Choosing the right platform for your online business can be overwhelming—especially when both Kartra and Shopify offer powerful tools to help you grow. But here’s the thing: the platform you choose can determine whether you maximize your sales or struggle with limited features.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one marketing solution with sales funnels, email automation, and membership hosting, Kartra might be the perfect fit. But if your primary goal is to sell physical products with a robust e-commerce setup, Shopify could be the better choice.
In this comparison, I’ll break down the key features, pros and cons, and pricing of Kartra vs. Shopify, so you can make the best decision for your business. Let’s dive in! 🚀.
| Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Verify features and pricing on the official Kartra and Shopify websites as they may change over time. |
Table of Contents
Kartra vs. Shopify: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly with drag-and-drop builders; may require a learning curve due to its comprehensive features. | Intuitive interface; easy setup for online stores. |
| Sales Funnels | Advanced funnel-building tools with automation capabilities. | Basic sales funnel features; primarily focused on product sales. |
| E-commerce | Integrated e-commerce features suitable for digital products and services. | Robust e-commerce platform ideal for physical products. |
| Email Marketing | Built-in email marketing with automation and segmentation. | Requires third-party integrations for advanced email marketing. |
| Membership Sites | Fully integrated membership site capabilities. | Requires third-party apps for membership functionalities. |
| Integrations | Limited third-party integrations; focuses on built-in tools. | Extensive third-party integrations available through the Shopify App Store. |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chat and email support. | 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. |
| Pricing | Starts at $119/month. | Starts at $32/month. |
| Free Trial | 14-day free trial available. | 3-day free trial available. |
| Best For | Entrepreneurs, course creators, and businesses seeking an all-in-one marketing solution. | Businesses focusing on selling physical products online. |
What is Kartra?
Kartra is an all-in-one marketing platform designed to streamline online business operations. It offers a suite of tools, including sales funnel creation, email marketing, membership site management, and more, all within a single ecosystem. Launched in 2018 by the team behind WebinarJam, Kartra aims to simplify the complexities of digital marketing by providing integrated solutions.
Who Should Use Kartra?
Kartra is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs managing online sales and marketing.
- Course creators and coaches offering memberships.
- Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a comprehensive marketing solution.
- Agencies handling multiple clients (with higher-tier plans).
If you’re looking for a centralized platform to manage various aspects of your online business, Kartra offers a robust solution.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that enables individuals and businesses to create online stores to sell products. It provides a range of customizable templates, payment processing options, and tools to manage inventory, shipping, and more. Since its inception in 2006, Shopify has empowered over a million businesses worldwide to establish and grow their online presence.
Who Should Use Shopify?
Shopify is perfect for:
- Retailers selling physical products online.
- Businesses seeking a scalable e-commerce solution.
- Entrepreneurs looking for an easy-to-use platform with extensive third-party integrations.
If your primary focus is on building an online store to sell tangible goods, Shopify provides a comprehensive and user-friendly platform.
Kartra vs. Shopify: Key Similarities and Differences
While both platforms facilitate online business operations, they cater to different needs. Let’s explore their similarities and differences.
Similarities:
- Online Business Management: Both platforms offer tools to manage online sales and customer interactions.
- Customization: Each provides customizable templates to create branded online experiences.
- Payment Processing: Both support various payment gateways to facilitate transactions.
Differences:
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Primary Focus | All-in-one marketing automation and digital product delivery. | E-commerce platform for physical product sales. |
| Sales Funnels | Advanced funnel creation with automation and analytics. | Basic sales funnel capabilities; focuses on product listings. |
| Email Marketing | Integrated email marketing with automation and segmentation. | Requires third-party integrations for advanced email campaigns. |
| Membership Sites | Built-in tools for creating and managing membership sites. | Needs third-party apps for membership functionalities. |
| Integrations | Limited to essential third-party integrations; emphasizes built-in tools. | Extensive integrations available through the Shopify App Store. |
User Experience & Ease of Use
Your platform should be easy to navigate, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer.
Kartra
Kartra offers an intuitive dashboard with a drag-and-drop builder for landing pages, emails, and sales funnels. It’s beginner-friendly and includes step-by-step tutorials to help new users get started. However, because Kartra is an all-in-one platform, there is a learning curve when using advanced features.
Shopify
Shopify has a modern and sleek user interface, but since it provides more customization options, it comes with a steeper learning curve. While the platform is intuitive, users often require more time to master all the tools effectively. Shopify also provides comprehensive onboarding resources to help users set up their businesses smoothly.
