Table of Contents
ToggleThe average business uses 106 different SaaS tools. For online entrepreneurs, that number climbs even higher—with separate platforms for landing pages, email marketing, checkout, affiliate management, and course delivery. The result? Monthly software bills that rival office rent and integration nightmares that would make a developer weep.
Smart business owners are asking a different question: What if one platform could handle the entire customer journey from first click to final purchase—without punishing you for growth with escalating monthly fees?
What is a sales funnel software, really?
Sales funnel software orchestrates the complete customer acquisition process, turning visitors into buyers through a series of strategically designed touchpoints. Unlike basic landing page builders that create static pages, true sales funnel software integrates every conversion element: high-converting checkout pages, automated upsells and downsells, email sequences, affiliate tracking, and customer management.
This distinction matters. A landing page builder creates individual pages. Sales funnel software creates profit-generating systems.
Consider the difference between HubSpot’s comprehensive CRM approach and specialized funnel builders. While HubSpot excels at managing existing customer relationships, sales funnel software focuses specifically on the conversion process—optimizing every step from initial interest to maximum customer value.
The best platforms combine funnel building capabilities with robust cart technology, behavioral automation, and integrated affiliate management. They don’t just capture leads; they maximize revenue per visitor through sophisticated upsell sequences and conversion optimization features that simple page builders lack.
For online businesses, this integrated approach eliminates the costly complexity of duct-taping multiple tools together while ensuring no conversion opportunity gets lost in translation between platforms.
How to Choose the Right Funnel Builder for Your Business
Selecting sales funnel software requires evaluating five critical areas that directly impact your bottom line. The wrong choice costs you conversions, time, and money—often all three simultaneously.
Core Funnel Building & Templates
Your funnel builder should offer an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that doesn’t require coding knowledge. More importantly, it needs proven, high-converting templates across different industries and business models. Generic templates force you to start from scratch; industry-specific templates give you a conversion-optimized foundation.
Look for builders that provide mobile-responsive designs automatically. With mobile traffic representing over 60% of web visits, a template that breaks on smartphones kills conversions before they start.
High-Converting Checkout & Cart Features
This is where most businesses lose money. Your checkout process determines whether interested prospects become paying customers. Essential features include one-click upsells and downsells, order bumps, multiple payment gateway integrations, and abandoned cart recovery.
ThriveCart excels in this area, offering advanced cart features like quantity discounts, payment plans, and affiliate tracking built directly into the checkout process. These features can increase average order value by 30-50% compared to basic checkout solutions.
Marketing Automation & Integrations
Seamless integration with your existing email marketing platform, CRM, and other business tools prevents data silos and automation breakdowns. Your funnel software should trigger specific workflows based on customer behavior—failed payments, completed purchases, or abandoned carts.
Look for platforms that support advanced tagging and segmentation, allowing you to create personalized follow-up sequences that nurture leads through your entire customer journey.
Analytics and A/B Testing
Conversion optimization requires data. Your platform should provide detailed analytics on funnel performance, including conversion rates at each step, traffic sources, and revenue attribution. Built-in A/B testing capabilities let you optimize headlines, offers, and checkout flows without external tools.
Pricing Model: Subscription vs. Lifetime
Traditional SaaS pricing punishes success—the more you grow, the more you pay. Lifetime pricing models eliminate this growth penalty, providing predictable costs regardless of revenue or traffic volume. For established businesses, lifetime deals can save tens of thousands annually compared to subscription-based alternatives.
The Top 10 Sales Funnel Software Platforms Compared
Each platform below serves different business needs and growth stages. This comparison evaluates core functionality, pricing models, and ideal use cases to help you identify the best fit for your specific requirements.
1. ThriveCart – Best for Lifetime Value & Conversion Focus
ThriveCart positions itself as the profit-maximizing platform for serious online businesses. Rather than focusing solely on funnel building, it prioritizes the entire revenue generation process—from initial purchase through affiliate recruitment and course delivery.
Best For: Digital product sellers, course creators, and established online businesses seeking to maximize customer lifetime value while eliminating recurring software costs.
