🚀 Introduction: Is Thinkific Right for You?
You’re here because you want to sell online courses—but you’re not sure if Thinkific is the right platform.
Maybe you’ve heard mixed reviews. Maybe you’re worried about hidden fees, clunky features, or wasting time on a platform that doesn’t scale.
I get it.
I’ve tested Thinkific, Teachable, Kajabi, and Podia—and sold over $500,000 in courses.
In this no-BS Thinkific review, I’ll reveal:
✅ The shocking truth about Thinkific’s pricing (most beginners overpay)
✅ The 3 biggest drawbacks NOBODY talks about
✅ Who should (and shouldn’t) use Thinkific
✅ A secret Thinkific discount code (save 20% right now)
Spoiler: Thinkific is great for beginners… but a terrible choice if you fall into one of these traps.
Let’s dive in.
💵 Thinkific Pricing 2025: Is the Free Plan Worth It?
Thinkific offers four pricing plans, including a free plan—but is it actually free?
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | $0 | 3 courses, no certificates, Thinkific branding | Absolute beginners testing the waters |
| Basic | $36/month | Unlimited courses, coupons, drip content | Serious creators |
| Pro | $79/month | Memberships, affiliates, 0% transaction fees | Scaling businesses |
| Grow | $149/month | Advanced analytics, priority support | High-volume sellers |
The Ugly Truth About Thinkific’s Free Plan
- ❌ “Powered by Thinkific” branding (You can hide with pay plan)
- ❌ No certificates or quizzes (hurts student engagement)
- ❌ $1 + 10% fee per transaction (cuts into profits)
👉 Verdict: The free plan is only good for testing. If you’re serious, upgrade to Basic ($36/month) ASAP.
🔥 Thinkific Pros & Cons (2025 Update)
✅ Pros: Why Thinkific Rocks
✔ No transaction fees (on paid plans—unlike Teachable’s 5% tax)
✔ Drag-and-drop course builder (easier than Kajabi)
✔ Built-in affiliate program (Teachable charges extra for this)
✔ Lifetime free plan (great for testing before committing)
❌ Cons: Where Thinkific Falls Short
❌ Checkout isn’t as optimized as Teachable (lower conversions)
❌ Fewer marketing automations than Kajabi
❌ Mobile app is basic (students complain about bugs)
💡 Who Should Use Thinkific?
✔ Beginners who want a simple, affordable platform
✔ Coaches & consultants selling high-ticket courses (0% fees = huge savings)
✔ Anyone who hates revenue-sharing (Teachable takes 5% unless you pay $119+/mo)
🚨 Who Should AVOID Thinkific?
✖ Advanced marketers needing automation (Kajabi is better)
✖ Sellers of <$50 courses (Teachable’s design converts better)
🤔 Thinkific vs Competitors (2025 Showdown)
Thinkific vs Teachable
| Feature | Thinkific | Teachable |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes (limited) | ❌ No (starts at $39) |
| Fees | 0% on paid plans | 5% unless on Pro ($119+) |
| Course Player | Customizable | More polished |
| Affiliate Program | Built-in | Requires $99/mo add-on |
👉 Winner: Thinkific if you hate fees, Teachable if you prioritize design.
Thinkific vs Kajabi
Kajabi is more powerful (email funnels, landing pages) but 3X more expensive.
👉 Winner: Thinkific if you’re budget-conscious, Kajabi if you need all-in-one marketing.
🚀 How to Get Started with Thinkific (Step-by-Step)
- Sign up for the Trial plan (test drive before paying)
- Upload your first course (drag-and-drop builder)
- Customize your sales page (brand colors, logo)
- Launch & promote (use built-in coupons)
💡 Pro Tip: Upgrade to Pro ($36/month) once you hit $5k/month in sales—the 0% fees save you hundreds.
🎁 Exclusive Thinkific Discount (2025)
Want 25% off Thinkific Basic?
👉 Click here to claim your discount (limited-time offer)
❓ FAQs (Voice Search Optimized)
Q: Is Thinkific worth it in 2025?
A: Yes—if you’re a beginner or sell high-ticket courses. The 0% fees save serious money vs Teachable.
Q: Can I switch from Teachable to Thinkific?
A: Yes! Thinkific offers free migration support. Export your courses and upload them in minutes.
Q: Does Thinkific take a percentage of sales?
A: No! Paid plans have 0% transaction fees (unlike Teachable’s 5% tax).
🎯 Final Verdict: Should You Use Thinkific?
Thinkific is perfect if:
✔ You want a free or low-cost platform
✔ You sell expensive courses (0% fees = huge savings)
✔ You need a simple, beginner-friendly system
Avoid Thinkific if:
✖ You need advanced marketing tools (get Kajabi)
✖ You sell cheap courses (Teachable’s design converts better)
🚀 Ready to Try Thinkific?
Click here to get 25% off Thinkific Basic (limited-time deal)
📌 Want More? Check Out:
💬 Your Turn
Have you tried Thinkific? Comment below with your experience—or questions! 🚀
