A successful online course creation business attracts and converts students while growing your brand.
Therefore, the platform you choose should provide more than just basic course hosting. It should also help you increase conversions with better engagement tools and advanced marketing features.
If you’re struggling with Podia’s limitations in sales funnels, automation, or engagement tools, switching to a more powerful alternative could be the key to unlocking greater success.
The right platform should allow you to sell, track performance in real time, and build a thriving online community.
If you want to automate your marketing, improve your sales process, and create a more engaging learning experience, this list of the best Podia alternatives will help you find the perfect fit.
Top Reasons Creators Look for Podia Alternatives
Podia is a popular platform for selling online courses, memberships, and digital products, but is it actually working for your business?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve hit some roadblocks and are wondering if there’s a better option.
Whatever your reason, let’s break down the biggest frustrations that push businesses like yours to search for Podia alternatives—and what features you should be looking for in a replacement.
Students Aren’t Engaged or Completing Courses
Other than delivering content, you must also keep students engaged so they finish what they paid for. If students drop off too soon, they’re less likely to buy more courses or refer others.
Without interactive features, quizzes with detailed feedback, or certificates of completion, students may lose interest and drop out before finishing the course.
If completion rates are low, it becomes harder to build long-term relationships, encourage referrals, or upsell premium products.
When students can clearly see their progress and receive recognition for completing courses, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue investing in your content.
Spending Too Much on Monthly Fees
Podia’s pricing starts at $39 per month, but if you need memberships, affiliates, and third-party integrations, you have to upgrade to the $89 per month plan. If your business isn’t consistently making sales, the cost can add up.
While Podia’s pricing is competitive, it doesn’t offer a free plan and locks you into recurring monthly payments, regardless of how many sales you make. If your business experiences seasonal fluctuations or is still in the growth phase, this can be a major drawback.
Some business owners also prefer one-time payment models or transaction-based fees, which allow them to pay only when they generate revenue.
Others may need tiered pricing structures that allow them to offer different membership levels, installment plans, or pay-what-you-want options.
The lack of payment flexibility can make it difficult to cater to different customer needs and limit revenue potential.
Limited Marketing & Sales Automation Tools
Podia provides basic email marketing but lacks advanced automation features that allow you to create targeted campaigns or build custom sales funnels.
Without these tools, you have to rely on third-party platforms for CRM, sales tracking, and lead management.
Automation is a key factor in scaling an online business. When sales and marketing processes can be sped up, you can focus on creating high-value content and engaging with your audience.
No Customization & Branding Control
Branding is everything when building a business online. Having a platform that reflects your brand’s identity helps establish credibility and trust with your audience.
Podia provides a simple, clean layout, but it doesn’t offer deep customization options for those who want complete creative control over their course website. Limited design flexibility can make it difficult to stand out in a competitive market and create a fully branded experience.
A more customizable solution allows you to tailor their website, course layouts, and checkout experience to match your brand while offering an exceptional user experience for customers.
10 Best Podia Alternatives in 2025
If you're looking for a Podia alternative, chances are you need a platform that offers more customization, stronger sales tools, better engagement features, or lower costs.
The right platform should help you launch quickly, sell courses or memberships with ease, and provide a great experience for your customers.
Below is a list of the top Podia alternatives designed to simplify course creation and maximize revenue.
1. CustomerHub
If you’re looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use alternative to Podia, CustomerHub is the best choice for scaling expertise without technical headaches. Here's why:
One Platform for Courses, Memberships, and Digital Products
If you sell more than just courses, some platforms can feel restrictive. Some focus primarily on structured learning, where you may need extra tools to sell.
CustomerHub gives you one place to sell everything, whether it’s a course, membership, or digital download.
Members get access to all their purchases in a single dashboard that makes it easier to navigate and stay engaged.
With built-in progress tracking, private customer feeds, and automated reminders, CustomerHub helps reduce churn and increase lifetime value by keeping customers engaged long after their purchase.
Launch Quickly Without the Technical Headaches
It shouldn’t take weeks of setup and troubleshooting just to create and sell courses or memberships. CustomerHub is built for entrepreneurs who want to launch fast without dealing with complicated settings, third-party tools, or coding.
Other platforms require extensive customization and integrations, but this course creation platform is ready to use right away. The simple dashboard allows you to upload content, set up products, and start selling in days—not weeks.
Better Onboarding Experience
When a new customer joins, their first impression determines how long they stay engaged. Many platforms provide access to content but don’t offer much guidance on getting started, leaving customers confused.
CustomerHub fixes this by providing a structured onboarding experience, allowing you to customize welcome pages, create step-by-step tutorials, and personalize the customer journey.
