Are you an entrepreneur, course creator, or digital product seller looking for the perfect platform to power your online business? While SamCart is a popular choice for many, it’s not the only player in the game. In fact, there’s a vibrant ecosystem of “SamCart alternatives” that might be a better fit for your specific needs, budget, and business model.
Let’s be real—SamCart is powerful. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and helps you build high-converting checkout pages fast. But here’s the catch: once you start scaling or want more flexibility—like integrated email marketing, membership sites, or automation—you hit a wall.
The good news? There are plenty of tools out there that give you more for less. From all-in-one marketing platforms like Systeme.io to lifetime deals like ThriveCart, the market’s full of options built for creators who care about profits and simplicity.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top SamCart competitors worth your attention—what they offer, where they shine, what to watch out for, and how much they actually cost.
Why Look for a SamCart Alternative
Here’s the thing—SamCart isn’t a bad tool. It’s actually one of the cleanest checkout builders around. But for many creators and small businesses, it quickly becomes too limited for the price you’re paying.
If you’ve ever tried to run your business inside SamCart alone, you’ve probably hit one (or more) of these walls:
- It’s not truly all-in-one. You still need separate tools for email marketing, automation, and your course or membership hosting.
- The pricing climbs fast. SamCart can be a significant investment, especially for new businesses.
- Feature Set: Some alternatives offer more robust marketing automation, website building, or course hosting capabilities.
- Niche Focus: Certain platforms are tailored to specific types of businesses, like membership sites or digital downloads.
- Limited design freedom. Customizing your checkout or landing pages beyond templates can feel restrictive.
- No built-in community or CRM. You’ll need other apps to manage customers or students long-term.
- Ease of Use: While SamCart is generally user-friendly, some platforms might offer a simpler interface for specific tasks.
And that’s the big pain point—SamCart works best as a checkout tool, not a business hub. If you want something that runs your entire sales process (from email to delivery), you’ll need an alternative that fits your workflow and budget better.
The good news? You’ve got options. Some tools on this list—like Systeme.io and Podia—replace several subscriptions at once. Others, like ThriveCart or PayKickstart, double down on powerful checkout and affiliate systems.
So before you pick your next tool, think about what you actually need:
Do you want simplicity? All-in-one automation? Lifetime pricing?
Your answer will guide which SamCart alternative makes the most sense for your business.
Before we get into detailed reviews, let’s take a quick look at what’s out there. I’ve rounded up the most talked-about SamCart alternatives that creators, course sellers, and digital entrepreneurs are actually using in 2025. Below is a snapshot of how they stack up in terms of pricing, features, and who they’re best suited for — so you can spot your top contenders at a glance before diving deeper.
Top SamCart Alternatives at a Glance
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick snapshot of the best SamCart alternatives and how they compare. Whether you’re selling courses, memberships, or digital products, these tools give you a mix of pricing, flexibility, and marketing power to fit your business style.
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Key Strength / Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThriveCart | One-time payment (≈ $495–$790) | Entrepreneurs wanting lifetime access | Lifetime deal with powerful upsells and affiliate tracking |
| Systeme.io | Free plan available; paid from $27/mo | Beginners and budget-conscious creators | All-in-one tool with funnels, emails, and courses |
| ClickFunnels | From $97/mo | Advanced marketers and agencies | Proven funnel builder with huge community support |
| Kajabi | From $89/mo | Coaches and course creators | Premium all-in-one platform with automation and analytics |
| Flodesk | Flat $38/mo | Creators focused on email marketing | Beautiful automations and templates for simple workflows |
| Gumroad | Free (with transaction fees) | Indie creators and digital product sellers | Simple setup with instant checkouts and memberships |
| PayKickstart | From $99/mo | SaaS and subscription businesses | Advanced recurring billing and affiliate tools |
| Podia | From $39/mo | Course creators and community builders | All-in-one course + community + email platform |
| SendOwl | From $39/mo | Digital product sellers and small shops | Lightweight checkout with instant file delivery |
Each tool here caters to a slightly different type of seller — some are built for simplicity, others for scale. In the next sections, we’ll break them down one by one so you can find the perfect fit for your business goals.
