If you are researching ThriveCart alternatives to sell digital products, you are likely doing one of two things:
- Evaluating ThriveCart and comparing it with other platforms before committing
- Already using ThriveCart and reassessing whether it still fits your business
ThriveCart has built a strong reputation as a checkout-focused platform with lifetime pricing and tools designed to increase average order value. For many sellers, that combination works well.
For others, the pricing model, feature scope, or support experience prompts a broader search for different options.
In this guide, we will review some strong alternatives to ThriveCart, how they differ structurally, and which types of businesses each platform tends to suit.
What are ThriveCart alternatives?
ThriveCart alternatives are platforms that replace or compete with ThriveCart’s checkout and funnel system. ThriveCart is primarily a checkout-focused tool sold through a lifetime licence model.
Alternatives generally fall into two groups: checkout-first platforms and all-in-one creator platforms. Checkout Page is a Stripe-based checkout platform and does not include built-in course hosting, website builders, or email marketing.
Why look for ThriveCart alternatives?
There is no single reason sellers look for a ThriveCart alternative. However, in our experience working with established digital sellers in 2025 and early 2026, the motivations usually fall into one of the following categories:
1. Pricing model preference
ThriveCart’s lifetime licence appeals to many founders. Others prefer subscription pricing, especially when they want flexibility to switch tools without a large upfront commitment.
For sellers seeking a free alternative to ThriveCart, the distinction often comes down to whether a free plan is available or lifetime pricing is offered. Some platforms offer free plans with free product listings, and you pay fees only once you start selling.
ThriveCart does not offer a free trial - let alone a free plan- and this is a factor that many find off-putting. Being able to try before committing is a non-negotiable for many creators.
2. Broader feature scope
ThriveCart is primarily a checkout optimisation tool. Some sellers eventually want:
- Built-in course hosting
- Community features
- Full funnel builders
- Native email marketing
That shifts the comparison set toward all-in-one creator platforms rather than pure checkout tools.
3. Technical control and stack flexibility
Many established sellers prefer separating their checkout layer from their website, course platform, and CRM.
Others prefer consolidation inside one environment.
The “right” ThriveCart alternative often depends on whether you value modular flexibility or an all-in-one system.
ThriveCart overview (2026)
Before comparing ThriveCart competitors, it’s important to understand how ThriveCart is positioned today.
ThriveCart is a checkout and funnel optimisation platform sold through a one-time lifetime licence model, with optional paid upgrades. It focuses on increasing average order value and automating post-purchase flows, while also including built-in course functionality.
Pricing structure
As of 2026, ThriveCart offers:
- Standard: $495 one-time payment
- Pro+: $790 upfront, then $295 per year from year two
- Ultimate Bundle: $985 upfront, then $295 per year from year two
All plans advertise 0% platform fees on sales. Payment processor fees still apply.
The Pro+ and Ultimate tiers introduce additional reporting, subscription tools, affiliate functionality, tax automation, and advanced LMS capabilities.
The key structural distinction is that the core licence is lifetime, while advanced functionality may incur annual fees.
Core feature positioning
ThriveCart’s primary focus remains checkout optimisation and funnel mechanics. Its feature set includes:
- One-click upsells and multiple order bumps
- A/B testing for checkout and funnels
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Advanced funnel automation
- Built-in affiliate centre and joint venture payouts (Pro+)
- Subscription management, including upgrades, downgrades, and dunning (Pro+)
Over time, ThriveCart has expanded into:
- Built-in LMS (“Learn”)
- Advanced LMS (“Learn+”) with rules, triggers, and course analytics (Ultimate)
- Tax automation
- Crypto payments (USDC)
- QR code support
- Business intelligence reporting
This means ThriveCart now sits somewhere between a checkout-first tool and a lightweight all-in-one creator system, depending on the plan selected.
Payment structure and processor model
ThriveCart integrates with external payment processors and does not operate as a Merchant of Record. Sellers typically connect to Stripe or PayPal and retain control of their own accounts.
This structure appeals to sellers who want direct processor relationships and payout control.
Support model
ThriveCart advertises 24/7 support across plans.
Where ThriveCart tends to fit best
In our experience observing digital sellers over the past two years, ThriveCart is often chosen by:
- Course creators running structured launch funnels
- Sellers who prefer lifetime pricing over subscriptions
- Businesses using affiliate-driven acquisition
- Founders are comfortable assembling their own broader tech stack
Where sellers sometimes reconsider
Common reconsideration points we’ve seen in 2025–2026 include:
- Upfront cost preference vs subscription flexibility
- Desire for deeper email marketing functionality
- Preference for more modular or stack-based systems
- Need for broader website or community infrastructure
These are not necessarily weaknesses; they are structural alignment questions.
Understanding ThriveCart’s current scope makes it easier to evaluate which alternatives actually solve different problems.
