Thrivecart VS Clickfunnels
Which is better, ThriveCart or Clickfunnels? Let’s put them head to head…
Author: Michelle
7 min read
I can still remember hitting the “buy” button for ThriveCart’s lifetime license, costing $495, during the early days of my business. The amount seemed overwhelming at the time, but I decided to invest in it anyway.
Reflecting on that decision, I’m pleased I took the risk. The cost of monthly fees for comparable platforms would have added up quickly. Instead, I secured a robust platform for the long term, avoiding ongoing expenses and benefiting from its features without any extra charges.
Quick Review Summary
Deciding between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels for your online business can be a bit overwhelming given their unique features and different pricing models.
From my experience running a small business and managing digital products, I’ve learned how crucial it is to select the right platform for your needs. Let’s dive into what each option offers to help you make an informed choice.
ThriveCart is a powerful tool known for its extensive integration options and a range of built-in features. It simplifies the management of payments, product sales, and even course hosting (I’m particularly fond of ThriveCart Learn for its ease of use).
In contrast, ClickFunnels shines with its focus on creating effective sales funnels and marketing automation. It’s specifically designed to guide potential customers through a series of steps, from initial interest to final purchase, making it a strong choice for those looking to optimize their sales processes and marketing strategies.
Both ThriveCart and ClickFunnels offer valuable capabilities, but their strengths cater to different needs. ThriveCart excels in handling various aspects of sales and payments with a straightforward approach, while ClickFunnels is ideal for those looking to build sophisticated sales funnels and marketing systems.
Take the time to explore how each platform aligns with your business goals to make the best decision. Understanding what each tool brings to the table will help you choose the right fit for your online business.
Firstly, What are ThriveCart and Clickfunnels?
When I first started exploring eCommerce software, I kept hearing about ThriveCart and ClickFunnels. Both platforms seemed to be the go-to options for creating sales funnels and managing online transactions. But before diving into which one is better, it’s essential to understand what each of these platforms actually does.
ThriveCart: Your Sales Cart and Checkout Wizard
Let me start with ThriveCart. At its core, ThriveCart is a shopping cart software designed to help you sell digital products, physical products, and services online. I remember the first time I logged into ThriveCart—I was impressed by how straightforward the interface was. It felt like the developers had thought of everything to make selling online as easy as possible.
ThriveCart focuses heavily on checkout pages and upsells. Imagine you’ve just created an online course or a digital download that you’re excited to sell. ThriveCart lets you build a customized checkout page that not only looks professional but is also optimized for conversions. What sold me initially was how easy it was to set up a one-click upsell or downsell. Picture this: A customer buys your course, and immediately after, they’re offered a special discount on another product. This feature alone made ThriveCart a game-changer for me.
Another aspect that I found particularly helpful is how ThriveCart integrates with various email marketing tools, payment gateways, and even membership platforms. I didn’t have to jump through hoops to connect my existing tools—everything just worked seamlessly. And let’s not forget about the lifetime deal that ThriveCart offers, which, in my opinion, is a massive bonus because who doesn’t love paying once and using a tool forever?
ClickFunnels: The Funnel Builder Extraordinaire
Now, ClickFunnels is a bit of a different beast. While it does have some overlap with ThriveCart, ClickFunnels is more of an all-in-one marketing platform designed to help you create entire sales funnels from start to finish. When I first heard the term “sales funnel,” I didn’t fully understand what it meant. But ClickFunnels made it easy for me to see how each step—landing page, email follow-up, and checkout—worked together to guide a customer from awareness to purchase.
ClickFunnels takes a broader approach than ThriveCart. It’s not just about the checkout; it’s about the entire journey. When I started using ClickFunnels, I loved how I could create landing pages, sales pages, and even webinar pages all within the same platform. It felt like I was building an entire marketing strategy rather than just a checkout page. The drag-and-drop editor was pretty intuitive, so I didn’t need any coding knowledge to get started, which was a relief.
