Systeme.io
Kartra
Systeme.io vs Kartra: Which One Is Right for You?
Systeme.io and Kartra are both all-in-one marketing platforms that promise to handle everything from email marketing to course hosting. While Systeme.io focuses on simplicity and affordability, Kartra offers more advanced features for complex marketing funnels.
Last updated: January 20, 2026
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Quick Verdict
This comparison is a tie because each platform serves different needs perfectly. Systeme.io wins for beginners and budget-conscious users, while Kartra excels for advanced marketers who need sophisticated automation and don't mind paying more.
Systeme.io is best for:
- Solo entrepreneurs just starting out
- Budget-conscious small businesses
- Simple course creators
- Users who want everything free to start
Kartra is best for:
- Advanced marketers with complex funnels
- Businesses needing sophisticated automation
- Course creators wanting professional features
- Teams requiring comprehensive CRM tools
My take: If you're just starting or want the best value, go with Systeme.io. If you need advanced features and have the budget, Kartra is worth the investment.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Both platforms cover the marketing essentials, but they take different approaches to complexity and power.
| Feature | Systeme.io | Kartra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Both offer unlimited sending, but Kartra has more advanced automation | ||
| Sales Funnels | Kartra offers funnel simulation and more advanced mapping tools | ||
| Course Creation | Systeme.io has better structured course features, Kartra treats courses as memberships | ||
| Page Builder | Kartra's drag-and-drop builder is far more flexible and customizable | ||
| Free Plan | Systeme.io offers forever free plan, Kartra only has 30-day trial | ||
| CRM Features | Kartra includes helpdesk, live chat, and advanced lead scoring | ||
| Webinar Hosting | Kartra includes native webinar hosting, Systeme.io requires integrations | ||
| Affiliate Management | Kartra offers comprehensive affiliate tracking and commission management | ||
| A/B Testing | Both support testing, but Kartra offers more advanced split testing options | ||
| Video Hosting | Kartra includes advanced video analytics and security features | ||
| Transaction Fees | Both platforms charge 0% transaction fees on paid plans | ||
| Ease of Use | Systeme.io is simpler to learn, Kartra has a steeper learning curve |
The main difference between these platforms lies in their complexity and target audience. Systeme.io keeps things simple with an intuitive interface that beginners can master quickly. Its course creation tools are straightforward with proper lesson structures, and the platform does everything you need without overwhelming you with options. Kartra takes the opposite approach, offering enterprise-level features like advanced funnel simulation, comprehensive CRM tools, and sophisticated automation workflows. Its page builder is far more flexible than Systeme.io's, allowing for detailed customization that professional marketers demand. However, this power comes with complexity that can intimidate newcomers. Kartra also includes features like native webinar hosting and advanced affiliate management that Systeme.io either lacks or handles more basically.
Pricing Comparison
The pricing difference between these platforms is substantial and reflects their different positioning in the market.
| Plan / Tier | Systeme.io | Kartra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free/Entry | Free forever | 30-day trial only | Systeme.io offers genuine free plan with 2,000 contacts |
| Starter | $17/month | $99/month | Systeme.io covers basics, Kartra includes webinars and advanced features |
| Professional | $47/month | $189/month | Systeme.io adds evergreen webinars, Kartra includes funnel analytics |
| Enterprise | $97/month | $429/month | Unlimited everything on Systeme.io, Kartra adds advanced helpdesk features |
Systeme.io is the clear winner on pricing, offering similar core functionality at a fraction of Kartra's cost. The free plan alone makes it accessible to anyone, while even the top-tier unlimited plan costs less than Kartra's starter option.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Systeme.io if you...
- You're just starting your online business
- Budget is a major concern
- You want a simple, easy-to-learn platform
- You need a genuine free plan to test everything
Choose Kartra if you...
- You need advanced marketing automation
- You want sophisticated funnel analytics
- You require native webinar hosting
- You have the budget for premium features
Final Recommendation
Choose Systeme.io if you're starting out or running a smaller operation where simplicity and cost matter most. The free plan lets you test everything without risk, and the paid plans deliver excellent value. The platform handles all the essentials well enough for most online businesses, and you can always upgrade later if you outgrow it. Choose Kartra if you're already established and need advanced features like funnel simulation, sophisticated automation workflows, or native webinar hosting. The higher price tag is justified if you can leverage the advanced tools to increase conversions. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve and higher ongoing costs. Both platforms are solid choices, but your current needs and budget should drive the decision.
Systeme.io
Complete marketing platform with sales funnels, email marketing, courses, and more at budget-friendly prices
Starting at Free
Try Systeme.io →Kartra
True all-in-one marketing platform with advanced funnels, email automation, and membership hosting
Starting at $59/mo
Try Kartra →Frequently Asked Questions
For beginners and budget-conscious users, yes. Systeme.io offers better value and simplicity, while Kartra excels in advanced features.
Systeme.io is significantly cheaper, with plans starting free versus Kartra's $99/month minimum.
Yes, you can export your contacts and recreate your funnels, though you'll need to rebuild pages and automations manually.
Systeme.io offers evergreen webinars on higher plans, but Kartra includes live webinar hosting which Systeme.io lacks.
Systeme.io is much easier to learn and use, while Kartra has a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features.
Both platforms charge 0% transaction fees on their paid plans, though Systeme.io's free plan has no transaction fees either.