Short answer: for most creators, coaches and small online businesses, Systeme.io is the better choice because it gives you funnels, email, courses and automation for a fraction of what Kajabi charges. Kajabi is polished and well known, but its plans start at $179 per month on monthly billing ($143 per month if you pay annually), and there is no free plan. Systeme.io starts at $0, and even its top plan costs less than Kajabi's cheapest. Below is a full, honest comparison of pricing, features, ease of use and real costs, so you can pick the platform that actually fits your business.

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Systeme.io vs Kajabi at a Glance

If you are in a hurry, here is the whole comparison in a few bullets:

• Starting price: Systeme.io is $0 forever, while Kajabi starts at $179 per month ($143 annually)
• Free plan: Systeme.io has a permanent one, Kajabi offers only a 14-day free trial
• Top plan: Systeme.io Unlimited is $97 per month, while Kajabi Pro is $499 per month ($399 annually)
• Email sending: unlimited on every Systeme.io plan
• Transaction fees: 0% platform fees on Systeme.io, while Kajabi can add processing costs and a surcharge depending on how you take payments
• Affiliate program: built into every Systeme.io plan, while on Kajabi it is a Growth plan feature and above
• Design polish: Kajabi usually wins here
• Overall value: Systeme.io wins by a wide margin

What Is Systeme.io?

Systeme.io is an all-in-one online business platform that combines sales funnels, email marketing, automation, online courses, memberships, a blog and an affiliate program in one account. It was founded by French entrepreneur Aurélien Amacker, launched in 2018, and is operated by ITACWT Limited, a self-funded company based in Dublin, Ireland.

Its big promise is simple: replace the five or six tools most online businesses stitch together with one dashboard and one affordable bill. Users on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2 rate it around 4.8 out of 5, and the same compliments keep appearing: easy to use, great support and fantastic value.

What Is Kajabi?

Kajabi is a premium platform for creators who sell courses, coaching, memberships and communities. It is known for its polished design, strong course experience and a brand that is popular with big-name online educators. It bundles websites, courses, email, funnels and communities in one place, and higher plans add advanced automations, affiliate tools and AI credits.

Kajabi raised its prices in early 2026. Its three plans are Basic, Growth and Pro, and there is no permanent free plan. You get a 14-day trial, then you pay.

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Systeme.io vs Kajabi Pricing

Pricing is where this comparison becomes lopsided, so let us go through it carefully. These are the published prices as of early November 2026. Always confirm live pricing at checkout because both companies adjust plans.

Systeme.io Pricing

• Free: $0 per month, with 2,000 contacts, 3 funnels, 1 course, 1 automation rule and 1 email campaign
• Startup: $17 per month or $170 per year, with 5,000 contacts, 10 funnels, 10 automation rules, 5 courses and branding removed
• Webinar: $47 per month or $470 per year, with 10,000 contacts, 50 funnels, 100 automation rules and evergreen webinars
• Unlimited: $97 per month or $970 per year, with unlimited contacts, funnels, courses and automation rules, plus a free migration service

Annual billing on Systeme.io gives you two months free, which is roughly 17% off. Every plan includes unlimited emails, unlimited students and unlimited file storage.

Kajabi Pricing

• Basic: $179 per month or $143 per month billed annually, with 5 products and 2,500 contacts
• Growth: $249 per month or $199 per month billed annually, with 50 products and 25,000 contacts
• Pro: $499 per month or $399 per month billed annually, with unlimited products and 100,000 contacts

Extra Kajabi contacts are sold in blocks, and extras like AI credits can add to the bill. Branding removal, advanced automations and the affiliate program sit on the Growth plan and above, according to current pricing guides.