Why ThriveCart Tops the List
If there’s one checkout tool that creators rave about when moving away from SamCart, it’s ThriveCart. It’s been a trusted favorite for years—and for good reason. ThriveCart gives you all the power of a premium checkout and funnel builder, but with one huge difference: you pay once, and it’s yours for life. No recurring bills, no hidden fees. Just a rock-solid platform built to help you sell smarter.
1. ThriveCart
ThriveCart is a checkout and funnel platform built specifically for digital product sellers, coaches, and course creators who care about conversions and keeping more profit. While SamCart charges monthly, ThriveCart operates on a one-time lifetime license—making it one of the most cost-effective long-term options. It’s designed to boost your average order value through upsells, bump offers, and subscription tools, all while managing affiliates under one roof.
Key Features:
- High-Converting Checkout Pages: Drag-and-drop builder for one-page checkouts, two-step checkouts, embeddable carts, and pop-up carts.
- One-Click Upsells & Downsells: Easily add post-purchase offers to increase average order value.
- Bump Offers: Add relevant, low-cost offers directly on the checkout page.
- Affiliate Management: Built-in system to recruit and manage affiliates.
- Subscription Management: Robust tools for recurring payments, trials, and dunning (automated failed payment recovery).
- Extensive Integrations: Connects with popular payment processors, autoresponders, and membership platforms.
- A/B Testing: Optimize your checkout pages for maximum conversions.
Pros:
- One-time payment — no monthly fees or renewals.
- Built-in upsell, downsell, and bump offer features to boost cart value.
- Powerful affiliate management system.
- Proven track record of improving checkout conversions.
- Easy to integrate with major marketing tools.
Cons:
- Interface design feels slightly dated.
- No built-in email marketing or course hosting.
- Template selection is limited compared to all-in-one platforms.
Pricing:
ThriveCart’s lifetime deal ranges between $495 and $790, depending on current promotions and whether you add the optional Pro upgrade, which unlocks advanced features like affiliate management, automatic sales tax, and custom domains.
Best For:
Entrepreneurs, course creators, and digital sellers who want a high-converting checkout system without ongoing subscription costs.
2. Systeme.io
If you’ve ever wished SamCart came with built-in email marketing, funnels, automation, and course hosting — Systeme.io is the all-in-one SamCart alternative that actually does it. Designed for solopreneurs, coaches, and course creators, Systeme.io replaces multiple tools under one dashboard. It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly capable for its price point, making it ideal for anyone just starting to build or scale an online business.
Key Features:
- All-in-One Dashboard: Manage sales funnels, email campaigns, courses, and automation from one place.
- Visual Funnel Builder: Create full sales funnels (landing pages, upsells, and thank-you pages) using a drag-and-drop editor.
- Built-in Email Marketing: Send unlimited campaigns, segment subscribers, and automate follow-ups.
- Course & Membership Hosting: Upload videos, organize lessons, and manage student access easily.
- Affiliate Program Management: Recruit, track, and pay affiliates within the platform.
- Automation Workflows: Trigger actions like emails, tags, or funnel steps based on user behavior.
- Integrations & Payment Gateways: Works with Stripe, PayPal, and external tools through webhooks and Zapier.
Pros:
- Free plan available with no credit card required.
- Replaces 3–5 different tools (funnels, emails, courses, affiliates).
- Very beginner-friendly — minimal learning curve.
- Affordable even for advanced features.
- Reliable automation tools for the price.
Cons:
- Page design options are somewhat basic.
- Limited integrations compared to bigger tools.
- Analytics could be more detailed.
