Stan Store vs. Kajabi: Which Platform Is Right for Your Course Creation Business?

When it comes to choosing the right platform for your online course business, it can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Two platforms I’ve personally had positive experiences with are Stan Store and Kajabi. Both have their strengths and offer a lot of value, but the best choice for you will depend on where you are in your business journey and what features you need to grow.

Let’s break down the key differences between the two, so you can decide which one is the best fit for you.

Stan Store: Simplicity Meets Efficiency

If you’re looking for something that’s simple to use, Stan Store is hard to beat. I’d give it the edge when it comes to ease of use, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t love dealing with tech. The platform is intuitive and straightforward, so if technology tends to overwhelm you, Stan Store might be your best bet.

Here’s what you get with Stan Store’s Creator Plan ($29/mo):

• A store optimized for both mobile and desktop
• Course builder with unlimited courses
• Calendar invites and bookings (replaces tools like Calendly)
• Lead magnet and email collector
• Analytics to track your store and course progress

If you’re just starting out, this plan offers more than enough to get your course business up and running.

But if you’re ready for more advanced features, the Creator PRO Plan ($99/mo) includes:

• Advanced pricing and payment options (like Afterpay and Klarna)
• Funnels, upsells, and affiliate links
• Email marketing and analytics tracking

Stan Store is great for creators who need an easy-to-use platform that does the basics really well. It’s budget-friendly and lets you hit the ground running without a steep learning curve.

Kajabi: Powerhouse for Growth

Now, let’s talk about Kajabi. While I love the simplicity of Stan Store, I ultimately landed on Kajabi for my own business because it’s a more robust platform that will grow with me.

Kajabi is a bit more of an investment, but you’re getting a lot more power under the hood. Here’s what really sets Kajabi apart:

• All-in-one platform: With Kajabi, you’re not just getting a course builder. You’re getting a fully integrated website, email marketing, and funnel builder all in one place. That means fewer tools to manage and less bouncing between different platforms.

• Mobile-friendly: Kajabi has an app that makes it super accessible for your customers. People can easily access your courses from their phones, which is a big win in today’s mobile-first world. (You even have the option to upgrade to a personalized app!)

• Advanced features: As you scale your business, Kajabi grows with you. From automation to affiliate programs, Kajabi gives you more tools to optimize your business and keep it running smoothly. Plus, no transaction fees, which is a nice bonus.

Here’s a snapshot of Kajabi’s pricing and plans:

• Kickstarter Plan ($55/mo): Perfect for beginners, includes 1 product, 1 funnel, and 250 contacts.
• Basic Plan ($119/mo): Great for a growing business with up to 3 products and 3 funnels.
• Growth Plan ($159/mo): Includes 15 products, 15 funnels, and more advanced features like affiliate programs and custom branding.
• Pro Plan ($319/mo): For businesses ready to scale, with 100 products, 100 funnels, and advanced automations.

Kajabi’s strength is in how much it offers in one platform. From building beautiful websites and landing pages to tracking analytics, it’s built for creators who want to scale their business long-term.

Which Platform Is Right for You?

So, how do you choose between the two?

• Choose Stan Store if you’re looking for something simple, budget-friendly, and easy to use. It’s a great option for beginners or creators who want to keep things straightforward. It’s also ideal if you want to start small and scale later on without feeling overwhelmed by too many features.

• Choose Kajabi if you’re ready to invest in a more powerful, all-in-one platform. Kajabi is perfect if you’re planning to grow your business over time and want a platform that will give you everything from email marketing to advanced sales funnels all in one place. It’s also a great fit if you want a more professional, seamless experience for your customers—especially with the mobile app option.

My Final Take

I’ve had great experiences with both Stan Store and Kajabi. Stan Store is ideal for those who want simplicity and a no-fuss setup, while Kajabi is built for creators ready to scale and streamline their business with more advanced features.

For me, Kajabi ended up being the better fit because of its robust offerings and scalability. But, if you’re just getting started or want a platform that doesn’t feel overwhelming, Stan Store could be exactly what you need.

At the end of the day, both platforms are fantastic options—it just depends on what stage you’re at in your business and what you need to grow.

If you have any questions or need more help deciding, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share more about my experience with both platforms!

Happy course creating,
Brooke