Yearly Cost Side by Side

Here is what you would pay across a full year on annual billing:

• Systeme.io Free: $0 per year
• Systeme.io Startup: $170 per year
• Systeme.io Webinar: $470 per year
• Systeme.io Unlimited: $970 per year
• Kajabi Basic: $1,716 per year
• Kajabi Growth: $2,388 per year
• Kajabi Pro: $4,788 per year

The gaps are huge. Systeme.io Startup costs $1,546 less per year than Kajabi Basic. Systeme.io Webinar costs $1,918 less than Kajabi Growth. And Systeme.io Unlimited saves you $1,418 per year against Kajabi Growth and $3,818 per year against Kajabi Pro.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Kajabi charges no revenue share, but payments are not free. Depending on your country and setup, you pay card processing fees, and connecting Stripe in markets where Kajabi Payments is available can add a surcharge of around 2% on Basic, 1% on Growth and 0.5% on Pro. Systeme.io charges 0% platform transaction fees on every plan. You still pay Stripe or PayPal their normal processing fees, but there is no extra cut on top.

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Systeme.io vs Kajabi Features

Now for what you actually get for the money.

Sales Funnels

Both platforms let you build landing pages and funnels. Systeme.io's funnel builder covers opt-in pages, sales pages, order forms with order bumps, one-click upsells and downsells, and thank-you pages. On the free plan you get three funnels, Startup gives you 10, Webinar gives you 50 and Unlimited removes the cap. Kajabi also offers funnels and landing pages, with design that many users find more polished.

Email Marketing

This is a quiet advantage for Systeme.io. Every plan includes unlimited email sending, with newsletters, automated sequences and tag-based segmentation. Your cost depends on contacts, not on how often you email. Kajabi includes email too, but contact limits matter more because you pay more as your list grows.

Online Courses

Both platforms host video lessons, modules and downloadable files. Systeme.io includes unlimited students and unlimited file storage on every plan, so a successful course never raises your bill. Kajabi has a refined course experience and strong community tools, but limits on products apply: 5 on Basic and 50 on Growth.

Automation

Automation rules let you trigger actions when someone buys, joins a list or clicks a link. Systeme.io gives you 1 rule on Free, 10 on Startup, 100 on Webinar and unlimited on Unlimited. On Kajabi, advanced automations are reserved for Growth and higher.

Affiliate Program

Systeme.io lets you run your own affiliate program on every plan, including free. You can recruit promoters, track sales and pay commissions without buying another tool. On Kajabi, affiliate tools require the Growth plan or above.

Webinars

Systeme.io's Webinar plan adds evergreen (automated) webinars, so you can sell high-ticket offers around the clock. If webinars are part of your strategy, this plan pays for itself fast compared with the price of competing platforms.

Websites and Blogs

Systeme.io includes a blog and a simple website builder, so you can bring in free search traffic and capture emails in the same account. Kajabi also offers website tools, though extra websites are limited to the Pro plan.

Community and Mobile App

Here Kajabi pulls ahead. It offers community features and, on its top plan, a branded mobile app. If a custom mobile app is central to your business, Kajabi Pro delivers that. For most creators, though, email, funnels and a clean course area matter far more.

Payments

Systeme.io works with Stripe and PayPal and charges no platform transaction fee. Kajabi offers Kajabi Payments and Stripe, with the processing and surcharge structure described above.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi: Ease of Use

Kajabi is clean and well designed, and many beginners find it pleasant. Systeme.io is more utilitarian, but it is quick to learn for the essential tasks, and reviewers repeatedly call it beginner-friendly. The learning curve shows up when you build advanced automations, which is true of most platforms. The free plan gives you room to practice without risking a cent, which Kajabi cannot match.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi: Design and Templates

Be fair to Kajabi: its templates and page design generally look more polished, and Systeme.io users do mention limited templates and customization. If you are a brand-first creator with a design budget, that matters. If you are a results-first seller who cares about conversions and cost, a clean Systeme.io funnel does the job well.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi: Customer Support

Systeme.io support is one of its most praised features. Reviewers on G2, Trustpilot and Capterra mention quick replies, often within hours, and smooth migrations from other platforms. Kajabi also offers support and a large library of training, with higher plans typically getting more. Both are solid, but Systeme.io's reputation is outstanding for the price.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi: User Reviews and Ratings

Systeme.io holds roughly 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, Capterra and G2. Many Capterra reviewers say they switched from Kajabi, Teachable, Podia or ClickFunnels because of price and value. Kajabi has a big user base and a strong brand, though some users cite the price increase and the cost of scaling as pain points. A comparison site that tracks both gave Systeme.io the higher average rating, 4.8 against 4.3.