One feature that stood out to me was the ability to create membership sites within ClickFunnels. If you’re selling a course or a subscription service, this can be a big plus. ClickFunnels also offers robust A/B testing features, allowing you to tweak and test different versions of your pages to see what converts best.
What Makes ThriveCart better?
ThriveCart outshines ClickFunnels primarily in its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and focus on checkout optimization. With ThriveCart, you pay a one-time fee for lifetime access, whereas ClickFunnels requires ongoing monthly payments, which can add up quickly. ThriveCart’s intuitive interface makes setting up and customizing checkout pages a breeze, with powerful features like one-click upsells and A/B testing built right in. While ClickFunnels offers a broader range of marketing tools, ThriveCart excels in its streamlined, conversion-focused approach, particularly for those who prioritize sales and payment processing over funnel building.
Additionally, ThriveCart includes robust affiliate management at no extra cost, whereas ClickFunnels requires an upgrade to access similar features. If you’re looking for a dedicated, user-friendly solution that maximizes your revenue without recurring costs, ThriveCart is the better choice over ClickFunnels.
What do we love (and not love) about ThriveCart?
- Ease of Use
- All-in-One Solution
- Advanced Checkout Features
- Built-In Affiliate Management
- Payment Flexibility
- Reliable Integrations
- Lifetime Pricing Option
- Conversion-Optimized Templates
- Detailed Analytics and Reporting
- Excellent Customer Support
- Limited Customization
- Lack of Advanced Features
- Limited Support for Physical Products
- Restricted Theme and Template Options
What do we love (and not love) about Clickfunnels?
- Powerful Sales Funnel Builder
- Easy-to-Use Drag-and-Drop Editor
- Built-In Marketing Automation
- Comprehensive Templates
- Advanced Analytics and Tracking
- High Cost
- Steep Learning Curve
- Limited Customization
- Additional Costs for Advanced Features
- Overwhelming Feature Set
- Complex Pricing Structure
In Depth Analysis: Thrivecart VS Clickfunnels
These two platforms, while overlapping in some areas, serve very different purposes. To make the best decision for my business, I had to dive deep into what each one offered and how it matched my needs.
Pricing: The Big One
One of the first things I looked at was pricing. I don’t know about you, but cost is always a significant factor in my decision-making process. ThriveCart offers a lifetime deal, which, to be honest, was incredibly tempting. You pay once, and that’s it—no recurring fees, no surprise costs down the road. For someone like me who hates monthly subscriptions piling up, this was a huge draw.
ClickFunnels, on the other hand, operates on a subscription model. Depending on the plan you choose, you could be paying anywhere from $97 to $297 per month. While this might seem steep, ClickFunnels justifies the cost with its wide range of features. The question I had to ask myself was: Do I need all of these features, and am I willing to pay for them on a recurring basis?
Ease of Use: Which One’s Easier to Navigate?
When I first logged into ThriveCart, I found it incredibly user-friendly. The interface was clean, and everything was laid out in a way that made sense. Setting up a checkout page was a breeze—just a few clicks, and I was ready to go. I appreciated that I didn’t need any technical expertise to get started, which saved me a lot of time.
ClickFunnels, while also user-friendly, has a steeper learning curve due to the sheer number of features. When I first started, I felt a bit overwhelmed by all the options. Building a sales funnel involves more steps than just setting up a checkout page, and I found myself spending more time learning how to use the platform effectively. However, once I got the hang of it, the drag-and-drop editor became my best friend, and I could see the potential for creating more complex sales strategies.
Customization and Flexibility: How Much Control Do You Want?
One of the things I loved about ThriveCart was the level of customization it offered for checkout pages. I could tailor the design to match my brand, add testimonials, and even incorporate countdown timers to create a sense of urgency. The upsell and downsell options were also highly customizable, which meant I could tweak the offers to maximize revenue.
