Zanfia

Where to Sell Online Courses: 12 Best Platforms (2026)

Course Creation, Online business
Where to Sell Online Courses: 12 Best Platforms (2026)

Selecting the /blog/create-and-sell-online-courses/appropriate platform for distributing educational content represents a fundamental business decision for creators. This choice extends beyond video hosting to encompass the foundational technology that will power your entire business, from student engagement to payment processing.

The chaos of managing multiple tools—one for video hosting, another for community, a third for payments—is a major bottleneck for most course creators. This guide addresses that pain point directly, helping you find a platform that consolidates your operations and lets you focus on what matters: creating transformative content.


The 2026 Creator Economy Shift: From Platform Dependency to Digital Sovereignty

The digital landscape of 2026 has witnessed a definitive move away from “platform dependency” that characterized the previous decade. As algorithms on traditional social media platforms become increasingly volatile and monetization remains indirect, professional creators have shifted toward digital sovereignty — owning their audience, data, and revenue streams directly.

This paradigm shift raises a fundamental question: Should creators piece together multiple tools, or invest in a unified business engine?

AspectTraditional Social MediaOwned Creator Platform
Data & AnalyticsLimited data, owned by platformFull ownership and deep member insights
MonetizationIndirect (ads/sponsors), platform cutDirect (subscriptions/courses), lower fees
BrandingGeneric layout, third-party logosCustom domain, logo, and full brand control
Reach ControlDictated by unpredictable algorithmsDirect access via newsletters and community
Business ResilienceDependent on platform policy changesSelf-owned infrastructure

The platforms reviewed below represent different approaches to this challenge — from marketplace models (Udemy) to unified business engines where an AI team runs the day-to-day work (Zanfia). Your choice depends on where you are in your creator journey and how much control you want over your business infrastructure.


1. Zanfia — Your AI Team, Running the Creator Business

Zanfia homepage: hire an AI team that runs your creator business

Zanfia is an AI team that runs a creator business, and a platform second. Instead of configuring tools screen by screen, the creator tells the system what to do by chat or voice, and the assistant acts across the whole workspace. Zanfia also exposes an MCP endpoint so external AI assistants can work with the workspace directly (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing). Courses, communities, paid newsletters, digital products and checkout are where that work lands.

Zanfia is engineered to be the central operations hub for serious creators who want to build a multifaceted digital business, not just sell a single course. It solves the core problem of a fragmented tech stack by combining online course delivery, community management, digital product sales and audience tools inside one AI-driven ecosystem.

The 0% Transaction Fee Advantage

As of 2026, Zanfia charges 0% platform transaction fees on every plan. Creators keep 100% of their revenue, minus the standard payment processor fee (roughly 2.9% + $0.30 on Stripe in the US). For a creator earning $10,000/month, that separation alone can mean $500-$1,000 a year in savings compared with platforms like Teachable (5% on Basic), Podia (5-8%) or Gumroad (10%).

Pricing Structure

PlanMonthlyAnnual (per month, billed yearly)Active clientsProductsAI credits / mo
Starter$39/month$31/month, billed annually25051,500
Growth$79/month$63/month, billed annually2,500257,500
Pro$149/month$119/month, billed annually25,00010015,000
Scale$249/month$199/month, billed annually100,00050030,000

Every plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. There is no permanent free plan.

Core Feature Deep-Dive

1. Intelligent Course Builder — Smart Video Player

The video infrastructure within Zanfia is engineered to create a “WOW effect” for students through several advanced functionalities:

FeatureDescriptionStrategic Benefit
Smart PlayerRemembers pause points and preferred playback speedsIncreases completion rates by removing friction
Quality AdjustmentResponds to internet speed in real-timeEnsures high-quality experience for global users
Mobile OptimizationPlayback on locked screens and mobile modeSupports “on-the-go” learning
Sequential LogicAutomatic switching to the next lessonMaintains momentum throughout learning path
Drip ContentModules unlock on specific dates or intervalsPerfect for cohort-based programs

2. Community as a Business Engine

The community feature goes beyond simple discussion forums. Creators can build professional spaces with:

  • Thematic Channels & Groups — Organize discussions into categories like “Advanced Tactics” or “Share Your Wins”
  • Read-Only Announcement Channels — Centralized, high-visibility updates that won’t get lost
  • Community AI agent — Writes from the creator’s own content, with everything it publishes labeled as AI, so members always know what came from a human and what came from the agent (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing )
  • Custom Roles & Permissions — Per-channel access levels for scalable moderation

3. Advanced Automation Engine

Zanfia’s visual automation builder saves creators 5-10+ hours per month by handling back-office operations:

Trigger EventAutomated ActionBusiness Impact
Purchase SuccessfulGrant access, tag user, send welcome emailSeamless onboarding
Subscription LapsedRevoke access to private groups and contentAutomated revenue protection
Access ending in 14/7/3/1 daysTrigger renewal nudge or offerReduces involuntary churn
Failed PaymentNotify customer, re-attempt, tag for follow-upRecovers at-risk revenue

4. Newsletter and Audience Tools

  • Paid newsletter product type with subscriber-only archive
  • Two-way sync with ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Kit, MailerLite and GetResponse (fields, lists, tags), so the creator’s own ESP stays the source of truth
  • A native email campaigns module is rolling out, so mass sending from Zanfia itself will land in stages

5. Financial Infrastructure

For creators selling globally:

CategoryIntegration PartnersBenefit
Global PaymentsStripe and PayPalCards, Apple Pay and Google Pay out of the box
Pricing ModelsOne-time, subscription, installments, free trialPayment plans and recurring billing on the same checkout
Checkout OptimizationOrder bumps, subscription upsells, discount codes, multi-quantity offersHigher average order value without extra tools
Tracking & AnalyticsMeta Pixel & Conversions API, GA4, Google Tag Manager, Microsoft Clarity, HotjarSession recordings and heatmaps on checkout, plus precise attribution

6. Test Mode Before You Sell

Every checkout can be opened in test mode through a shareable link, with conversion events firing to the test surfaces of connected platforms and tagged TEST in the events log — no production data is recorded. It is not a full sandbox, but it lets a creator verify checkout and tracking end to end before the first real sale.

7. White-Label Branding

White-label capabilities scale with the plan (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing):

  • Every creator gets their own slug .zanfia.co subdomain from the entry plan
  • Custom domain (yourbrand.com) and the option to remove Zanfia branding unlock on a higher plan
  • White-label AI — your bot, your name, your tone — is available on the top plan

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • 0% platform transaction fees on all plans (as of 2026)
  • AI team model: the assistant can act across the whole workspace, by chat or voice
  • MCP endpoint for external AI assistants — no other platform on this list exposes itself to agents this way (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing )
  • All-in-one: courses + community + newsletter + digital products + checkout
  • Stripe and PayPal with Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Payment plans and installments on the same checkout as subscriptions
  • Custom domain and Zanfia-branding removal available on higher plans
  • 14-day free trial, no credit card required

Cons:

  • Newer platform (less brand recognition than Kajabi/Teachable)
  • Some 2.0 capabilities, including the native email campaigns module and communities inside the mobile app, are still rolling out
  • Smaller app marketplace than established competitors

Website: https://zanfia.com


2. Teachable

Teachable platform

Teachable offers built-in sales functionality including coupons, affiliate programs, and bundle options. The platform includes a mobile app for iOS and Android.

Key Features:

  • AI-assisted course creation tools
  • Built-in sales page builder
  • Affiliate marketing system
  • Mobile apps for students
  • One-click upsells

Pricing:

  • Free plan available
  • Basic: $59/month ($39 annually) with 5% transaction fee
  • Pro: $159/month ($119 annually) with 0% transaction fees

Limitation: Lacks integrated community features; requires third-party tools like Discord or Circle.

Website: https://teachable.com


3. Thinkific

Thinkific platform

Thinkific provides unlimited courses and students on paid plans. Features include drag-and-drop builders, live lessons, assignments, quizzes, and e-commerce capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop course builder
  • Live lessons and webinars
  • Assignments and quizzes
  • Instant payouts
  • Membership sites

Pricing:

  • Free plan
  • Basic: $49/month ($36 annually)
  • Start: $99/month
  • Grow: $199/month

Limitation: Community features not as deeply integrated as course tools.