Key Features:
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- High-converting cart pages with advanced checkout optimization
- Built-in affiliate management center with real-time tracking
- One-click upsells, downsells, and order bumps
- Learn+ course platform integration
- Comprehensive analytics and conversion tracking
- Payment plan automation and dunning management
- Advanced customer tagging and segmentation
Pricing:
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- ThriveCart Standard: $495 lifetime (one-time payment)
- ThriveCart Pro+: $790 ($495 lifetime + $295 annual payment)
- ThriveCart Ultimate Bundle: $985 ($495 lifetime + $490)
Pros:
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- Lifetime pricing eliminates recurring costs
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- Exceptional checkout conversion rates
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- Integrated affiliate management saves additional software costs
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- Robust analytics for optimization
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- Strong customer support and training resources
Cons:
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- Higher upfront investment compared to monthly plans
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- Limited traditional funnel building templates
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- Learning curve for advanced automation features
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- No built-in email marketing (requires integration)
ThriveCart’s strength lies in its focus on the money-making components of your funnel. While other platforms emphasize landing page aesthetics, ThriveCart optimizes for actual revenue generation through superior checkout experiences and profit-maximizing features.
2. ClickFunnels – Best for Beginners & Affiliate Marketers
ClickFunnels pioneered the modern sales funnel software category and remains the most recognized name in the space. Its comprehensive template library and beginner-friendly interface make it the go-to choice for entrepreneurs new to funnel marketing.
Best For: Marketing beginners, affiliate marketers, and businesses prioritizing ease of use over advanced customization. Ideal for those who need extensive hand-holding and pre-built funnel templates.
Key Features:
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- Extensive library of proven funnel templates
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- Drag-and-drop page builder with no coding required
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- Built-in email marketing automation (Actionetics)
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- Membership site functionality
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- A/B testing capabilities
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- Affiliate management system (Backpack)
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- Integration with major payment processors
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- Comprehensive training and community support
Pricing:
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- ClickFunnels 2.0 Basic: $147/month
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- ClickFunnels 2.0 Pro: $197/month
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- ClickFunnels 2.0 Funnel Hacker: $297/month
Pros:
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- Intuitive interface perfect for beginners
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- Massive template library across industries
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- Strong community and educational resources
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- All-in-one solution reduces integration complexity
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- Regular feature updates and improvements
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- Excellent customer onboarding process
Cons:
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- Expensive monthly recurring costs
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- Limited customization compared to specialized tools
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- Page loading speeds can be slower
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- Higher-tier features locked behind premium plans
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- Pricing increases significantly with business growth
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- Basic analytics compared to dedicated platforms
ClickFunnels excels at simplifying the funnel creation process for newcomers. However, its subscription model becomes increasingly expensive as businesses scale, with annual costs reaching $3,564 for the Pro plan—enough to purchase ThriveCart’s lifetime license six times over.
3. Systeme.io – Best All-in-One Free Option
Systeme.io offers the most comprehensive free plan in the sales funnel software space, making it an attractive entry point for bootstrapped entrepreneurs and those testing funnel concepts before committing to premium platforms.
Best For: Startups with limited budgets, solopreneurs testing business concepts, and small businesses needing basic funnel functionality without upfront investment.
Key Features:
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- Complete funnel builder with drag-and-drop editor
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- Email marketing automation with unlimited emails
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- Membership site and course creation tools
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- Affiliate program management
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- Blog and website builder
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- Basic e-commerce functionality
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- Webinar hosting capabilities
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- Simple A/B testing tools
Pricing:
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- Free Plan: $0 (up to 2,000 contacts, 3 sales funnels)
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- Startup Plan: $27/month
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- Webinar Plan: $47/month
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- Enterprise Plan: $97/month
Pros:
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- Genuinely useful free plan with core features
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- Affordable paid tiers for growing businesses
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- All-in-one approach reduces tool complexity
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- French-based company with strong European support
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- Regular feature additions and improvements
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- Simple interface ideal for beginners
Cons:
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- Limited design customization options
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- Fewer integrations compared to established platforms
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- Basic analytics and reporting capabilities
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- Free plan restrictions force upgrades quickly
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- Smaller community and fewer learning resources
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- Limited advanced automation features
Systeme.io’s free plan provides genuine value for testing funnel concepts, but most serious businesses outgrow its limitations within months. The 2,000 contact limit and 3-funnel restriction mean successful users inevitably upgrade to paid plans, making it more of a trial platform than a long-term solution for scaling businesses.