ClickFunnels takes customization to another level, especially when it comes to building entire sales funnels. I could customize everything—from the landing page to the email follow-ups, to the order form, and beyond. The flexibility is incredible if you’re someone who likes to have full control over every aspect of the customer journey. However, with this flexibility comes complexity. I found that while I could create a fully branded, multi-step funnel with ClickFunnels, it required a lot more time and effort compared to ThriveCart’s more streamlined setup.
Features and Functionality: What Do You Get?
ThriveCart is a powerhouse when it comes to handling payments and checkout processes. It supports various payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and even Apple Pay, which gave me peace of mind knowing that my customers had multiple payment options. The recurring billing and subscription management features were a godsend for my membership site, making it easy to manage subscriptions without any hiccups. Plus, ThriveCart’s integration with email marketing platforms like MailChimp and ConvertKit meant that I could keep my marketing campaigns in sync with my sales.
ClickFunnels, however, goes beyond just checkout and payments. It’s a full-fledged sales funnel builder, which means you can create landing pages, run webinars, build membership sites, and even manage your email marketing—all within the same platform. I found that ClickFunnels really shines if you’re looking to create a comprehensive sales strategy that covers every touchpoint of the customer journey. The A/B testing feature was particularly useful when I wanted to optimize my landing pages for better conversions.
Support and Community: Who’s Got Your Back?
I’m the kind of person who likes knowing that support is available when I need it. ThriveCart offers email support, which I found to be responsive and helpful. They also have a decent knowledge base that answered most of my questions.
ClickFunnels, on the other hand, has a larger community and more extensive support options, including live chat and a robust Facebook group. I found the community aspect of ClickFunnels to be a big plus—whenever I had a question or needed inspiration, there were plenty of people ready to help out. The downside? The vast amount of information and opinions can sometimes be overwhelming.
My Experience using ThriveCart
When I first decided to start selling digital products online, I knew I needed a reliable platform that could handle the checkout process smoothly. After doing some research, I landed on ThriveCart. To be honest, the lifetime deal was a big part of the initial appeal—no recurring fees sounded like a dream. But as I started using ThriveCart, I quickly realized that it was more than just a cost-effective option; it was a powerful tool that genuinely made my life easier.
Getting Started: A Seamless Setup
I’m not the most tech-savvy person, so I was a bit nervous about setting everything up. But ThriveCart pleasantly surprised me. From the moment I logged in, the platform felt intuitive and user-friendly. The dashboard was clean, and everything was laid out in a way that just made sense. I didn’t have to spend hours watching tutorials or searching through forums to figure out how things worked.
Creating my first checkout page was almost too easy. ThriveCart walks you through each step, from adding your product details to customizing the design of the checkout page. I loved that I could make the checkout process match my brand’s look and feel with just a few clicks. And because the platform is so well-designed, the pages looked professional right out of the box—no need for any fancy design skills.
Customization: Making It My Own
One of the things I appreciated most about ThriveCart was the level of customization it offered. I could add my logo, change the colors, and even include testimonials right on the checkout page. This was a big deal for me because I wanted my customers to feel confident when they were making a purchase, and having that social proof front and center made a noticeable difference.
The upsell and downsell features were another highlight. I remember the first time I set up a one-click upsell—it was like magic. A customer would buy my main product, and then, with just one click, they could add another product to their order. It felt like I had unlocked a whole new level of sales potential without doing anything complicated. Plus, ThriveCart made it easy to test different offers and see which ones performed best, which really helped me optimize my sales process.
Integrations: Connecting All the Dots
Another area where ThriveCart excelled was integrations. I was already using several tools for my business, like MailChimp for email marketing and Stripe for payment processing, and I was worried about how everything would work together. Thankfully, ThriveCart integrates seamlessly with most of the major platforms out there. I was able to connect my email marketing service, payment gateways, and even my membership site software without any issues.