Website: https://www.thinkific.com


4. Kajabi

Kajabi platform

Kajabi integrates email marketing, sales funnels, website builder, and community management. Known for high server uptime and comprehensive analytics.

Key Features:

  • Built-in email marketing
  • Sales funnel builder (Pipelines)
  • Website and landing page builder
  • Community features
  • Podcast hosting

Pricing:

  • Basic: $149/month ($119 annually)
  • Growth: $199/month ($159 annually)
  • Pro: $399/month ($319 annually)

Limitation: Premium pricing; steep learning curve due to extensive features.

Website: https://kajabi.com


5. Podia

Podia emphasizes an “unlimited everything” model on most plans. Includes built-in community and integrated email marketing.

Key Features:

  • Unlimited courses and downloads
  • Built-in community
  • Email marketing
  • Webinars
  • Affiliate marketing

Pricing:

  • Free plan with 8% transaction fee
  • Mover: $39/month ($33 annually) with 5% fee
  • Shaker: $89/month ($75 annually) with 0% fee

Limitation: Less robust course creation features compared to specialized LMS platforms.

Website: https://www.podia.com


6. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds platform

LearnWorlds emphasizes interactive video with embedded questions and pop-ups. Strong assessment tools for quizzes, exams, and assignments. Offers SCORM compliance.

Key Features:

  • Interactive video with in-video questions
  • Advanced quizzing and assessments
  • SCORM compliance
  • White-label mobile apps
  • Certificates and badges

Pricing:

  • Starter: $29/month ($24 annually) with $5 per course sale fee
  • Pro Trainer: $99/month ($79 annually) with no fees
  • Learning Center: $299/month and higher

Limitation: Steep learning curve; extensive features can overwhelm beginners.

Website: https://www.learnworlds.com


7. Udemy

Udemy platform

Udemy operates as a global marketplace with massive pre-existing audience. Courses are discovered through platform search and promotional channels.

Key Features:

  • Access to 70M+ students
  • Built-in marketing and discovery
  • Mobile apps with offline access
  • Udemy Business for corporate sales

Pricing: Free to publish; revenue sharing model applies:

  • 97% commission for instructor-driven sales (your own marketing)
  • 37% commission for marketplace/ad-driven sales

Limitation: Limited control over pricing, branding, and student data ownership.

Website: https://www.udemy.com


8. Gumroad

Gumroad platform

Gumroad offers a lightweight storefront with no monthly fees. Acts as Merchant of Record for global tax compliance. Supports one-time purchases, subscriptions, and payment plans.

Key Features:

  • No monthly fees
  • Merchant of Record (handles taxes)
  • Email marketing built-in
  • Affiliate program
  • Discover marketplace

Pricing:

  • Transaction-based: 10% flat fee on sales (decreasing with lifetime revenue)
  • Discover marketplace: additional 10% fee

Limitation: Basic course delivery; lacks student progress tracking and integrated community.

Website: https://gumroad.com


9. Payhip

Payhip provides all features on every plan, including course hosting, customizable storefronts, affiliate marketing, and coupons.

Key Features:

  • All features on every plan
  • Course and membership hosting
  • Affiliate program
  • Instant payouts
  • Customizable storefront

Pricing:

  • Free Forever: 5% transaction fee
  • Plus: $29/month with 2% fee
  • Pro: $99/month with 0% fee

Limitation: Features centered on transactions rather than student experience; lacks advanced course delivery and community tools.

Website: https://payhip.com


10. Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks platform

Mighty Networks integrates courses into a community hub with social media-style feeds, chat, member profiles, and event management. Supports cohort-based learning and paid memberships.

Key Features:

  • Community-first approach
  • Social media-style feeds
  • Live events and Zoom integration
  • Gamification and badges
  • Native mobile apps

Pricing:

  • Community: $49/month ($41 annually)
  • Business: $119/month ($99 annually)
  • Mighty Pro: Custom quote for white-label apps

Limitation: Less advanced course-specific features compared to dedicated LMS platforms.

Website: https://www.mightynetworks.com


11. LearnDash

LearnDash platform

LearnDash is a WordPress plugin providing full control over branding and user data. Features include drag-and-drop builders, advanced quizzing, assignments, drip-feed content, certificates, and badges.