4. Leadpages – Best for Landing Pages & Lead Generation
Leadpages specializes in the top of the funnel, excelling at creating high-converting landing pages and lead capture systems. While not a complete sales funnel solution, it dominates the lead generation space with superior page optimization tools.
Best For: Businesses focused primarily on lead generation, service providers building email lists, and companies with existing checkout systems who need better landing page performance.
Key Features:
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- Advanced landing page builder with conversion-focused templates
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- Leadboxes (pop-ups and alert bars) for lead capture
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- A/B testing with statistical significance reporting
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- Facebook and Instagram ad integration
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- Lead magnets and opt-in form optimization
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- Basic email integration and follow-up sequences
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- Mobile-responsive design automation
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- Conversion analytics and heat mapping
Pricing:
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- Standard Plan: $37/month
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- Pro Plan: $74/month
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- Advanced Plan: $321/month
Pros:
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- Superior landing page conversion rates
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- Extensive template library optimized for lead capture
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- Robust A/B testing capabilities
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- Strong integration with major email platforms
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- Excellent mobile optimization
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- Detailed conversion analytics and reporting
Cons:
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- Limited sales funnel functionality beyond lead capture
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- No built-in checkout or e-commerce features
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- Requires integration with separate cart systems
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- Higher cost for advanced features
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- Less suitable for complete funnel automation
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- Limited upsell and cross-sell capabilities
Leadpages excels at the awareness and interest stages of the customer journey but falls short on the decision and action phases. Businesses using Leadpages typically need additional tools for checkout, payment processing, and post-purchase automation, increasing overall software complexity and costs. It’s ideal for lead generation specialists but insufficient for complete revenue optimization.
5. Kartra – Best for Agency & Done-For-You Services
Kartra positions itself as the most comprehensive all-in-one marketing platform, offering extensive functionality that appeals to agencies and businesses requiring sophisticated automation workflows. Its depth comes with complexity that suits experienced marketers more than beginners.
Best For: Digital marketing agencies, businesses with complex customer journeys, and experienced marketers who need advanced automation capabilities and don’t mind a steeper learning curve.
Key Features:
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- Complete funnel builder with advanced page customization
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- Built-in email marketing with behavioral automation
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- Video hosting and marketing tools
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- Membership site and course creation platform
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- Advanced affiliate management system
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- Help desk and customer support tools
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- Calendar booking and appointment scheduling
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- Comprehensive analytics and reporting dashboard
Pricing:
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- Starter Plan: $119/month
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- Silver Plan: $229/month
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- Gold Plan: $339/month
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- Platinum Plan: $549/month
Pros:
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- Truly all-in-one solution reducing integration needs
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- Advanced automation capabilities for complex workflows
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- Comprehensive video marketing tools
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- Robust affiliate and customer management features
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- Detailed analytics across all business functions
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- Strong customer support and training resources
Cons:
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- Steep learning curve requiring significant time investment
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- Higher monthly costs compared to specialized tools
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- Interface complexity can overwhelm new users
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- Slower page loading speeds due to feature density
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- Overkill for simple business models
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- Limited template variety compared to funnel-focused platforms
Kartra’s comprehensive approach makes it powerful for agencies managing multiple client accounts or businesses with complex customer journeys. However, its $1,428 annual starting cost and complexity make it unsuitable for most small businesses or entrepreneurs seeking simple, effective funnel solutions.
6. SamCart – Best for E-commerce & Physical Products
SamCart focuses specifically on checkout optimization and cart functionality, making it a direct competitor to ThriveCart’s core strengths. Its e-commerce features and physical product handling capabilities make it particularly appealing to businesses selling tangible goods.
Best For: E-commerce businesses, physical product sellers, and companies prioritizing checkout conversion optimization over comprehensive funnel building capabilities.
