ConvertKit vs ClickFunnels: Which One is Right for You?
If you're starting an online business or looking to scale your current one, you've probably heard of ConvertKit and ClickFunnels. They’re two big names in the world of online marketing and sales tools — but they’re also quite different.
So, which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll break it down in plain English. We'll walk you through the features, pros and cons, and real-life use cases to help you make a confident decision.
🌟 A Quick Personal Story
A few years ago, I helped a friend, Sarah, launch her online course on mindful parenting. She was excited but overwhelmed. We had to pick between ConvertKit and ClickFunnels. At the time, she didn’t know much about email marketing or sales funnels. Fast forward 6 months — with the right tool in hand, she not only sold out her course but built a loyal email list. What tool did she choose? Well, let’s explore both first — then I’ll reveal it later 😉
🆚 What is ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is primarily an email marketing platform built for creators — bloggers, coaches, authors, podcasters, etc. Its main strength is helping you build email lists, send campaigns, and automate emails without needing a tech degree.
🔑 Key Features of ConvertKit
Email Automation: Set up email sequences to nurture leads automatically.
Landing Pages & Forms: Build beautiful sign-up pages with zero code.
Segmentation: Tag and group subscribers based on interests or behavior.
Commerce Tools: Sell digital products like eBooks or courses directly.
Integrations: Works well with tools like Shopify, Teachable, and WordPress.
💡 Great for: Email list growth, simple product launches, and connecting directly with your audience.
🛠️ What is ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is a powerful sales funnel builder. It’s designed to guide people through the entire customer journey — from a curious visitor to a paying customer, step-by-step.
🔧 Key Features of ClickFunnels
Funnel Builder: Create multi-step funnels like lead magnets, webinars, or product sales pages.
A/B Testing: Optimize each step of your funnel for better results.
Shopping Cart Integration: Sell products, services, or subscriptions directly.
Email Marketing (Follow-Up Funnels): Nurture leads after they opt in.
Membership Sites: Offer protected content for paying members.
💡 Great for: High-ticket sales, webinar funnels, coaching programs, and eCommerce stores.
🥊 ConvertKit vs ClickFunnels – Feature Comparison
💡 When Should You Use ConvertKit?
Use ConvertKit if:
You’re a content creator focused on growing an email list.
You want a simple tool to send newsletters and sell digital products.
You’re not interested in building complex funnels.
Step-by-Step Example:
Create a free account on ConvertKit.
Design a landing page offering a free guide (e.g. "10 Tips to Get Your First Clients").
Set up an email sequence to welcome new subscribers.
Share the landing page on social media or embed it in your blog.
Start building relationships and introduce your paid product later.
💡 When Should You Use ClickFunnels?
Use ClickFunnels if:
You want to create complex sales funnels.
You sell multiple products, offer webinars, or run automated upsells/downsells.
You’re running ads and need conversion-optimized pages.
Step-by-Step Example:
Sign up at ClickFunnels.
Use a funnel template (e.g. “Free Webinar Funnel”).
Customize the opt-in, thank you, and sales pages.
Add a payment gateway like Stripe.
Drive traffic using Facebook Ads or Google Ads.
💰 Pricing Comparison
ConvertKit Pricing (as of 2025)
Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers (limited features)
Creator Plan: Starts at $15/month
Creator Pro: Starts at $29/month
ClickFunnels Pricing (as of 2025)
Basic: $147/month
Pro: $197/month
Funnel Hacker: $297/month (includes Follow-Up Funnels)
✅ Pros and Cons
ConvertKit Pros
✅ Simple interface for beginners
✅ Great email automation
✅ Affordable for small businesses
ConvertKit Cons
❌ Limited design control
❌ No full funnel system
ClickFunnels Pros
✅ All-in-one funnel solution
✅ Designed to convert leads into customers
✅ Excellent for selling high-ticket offers
ClickFunnels Cons
❌ Expensive for beginners
❌ Steep learning curve
🏁 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Back to my friend Sarah — she chose ConvertKit, and it worked beautifully for her online course. Why? Because she needed something simple and email-focused. She didn’t need a complex funnel setup.
However, if you’re selling multiple offers, doing upsells, and need a step-by-step sales engine, go with ClickFunnels. It’s built for that purpose.
👉 Choose ConvertKit if you’re focused on email list building, content marketing, and selling simple digital products.
👉 Choose ClickFunnels if your goal is to maximize conversions, run advanced funnels, and scale aggressively.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use both ConvertKit and ClickFunnels together?
Yes! You can integrate ConvertKit with ClickFunnels to manage emails while using ClickFunnels for funnel pages.
2. Is ConvertKit better than Mailchimp?
For creators, yes. ConvertKit offers better automation, tagging, and creator-focused tools than Mailchimp.
3. Do I need tech skills to use ClickFunnels?
Not necessarily, but the learning curve is steeper than ConvertKit. However, templates help a lot.
4. Can I sell digital products on ConvertKit?
Yes, you can sell eBooks, courses, and other digital downloads directly.
5. Is there a free trial for ClickFunnels?
Yes, ClickFunnels offers a 14-day free trial. Check it here.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Choosing between ConvertKit vs ClickFunnels depends on your goals. If you're a content creator, go for ConvertKit. If you're an online seller or coach building funnels, choose ClickFunnels.
No matter what, the right tool can be a game-changer. Pick what aligns best with your journey and start building with confidence.