How we evaluated ThriveCart competitors
Rather than listing feature checkmarks, we evaluated alternatives to ThriveCart across structural criteria that affect long-term business decisions:
☑ Pricing structure (lifetime, subscription, or revenue share)
☑ Transaction model (platform fees vs processor-only fees)
☑ Feature scope (checkout-only vs all-in-one)
☑ Trial availability (free trial, free plan, or upfront payment)
☑ Support model (live chat, email, community, tier-based)
These criteria help answer a more practical question:
What are the best alternatives to ThriveCart for your specific business model and growth stage?
Decision framework table
The table below helps you determine which type of ThriveCart alternative best fits your priorities before you dive into individual platforms.
If you prioritize… | You may prefer… | Why this matters long term |
|---|---|---|
One-time payment and no monthly cost | Lifetime licence tools | Lower recurring overhead, higher upfront commitment |
Flexibility and easier switching | Subscription-based platforms | Lower barrier to entry and easier migration |
No additional transaction fees | Stripe-based platforms without platform fees | More predictable margins as revenue grows |
All tools in one place | All-in-one creator platforms | Fewer integrations, simpler setup |
Full control over stack and data | Checkout-first platforms | Reduced lock-in and greater modularity |
Built-in course hosting | Creator platforms | No need for separate LMS software |
For most established sellers, the decision is less about features and more about structural trade-offs between control, cost model, and consolidation.
How to decide which ThriveCart alternative is right for you
When founders ask us to suggest alternatives to ThriveCart, the real question is usually about fit.
It’s less about features and more about how the platform supports the way you sell.
Start with a few simple questions:
⍰ Do you want just a checkout tool or a full business platform?
Some tools focus purely on optimising the checkout page. Others include website builders, course hosting, email marketing, and community features. Decide whether you want one specialised tool or everything in one place.
⍰ Are you comfortable paying upfront for lifetime access?
ThriveCart requires a larger one-time payment. Some businesses prefer that. Others prefer paying monthly so they can switch more easily if their needs change.
⍰ Would you rather pay a flat monthly fee or a percentage of each sale?
Some platforms charge a subscription. Others take a cut of your revenue. Over time, that difference can become significant as sales grow.
⍰ Do you want to rely less on developers or technical setup?
If you regularly need a developer to adjust checkout flows or integrations, you may want a tool that gives you more control without code.
⍰ Are you running paid ads?
If you’re spending on traffic, small improvements in checkout conversion can make a meaningful difference. In that case, testing tools and funnel optimisation features may matter more to you.
Businesses that are already generating steady revenue often care about:
- A checkout experience that feels simple and trustworthy for buyers
- Clear pricing with no unexpected fees
- Keeping control of their Stripe account and payouts
- Avoiding being locked into a platform that’s difficult to leave
Answering these questions will usually narrow your shortlist quickly, before you even start comparing individual ThriveCart competitors.
7 Best ThriveCart alternatives
1. Checkout Page
What it is
Checkout Page is a Stripe-based checkout platform focused on selling digital products, subscriptions, event tickets, and services. It is designed specifically to improve checkout flexibility without bundling in website or course-building tools. It is positioned as a specialist high-converting checkout tool rather than an all-in-one business system.
Pricing model
Monthly subscription, no per-transaction fees:
Plan | Monthly | Yearly | Revenue limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Launch | $29 / month | $24 / month ($290 billed annually) | Up to $3K sales per month |
Grow | $99 / month | $83 / month ($990 billed annually) | Up to $10K sales per month |
Scale | $169 / month | $141 / month ($1690 billed annually) | Up to $20K sales per month |
$239 / month | $199 / month ($2390 billed annually) | Up to $30K sales per month | |
$299 / month | $249 / month ($2990 billed annually) | Up to $50K sales per month | |
$399 / month | $333 / month ($3990 billed annually) | Up to $75K sales per month | |
$499 / month | $416 / month ($4990 billed annually) | Up to $100K sales per month | |
Enterprise | Custom quote | Custom quote | Above $100K per month |
Does it take a cut of sales?
No. There are no additional platform transaction fees. Stripe fees still apply.
What it includes
☑ Customisable checkout pages and order forms
☑ One-click upsells and order bumps
☑ Payment plans and subscriptions
☑ Integration with Stripe and other tools via Zapier
☑ Conversion tracking and analytics
It does not include course hosting, email marketing, or website building.
Free trial
7-day free trial. No credit card required.
Support
Live chat support.
Who it suits
Established sellers who already use Stripe and want control over their checkout experience without moving their entire business to one platform.
Where it may fall short
Businesses seeking built-in course hosting, community tools, or a full-funnel builder may need additional software.