Key Features:
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- High-converting checkout pages with multiple templates
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- One-click upsells and order bump functionality
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- Advanced payment plan and subscription management
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- Inventory tracking for physical products
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- Abandoned cart recovery automation
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- A/B testing for checkout optimization
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- Affiliate tracking and commission management
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- Integration with major shipping and fulfillment services
Pricing:
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- Launch Plan: $59/month
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- Grow Plan: $119/month
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- Scale Plan: $319/month
Pros:
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- Specialized checkout optimization expertise
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- Strong e-commerce and inventory management features
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- Excellent conversion rates for cart abandonment recovery
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- Robust payment processing and subscription handling
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- Good integration with shipping and fulfillment platforms
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- Focus on revenue maximization through cart optimization
Cons:
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- Limited funnel building capabilities beyond checkout
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- Requires separate tools for landing pages and email marketing
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- Higher monthly costs compared to lifetime alternatives
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- No built-in course or membership platform
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- Less comprehensive than all-in-one solutions
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- Pricing scales significantly with business growth
SamCart excels at what it does—optimizing the final conversion step—but requires additional tools for complete funnel functionality. While its checkout expertise rivals ThriveCart’s, the ongoing monthly costs add up significantly over time. A business paying for SamCart’s Grow plan would spend $1,428 annually, nearly three times ThriveCart’s lifetime cost.
7. GetResponse – Best for Integrated Email Marketing
GetResponse evolved from a dedicated email marketing platform into a comprehensive marketing suite, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize email automation and want funnel building as a secondary feature within their existing email workflow.
Best For: Email-first marketers, businesses with extensive email automation needs, and companies seeking tight integration between their email campaigns and sales funnels without managing multiple platforms.
Key Features:
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- Advanced email marketing automation with visual workflow builder
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- Landing page and funnel builder with conversion templates
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- Webinar hosting and marketing automation
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- E-commerce integration with abandoned cart sequences
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- Marketing automation based on website behavior
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- A/B testing for emails and landing pages
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- CRM functionality with lead scoring
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- Comprehensive analytics across email and funnel performance
Pricing:
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- Email Marketing Plan: $19/month
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- Marketing Automation Plan: $59/month
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- Ecommerce Marketing Plan: $119/month
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- Max Plan: $1,099/month
Pros:
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- Exceptional email deliverability and automation capabilities
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- Seamless integration between email campaigns and funnels
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- Strong webinar marketing features
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- Comprehensive behavioral tracking and segmentation
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- Affordable entry-level pricing
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- Extensive template library for both emails and pages
Cons:
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- Funnel building features less advanced than specialized platforms
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- Limited checkout and cart optimization capabilities
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- Requires higher-tier plans for advanced funnel features
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- Less focus on conversion optimization compared to dedicated funnel builders
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- Smaller community of funnel-focused users
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- Basic affiliate management compared to specialized tools
GetResponse works best for businesses where email marketing drives the majority of conversions and funnels serve as lead capture mechanisms. However, companies focused on maximizing checkout conversions and customer lifetime value will find its commerce features lacking compared to specialized platforms like ThriveCart or SamCart.
8. GoHighLevel – Best for Agency & White-Label Solutions
GoHighLevel has rapidly emerged as the top-rated sales funnel platform in recent comparisons, particularly among digital marketing agencies seeking comprehensive client management solutions. Its unique white-label capabilities and agency-focused features distinguish it from traditional funnel builders.
Best For: Digital marketing agencies, consultants managing multiple clients, and businesses seeking complete CRM integration with funnel building capabilities under one platform.