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Which Systeme.io Plan Should You Choose?

The free plan is a fantastic way to test, but it is built to get you started, not to carry a growing business. Here is how to pick the right plan, and why upgrading is usually the smartest move once things start working.

Stay on Free If You Are Still Testing

With 2,000 contacts, 3 funnels and 1 course, the free plan is ideal for validating an offer. You will know quickly whether people want what you sell. Just keep an eye out for the signs it is time to move up: you want more than one automation rule, you are running out of funnels, or you want your own branding.

Choose Startup at $17 If You Have Your First Sales

Once money starts coming in, Startup is a bargain. For $17 per month you get 5,000 contacts, 10 funnels, 10 automation rules, 5 courses and your branding removed. That is the point where automation starts saving you real hours, and a single sale usually covers the cost. Compare that with Kajabi Basic at $143 to $179 per month for fewer contacts.

Choose Webinar at $47 If You Sell High-Ticket Offers

If you coach, consult or sell premium programs, evergreen webinars are one of the most powerful ways to sell on autopilot. The Webinar plan raises you to 10,000 contacts, 50 funnels and 100 automation rules, which is room to run multiple offers and segmented sequences. One extra high-ticket sale per month can pay for the plan many times over.

Choose Unlimited at $97 If You Are Serious About Growth

Unlimited is the plan for anyone who does not want to think about limits ever again. You get unlimited contacts, funnels, courses and automation rules, plus a free migration service. That last perk matters if you are moving over from Kajabi, because it means someone helps you bring your products, pages and customers across. Even at $97 per month, you are paying less than Kajabi's cheapest plan, with no caps to bump into.

There is also a practical reason to think big. Every time you hit a limit, you stop to delete, reorganize or upgrade at the worst moment, usually in the middle of a launch. Choosing the plan that matches where your business is going, not just where it is today, keeps momentum high. And if you know you are staying, annual billing gives you two months free.

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The Real Cost of Switching From Kajabi to Systeme.io

Switching sounds scary, but it is easier than most people expect. Systeme.io offers migration assistance, and several reviewers describe moving websites and courses from Kajabi as smooth and well handled. The Unlimited plan includes a free migration service, so ask support about your eligibility.

A smart way to switch:

• Open a free Systeme.io account and rebuild one funnel to test it
• Compare your results and your monthly bill
• Upgrade to the plan that fits your contact count
• Ask support about migrating your products and customers
• Cancel Kajabi once everything is running smoothly

When Kajabi Might Be the Better Choice

Honesty builds trust, so here is when Kajabi may suit you better:

• You want the most polished design out of the box
• A branded mobile app is central to your offer
• You run a large community-driven membership
• Budget is not a concern and you value the Kajabi brand and ecosystem

If none of those apply, you are probably paying a lot for features you will not use.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi for Beginners

If you are just starting, Systeme.io is the safer bet. You can build and sell without spending anything, learn the platform at your own pace, and upgrade only when your sales justify it. Starting on Kajabi means committing to at least $143 to $179 per month before you know whether your idea works.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi for Course Creators

Both platforms host courses well. Systeme.io gives you unlimited students and file storage and a built-in funnel and email system, all at a fraction of the price. Kajabi adds polish and community tools. Course creators who care most about profit margins usually land on Systeme.io.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi for Affiliate Marketers

Affiliate marketers need landing pages, email capture and automated follow-up. Systeme.io delivers all of that from $0, with an affiliate program built in on every plan. Kajabi's affiliate tools start on a higher plan, which makes the economics harder for most marketers.

Systeme.io vs Kajabi vs ClickFunnels

ClickFunnels is built mainly around funnels, and its plans typically start well above $100 per month. Kajabi focuses on courses and creator brands. Systeme.io blends both worlds, with funnels, email and courses in one tool, at the lowest price of the three.

Best Kajabi Alternatives

If you are searching for a cheaper alternative to Kajabi, Systeme.io is the strongest all-in-one option for most people. Other names that often come up include Teachable, Podia, Thinkific, Kartra and ClickFunnels. Systeme.io usually wins on price and breadth, while others may specialize in community, design or niche features.

