ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels which is best for coaches

Selling digital products or online courses? You’re probably torn between tools like ThriveCart and ClickFunnels—and wondering which one will actually simplify your business (instead of adding another tech headache).


If you’re weighing the lifetime deal of ThriveCart against the all-in-one promise of ClickFunnels, you’re not alone.



But here’s my honest take as someone who’s used—and outgrown—both:


If you’re serious about building a sustainable, automated business as a therapist or coach, neither platform is the full solution.

Yep, ThriveCart wins when it comes to value. ClickFunnels is solid if you love templates and need an all-in-one funnel.


But if you want both simplicity and serious power?


👉 HighLevel (affiliate link) is what I actually recommend—and what I use to run my own business.

Let’s break it down.
 

What exactly is ThriveCart?

ThriveCart (affiliate link) is a cart system built for digital entrepreneurs. It lets you:

  • Sell digital products and services
  • Build checkout pages and upsells
  • Manage affiliate programs
  • Host courses via ThriveCart Learn
  • Connect with your favorite tools using Zapier and native integrations


It’s a one-time payment—usually $495 for the basic plan or $690 for Pro—and it’s a fantastic deal for budget-conscious business owners.


But it’s not an all-in-one solution. You’ll still need:

  • Email marketing (like Flodesk or ConvertKit)
  • Calendly or a scheduling system
  • Zapier for automation
  • A separate website
  • CRM or workflow tools

If you're tech-savvy, ThriveCart is great. But if you want everything in one dashboard? You'll hit limits fast.

thrivecart backend

What exactly is ClickFunnels?


This all-in-one platform has gained a reputation for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating high-converting sales funnels. With ClickFunnels, you can build captivating landing pages, host webinars, and even manage your email marketing campaigns—all under one roof.


It comes with robust analytics and split-testing capabilities, you'll have the power to track data from your funnels and maximize conversions.


clickfunnels

Main Differences between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels


Now that we've introduced both platforms, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of their differences. 


1. Customization Options: 

ThriveCart takes customization to a whole new level, allowing you to tweak every aspect of your sales process—from checkout pages to upsells and downsells. On the other hand, ClickFunnels offers pre-built templates that are easy to customize but may not provide as much flexibility.


2. Integrations: 

Both platforms shines when it comes to integrations—they seamlessly connects with various payment gateways, and email marketing tools. 


3. Pricing: 

Here's where things get interesting! ThriveCart offers a one-time purchase option—an attractive proposition if you're looking to save money in the long run. ClickFunnels operates on a subscription model with different pricing tiers based on your needs.

What to consider when choosing between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels


As you weigh the pros and cons of each platform, several factors should guide your decision-making process. Let's take a closer look at what you need to consider:


1. Your Website Front-End Strategy:
Are you looking for beautifully designed sales pages or a simplified, streamlined funnel approach?


2. Your Website Back-End Strategy:
Do you require advanced membership site capabilities or additional features like webinar hosting?


3. Monthly and Annual Costs:
How does your budget align with the pricing plans of ThriveCart and ClickFunnels? Consider both short-term and long-term expenses.


4. Your Level of Tech Savviness:
Are you comfortable with more complex setups, or do you prefer a user-friendly interface that requires minimal technical know-how?


5. The Level of Automations and Integrations You Want to Have
: Do you need extensive automation capabilities and seamless integration with third-party tools?




Comparing Features Chart: ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels


How much does ThriveCart cost?


ThriveCart offers a one-time purchase option starting at $495 for their Standard plan and $690 for their Pro plan. These prices may seem steep upfront, but remember, it's a lifetime investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.


How much does SamCart cost?


On the other hand, ClickFunnels operates on a subscription model, with plans ranging from $97 to $297 per month, depending on your needs.
Check he re the latest pricing.

So… which is better?

If your goal is to save money and you don’t mind integrating tools yourself, go with ThriveCart (affiliate link). It’s one of the smartest one-time investments you can make.


But if you want to avoid stacking 5+ tools and juggling automation across 4 dashboards?

HighLevel (affiliate link) is your long-term win.
It replaces:

  • Your website
  • Your funnel builder
  • Email + text automation
  • Scheduling tools
  • Sales CRM
  • Membership portals
  • Forms, surveys, automations, and more

All for $97/month.


And if you don’t want to build it yourself?

Let me do it for you.

When you become a website and funnel client, I’ll build a fully integrated system on HighLevel that:

  • Looks beautiful
  • Converts consistently
  • Handles your funnels, sales, and follow-up on autopilot
  • Includes monthly SEO so your site actually gets found

This isn’t another “tech stack” you have to babysit. It’s a growth engine that works for you.


Final thoughts

ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels is a worthwhile debate—and both platforms have a place depending on your budget and experience.


But here’s the truth: if you want ease, automation, and scalability—HighLevel wins every time.

👉 Grab ThriveCart here (affiliate link) if you're just starting and want a one-time purchase.
👉 Or explore
HighLevel (affiliate link) if you’re ready for a complete, no-fuss system.
👉 And if you want someone to set it up for you, book your custom build via
my website design & management services.

Choosing the right platform for selling your online courses is crucial for your success 

By understanding the pros and cons of ThriveCart and ClickFunnels, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and budget.


Remember, there's no one size fits all solution. Consider your website front-end and back-end strategies, monthly and annual costs, tech savviness level, and desired level of automations and integrations.   


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thrivecart vs clickfunnels

* AI Disclosure: This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.

* Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on www.nataliamaganda.com may contain affiliate links meaning that I will get a commission for recommending products at no extra cost to you.


hello! i'm natalia

Latina, web design expert for mental health professionals.

I help ambitious life coaches, therapists and holistic leaders amplify their magic, gain visibility, and simplify their marketing efforts through strategic web design and content. 

If you’re looking for an all-in-one system to manage your website, emails, funnels, and CRM, Go HighLevel (affiliate link) is the most powerful tool I’ve tested—and it’s built to grow with you.

On a tighter budget or just starting out? ThriveCart (affiliate link) offers a one-time payment option and easy checkout setups that still pack a punch for digital offers and automation. (Send me an email after your purchase and make sure to use my affiliate link)