Independent resource · Prices checked 2026-09-07 from kajabi.com/pricing · Not affiliated with Kajabi or Systeme.io
Switching from Kajabi in 2026: The Real Cost Math
Kajabi raised its prices in early 2026 — users in r/kajabi report the entry tier disappearing and renewal bills jumping. If your renewal is coming up and you're doing the math on switching, this worksheet gives you the honest numbers, the real work involved, and the cases where switching is not worth it.
1. The cost math at your contact count
Kajabi's plans are priced flat, not by contacts. Its entry plan — Basic at $179/month ($143/month billed annually) — is the anchor for most comparisons. The alternative side of the ledger: Systeme.io's permanent free plan covers up to 2,000 contacts, and its first paid tier is $17/month.
| Your email contacts | Kajabi (Basic) | Systeme.io equivalent | Approx. annual difference |
| ≤ 2,000 | $179/mo | $0/mo (Free plan) | ≈ $2,148/yr |
| 2,000+ | $179/mo | from $17/mo | ≈ $1,944/yr |
Do your own math: multiply your Kajabi plan × 12, subtract the Systeme.io tier that fits your contact count × 12. That gross difference is what the migration is competing against — the next section tells you what the migration itself costs in time.
Prices from kajabi.com and systeme.io, checked 2026-09-07. Kajabi annual billing lowers these figures; feature limits vary by tier — verify both pricing pages before deciding.
2. What switching actually involves (the honest list)
- Contacts: export CSV from Kajabi, import to the new tool, handle re-permission/opt-in rules, and warm up email sending over 1–2 weeks.
- Pages & funnels: rebuilt by hand. Landing pages, pipelines, and funnel steps don't transfer automatically.
- Courses: re-upload videos and restructure modules. Video hosting and player settings don't migrate.
- Automations: re-create email sequences and rules from scratch; map every trigger before you cut over.
- Domain & DNS: repoint your custom domain — plan a low-risk window for this.
- Payments: rebuild offers and test checkout before canceling Kajabi. Run both platforms in parallel for one billing cycle.
Realistic effort: a simple stack (one course + one funnel + a few sequences) is a weekend or two. A complex stack (multiple courses, deep automations, memberships) can take weeks. That effort is the true "price" of switching — the annual savings above must justify it.
3. When you should NOT switch
- You rely on Kajabi's deeper automations or pipelines daily.
- Premium course-player polish is core to your brand promise.
- You're mid-launch — never migrate during a launch window.
- Remaining subscription value is small (e.g., 2 months left) relative to the effort.
When switching makes sense: budget pressure from the price increase, a simple tool stack, and margins where ~$1,900–2,100/year matters. That combination is exactly who the math above serves.
4. Tools for the decision
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FAQ
How much does Kajabi cost in 2026? Basic $179/mo, Growth $249/mo, Pro $499/mo ($143/$199/$399 billed annually) — verified 2026-09-07. Check kajabi.com/pricing for current numbers.
Can I migrate my contacts and emails? Contacts export as CSV and import cleanly, with re-permission and warm-up steps. Templates, automations, and landing pages must be rebuilt.
When should I stay on Kajabi? If deep automations, premium course UX, or launch timing argue against disruption — see section 3.
Affiliate disclosure: links to systeme.webbistry.com may earn us a commission if you sign up through them, at no cost to you. This does not influence the analysis above — including the explicit list of reasons to stay on Kajabi. Prices verified 2026-09-07; always confirm on official pricing pages.