Pricing:
Systeme.io offers a free forever plan that includes up to 2,000 contacts, 3 funnels, and unlimited emails. Paid plans start at $27/month, scaling up to $97/month for the Unlimited plan (with unlimited funnels, email sends, and automation rules).
Best For:
Coaches, solopreneurs, and small business owners looking for a budget-friendly, all-in-one SamCart alternative that handles sales funnels, email marketing, and online courses in one place.
3. ClickFunnels
If you’ve spent any time in the online marketing world, you’ve probably heard of ClickFunnels. It’s one of the most well-known sales funnel builders and a strong SamCart alternative for businesses that need more than just checkout pages. ClickFunnels focuses on helping you build complete sales funnels—from landing pages to upsells—without touching a single line of code. While it comes with a higher price tag, it’s built for marketers who want scalability, automation, and a proven system for selling both products and services.
Key Features:
- Funnel Builder: Drag-and-drop editor to build sales funnels, opt-in pages, webinars, upsells, and more.
- Pre-Built Funnel Templates: Access dozens of high-converting templates for different business models.
- One-Click Upsells & Downsells: Easily boost average order value with post-purchase offers.
- Membership & Course Hosting: Create members-only areas and sell online programs directly.
- Email & Automation (Follow-Up Funnels): Built-in tools to manage emails and automate customer journeys.
- Analytics & A/B Testing: Track funnel performance and split-test for higher conversions.
- Integrations: Connects with Stripe, PayPal, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and hundreds of other tools.
Pros:
- Complete funnel ecosystem—build everything from lead capture to checkout.
- Massive library of templates and training resources.
- Excellent for scaling and running advanced marketing campaigns.
- Active community and tons of third-party integrations.
- Proven to increase conversions for both digital and physical products.
Cons:
- Pricey for beginners or small creators.
- Can feel overwhelming due to its depth and learning curve.
- Page loading speeds can lag compared to simpler platforms.
Pricing:
ClickFunnels starts at $97/month for the Basic plan, which includes 20 funnels and 100 pages. The Pro plan is $197/month, while the Funnel Hacker plan (unlimited funnels, VIP support, and advanced analytics) costs $297/month. A free 14-day trial is available.
Best For:
Marketers, agencies, and established entrepreneurs who want a high-converting, all-in-one funnel system that can handle everything from lead generation to checkout under one roof.
4. Kajabi
If your business revolves around online courses, coaching, or memberships, Kajabi is the premium SamCart alternative that lets you build, market, and sell everything under one roof. Unlike SamCart, which focuses mainly on checkout pages, Kajabi gives you a complete business suite—website builder, course hosting, email automation, payments, and analytics—all integrated into a sleek, professional platform. It’s the go-to choice for established creators who want everything done for them without juggling multiple tools.
Key Features:
- All-in-One Business Platform: Build websites, landing pages, checkout flows, and entire marketing systems in one place.
- Course & Membership Hosting: Upload videos, organize lessons, and create communities for your students.
- Email Marketing & Automation: Send broadcasts, set triggers, and create drip campaigns directly inside Kajabi.
- Website Builder: Professionally designed themes and drag-and-drop customization—no coding needed.
- Pipelines (Funnels): Pre-built funnel blueprints for launches, webinars, or lead magnets.
- Analytics Dashboard: Track revenue, subscriptions, and engagement metrics in real-time.
- Integrations: Works with Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, and tools like ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign.
Pros:
- Truly all-in-one—no need for extra email or course hosting tools.
- Stunning, modern design across pages and products.
- Excellent customer support and a large creator community.
- Seamless user experience for both you and your students.
- Ideal for selling high-ticket courses and programs.
Cons:
- One of the pricier options on the market.
- Limited checkout customization compared to SamCart or ThriveCart.
- Can feel overkill if you’re only selling a few digital products.
Pricing:
Kajabi’s pricing starts at $89/month for the KickStarter plan, which includes 1 products, unlimited funnels, and up to 250 contacts. The Basic plan is $179/month, the Growth plan runs $249/month, and the Pro plan runs $499/month offering more automation, funnels, and admin users. A 14-day free trial is available.