Comparison Table: User Experience
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Ease of Use | More user-friendly and simple to navigate. | More complex due to advanced features. |
| Dashboard Design | Minimalist and efficient. | Modern and sleek, but overwhelming for beginners. |
| Learning Curve | Lower learning curve. | Takes more time to master. |
| Onboarding Support | Tutorials and step-by-step guides. | Detailed onboarding resources. |
🌟 Winner: Kartra – If you want an easy-to-use tool with minimal setup time, Kartra is the better choice. However, if you need more advanced customization, Shopify is worth the learning curve.
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer different pricing models based on their unique functionalities.
Kartra Pricing
Kartra’s pricing is based on the number of leads and features included in each plan.
- Starter Plan: $119/month – Ideal for solopreneurs and small businesses.
- Growth Plan: $229/month – Includes advanced automation, affiliate management, and more contacts.
- Professional Plan: $549/month – Designed for agencies and large businesses.
💡 Annual Discount: Kartra offers up to 25% off when billed annually.
Shopify Pricing
Shopify’s pricing is based on the number of features and transaction rates.
- Basic Shopify: $32/month – Best for new businesses starting out.
- Shopify Plan: $92/month – Includes professional reporting and better transaction rates.
- Advanced Shopify: $399/month – Provides advanced reporting, lower transaction fees, and custom pricing.
💡 Annual Discount: Shopify provides 10% off if paid annually.
| Plan | Kartra Pricing | Shopify Pricing |
| Starter Plan | $119/month | $32/month |
| Mid-Tier Plan | $229/month | $92/month |
| Top-Tier Plan | $549/month | $399/month |
| Annual Discount | Up to 25% off | 10% off |
🏆 Winner: Shopify is more affordable for businesses focusing solely on e-commerce, while Kartra provides more value for businesses needing an all-in-one marketing system.
Sales Funnels and E-commerce Capabilities
Kartra
Kartra provides advanced sales funnel tools, including customizable templates, automation rules, and detailed analytics. It’s well-suited for businesses focusing on digital products, services, or course offerings.
Shopify
Primarily designed for e-commerce, Shopify excels in managing product inventories, processing orders, and handling shipping logistics. While it offers basic sales funnel features, its strength lies in physical product sales.
Comparison Table: Sales Funnels & E-commerce
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Sales Funnel Builder | Advanced funnel creation with automation and analytics. | Basic sales funnel capabilities; focuses on product listings. |
| E-commerce Features | Integrated e-commerce suitable for digital products and services. | Robust e-commerce platform ideal for physical products. |
🌟 Winner: Kartra – If your business relies heavily on sales funnels and digital products, Kartra is the superior choice. For traditional e-commerce with physical products, Shopify excels.
Email Marketing and Automation
Your marketing platform should offer robust email marketing tools to help engage your audience and automate communication.
Kartra
Kartra comes with a built-in email marketing system that allows users to create automated email sequences, segment audiences, and personalize messages based on user behavior. The visual drag-and-drop automation builder makes it easy to map out email sequences, ensuring highly targeted email campaigns. Other key features include:
- Advanced automation workflows with behavior-based triggers.
- A/B testing for subject lines and content to improve email performance.
- Smart email personalization and segmentation based on user activity.
- Detailed analytics to track open rates, clicks, and conversions.
Shopify
Shopify does not have native email marketing automation, but it offers Shopify Email, a basic email marketing tool designed for simple promotional emails. However, for advanced automation, Shopify users need to integrate with third-party tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or Omnisend. Shopify’s email marketing capabilities include:
- Pre-built email templates for abandoned cart recovery and promotions.
- Basic automation triggers for order confirmations and follow-ups.
- Limited segmentation options compared to Kartra.
- Requires third-party email marketing tools for advanced features.
Comparison Table: Email Marketing & Automation
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Built-in Email Marketing | Yes, with automation and segmentation ✅ | Limited; requires third-party apps ❌ |
| Automation & Workflows | Advanced automation with behavior triggers ✅ | Basic automation for order emails only ❌ |
| A/B Testing | Yes, for subject lines and content ✅ | No built-in A/B testing ❌ |
| Integration with Third-Party Tools | Available but not necessary ✅ | Required for advanced automation ❌ |
🌟 Winner: Kartra – If you need a comprehensive email marketing system with advanced automation, Kartra is the better choice. Shopify users must rely on third-party email tools.
Membership Sites and Online Courses
For businesses offering digital products, memberships, or courses, the ability to create and manage memberships is crucial.
Kartra
Kartra includes a built-in membership site builder, allowing users to create and sell online courses, subscription-based content, or gated communities. No third-party tools are needed, making it ideal for course creators and educators. Features include:
- Drag-and-drop course builder with modules and lessons.
- Built-in student progress tracking and membership management.
- Seamless integration with Kartra’s sales funnels for easy course sales.
- Automation for granting or revoking access based on subscription status.