Sell More With Pre-Built Sales Pages
A great course or membership won’t sell itself. Many platforms focus on content delivery but don’t provide built-in marketing tools, which forces you to invest in third-party sales funnels.
CustomerHub comes with pre-designed, high-converting sales pages that remove the need for extra tools. Instead of spending time building complex funnels, you can add your content, launch, and start converting visitors into customers right away.
The simplified checkout process also helps increase conversions by eliminating unnecessary steps that often lead to abandoned purchases.
Seamless Integration With Multiple Business Tools
One of the biggest frustrations with online course platforms is being locked into a system that doesn’t integrate with your existing tools.
CustomerHub solves this by connecting with over 7,000 apps through Zapier, allowing you to sync your courses, memberships, and customer data with email platforms, CRMs, and payment processors.
You don't have to switch tools or deal with workarounds. You can keep your current software stack and simply plug CustomerHub into your workflow.
Affordable Pricing That Scales With You
Some alternatives charge high fees for features you don’t need, while others offer a free plan with major limitations.
CustomerHub offers transparent pricing at $79 per month, with unlimited courses, members, and multimedia hosting without hidden fees or restrictions.
Stop overpaying for features you don’t use and get the tools you need to scale, all in one simple package. Start your free 14-day trial today!
2. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs and creators to build, market, and sell digital products such as online courses, memberships, and coaching programs.
It offers customizable templates and a drag-and-drop builder, allowing users to create branded websites and landing pages. Kajabi's "Pipelines" feature allows users to build automated sales funnels, integrate landing pages and email sequences, and simplify the customer journey.
However, some users feel that Kajabi's pricing plans are relatively high, which might be a consideration for small businesses or individual creators.
A few reviewers also have noted that while Kajabi offers various templates, there are constraints in design flexibility, which limits more advanced customization.
3. Thinkific
Thinkific offers an intuitive interface that allows users to create courses. You can design custom websites and landing pages to host and promote courses. The platform also supports quizzes, surveys, and certificates to boost the learning experience.
However, some users have expressed that they had to search externally for tutorials or spend extra time figuring things out on their own.
Thinkific allows for a decent level of customization, but if you want to go beyond the built-in templates, you may need coding knowledge. Customizing the course player, checkout pages, and overall design requires familiarity with HTML and CSS.
4. Systeme
Systeme offers a range of features designed to help online businesses sell products, manage marketing campaigns, and automate workflows.
It helps you set up an affiliate program, recruit affiliates, and track sales commissions automatically, helping to grow revenue through partnerships.
Some users appreciate that they don’t need multiple software subscriptions for sales funnels, email marketing, affiliate management, and course hosting.
However, it only supports video uploads under 2GB, which means large files need to be compressed before being uploaded. This can be an inconvenience for course creators with high-definition video content.
The e-commerce feature also does not currently support service-based sales. Users need to create workarounds to sell coaching or consulting packages.
5. Gumroad
Gumroad is an e-commerce platform for selling digital products and lets you embed products into your website. If you prefer not to actively market your products, Gumroad offers a marketplace called "Gumroad Discover," where products can gain additional visibility.
However, Gumroad charges a 10% flat fee per transaction, which some users may find high compared to other platforms. Depending on your country, direct bank transfers may not be available, and you may need to use PayPal or Stripe for payouts.
6. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to help your business create and deliver online courses to customers, employees, and partners.
Many businesses choose LearnWorlds for its customization, interactive course features, and ease of use. The step-by-step video guides make it easy to set up and manage your courses.
However, you may find the pricing jumps steep, especially when upgrading from the Pro plan.
The text editor can feel limited, and the platform has a learning curve at first. Also, there’s no built-in meeting scheduling feature, so you may need extra integrations, which can add to your costs.
7. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks offers tools for community engagement, content sharing, and monetization. You'll appreciate its features and support, which facilitate effective management and communication within large user communities.
However, some users find that bug fixes take time since the team focuses more on publishing updates than resolving minor issues. The design tools feel limited, and some key features are missing, such as discount codes and email capabilities for the Community Plan.
Also, inviting new members to a plan skips the landing page, and the posting system could be simplified to adjust automatically between quick posts and articles.
8. Patreon
Patreon is a membership platform for artists and creators where they receive direct financial support from their fans. You can interact with your patrons through comments, real-time group chats, and direct messages.
The platform offers affordable plans, especially beneficial for creators who joined early and secured favorable rates. Its marketplace allows you to discover and connect with other creators, fostering a community of like-minded individuals.
However, some users feel that the platform's editing capabilities are restricted, which can hinder content customization. There have also been reports of billing problems experienced by users, which can affect the overall experience for creators and patrons.