2. SendOwl
SendOwl is a digital product selling platform focused on simple checkout and automated file delivery. It helps creators sell downloads, subscriptions, and bundles without needing a full e-commerce store. It’s practical and streamlined rather than funnel-heavy or design-focused.
Pricing model
Monthly subscription.
Plan | Cost | Transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
Launch | $39/month | Orders per year up to 5k. Sales per year up to $10,000 |
Grow | $87/month | Orders per year up to 25k. Sales per year up to $36,000 |
Scale | $159/month | Orders per year up to 50k. Sales per year up to $100,000 |
Does it take a cut of sales?
No platform transaction fee on paid plans. Payment processor fees still apply.
What it includes
☑ Digital file delivery
☑ Basic checkout functionality
☑ Cart abandonment emails
☑ Affiliate tracking
☑ Product bundling
It does not position itself as a full website or funnel platform.
Free trial
7-day free trial.
Support
Email and help centre support. No live chat.
Who it suits
Creators selling digital downloads who want a simple way to automate file delivery and basic checkout flows.
Where it may fall short
Businesses running paid traffic campaigns may find checkout customisation options more limited than conversion-focused tools.
3. Podia
Podia is an all-in-one creator platform that combines checkout, course hosting, memberships, email marketing, and community tools. It is designed for creators who want to run most of their business from one dashboard. Instead of specialising in checkout optimisation, it focuses on convenience and consolidation.
Pricing model
Monthly subscription.
Plan | Costs | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|
Mover | $39/month $33/month if paid annually | 5% |
Shaker | $89/month $75/month if paid annually | 0% |
Does it take a cut of sales?
No additional platform transaction fees on paid plans. Processor fees apply.
What it includes
☑ Course hosting
☑ Memberships
☑ Email marketing
☑ Website builder
☑ Checkout pages
It is designed to run most of a creator’s business inside one platform.
Free trial
30-day free trial.
Support
Email, chatbot, and community support.
Who it suits
Course creators and educators who want everything managed in one place.
Where it may fall short
Businesses that prefer separating checkout from course or email systems may find it less flexible.
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin built for WordPress websites. It turns a WordPress site into a fully customisable online store capable of selling physical or digital products. Unlike hosted platforms, it requires users to manage hosting, themes, updates, and plugins themselves.
Pricing model
Free plugin. Ongoing costs include hosting, themes, and extensions.
- Hosting costs: Can range from $3.99 to $5,000 per month, with an average annual cost of about $120.
- Domain registration: The average cost is approximately $15 per year, though premium domains may be higher.
- Theme costs: Free options are available, but paid themes typically range from $20 to $100 annually.
- Shipping extensions: Depending on the tools used, the cost can range from $0 to $119 per year.
- Payment gateway fees: Generally around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the gateway chosen.
- Additional features: WooCommerce offers a range of add-ons that can be purchased separately, including security plugins and backup solutions.
Does it take a cut of sales?
No platform transaction fee. Payment gateway fees apply.
What it includes
☑ Full ecommerce store functionality
☑ Product management
☑ Extensive customisation via plugins
☑ Wide theme ecosystem
It requires WordPress and ongoing maintenance.
Free trial
Not applicable. Software is free, but hosting costs apply.
Support
Help centre and documentation. Paid support via hosting providers or developers.
Who it suits
Businesses already running WordPress who want full control over their store and checkout.
Where it may fall short
Non-technical founders may find setup and maintenance time-consuming.
5. Gumroad
Gumroad is a creator marketplace and selling platform that allows users to host product pages and sell digital goods directly to an audience. It handles payment processing and acts as the Merchant of Record. Its structure prioritises ease of setup over custom checkout control.
Pricing model
Revenue share model: 10% + $0.50 per transaction.
Does it take a cut of sales?
Yes. Gumroad takes a percentage of each sale.
Read more about the pros and cons of Gumroad fees and pricing structure
What it includes
☑ Hosted product pages
☑ Digital delivery
☑ Marketplace exposure
☑ Basic email features
☑ Merchant of Record handling
Free trial
No trial required. Accounts are free to create.
Support
Email-based support.
Who it suits
Creators testing product ideas who prefer not to manage their own payment processors.
Where it may fall short
As revenue increases, the percentage-based pricing model may become more expensive than subscription-based platforms.
6. SamCart
SamCart is a hosted checkout platform built primarily for digital product sellers. It focuses on increasing average order value through upsells, order bumps, and subscription tools. Like ThriveCart, it centres on checkout optimisation rather than website building or full marketing automation.
Pricing model
Monthly subscription. Sliding from $79 per month for processing up to 3K, to $1,299/month for processing up to 1M per month.
25% discount if paid annually.
Does it take a cut of sales?
No additional platform transaction fee. Processor fees apply.