Best For:
Course creators, coaches, and online educators who want a high-end, all-in-one SamCart alternative that can manage content, marketing, and payments from one elegant dashboard.
5. Flodesk
If design and branding are big priorities for you, Flodesk might just be your favorite SamCart alternative for email marketing. While it’s not a direct checkout platform like SamCart, Flodesk shines when paired with other tools—especially for creators who want visually stunning emails and simple automations without the steep learning curve. Think of it as the email tool that makes your marketing look as good as it performs.
Key Features:
- Beautiful Email Templates: Pre-built designs optimized for high engagement and easy customization.
- Visual Workflow Builder: Create automated email sequences and subscriber journeys with a drag-and-drop editor.
- Form & Landing Page Builder: Capture leads with embedded forms or standalone pages.
- Segmenting & Tagging: Organize subscribers and send more personalized messages.
- Ecommerce Integrations: Connects seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, ThriveCart, and Zapier.
- Unlimited Emails: Send as many campaigns as you want, no matter your list size.
- Consistent Flat Pricing: One simple plan for unlimited subscribers—no tiered pricing.
Pros:
- Gorgeous, easy-to-use interface (no design experience needed).
- Flat-rate pricing—grow your list without paying more.
- Great for brand-focused creators, coaches, and small businesses.
- Fast setup and minimal tech overwhelm.
- Excellent deliverability and simple automations.
Cons:
- Not a checkout or funnel builder (needs integration with sales tools like SamCart or ThriveCart).
- Lacks deep reporting and advanced automation logic found in other platforms.
- Fewer integrations compared to competitors like ConvertKit.
Pricing:
Flodesk keeps things simple—$38/month flat, regardless of your email list size. There are no tiers, hidden fees, or subscriber limits. They also offer a free 30-day trial, so you can test it out before committing.
Best For:
Content creators, bloggers, and small business owners who want beautiful email marketing that pairs perfectly with any checkout tool, including SamCart alternatives like ThriveCart or Systeme.io.
6. Gumroad
If you’re a creator who just wants to upload a product and start selling today—no funnels, no fancy setup—Gumroad is your simplest SamCart alternative. It’s built for independent creators, writers, artists, and developers who sell digital products like eBooks, templates, or memberships. Gumroad handles everything from checkout to delivery, so you can focus on creating instead of managing tech.
Key Features:
- Instant Product Listings: Upload your product, set a price, and share your link within minutes.
- Digital & Physical Products: Sell eBooks, courses, videos, software, or even physical goods.
- Built-In Checkout Pages: Clean, mobile-optimized checkout with instant file delivery.
- Memberships & Subscriptions: Offer recurring billing for premium communities or monthly content.
- Pay What You Want Pricing: Let customers choose what they pay (great for creators testing pricing).
- Email Updates: Send product updates or announcements directly to customers.
- Analytics & Customer Data: View sales, refunds, and traffic sources in one dashboard.
Pros:
- Easiest setup of any platform—no tech skills needed.
- Free to start with no monthly fees.
- Perfect for creators selling digital goods or memberships.
- Built-in audience features and basic email tools.
- Great option for testing ideas or side projects.
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up (especially on lower-priced items).
- Very limited customization for branding and page design.
- Not ideal for complex funnels or large-scale businesses.
- No built-in affiliate program or automation features.
Pricing:
Gumroad is free to start, but it charges a 10% transaction fee. There’s no monthly plan—just a simple pay-as-you-earn model, making it perfect for low-volume sellers or beginners.
Best For:
Independent creators, artists, and digital entrepreneurs who want a hassle-free, no-subscription SamCart alternative that lets them sell products online instantly.