This integration capability was a game-changer for me because it meant I didn’t have to switch between multiple platforms or deal with complicated workarounds. Everything just worked together, and I could manage my sales, customers, and marketing from one central place.
Customer Experience: Smooth and Reliable
Of course, none of this would matter if the customer experience wasn’t up to par. But ThriveCart delivered here as well. I received feedback from customers who commented on how smooth and straightforward the checkout process was. There were no confusing steps, no extra clicks—just a simple, efficient experience that made them feel confident in their purchase.
I also appreciated the detailed analytics that ThriveCart provided. I could see how many people were visiting my checkout page, how many were completing their purchases, and where I might be losing customers. This data was invaluable for making tweaks and improving my conversion rates over time.
A Little About Me, The Author!
Hi, I’m Michelle! I started selling online in about 2006 and have used nearly every eCommerce platform available. I started with Clickbank, then went to Magento, OsCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, WooCommerce and Shopify.
These days I use Thrivecart for 100% of my online businesses.
Yes, businesses.
I’ve got three ThriveCart accounts which manage all the checkouts and payments for my 7 websites, and I use this website to let me readers know how it compares to other eCommerce and checkout solutions.
Who is ThriveCart for?
Whether you’re just starting out with online sales or you’ve been in the game for a while, ThriveCart has something to offer. So, who exactly is ThriveCart for? Let me break it down.
1. Digital Product Creators
If you’re selling digital products—think eBooks, online courses, or downloadable resources—ThriveCart is a dream come true. I remember when I first launched my online course. I was looking for a tool that would make it easy to manage payments and deliver my content without a hitch. ThriveCart fit the bill perfectly. The platform allows you to create beautiful, high-converting checkout pages that can be customized to match your brand. Plus, with features like one-click upsells and downsells, you can easily increase your revenue by offering additional products or services during the checkout process.
Another thing that stood out to me was how ThriveCart handles recurring payments. If you’re offering a subscription-based product, like a membership site or ongoing coaching, ThriveCart’s subscription management tools are top-notch. You can set up recurring billing in minutes, and the platform handles everything from invoicing to managing failed payments, which means less stress and more focus on delivering value to your customers.
2. Physical Product Sellers
While ThriveCart is often praised for its digital product capabilities, it’s also a fantastic choice for those selling physical goods. I’ve dabbled in selling physical products myself, and I found that ThriveCart’s flexibility made it easy to handle inventory, shipping, and taxes. The platform integrates with various shipping services, so you can automate the process from start to finish.
If you’re running a small business or even a side hustle, ThriveCart’s straightforward setup and management features will save you time and headaches. The ability to customize checkout pages is particularly useful here because it lets you create a seamless shopping experience that builds trust with your customers. And let’s face it, in the world of eCommerce, a smooth checkout experience can make or break a sale.
3. Service Providers
ThriveCart isn’t just for selling products; it’s also a great tool for service-based businesses. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or freelancer, ThriveCart allows you to create checkout pages for your services, making it easy for clients to book and pay you online. When I first started offering consulting services, I used ThriveCart to set up a simple payment page where clients could choose the service they wanted, select a time, and pay all in one go.
The platform’s ability to handle multiple payment options is another big win. Whether you charge by the hour, offer package deals, or require a deposit upfront, ThriveCart can handle it. And if you’re offering high-ticket services, the ability to integrate payment plans directly into your checkout process can be a game-changer, helping you close more deals by making your services more accessible.
4. Affiliate Marketers
If you’re involved in affiliate marketing, ThriveCart has some excellent features to help you maximize your earnings. I was surprised by how robust ThriveCart’s affiliate management tools are. You can create an affiliate program for your products, track performance, and easily manage payouts all within the platform. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to expand their reach through affiliates without the hassle of using a separate tool.
The detailed reporting and analytics provided by ThriveCart give you insights into how your affiliates are performing, which products are selling the best, and where you might need to make adjustments. If you’re serious about growing your business through affiliate marketing, ThriveCart offers everything you need to manage it effectively.
5. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Finally, ThriveCart is ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners who need an all-in-one solution for managing online sales. When I was just getting started, I didn’t have the budget for a bunch of different tools, nor did I have the time to learn them all. ThriveCart offered a single platform that could handle payments, checkout pages, upsells, and more, all for a one-time fee.
The platform’s simplicity doesn’t mean it’s lacking in power, though. ThriveCart is packed with features that make it easy to grow your business, from detailed analytics to seamless integrations with other tools like email marketing services and membership platforms. For someone like me, who values efficiency and wants to keep things simple, ThriveCart was the perfect choice.
Is ThriveCart Right for You?
In my experience, ThriveCart is a versatile tool that can meet the needs of a wide range of users. Whether you’re selling digital or physical products, offering services, running an affiliate program, or simply looking for a reliable checkout solution for your business, ThriveCart has you covered. It’s especially beneficial if you’re looking for a straightforward, cost-effective platform that doesn’t skimp on features.
So, if you’re in the market for a robust, user-friendly eCommerce tool that won’t break the bank, I’d say ThriveCart is definitely worth considering. It’s been a key player in helping me streamline my business operations, and I’m confident it can do the same for you.
Final Thoughts: ThriveCart vs Clickfunnels
When I put ThriveCart and ClickFunnels side by side, it became clear that they serve slightly different purposes. ThriveCart excels in creating optimized checkout pages and handling payments with minimal fuss. It’s perfect if you’re looking to focus on the transaction side of your business.
On the other hand, ClickFunnels is more of a holistic marketing tool. It’s designed to help you build entire sales funnels and includes a wider array of features like landing pages, email automation, and even membership sites. If your goal is to create a comprehensive marketing strategy, ClickFunnels might be the better choice.
In my experience, the decision between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels comes down to what you need most. If you’re primarily focused on selling products and want a reliable checkout system with a few bells and whistles, ThriveCart is fantastic. But if you’re looking to build a more extensive sales funnel and don’t mind paying a bit more for extra features, ClickFunnels is worth considering.
So, which one should you choose? Honestly, it depends on your business needs. Both platforms have their strengths, and either could be a great fit depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.
FAQs About Clickfunnels vs ThriveCart
ThriveCart focuses on optimizing the checkout process, offering features like customizable checkout pages, upsells, and subscription management. ClickFunnels, on the other hand, is designed to build entire sales funnels, including landing pages, opt-in pages, and thank you pages, along with marketing automation and email campaigns.
ClickFunnels is generally better suited for creating and managing complete sales funnels. It provides a wide range of funnel templates and automation tools to guide customers through the sales process. ThriveCart, while excellent for checkout optimization and upsells, is not as comprehensive in funnel-building capabilities.
Yes, many businesses use ThriveCart and ClickFunnels together to leverage the strengths of both platforms. For example, you can build sales funnels in ClickFunnels and use ThriveCart for checkout and payment processing, integrating the two platforms for a streamlined experience.
Both ThriveCart and ClickFunnels support major payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. ThriveCart provides a seamless experience with these gateways, and it also offers additional options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. ClickFunnels supports these gateways as well, but users may need to rely on third-party integrations for more advanced payment processing features.
ThriveCart offers a one-time payment for lifetime access, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. ClickFunnels, however, operates on a subscription-based model with monthly fees, which may be higher over time but includes continuous updates and support.
ThriveCart is known for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for setting up checkout pages and payment processes. ClickFunnels, while powerful, can be more complex due to its extensive features and funnel-building capabilities, which might present a steeper learning curve for beginners.
ClickFunnels includes a range of marketing automation tools, such as email campaigns, workflows, and follow-ups, designed to nurture leads and drive sales. ThriveCart has some automation features but is more focused on checkout and payment processes, so users looking for advanced marketing automation might find ClickFunnels more suitable.
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