What it includes
☑ Upsells and order bumps
☑ Subscription billing
☑ Affiliate management
☑ Cart abandonment emails
☑ Basic funnel tools
It is positioned similarly to ThriveCart in focusing on checkout optimisation.
Free trial
7-day free trial.
Support
Live chat and email support.
Who it suits
Digital sellers focused on improving average order value through checkout optimisation.
Where it may fall short
Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
7. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels is a sales funnel platform that combines landing pages, checkout functionality, email automation, and course hosting. It is designed to manage the entire marketing and sales journey within a single system. Rather than focusing purely on checkout, it emphasises funnel building and campaign management.
Pricing model
Monthly subscription.
Plan | Costs | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|
Launch | $97/month $81/month if paid annually | 0% |
Scale | $197/month $164/month if paid annually | 0% |
Optimize | $297/month $248/month if paid annually | 0% |
Does it take a cut of sales?
No platform transaction fee. Processor fees apply.
What it includes
☑ Funnel builder
☑ Landing pages
☑ Email automation
☑ Course hosting
☑ Checkout functionality
It is designed as a full marketing system rather than a checkout-only tool.
Free trial
14-day free trial.
Support
Live chat, chatbot, and email support.
Who it suits
Businesses that want to manage funnels, pages, and email inside one environment.
Where it may fall short
Teams that already use dedicated marketing tools may find overlap or redundancy.
Choosing between ThriveCart alternatives
If you prefer a quick overview, this table shows how each platform is positioned.
Platform | Pricing model | Platform takes % of sales? | All-in-one or checkout-first? | Merchant of record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ThriveCart | Lifetime + optional annual | No | Checkout-first with LMS | No |
Checkout Page | Monthly subscription | No | Checkout-first | No |
SamCart | Monthly subscription | No | Checkout-first | No |
Podia | Monthly subscription | On lower plan | All-in-one | No |
WooCommerce | Free plugin + hosting | No | Full ecommerce system | No |
Gumroad | Revenue share | Yes | Hosted selling platform | No |
ClickFunnels | Monthly subscription | No | All-in-one funnel platform | No |
This highlights the core differences: some tools specialise in checkout optimisation, others combine marketing and delivery tools, and Gumroad simplifies compliance by acting as the Merchant of Record.
There is no single “best” ThriveCart alternative because the right choice depends on how you structure your business.
Most of the differences come down to pricing structure, how much of your stack you want in one place, and how much control you want over payments and data.
For established sellers, especially those already running paid traffic, small differences in checkout flexibility or transaction fees can become more meaningful over time.
Final thoughts
ThriveCart competitors now span a wide range of business models.
Some specialise in checkout optimisation.
Some bundle everything into one platform.
Some charge a flat monthly fee.
Others take a percentage of each sale.
If you are already generating revenue and looking to optimise rather than start from scratch, the structural differences matter more than surface-level features.
Before switching platforms, it’s worth mapping:
- Your current tools
- Your payment processor setup
- Your subscription model (if any)
- Your plans for growth over the next 12–24 months
That clarity often narrows the decision faster than feature comparisons alone.
If you think Checkout Page could be a match for you, we invite you to take up our 7-day free trial, no credit card required!
Our support team can assist you with any questions via Live Chat. If you like what you see, you can book a demo with one of our founders.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the best alternatives to ThriveCart in 2026?
The best ThriveCart alternatives depend on your pricing preference and business structure. Checkout-first platforms like Checkout Page or SamCart focus on conversion optimisation, while tools like Podia or ClickFunnels combine checkout with courses, email, and funnel building. Gumroad uses a revenue-share model and acts as Merchant of Record.
Is there a free alternative to ThriveCart?
There is no direct lifetime-style free alternative to ThriveCart. However, some platforms offer free plans or revenue-share pricing. For example, Gumroad allows you to start selling without upfront fees but takes a percentage of each sale. Other tools offer free trials rather than permanent free plans.
How does ThriveCart compare to subscription-based checkout platforms?
ThriveCart uses a lifetime licence model with optional annual upgrades, while most alternatives charge monthly subscription fees. Subscription platforms reduce upfront cost and make switching easier. Lifetime pricing can be more cost-effective over the long term if you plan to use the tool for several years.
Do ThriveCart alternatives take a percentage of sales?
Some do, some don’t. Subscription-based platforms such as SamCart, Checkout Page, Podia (on higher plans), and ClickFunnels typically do not charge additional transaction fees beyond payment processor fees. Revenue-share platforms like Gumroad take a percentage of each sale rather than charging a monthly subscription fee.
Should I switch from ThriveCart to another platform?
Switching from ThriveCart makes sense if your business model has changed. For example, you may want built-in email marketing, a Merchant of Record, subscription pricing instead of lifetime licensing, or deeper WordPress integration. The right decision depends on how you structure your sales stack today.