7. PayKickstart
If you’re looking for a SamCart alternative that feels tailor-made for serious digital marketers and subscription businesses, PayKickstart deserves your attention. It’s a robust cart and affiliate management platform built to help you sell, automate, and scale—all while keeping your revenue predictable and growing. Think of it as a checkout system meets subscription engine, with the flexibility and data you need to maximize every sale.
Key Features:
- Customizable Checkout Pages: Choose from modern templates and optimize with branding, upsells, and cross-sells.
- One-Click Upsells & Order Bumps: Increase your average transaction value without complicating the customer experience.
- Subscription & Recurring Billing: Handle memberships, trials, and recurring payments seamlessly.
- Affiliate Management Suite: Recruit, manage, and pay affiliates automatically within the platform.
- Dunning & Revenue Recovery: Reduce churn with automated payment retries and recovery emails.
- Advanced Analytics & Reporting: Get in-depth insights into sales, subscriptions, and customer lifetime value.
- Integrations: Connects with Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, and dozens of CRMs and marketing tools.
Pros:
- Extremely powerful subscription and affiliate management features.
- Great for SaaS, membership, and recurring revenue models.
- Flexible checkout customization options.
- Detailed analytics for serious marketers.
- Smooth integrations with major payment gateways and automation tools.
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for beginners.
- No free plan (trial only).
- Interface feels more “functional” than visually polished.
Pricing:
PayKickstart starts at $99/month for the Starter plan, which includes basic checkout and affiliate tools. The Growth plan costs $199/month, adding advanced integrations, subscription recovery, and detailed reporting. The Scale plan ($299/month) unlocks full automation and customization features. A 14-day free trial is available to test it out.
Best For:
Marketers, SaaS founders, and membership site owners who need a data-driven SamCart alternative with strong recurring billing, analytics, and affiliate management tools.
8. Podia
If you want a platform that makes selling digital products, courses, and memberships feel easy, Podia is one of the most approachable SamCart alternatives out there. It combines storefront, checkout, and content delivery tools in one clean interface — no plugins, coding, or tech headaches required. Whether you’re a first-time creator or a seasoned educator, Podia gives you everything you need to sell and engage with your audience without juggling multiple apps.
Key Features:
- All-in-One Creator Platform: Sell courses, memberships, digital downloads, and webinars from a single dashboard.
- Built-in Checkout: Fast, mobile-friendly checkout with upsells and coupon options.
- Email Marketing: Send newsletters, drip sequences, and product announcements directly inside Podia.
- Community Spaces: Build free or paid communities right inside your storefront.
- Unlimited Products & Customers: No caps on uploads or users — sell as much as you want.
- Affiliate Management: Launch your own referral program to boost sales.
- Integrations: Works with Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, and a range of third-party tools via Zapier.
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive interface — no tech skills needed.
- Affordable and transparent pricing.
- Combines checkout, course hosting, and community features.
- Excellent customer support and resources for creators.
- Unlimited products even on lower-tier plans.
Cons:
- Limited page customization and funnel flexibility.
- Basic automation tools compared to Systeme.io or Kajabi.
- Doesn’t support advanced analytics or A/B testing.
Pricing:
Podia offers a free plan with limited features to get started. Paid plans include:
- Mover: $39/month — includes digital products and email marketing.
- Shaker: $89/month — adds memberships, affiliates, and embedded checkout.
- Earthquaker: $199/month — advanced analytics, team seats, and white labeling.
Best For:
Course creators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs who want a simple, all-in-one SamCart alternative that makes selling, teaching, and community-building straightforward and stress-free.
9. SendOwl
For creators who want a lightweight, no-fuss SamCart alternative, SendOwl strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. It’s built primarily for selling digital products, subscriptions, and memberships — without locking you into an all-in-one ecosystem. Think of it as the minimalist’s checkout tool: fast, reliable, and designed to help you deliver digital goods automatically while you focus on creating.
Key Features:
- Instant Digital Delivery: Automatically delivers files and licenses after purchase.
- Customizable Checkout Pages: Embed checkout buttons or forms directly on your website.