Shopify
Shopify does not have built-in membership site functionality, but users can add membership features through third-party apps like Bold Memberships, Recharge, or Thinkific. Shopify’s course and membership options include:
- Requires external apps to create membership sites.
- Basic subscription models available through apps.
- No built-in course progress tracking like Kartra.
Comparison Table: Membership Sites & Online Courses
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Built-in Membership Features | Yes, with full customization ✅ | No; requires third-party apps ❌ |
| Course Builder | Yes, drag-and-drop ✅ | No built-in support ❌ |
| Automation for Membership Access | Yes ✅ | Requires third-party apps ❌ |
| Student Progress Tracking | Yes ✅ | No ❌ |
🌟 Winner: Kartra – If you’re selling online courses or memberships, Kartra provides an all-in-one solution, while Shopify requires third-party integrations. needs.
Integrations and Extensibility
Having access to third-party apps and integrations can significantly enhance your platform’s capabilities.
Kartra
Kartra is designed as an all-in-one system, so it has fewer third-party integrations compared to Shopify. However, it natively integrates with key tools like:
- Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net)
- Webinar software (Zoom, WebinarJam)
- CRM tools (Zapier, Pipedrive)
- Email marketing platforms (Mailgun, SendGrid)
Kartra prioritizes built-in tools, reducing the need for external apps. However, if you need advanced integrations, it may be limiting compared to Shopify.
Shopify
Shopify excels in third-party integrations, offering thousands of apps in the Shopify App Store. Shopify users can extend their store’s functionality with:
- Over 8,000+ third-party apps for marketing, automation, and analytics.
- Direct integrations with major CRMs, email platforms, and fulfillment services.
- Flexible APIs for developers to create custom solutions.
Comparison Table: Integrations & Extensibility
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Third-Party Integrations | Limited ✅ | Extensive app marketplace ✅ |
| Native Email & CRM Integrations | Yes, but fewer options ✅ | Many integrations available ✅ |
| Custom API Support | Limited ❌ | Yes, fully open API ✅ |
| Best For | Users who prefer built-in tools ✅ | Businesses that need flexibility and scalability ✅ |
🌟 Winner: Shopify – If you need extensive integrations and a wide range of third-party apps, Shopify is the clear winner. Kartra is best for users who prefer an all-in-one system without relying on external tools.
Customer Support and Training
Great customer support can make a big difference, especially when dealing with technical issues.
Kartra
Kartra provides 24/7 live chat and email support, ensuring users get help whenever needed. Additionally, Kartra offers:
- Kartra Academy – A structured training program with video tutorials.
- Step-by-step guides to help users set up funnels, emails, and memberships.
- Community forums for user discussions and troubleshooting.
Shopify
Shopify offers multiple support channels, including:
- 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and email.
- Shopify Help Center – A comprehensive knowledge base.
- Shopify Community Forum – A platform for users to share solutions.
- Shopify Experts – A paid service where businesses can hire experts for technical help.
Comparison Table: Customer Support & Training
| Feature | Kartra | Shopify |
| Live Chat Support | Yes, 24/7 ✅ | Yes, 24/7 ✅ |
| Phone Support | No ❌ | Yes, 24/7 ✅ |
| Email Support | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Online Training & Tutorials | Yes, via Kartra Academy ✅ | Yes, via Shopify Help Center ✅ |
🌟 Winner: Shopify – Shopify provides phone support, which Kartra lacks, making it a better choice for businesses that prefer direct customer assistance. However, Kartra’s training academy is excellent for learning marketing automation.
Pros and Cons of Kartra
Pros
✅ All-in-One Marketing Platform
Kartra provides everything you need in one place—email marketing, CRM, sales funnels, checkout pages, membership hosting, and automation—reducing the need for multiple software subscriptions.
✅ Advanced Sales Funnel Builder
Unlike SamCart, Kartra offers multi-step sales funnels with automation, tracking, and lead segmentation to maximize conversions.
✅ Built-In Email Marketing & Automation
With Kartra, you don’t need third-party email tools. It includes robust email marketing features like segmentation, automation, and behavioral-based triggers.
✅ Membership & Course Hosting
Kartra allows businesses to create, manage, and sell online courses or membership programs with built-in access control and content dripping.
✅ Affiliate Program Management
Kartra provides a fully integrated affiliate management system, allowing businesses to recruit and manage affiliates without extra tools.
✅ Integrated Help Desk & Customer Support
Unlike SamCart, Kartra includes a built-in help desk with ticketing and live chat support for customers, improving customer service management.
✅ Webinar & Video Hosting Capabilities
Businesses can use Kartra to host live and pre-recorded webinars without third-party webinar platforms, making it great for lead generation and sales presentations.
✅ Customizable Checkout Experience
Kartra offers fully customizable checkout pages with upsells, downsells, and order bumps, allowing businesses to optimize conversions at every step.