Key Features:
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- Complete CRM with pipeline management and lead tracking
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- Drag-and-drop funnel builder with conversion-optimized templates
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- White-label platform allowing full rebranding and reselling
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- Built-in appointment scheduling and calendar management
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- SMS and email marketing automation
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- Two-way communication hub for client interactions
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- Reputation management and review automation
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- Comprehensive reporting across all client accounts
Pricing:
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- Agency Starter: $97/month
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- Agency Unlimited: $297/month
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- White Label: $497/month
Pros:
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- True all-in-one solution reducing software stack complexity
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- White-label capabilities create additional revenue streams
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- Strong CRM functionality integrated with funnel building
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- Excellent value considering feature breadth
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- Agency-focused tools for managing multiple clients
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- Active community and regular feature updates
Cons:
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- Steeper learning curve due to extensive feature set
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- Interface can feel cluttered for simple funnel needs
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- Email deliverability concerns reported by some users
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- Higher monthly costs compared to specialized tools
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- Overkill for individual entrepreneurs or small businesses
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- Some features still developing compared to specialized platforms
GoHighLevel’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach to client management combined with funnel building. Users consistently praise its value proposition—getting CRM, funnel builder, email marketing, and client communication tools for less than most businesses spend on individual specialized platforms.
9. ActiveCampaign – Best for Advanced Email Automation & Funnels
ActiveCampaign dominates the marketing automation space with sophisticated email workflows that seamlessly integrate with funnel building capabilities. Users consistently praise its automation builder as the most powerful in the industry, making it ideal for businesses prioritizing complex customer journeys.
Best For: Email-focused businesses requiring advanced automation, e-commerce companies with complex customer segmentation needs, and marketers who prioritize behavioral triggers over simple funnel templates.
Key Features:
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- Industry-leading automation builder with visual workflow design
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- Advanced customer segmentation and behavioral tracking
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- Landing page and form builder with A/B testing
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- CRM functionality with deal tracking and lead scoring
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- Predictive sending and content optimization
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- SMS marketing integration
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- Machine learning-powered recommendations
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- Comprehensive analytics and attribution reporting
Pricing:
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- Lite Plan: $15/month (500 contacts)
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- Plus Plan: $49/month
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- Professional Plan: $149/month
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- Enterprise Plan: $259/month
Pros:
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- Most sophisticated automation capabilities in the market
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- Excellent email deliverability and reputation management
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- Advanced segmentation allows precise targeting
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- Strong integration ecosystem with 870+ apps
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- Powerful reporting and analytics for optimization
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- Scales effectively with business growth
Cons:
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- Steep learning curve for advanced automation features
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- Landing page builder less robust than dedicated funnel platforms
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- Higher costs as contact lists grow
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- Can be overwhelming for simple email marketing needs
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- Limited e-commerce features compared to specialized platforms
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- Requires time investment to maximize automation potential
ActiveCampaign excels where GetResponse falls short—automation sophistication. Users report that ActiveCampaign’s automation builder feels “like building with LEGO bricks,” offering unlimited combinations for complex customer journeys. While GetResponse provides basic funnel templates, ActiveCampaign creates intelligent, behavior-driven funnels that adapt to individual customer actions, making it the superior choice for businesses serious about conversion optimization through email automation.
10. Podia – Best for Course Creators & Digital Educators
Podia has emerged as the preferred all-in-one platform for online educators who need course delivery combined with basic funnel building capabilities. Its creator-focused approach eliminates the complexity of managing separate platforms for course hosting, sales pages, and customer management.
Best For: Online course creators, digital educators, coaches, and content creators who prioritize simplicity and want course delivery integrated with their sales process.
Key Features:
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- Comprehensive course creation and hosting platform
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- Built-in sales page and checkout functionality
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- Email marketing tools with automation sequences
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- Membership site capabilities with drip content
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- Affiliate program management for course promotion
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- Basic funnel templates optimized for digital products
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- Student messaging and community features
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- Integrated analytics for course and sales performance
Pricing:
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- Mover Plan: $39/month
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- Shaker Plan: $89/month
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- Earthquaker Plan: $199/month
Pros:
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- Seamless integration between course delivery and sales funnels
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- No transaction fees on any plan
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- Intuitive interface designed specifically for creators
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- Strong customer support and creator community
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- Affordable pricing compared to separate course + funnel platforms
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- Built-in tools eliminate need for multiple subscriptions
Cons:
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- Limited funnel building flexibility compared to specialized platforms
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- Basic email marketing features versus dedicated platforms
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- Fewer advanced automation options
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- Limited customization for complex sales processes
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- Smaller template library than funnel-focused competitors
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- Less suitable for businesses beyond course creation
Podia users consistently praise its simplicity and creator-focused design. As one user noted, “Podia motivates me to create more because it’s so flexible, easy to use, and minimalist in design—there’s no friction when it comes to getting content online.” For educators who want to focus on teaching rather than technical complexity, Podia provides the essential funnel functionality without overwhelming features.
