for ease of use, while LearnDash offers maximum flexibility within the WordPress platform.

Advantages Over Podia

LearnDash provides several key benefits:

• Full platform ownership: You own your website, content, and customer data
• Ultimate customization: Choose any WordPress theme or plugin
• No transaction fees: Sell courses without platform fees
• Advanced course features: Drip content, prerequisites, and learning paths
• Gamification tools: Badges, certificates, leaderboards, and points
• One-time purchase option: $199/year vs monthly subscriptions

Podia Advantages Over LearnDash

Podia excels in several areas:

• No self hosting required: Fully hosted solution
• Easier to use: No technical knowledge needed
• Built-in email marketing: Included vs requiring plugins
• Faster setup: Launch courses in hours, not days
• Automatic updates: No maintenance required

Pricing Comparison

LearnDash Pricing

• Plugin License: $199/year
• Cloud (Hosted): Starting at $25/month

Compared to Podia, LearnDash offers cheaper plans and with zero transaction fees for both its yearly only plan for the Wordpress plugin that comes down to $16.58 per month ($199/year/12 months) and its fully hosted platform.

Best For

LearnDash is ideal for:

• WordPress users wanting full control of their LMS
• Developers building custom LMS sites
• Organizations needing complete customization
• Course creators comfortable with technical setup

Final Verdict

If you want total control over your course platform and are comfortable with WordPress, LearnDash is one of the best Podia alternatives available. Its powerful learning tools and complete customization make it ideal for serious educators. However, if you want to avoid technical complexity and need a plug-and-play solution, Podia offers a more seamless path to launching your courses.

9. Whop

Brief Overview

Whop is a platform that operates on a pay-as-you-earn model with no upfront fees, making it an ideal sales tool for beginners and seasoned course creators alike. It focuses on providing powerful community tools alongside course creation, enabling creators to build thriving communities around their content.

Comparison with Podia

While Podia charges monthly subscription fees plus transaction fees on the lower tier, Whop takes a completely different approach with its pay-as-you-earn model. Podia offers more built-in features like email marketing, while Whop focuses on community building and cross-selling opportunities.

Advantages Over Podia

Whop offers several unique benefits:

• No upfront costs: Pay only when you make sales (3% fee)
• Community-focused: Built-in tools for community monetization
• Cross-selling opportunities: Easy to offer multiple products to your community
• Social proof features: Built-in testimonials and reviews
• No monthly fees: Perfect for beginners testing the waters

Podia Advantages Over Whop

Podia maintains advantages in several areas:

• More comprehensive features: Built-in email marketing and website builder
• Better for digital downloads: More variety in product types
• More established platform: Longer track record
• Professional appearance: More polished for business use

Pricing Comparison

Whop Pricing

• Pay-as-you-earn: 3% transaction fee only
• No monthly fees
• No setup costs

Whop offers a free-to-use product that charges 3% transaction fee which is cheaper than Podia’s Mover plan that charges $33/month and 5% transaction fee.

Best For

Whop is ideal for:

• Beginners with limited budgets
• Creators testing course ideas
• Community-focused educators
• Those wanting to minimize upfront costs

Final Verdict

Whop stands as the number one Podia alternative for those prioritizing low barrier to entry. It is easy to use, has no upfront fees, and has a simple pay-as-you-earn model. While Podia offers more comprehensive features, Whop's zero upfront cost and community focus make it perfect for creators just starting out or those wanting to test ideas without financial commitment.

How to Migrate from Podia

If you're considering switching from Podia to another platform, there are several key steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Begin by planning the migration process carefully, allowing 4–6 weeks for the complete migration. Start by exporting all student data and course content from Podia. It's important to test your new platform thoroughly before making the switch and to plan the migration during periods of low activity to minimize disruption.

During the data transfer process, first export student data, including student lists and purchase history. Then, migrate all course content, such as videos, documents, and other materials. You'll need to recreate the course structure within your new platform and import the student data to maintain user access. Be sure to test everything to confirm that all content and features function correctly.

To minimize disruption for your users, maintain access to both platforms during the transition. Communicate clearly with your students about the upcoming changes and provide detailed instructions for accessing the new platform. Additionally, offer support throughout the transition period to help students adjust smoothly.

Conclusion

The key to choosing the right platform is matching your specific needs, whether that's advanced marketing tools, community features, mobile access, or simply the lowest cost to start with the platform that best delivers those capabilities. Take advantage of free trials where available, and remember that the best platform is the one that helps you achieve your educational and business objectives while providing a superb experience for your users.

FAQs

Does Podia have a free plan?

Back in the day, Podia had a free-for-life plan that gave you limited platform functionality. But, in 2024, it disappeared for good. Podia now offers only paid plans starting at $33/month.

What is Podia's pricing structure?

Podia offers two paid plans: its Mover plan for $33/month with a 5% transaction fee, and its Shaker plan for $89/month with a 0% transaction fee. Both plans include unlimited products and basic email marketing for up to 100 subscribers.

Does Podia have a mobile app?

No, Podia does not currently provide a dedicated mobile app for creators to manage their content or interact with students but students can access your content on mobile via a web browser.

Can I migrate my courses from Podia?

Yes, most platforms allow you to export your content from Podia and import it into their system. Many alternatives like SchoolMaker, Teachable and Thinkific offer migration assistance to help with the transition.

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