- Subscriptions & Memberships: Handle recurring billing and access control with ease.
- Upsells & Discounts: Create time-sensitive offers or bundle discounts to increase revenue.
- Affiliate Management: Set up and track affiliate campaigns from your dashboard.
- Drip Content: Deliver course modules or digital files over time.
- Integrations: Works with PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Zapier, and popular email marketing tools.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to set up — perfect for small shops.
- Affordable and scalable as your business grows.
- Reliable digital product delivery with built-in protection.
- Simple interface without unnecessary extras.
- Great for creators who already have a website or audience.
Cons:
- No built-in funnel or landing page builder.
- Design customization is limited.
- Basic analytics compared to more robust SamCart alternatives.
Pricing:
SendOwl’s pricing starts at $39/month for the Starter plan (up to 20 products). The Standard plan ($87/month) adds more integrations and upsells, while the Pro plan ($159/month) includes subscriptions, drip content, and affiliates. A free trial is available to test before committing.
Best For:
Digital product sellers, course creators, and small businesses that want a simple, affordable SamCart alternative to handle checkouts and digital deliveries without the complexity of a full funnel builder.
How to Choose the Right SamCart Alternative for You
Here’s the truth: there isn’t a single “best” SamCart alternative for everyone. The right choice depends on what you’re selling, your workflow, and how much control (or simplicity) you want. Before you commit, it helps to think through a few key questions.
1. What are you really selling?
If you’re selling courses or memberships, look for platforms like Kajabi or Podia that include course hosting and community tools.
If your focus is on one-time digital products, ThriveCart, SendOwl, or Gumroad might be more cost-effective.
2. Do you want an all-in-one system or a focused checkout tool?
If you’d rather avoid juggling multiple platforms, go for an all-in-one tool like Systeme.io or Kajabi.
If you already have your email marketing and website handled, then a checkout-focused tool like ThriveCart or PayKickstart might fit better.
3. How important are design and branding to you?
If you care about beautifully designed pages and emails, Flodesk and Kajabi shine in that area.
If you prioritize flexibility and raw selling power, ClickFunnels and PayKickstart might be stronger picks.
4. What’s your budget and growth plan?
If you’re on a tight budget, Systeme.io and Podia’s free or low-cost plans offer tons of value without upfront investment.
If you’re scaling fast or running a business with multiple products, ThriveCart’s lifetime deal or PayKickstart’s automation suite might deliver better long-term ROI.
5. How much automation do you really need?
If you crave automation, lead tracking, and affiliate systems, look at ClickFunnels, PayKickstart, or Systeme.io.
If you prefer to keep things lean and manual, Gumroad or SendOwl are great minimal options.
Pro tip:
Start by listing the tools you already use (email, website, CRM) and map how each SamCart alternative integrates with them. The fewer extra steps you add, the smoother your sales process will be.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect SamCart Alternative
At the end of the day, switching from SamCart isn’t about finding a “better” tool — it’s about finding the right fit for your business. Each of these SamCart alternatives shines in its own way.
If you want a one-time investment with strong conversion tools, ThriveCart is hard to beat.
If you’re just getting started and want everything in one place, Systeme.io or Podia will keep things simple.
If you’re scaling fast and need automation, analytics, and affiliates, PayKickstart or ClickFunnels might be your dream setup.
And if your brand depends on aesthetics and email engagement, Flodesk and Kajabi bring that polish.
Here’s the real win: every tool on this list helps you sell smarter — not harder. You don’t need the most expensive platform or the flashiest design. You just need something that aligns with your workflow, helps your customers buy with ease, and supports your growth over time.
If you’re ready to simplify your checkout process and keep more of your profits, ThriveCart is the one I’d recommend starting with. Its lifetime deal alone makes it a no-brainer — no monthly fees, just a powerful tool that grows with your business. Give it a try and see how much easier selling can be when your cart actually works for you, not against you.