Podia is a comprehensive platform for digital commerce and LMS, but it may only be suitable for some people's needs. If you're looking to sell physical products or require specific features such as SCORM course compliance, advanced marketing tools, or varied assessment options, there may be better choices than Podia.
This article presents our top choices for the best alternatives to Podia, with a thorough examination of each platform's essential features, pros and cons, and pricing information to assist you in making an informed decision.
1. Sellfy
Sellfy is an all-inclusive platform for selling digital products such as ebooks, videos, audio files, and music, as well as subscription-based products. Unlike Podia, it offers the ability to sell physical inventory, including the integration of a print-on-demand system. With this feature, you can sell custom merchandise with your designs without the need to hold any stock inventory.
Simply upload your designs to Sellfy's catalog and set the desired price, and Sellfy will handle the printing, shipping, and billing for you, with the difference being your profit. This feature makes Sellfy ideal for influencers or content creators with a large following who want to sell their own branded merchandise along with their digital products.
Sellfy offers a comprehensive suite of marketing features, including upsells, an online shopping cart, smooth checkout, and integration with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Features:
- Ability to sell both digital and physical products
- In-built print-on-demand functionality
- Option for recurring subscriptions
- User-friendly store editor
- Stylish store themes
- Coupon code creation
- Effective email marketing tools
- Ability to upsell products
- Cart abandonment recovery
- Secure SSL certificate
- Advanced VAT and tax settings
- Integration with popular payment gateways (PayPal and Stripe)
Pricing:
- Starter – $19.00 per month
- Business – $49.00 per month
- Premium – $99.00 per month
2. Thinkific
Thinkific is a specialized platform for online courses, offering a more comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) and advanced functionalities for creating and selling educational products. Its focus is specifically geared towards online course sales, making it different from Podia which aims to be a comprehensive digital e-commerce solution.
Thinkific comes with a range of course-specific features, including live lessons and webinars, a wider selection of assessments (quizzes, exams, surveys, etc.), and bulk import capabilities. The drag-and-drop course builder is complemented by a variety of expert-designed templates, and flexible course delivery options, including scheduled, self-paced, drip and cohort.
Moreover, Thinkific offers a robust rewards system that enables you to award completion certificates and other incentives to students, a feature not available on Podia.
In addition to its LMS features, Thinkific is equipped with everything necessary to build your website, sell courses, and manage your business, including customizable website themes, e-commerce tools, marketing, and bookkeeping solutions.
Features:
- Live Webinars and Lessons
- Collaborative Learning Communities
- Customizable Themes for Your Website
- Ready-to-Use Course Templates
- Intuitive Course Builder
- Group Management
- Access to an App Store
- Advanced E-commerce Tools
- Assessments including Quizzes and Surveys
- Affiliate Marketing Capabilities
- Recurring Subscription Options
Pricing:
- Free – $0.00
- Basic – $36.00 per month
- Start – $74.00 per month
- Grow – $149.00 per month
3. Payhip
Payhip boasts an admirable level of simplicity, evident in both its user interface and pricing plans. Regardless of the plan selected, all features including unlimited products and revenue are available. The only distinction between the plans lies in the transaction fee amount. Payhip offers a range of features similar to those found in Podia, such as an online course builder, site builder, payments, and more. Additionally, it also includes inventory management tools, enabling the sale of both digital and physical products.
Features:
- Electronic File Deliveries
- E-Learning Platforms
- Personal Instruction
- Access Plans
- Stock Control
- Marketing Aids
- Tailored Shop Creator
- Value-Added Tax and Duties
- Transactions
- E-mail Advertising
Pricing:
- Free – $0.00
- Plus – $29.00 per month
- Pro – $99.00 per month
4. ThriveCart
ThriveCart is a widely-used software for selling digital products that boasts advanced selling tools and a sophisticated checkout system. Its online course platform sets it apart from its competitors. ThriveCart offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the process of creating successful sales funnels, cart pages, and marketing campaigns.
The platform's selling tools are exceptional and include profit-boosting features such as one-click upsells, bump offers, and others. These tools allow you to increase your sales and raise your average order values.
Features:
- Sales Funnel Creator
- Revenue-Enhancing Features (Upsells, Bumps, etc.)
- Sales Funnel Templates
- In-line Shopping Carts
- Wide Range of Connections
- Data Analysis and Metrics
- Tax Calculation Tool
- Automated Processes
- Adaptable Payments
- Permanent Access
- Essential E-Learning Platform
Pricing:
- Pro – $195.00 one-time payment
- Lifetime Account – $495.00 one-time payment
5. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is a leading learning management system in the market, renowned for its powerful course platform and unique features. Similar to Podia, LearnWorlds allows for the creation of online courses but offers a superior level of functionality that enables the creation of exceptional learning experiences not possible with Podia.
For instance, LearnWorlds provides the option to incorporate interactive content into online courses to increase student engagement. Its note-taking tools and clickable video features, such as hotspots, video links, and tables of contents, keep learners engaged and focused.
Additionally, LearnWorlds is one of the few platforms that are SCORM-compliant, meaning that the courses built on the platform meet specific technical standards and can be easily transferred to other software supporting SCORM.
The platform also offers advanced assessment options, reward certificates, customizable course player themes, a white-label mobile app, and much more. These features make LearnWorlds the preferred choice for educators who prioritize delivering exceptional learner experiences.
Features:
- Engaging Video Content
- Diverse Media-Based Lessons
- Tests and Quizzes
- Completion Certificates
- SCORM-compatible Courses
- Customizable Course Players
- Versatile Delivery and Pathway Options
- Collaborative Learning Features
- Website Creator with Drag-and-Drop Functionality
- Sophisticated Pricing Strategies
- Brand-able for Your Business
- Mobile Accessibility
- Increased Sales through Upsells and Cross-sells
- Customizable User Permissions
Pricing:
- Starter – $24.00 per month
- Pro Trainer – $79.00 per month
- Learning Center – $249.00 per month
- High Volume and Corporate – contact sales
Bottom-line
In conclusion, that was our overview of the best alternatives to Podia. If you're still uncertain about which platform to choose, here's a brief recommendation:
If you aim to sell a mix of products, Sellfy is the right choice. Its user-friendly interface and features make it a solid option, and it even allows the selling of physical products with print-on-demand fulfillment.
If you're looking to sell solely online courses, Thinkific is a great option. Its comprehensive LMS and advanced eLearning features, coupled with 0% transaction fees, make it a strong choice.
For educators who require advanced learning tools for their online courses, LearnWorlds is the ultimate solution. Its cutting-edge features and capabilities make it a top pick.
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