Honorable Mention: HubSpot – Enterprise CRM with Funnel Capabilities
HubSpot deserves recognition as a comprehensive business growth platform that includes sales funnel functionality within its broader CRM ecosystem. While not a dedicated funnel builder, its enterprise-grade features make it worth considering for larger organizations.
Best For: Enterprise businesses, B2B companies with complex sales cycles, and organizations requiring comprehensive CRM integration with their marketing funnels.
Key Strengths: Free tier available, robust CRM functionality, advanced reporting and analytics, extensive integration ecosystem, and enterprise-level security and compliance features.
Considerations: HubSpot excels at managing existing customer relationships and complex B2B sales processes, but lacks the conversion-focused optimization features that dedicated funnel platforms provide. Its complexity and cost structure make it less suitable for straightforward e-commerce or digital product sales funnels.
How to Build Your First Simple (and Profitable) Sales Funnel
Building your first sales funnel doesn’t require complex software or extensive marketing experience. A profitable funnel follows three fundamental steps that convert visitors into customers systematically.
Step 1: Create a Simple Offer (Lead Magnet)
Start with a valuable lead magnet that solves a specific problem for your target audience. Effective lead magnets include PDF guides, checklists, templates, or mini-courses that provide immediate value. The key is specificity—”5 Email Templates That Convert” performs better than “Email Marketing Guide.” Your lead magnet should take 10-15 minutes to consume and leave readers wanting more comprehensive solutions.
Step 2: Build a 2-Page Funnel
Your funnel needs only two essential pages initially:
Opt-in Page: Focus on a single objective—capturing email addresses. Include a compelling headline, clear benefit statements, and a simple form requesting only essential information (typically name and email). Remove navigation menus and other distractions that might lead visitors away from your conversion goal.
Thank You/Sales Page: After opt-in, redirect visitors to a page that delivers the promised lead magnet while introducing your paid offering. This page should acknowledge their interest, provide immediate access to the free content, and present a logical next step—your core product or service.
Step 3: Drive Traffic
Begin with organic traffic sources before investing in paid advertising. Share your lead magnet in relevant online communities, social media platforms, and through content marketing. Guest posting, podcast appearances, and strategic partnerships can generate initial traffic without advertising costs.
Once you validate your funnel converts visitors into leads and leads into customers, scale with paid traffic sources like Facebook ads, Google ads, or influencer partnerships.
Most successful entrepreneurs start with this simple framework, then add complexity as they identify optimization opportunities. The goal is creating a profitable system before building elaborate multi-step sequences.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Sales Funnel Software for YOUR Business?
The right sales funnel software depends on your business stage, budget, and growth objectives. Here’s how to choose:
If you’re just starting out on a budget, Systeme.io offers genuine value with its free plan, allowing you to test funnel concepts without upfront investment. However, expect to outgrow its limitations quickly as your business scales.
If you need an easy-to-use page builder and don’t mind high monthly fees, ClickFunnels remains a solid option for beginners who prioritize simplicity over cost efficiency. Its extensive template library and community support justify the premium for those requiring extensive hand-holding.
If you’re focused on email automation above all else, ActiveCampaign provides unmatched sophistication in behavioral triggers and customer journey mapping, though you’ll need additional tools for checkout optimization.
But if you are a serious entrepreneur focused on maximizing profit, eliminating monthly fees, and owning a complete, integrated system for selling digital products and courses, ThriveCart is the clear, unbeatable choice. Its lifetime pricing model saves thousands annually while its conversion-optimized checkout features, built-in affiliate management, and Learn+ course platform create a profit-maximizing ecosystem that grows with your business.
Stop paying monthly penalties for your success. **[Secure your ThriveCart lifetime license today](link)** and own your sales infrastructure forever—before this industry-disrupting offer disappears.