Key Features:

  • Full WordPress integration
  • Complete data ownership
  • Advanced quizzing engine
  • Certificates and badges
  • Extensive add-on ecosystem

Pricing:

  • Single site license: $199 per year

Additional costs: WordPress hosting, theme, and premium add-ons.

Limitation: Technical overhead; responsible for site maintenance, security, and updates.

Website: https://www.learndash.com


12. SamCart (with Courses App)

SamCart with Courses App

SamCart is designed as a conversion-focused e-commerce platform with an integrated Courses App. Features include one-click upsells, order bumps, A/B testing, and automatic course cross-sells.

Key Features:

  • Industry-leading checkout optimization
  • One-click upsells and order bumps
  • A/B testing built-in
  • Subscription management
  • Affiliate center

Pricing:

  • Launch: $59/month (annually billed)
  • Grow: $119/month
  • Scale: $239/month

Limitation: Less robust course-building features; lacks native community-building tools.

Website: https://www.samcart.com


Platform Comparison Table

PlatformCore FeaturesUser ExperienceValue PropositionTarget AudienceUnique Selling Points
ZanfiaAI team + assistant, courses, communities, newsletters, subscriptions, automationChat- and voice-driven workspace, robust analyticsFlexible pricing, 0% platform commission as of 2026Creators to enterprisesMCP endpoint for external AI assistants (plan-dependent), AI community agent with AI labeling, order bumps and installments on the same checkout
TeachableCourse creation, payments, mobile apps, affiliatesEasy setup, strong monetizationTransaction fees on starter planCourse creatorsAI-assisted creation, upsells
ThinkificDrag-drop builder, memberships, live lessons, instant payoutsUnlimited students & coursesScalable plans, enterprise optionsCreators & small businessesInstant payouts, app integrations
KajabiCourses, communities, email marketing, funnelsHigh uptime and reliabilityHigher price, no revenue shareCreators needing email marketingAll-in-one marketing & automation
PodiaCourses, downloads, webinars, email marketingEasy setup, unlimited products5-8% fee on basic plansSolo creatorsAffordable, quick launch
LearnWorldsInteractive video, assessments, certificates, mobile appsDeep learning featuresNo fees on Pro+, per enrollment fees starterEdupreneurs & academiesInteractive content, white-label apps
UdemyGlobal marketplace, marketing, mobile/offline useLarge exposure, strong discoveryRevenue share reduces earningsInstructors, large audienceMassive marketplace, corporate licensing
GumroadStorefront, subscriptions, tax compliance, affiliate marketingSimple, fast setupNo monthly fees, 10% transaction feesDigital sellersMerchant of Record, automatic tax handling
PayhipStore builder, course hosting, coupons, affiliate programTransparent pricingTransaction fees on free/plus tiersDigital creatorsInstant payouts, all features on every plan
Mighty NetworksCourses, community feed, events, gamificationExcellent engagementHigher tier needed for white-labelCommunity buildersGamification, Zoom integration
LearnDashWordPress LMS plugin, quizzes, certificates, membershipsScalable, customizableAnnual license feeWordPress usersFull hosting control, extensive add-ons
SamCartOptimized checkout, upsells, order bumps, subscriptionsIndustry-leading conversionsPricing scales with revenueMarketers & course sellersCheckout optimization, A/B testing

Platform Alternatives: Zanfia Compared

Zanfia vs Kajabi — Best Kajabi Alternative

If you’re considering Kajabi but concerned about the $149-$399/month pricing, Zanfia offers a compelling alternative starting at $39/month, or $31/month billed annually.

FeatureZanfiaKajabi
Starting Price$39/month ($31/month billed annually)$149/month
Platform Transaction Fee0% (as of 2026)0%
AI Team & AssistantCore assistant across plans, full Assistant on higher tiers (plan-dependent)Not core to the product
MCP Endpoint for AI AgentsAvailable (plan-dependent)Not available
CommunityBuilt-in, with AI agent that labels its posts (plan-dependent)Built-in
Email & AudienceTwo-way sync with ActiveCampaign, Kit, MailerLite and more; native email campaigns rolling outBuilt-in email marketing
Order Bumps & InstallmentsIncluded on the same checkout (plan-dependent)Available
Custom Domain & De-brandingAvailable on higher plansAll plans

Bottom Line: For creators who want an AI-driven workspace with strong course, community and checkout tools at a lower entry price, Zanfia is a serious Kajabi alternative — with the honest caveat that Kajabi still has a more mature native email marketing stack today.