9. MemberPress
MemberPress is a WordPress membership plugin that lets you customize membership structure even if certain plans aren’t supported natively. Users also appreciate its integration with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
However, the admin and reporting features are limited, especially when viewing individual member details like membership status and expiration dates.
Another common request is a way to update subscription pricing for all members at once, which currently requires a manual process.
10. Circle
Circle is a community platform that helps you host discussions, run events, sell memberships, and scale with AI-powered tools. Many users appreciate Circle’s ease of use and strong communication features.
However, their course customization is restricted, with fewer design options compared to other platforms. Event scheduling could also be improved and there’s no option for custom repeat intervals (e.g., every four days).
How to Choose the Best Podia Alternative
If you’re considering switching from Podia, you need to find a platform that aligns with your course business goals and supports your growth.
While Podia is a solid option for selling courses, memberships, and digital products, you may need more customization, automation, or marketing tools. Here’s how to evaluate the best alternative based on what matters most to your business.
Identify Your Business Needs
Before choosing an alternative, you need to define what’s missing in your current setup. Every business has unique needs. Switching platforms should be a step toward solving limitations rather than just making a change for the sake of it.
Ask yourself these key questions:
- Are you looking for more customization? If you want more control over branding, page design, or course layouts, Podia’s templates might feel limiting.
- Do you need better marketing automation? If you rely on email sequences, sales funnels, or upsells, check whether alternatives provide built-in automation or require integrations.
- Are memberships and community-building important? If you run a subscription-based business, you might need stronger engagement tools like discussion forums, live events, or gamification.
- How do you sell your products? Some platforms specialize in one-time purchases, while others focus on recurring revenue through memberships and subscriptions.
- Do you want lower costs or different pricing models? Podia’s pricing may not be the best fit if you prefer a pay-as-you-go model, lower transaction fees, or a one-time payment option.
Understanding what’s holding your business back helps you prioritize the features that matter and choose a platform that helps you grow and scale better.
Compare Features Side-By-Side
Not all platforms offer the same tools, so focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact on your business growth.
One key factor is course engagement tools. If you want to increase student retention, look for a platform that offers quizzes, certificates, and progress tracking.
Podia has only basic engagement features, so if your audience benefits from interactive learning, you may need a platform with gamification, discussion boards, or assignments.
Customization and branding are also important. Podia offers limited design flexibility, so if you want full control over your website’s appearance, landing pages, or checkout process, find a platform that allows custom themes, CSS editing, or white-labeling.
If you run memberships or online communities, consider how well the platform supports gated content, discussion forums, live events, and community engagement.
Podia does provide basic membership tools, including gated content and community discussions.
However, it lacks advanced features like leaderboards, custom member areas, or live event management. If a creator wants deeper engagement, alternatives with stronger community-building tools like CustomerHub would be a better choice.
Consider Pricing & Transaction Fees
Cost plays a huge role when choosing a Podia alternative, and it’s important to look beyond just the monthly subscription fee.
Some platforms have hidden costs, such as transaction fees, extra charges for premium features, or limitations that require third-party tools.
Podia’s Shaker Plan eliminates transaction fees, but its lower-tier plans charge up to 5% per sale. If your business relies on low-cost products or frequent sales, choosing a platform with low or no transaction fees will maximize your earnings.
You also need to consider premium feature costs. Some platforms require extra payments for things like email marketing, automation tools, or advanced analytics. If you need these features, check whether they’re included in the base price or require an upgrade.
Finally, think about scalability. Some platforms have affordable entry-level plans but become expensive as you grow. If upgrading to a higher-tier plan drastically increases costs, it might not be the best long-term fit.
Test the User Experience
Even if a platform looks great, the real test is how easy it is to use in your day-to-day business operations. An intuitive user experience can save you time and allow you to focus on growing your business instead of dealing with technical challenges.
Start by checking how easy it is to set up your products or courses. Some platforms offer step-by-step wizards, pre-made templates, or drag-and-drop builders that simplify the process.
Others may require manual configurations or coding knowledge, which could slow you down if you're not tech-savvy.
It's essential to find a platform that offers features without compromising usability. CustomerHub offers plug-and-play simplicity that lets you launch memberships, courses, and digital products without technical headaches.
Some platforms may also be feature-rich but overly complex, which makes it hard to get started. Ideally, you want a system that balances powerful features with ease of use so you can start selling without spending weeks learning the platform.
Taking advantage of free trials is a practical approach to assess a platform's user-friendliness. CustomerHub offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, so you can explore its features firsthand.
Check Customer Support & Community
No matter how user-friendly a platform is, you will eventually need help with troubleshooting, setting up automation, or understanding a new feature.