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Systeme.io vs Kajabi FAQs

Is Systeme.io better than Kajabi?

For most small businesses and creators, yes. Systeme.io offers funnels, email, courses and automation at a much lower price, plus a permanent free plan. Kajabi is more polished in design and community features.

Is Systeme.io cheaper than Kajabi?

Yes, by a wide margin. Systeme.io runs from $0 to $97 per month, while Kajabi runs from $179 to $499 per month on monthly billing.

How much does Kajabi cost?

Kajabi costs $179 per month for Basic, $249 for Growth and $499 for Pro on monthly billing. Annual billing lowers these to $143, $199 and $399 per month.

How much does Systeme.io cost?

Systeme.io costs $0 on the free plan, $17 per month for Startup, $47 for Webinar and $97 for Unlimited. Annual billing gives two months free.

Does Kajabi have a free plan?

No. Kajabi offers a 14-day free trial but no permanent free plan. Systeme.io's free plan never expires.

Can Systeme.io replace Kajabi?

For many creators, yes. It covers courses, email, funnels, automation, a blog and an affiliate program. You may miss Kajabi's design polish and mobile app options.

Does Systeme.io charge transaction fees?

No. Systeme.io charges 0% platform transaction fees on every plan. Stripe or PayPal still apply their standard processing fees.

Is Kajabi worth the money?

It can be if you value premium design, community features and a branded app and your revenue supports the cost. For many creators, the price is hard to justify compared with cheaper all-in-one tools.

Can I move my Kajabi courses to Systeme.io?

Yes. Systeme.io offers migration help, and the Unlimited plan includes a free migration service. Contact support to confirm what applies to you.

Does Systeme.io limit how many emails I can send?

No. Every plan includes unlimited email sending. Plan limits depend on your number of contacts.

Which is better for beginners, Systeme.io or Kajabi?

Systeme.io, mainly because you can start free and learn without financial pressure.

Is Systeme.io legit?

Yes. It is a registered Irish company with an identifiable founder and strong ratings across Trustpilot, Capterra and G2.

Which Systeme.io plan is best?

The free plan is best for testing, Startup is best once you have sales, Webinar suits high-ticket sellers using webinars, and Unlimited is best if you want no limits as you scale.

Does Systeme.io have an affiliate program?

Yes. You can run your own affiliate program on every plan, including the free one.

Can I use my own domain on Systeme.io?

Yes. Custom domains are supported, including on the free plan.

What is the best alternative to Kajabi?

For most people on a budget, Systeme.io is the best all-in-one alternative thanks to its price and feature set.

How many contacts does Systeme.io allow compared with Kajabi?

Systeme.io allows 2,000 on Free, 5,000 on Startup, 10,000 on Webinar and unlimited on Unlimited. Kajabi allows 2,500 on Basic, 25,000 on Growth and 100,000 on Pro.

Final Verdict: Systeme.io vs Kajabi

Kajabi is a polished platform, but you pay a premium for that polish, and the price keeps climbing as your list and product count grow. Systeme.io delivers the tools that actually drive sales, funnels, email, automation and courses, for far less money, with a free plan to prove your idea first. Its trade-offs are fewer templates and less design freedom, which matter only if visuals are your top priority.

Here is the smartest way to decide: open a free Systeme.io account, build one funnel, and see how it performs. When the results come in, move up to the plan that matches your growth. You can have your first funnel live tonight, and your first upgrade will pay for itself with your first extra sale.

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Disclosure: this article contains an affiliate link. If you sign up through it, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked in early November 2026 and can change, so confirm on each company's pricing page.

Systeme.io Discount Code

There is no official public Systeme.io discount code, and I will not invent one. Coupon sites list many codes, but the platform does not publish a promo code field for its subscriptions, so most of those codes do not work.

The real ways to save:

• Start on the free forever plan for $0
• Choose annual billing for two months free, roughly 17% off any paid plan
• Ask about the free migration service if you are moving from Kajabi or another platform

Use the link below, start free, and upgrade only when your business is ready.

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