Zanfia vs Teachable — Best Teachable Alternative

Teachable charges 5% transaction fees on their Basic plan. For creators doing $10,000/month in sales, that’s $500/month lost to fees.

FeatureZanfiaTeachable
Starting Price$39/month ($31/month billed annually)$59/month
Platform Transaction Fee0% (as of 2026)5% (Basic), 0% (Pro $159)
AI Team & AssistantCore assistant across plans, full Assistant on higher tiers (plan-dependent)AI-assisted course creation only
MCP Endpoint for AI AgentsAvailable (plan-dependent)Not available
CommunityBuilt-in, with AI agent (plan-dependent)Not included
NewsletterBuilt-in paid newsletter product typeNot included
Order Bumps & InstallmentsIncluded on the same checkout (plan-dependent)Order bumps and upsells on Pro
AutomationVisual builder with access-ending, failed-payment and trial triggersBasic

Bottom Line: Zanfia offers 0% platform transaction fees from the start (as of 2026), plus built-in community and paid newsletters — features Teachable doesn’t include on comparable tiers.

Zanfia vs Thinkific — Best Thinkific Alternative

While Thinkific excels at course creation, it lacks integrated community and newsletter features that modern creators need.

FeatureZanfiaThinkific
Starting Price$39/month ($31/month billed annually)$49/month
Platform Transaction Fee0% (as of 2026)0%
AI Team & AssistantCore assistant across plans, full Assistant on higher tiers (plan-dependent)Limited AI tools
MCP Endpoint for AI AgentsAvailable (plan-dependent)Not available
CommunityBuilt-in, with AI agent that labels its posts (plan-dependent)Add-on required
NewsletterBuilt-in paid newsletter product typeNot included
Digital Products12 product types, including bundles and installmentsLimited
AutomationVisual builder with access-ending and failed-payment triggersBasic

Bottom Line: Zanfia combines course creation with community and newsletter in one platform, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions.

Zanfia vs Gumroad — Best Gumroad Alternative

Gumroad takes 10% of every sale. For a creator earning $5,000/month, that’s $500/month in fees — $6,000/year.

FeatureZanfiaGumroad
Monthly Fee$39/month ($31/month billed annually)$0
Platform Transaction Fee0% (as of 2026)10%
Annual Cost at $5K/mo revenue$372 (annual) / $468 (monthly)$6,000
Course FeaturesFull LMS with drip content and analyticsBasic delivery
CommunityBuilt-in, with AI agent (plan-dependent)None
Student ProgressFull trackingNone

Bottom Line: Zanfia’s flat monthly fee beats Gumroad’s percentage-based model for any serious creator.


Platform Fee Calculator: How Much Are You Really Paying?

Scenario 1: $5,000/month Revenue

PlatformMonthly FeeTransaction FeeTotal Monthly CostAnnual Cost
Zanfia (Starter, billed annually)$31$0$31$372
Teachable (Basic)$39$250 (5%)$289$3,468
Podia (Mover)$33$250 (5%)$283$3,396
Gumroad$0$500 (10%)$500$6,000
Payhip (Free)$0$250 (5%)$250$3,000

Zanfia saves you roughly $2,600-$5,600/year compared to transaction-fee platforms at this revenue level, based on the annual-billed Starter price.

Scenario 2: $20,000/month Revenue

PlatformMonthly FeeTransaction FeeTotal Monthly CostAnnual Cost
Zanfia (Pro, billed annually)$119$0$119$1,428
Teachable (Basic)$39$1,000 (5%)$1,039$12,468
Kajabi (Growth)$159$0$159$1,908
Gumroad$0$2,000 (10%)$2,000$24,000

Zanfia saves you roughly $480-$22,570/year at this revenue level, based on the annual-billed Pro price.