The quality of customer support and community resources can make a big difference in how your business operates.
Some platforms offer live chat, email, or phone support, while others rely on help center articles and community forums. Others even require you to upgrade your plan just to access dedicated customer support.
If you run a business that requires fast responses, make sure the platform has real-time support options rather than slow ticket-based systems.
CustomerHub provides fast and friendly support with unlimited chat support and a comprehensive online help center.
Unlike some platforms that limit customer service to higher-tier plans, it gives you access to expert help, so you’re never left struggling to find answers.
If switching platforms feels overwhelming, CustomerHub also offers Done-for-You (DFY) setup services, which makes the transition simple while you focus on growing your business.
What Makes CustomerHub Better Than Podia?
While Podia is great for beginners, it has limitations in engagement, customization, and sales tools, which can slow down your business growth. If you're selling courses, CustomerHub gives you more control over your business.
Engagement and Community Tools
Keeping your audience engaged is key to retaining members and growing your business. Podia’s community tools are basic, while CustomerHub provides a fully interactive experience to build stronger connections.
With CustomerHub, you can create a private customer feed to keep members engaged with real-time updates and discussions.
The platform also includes user profiles and direct messaging, allowing members to communicate directly with each other.
Selling and Monetization
CustomerHub provides more flexibility in optimizing the sales process. You can create high-converting sales and checkout pages for courses and digital products.
The custom checkout experience includes one-click upsells and order bumps, which Podia does not support. The ability to offer multiple payment options, including subscriptions, one-time purchases, and payment plans, makes it easier to attract different types of customers.
CustomerHub also supports coupons and discounts, giving you the ability to run limited-time offers or special promotions. Unlike Podia’s free and lower-tier plans, which charge 5-10% per transaction, CustomerHub does not take a cut of your revenue.
Branding and Customization
Your platform should reflect your brand and not be limited by platform-imposed restrictions. Podia has limited customization options, whereas CustomerHub provides complete creative control.
With its drag-and-drop customization tools, you can tweak sales pages, course pages, and member dashboards without any coding. CustomerHub also offers full white labeling, removing all platform branding for a fully customized experience, something Podia does not provide.
Analytics and Automation
While Podia includes only basic automation, CustomerHub provides built-in analytics and advanced automation tools that make business management easier.
CustomerHub’s performance analytics dashboard tracks sales, engagement, and member activity in real time. Its automation workflows allow businesses to set up custom actions based on customer behavior, such as enrollments, course completions, and cancellations.
Also, this online course platform integrates with over 7,000 tools via Zapier, Keap, and HubSpot for more seamless communication between platforms.
No More Transaction Fees or Costly Upgrades—Try CustomerHub Today!
If you're constantly searching for external integrations or missing features, your platform isn’t helping you grow but rather holding you back.
That’s why CustomerHub is the smarter choice for creators like you who want to scale. You don't have to piece together third-party tools and deal with restrictive platform limitations.
CustomerHub provides a plug-and-play solution with high-converting sales pages, automated marketing workflows, and built-in community engagement tools.
It gives you full control over your business without hidden costs compared to alternatives that charge transaction fees or require costly upgrades.
If you’re ready to focus on growth, now is the time to switch to CustomerHub. Join thousands of successful creators and take control of your business today. Start your free 14-day trial now!
FAQs About Podia Alternatives
What is better than Podia?
If you're looking for a true all-in-one platform with stronger automation, better support, and easier membership management, CustomerHub is the best Podia alternative.
It provides unlimited chat support, a robust online help center, and 30+ certified partners to help you scale your business.
CustomerHub also includes automation tools, training resources, and an easy-to-use interface, making it a powerful platform for course creators, coaches, and digital product sellers.
What are the disadvantages of Podia?
Podia is simple, but it has several limitations:
- Basic automation (lacks advanced workflows and integrations)
- Transaction fees on lower plans (5-10% per sale)
- Limited support options that make it harder to get quick help
CustomerHub solves these issues by offering fast and friendly support, automation features, and seamless membership tools without transaction fees eating into your revenue.
What is the difference between Stan and Podia?
Stan is built for social media creators selling digital products, while Podia is for course creators and membership businesses. Podia includes email marketing and storefronts, while Stan is optimized for link-in-bio sales.
What is the difference between Podia and Thinkific?
Thinkific offers better course engagement (quizzes, certificates, progress tracking), while Podia has built-in email marketing. Thinkific allows for deeper customization, but Podia is easier for beginners.
If you want automation, better support, and an all-in-one platform, CustomerHub provides unlimited chat support, expert help, and automation tools.
