Circle vs Kajabi
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Circle | Kajabi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan (limited); paid from $49/mo | Paid plans from $119/mo (annual) or $149/mo (monthly) |
| Free tier | Yes (community only, limited features) | No free plan |
| Mobile app | Branded iOS/Android app included | No native app; responsive web |
| Live streaming & events | Built-in live streaming and events | No native live streaming; rely on integrations |
| AI features | AI agents, AI summaries, workflows (Eclipse launch) | Expert Agents, Cofounder AI business partner |
| Best for | Community-first creators with courses & events | Course/coaching businesses with marketing funnels |
Choose Circle if your core is community engagement with live events and a branded app, especially on a tighter budget. Choose Kajabi if you need robust course marketing funnels, coaching management, and a higher-ticket all-in-one solution, and aren't deterred by premium pricing.
Run your entire digital business — community, courses, livestreams, and branded apps — under your own brand.
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All-in-one platform to build, market, and sell digital products, courses, and coaching.
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Community-first creatorPick: Circle
Circle offers branded mobile apps, live streaming, and AI agents at lower starting cost, aligning with community engagement.
- Online course seller with marketing funnelsPick: Kajabi
Kajabi provides built-in conversion funnels, email automation, and AI business partner to maximize sales.
- Solo coach on a tight budgetPick: Circle
Circle's free or $49/mo plan allows coaching via community and live events without premium price tag.
- High-ticket coaching businessPick: Kajabi
Kajabi's coaching management, scheduling, and payment tools justify its cost for structured programs.
- Podcaster building a paid communityPick: Circle
Circle's community spaces and app complement podcasting, with better engagement features than Kajabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Circle vs Kajabi: which should you choose?
Choose Circle if your core is community engagement with live events and a branded app, especially on a tighter budget. Choose Kajabi if you need robust course marketing funnels, coaching management, and a higher-ticket all-in-one solution, and aren't deterred by premium pricing.
Does Circle have a free plan?
Yes, Circle offers a free plan with limited community features, including up to 200 members and basic functionality.
Does Kajabi have a free plan?
No, Kajabi does not offer a free plan. It provides a 14-day free trial (credit card required) on paid plans.
Which tool has native mobile apps?
Circle provides branded iOS and Android apps. Kajabi does not have native mobile apps; it offers a mobile-responsive web experience.
Can I sell courses on both platforms?
Yes, both support course hosting and payments. Circle integrates Stripe/PayPal; Kajabi has built-in Kajabi Payments and Stripe.
Which platform has better AI features?
Both are investing heavily. Circle's Eclipse launch (June 2026) introduced AI agents and summaries. Kajabi's latest cycles added Expert Agents and Cofounder AI partner.
Is live streaming available natively?
Circle includes native live streaming and events. Kajabi lacks native streaming; you must embed from Zoom or YouTube.
What integrations does each support?
Circle integrates with Slack, Notion, Zapier, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, Calendly, Typeform, Mailchimp, HubSpot, Salesforce. Kajabi integrates with Zapier and Stripe.
Which is better for coaching programs?
Kajabi has dedicated coaching management with scheduling and bundled payments. Circle supports coaching via community but lacks scheduling tools.
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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026