Strategic Decision Framework

When selecting a platform for selling online courses, consider these key questions:

1. What’s Your Business Model?

  • One-off courses: Teachable, Thinkific, or Udemy work well
  • Recurring revenue (memberships/community): Zanfia, Kajabi, or Mighty Networks
  • Digital product mix: Zanfia, Gumroad, or Podia

2. What’s Your Three-Year Vision?

Plan for scalability to avoid painful migrations later. Select a system capable of expanding from a single course to a full academy with community and multiple revenue streams.

3. How Important is Brand Ownership?

  • Full white-label: Zanfia (custom domain and de-branding, white-label AI on higher plans — see the current Zanfia pricing ), Kajabi, LearnDash
  • Partial branding: Teachable, Thinkific
  • Marketplace (their brand): Udemy, Skillshare

4. Do You Need a Business Hub or Just Course Hosting?

  • All-in-one hub with an AI team: Zanfia (courses + community + newsletter + checkout + assistant)
  • All-in-one hub with mature email marketing: Kajabi
  • Course-focused: Teachable, Thinkific, LearnWorlds
  • Checkout-focused: SamCart, Gumroad

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a strong platform for selling online courses in 2026?

Zanfia is a strong choice for creators in 2026 who want an AI-driven all-in-one workspace with 0% platform transaction fees (as of 2026). It combines course hosting, community management, paid newsletters and digital product sales, and exposes an MCP endpoint so external AI assistants can act on the workspace (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing).

Which platform has no transaction fees?

As of 2026, Zanfia charges 0% platform transaction fees on all plans. Kajabi also has no platform transaction fees but costs $149-$399/month. Teachable and Thinkific only remove transaction fees on their higher-tier plans. In every case, standard payment processor fees (roughly 2.9% + $0.30 on Stripe in the US) still apply.

What is a good Kajabi alternative?

Zanfia is a good Kajabi alternative for creators who want similar all-in-one functionality (courses, community, checkout) at a lower entry price — $39/month, or $31/month billed annually, versus Kajabi’s $149/month — plus 0% platform transaction fees on all plans as of 2026.

What is a good Teachable alternative?

Zanfia is a good Teachable alternative for creators who want built-in community and paid newsletter features that Teachable lacks, plus 0% platform transaction fees from the start (Teachable charges 5% on Basic).

Can I sell courses without transaction fees?

Yes. As of 2026, Zanfia, Kajabi, Thinkific (on paid plans) and Teachable Pro all offer 0% platform transaction fees. Note that payment processor fees (Stripe, PayPal) still apply on all platforms.

What’s the cheapest platform to sell online courses?

For beginners, Payhip’s free plan or Gumroad (no monthly fee) are cheapest upfront. However, their transaction fees (5-10%) add up quickly. Zanfia starts at $39/month, or $31/month billed annually, with 0% platform fees, which becomes the more economical option for creators earning over roughly $500-$700/month.

Which platform is good for course + community?

Zanfia and Mighty Networks are purpose-built for course + community integration. Kajabi also includes community features. Teachable and Thinkific require third-party community tools.

Do I own my student data?

On self-hosted platforms (Zanfia, Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi), yes — you own your student data. On marketplaces (Udemy, Skillshare), the platform controls student relationships and data access.

What platform do professional course creators use?

Professional creators typically use all-in-one platforms like Zanfia, Kajabi or Teachable Pro. High-volume creators often choose LearnDash on WordPress for maximum control, or SamCart for checkout optimization.

Is Udemy good for selling courses?

Udemy provides massive exposure (70M+ students) but takes 37-63% of sales and limits your pricing control. It’s good for discovery but not for building a sustainable business with direct customer relationships.


Closing Recommendations

A strong platform for selling online courses is the one that empowers you to stop juggling tools and start focusing on what you do best: creating transformative content.

For creators who want a unified business engine where an AI team handles the day-to-day work — with 0% platform transaction fees as of 2026, built-in community, paid newsletters and an MCP endpoint for external AI assistants (availability depends on the plan, see the current Zanfia pricing) — Zanfia is worth a serious look.

Ready to start? Start your 14-day free trial of Zanfia (no credit card required) and begin building your course business today.