Cons
❌ Higher Learning Curve
Because Kartra is an all-in-one solution, new users may find it overwhelming at first, requiring time to fully understand its capabilities.
❌ More Expensive Pricing
Kartra’s starting price is higher than SamCart’s, making it less budget-friendly for small businesses that only need checkout features.
❌ Limited Payment Integrations
Kartra only supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, while SamCart offers more flexibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other options.
❌ Not Ideal for Physical Product Sellers
Kartra is best suited for digital products, services, and memberships. Businesses selling physical goods with inventory tracking may find it lacking.
Pros and Cons of Shopify
Pros
✅ Powerful E-commerce Platform
Shopify is a dedicated e-commerce solution designed to help businesses sell physical and digital products effortlessly. It provides everything from inventory management to secure checkout and order tracking.
✅ Extensive App Store & Integrations
Shopify offers over 8,000 third-party apps in its App Store, allowing businesses to extend their store’s functionality with marketing tools, SEO apps, and advanced automation features.
✅ Customizable Online Store
With hundreds of professional themes and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, Shopify enables users to create a fully branded online store without coding experience.
✅ Multiple Payment Gateways
Unlike Kartra, Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, including Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and Shopify Payments, allowing customers to choose their preferred payment method.
✅ Built-In Abandoned Cart Recovery
Shopify automatically sends reminder emails to customers who abandon their carts, helping businesses recover lost sales with minimal effort.
✅ Scalable for Businesses of All Sizes
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Shopify’s infrastructure scales with your business, offering advanced analytics, multi-channel selling, and custom automation tools.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support
Shopify provides round-the-clock customer support via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring users can get help whenever they need it.
✅ Multi-Channel Selling
With Shopify, you can sell on multiple platforms, including Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, reaching a broader audience.
✅ Shopify POS (Point of Sale) for In-Person Sales
For brick-and-mortar businesses, Shopify’s POS system allows merchants to sync their online and offline sales, making it easy to track inventory across all locations.
Cons
❌ Requires Third-Party Apps for Advanced Features
While Shopify is a great e-commerce solution, businesses often need to install multiple third-party apps (which may come at an additional cost) to unlock features like advanced email automation, CRM, and sales funnels.
❌ Transaction Fees on External Payment Gateways
If you don’t use Shopify Payments, Shopify charges additional transaction fees (up to 2%) on each sale made through third-party payment processors like Stripe or PayPal.
❌ Limited Built-In Email Marketing & Automation
Unlike Kartra, Shopify’s native email marketing features are basic, requiring integrations with tools like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, or Omnisend for advanced automation.
❌ Not an All-in-One Marketing Platform
Unlike Kartra, which provides email automation, membership hosting, webinars, and sales funnels, Shopify is primarily focused on e-commerce, meaning businesses need multiple integrations to achieve the same marketing functionality.
❌ Higher Costs with Add-Ons
While Shopify’s base pricing starts at $32/month, the cost can quickly add up with premium themes, apps, and third-party tools, making it expensive for businesses looking for an all-inclusive solution.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re still wondering whether Kartra or Shopify is the right platform for you, here’s a summary to help you decide:
Choose Kartra if:
✅ You need an all-in-one business and marketing solution.
✅ You sell digital products, courses, or memberships.
✅ You want built-in email marketing and automation.
✅ You prefer sales funnels and advanced lead management.
Choose Shopify if:
✅ You are focused on selling physical products online.
✅ You need inventory management, shipping, and fulfillment tools.
✅ You require extensive third-party integrations.
✅ You prefer a straightforward e-commerce setup.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve compared Kartra vs. Shopify, have you figured out which one suits your business best?
Shopify is ideal for businesses selling physical products and looking for a scalable, feature-rich e-commerce platform.
Kartra is perfect for digital entrepreneurs who need an all-in-one marketing and automation solution to sell digital products, courses, or memberships.
Still unsure? Both platforms offer free trials, so why not test them out and see which one fits your business best? 🚀
FAQs
1. Can I migrate my existing website to either Kartra or Shopify?
Yes, both platforms offer tools and services to facilitate the migration of your existing website, ensuring a smooth transition.
2. Do Kartra and Shopify provide a free trial period?
Yes, both platforms generally offer a trial period, allowing users to explore their features before committing.
3. Can I use my existing domain name with Kartra and Shopify?
Absolutely. Both platforms allow you to connect your existing domain name, ensuring consistency with your brand.
4. Do I need coding skills to use Kartra or Shopify?
No coding skills are required. Both platforms are designed to cater to users without technical expertise, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
5. Which platform is better suited for dropshipping?
Shopify’s robust e-commerce features and extensive app integrations make it a preferred choice for dropshipping businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance customer experience.
