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The Podia alternative most people want is the free plan Podia removed in 2024. Podia now starts at $42 a month billed yearly, takes 5% of sales on that plan, and caps the email list at 100 subscribers. systeme.io hosts a course, a community, and a download store free with 2,000 contacts and a 0% fee. Podia keeps the edge on product-page polish and native video hosting.
Podia vs systeme.io: side-by-side comparison
| systeme.io | Podia | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Free, then $17/mo | $42/mo billed yearly |
| Free plan | Yes, no end date | No, removed in 2024; 30-day trial |
| Transaction fee | 0% | 5% on Mover, 0% from $84 |
| Email subscribers | 2,000 free / 5,000 on $17 | 100 on Mover, 500 on Shaker |
| Courses | 1 free / 5 on $17 | 50 products on Mover |
| Video hosting | No, embed | Yes |
| Funnels with upsells | Yes | Limited |
| Affiliate program for your products | Every plan | Yes |
| Product page design | Plain | Polished |
Prices checked September 17, 2026. Full ladder on the Podia pricing page.
The email cap is the real cost
One lead magnet passes 100 subscribers in a month. Podia then sells extra subscribers as an add-on or moves you to Shaker at $84. On systeme.io the free plan holds 2,000 contacts with unlimited sends, which is more email than Podia’s $84 plan includes.
Other Podia alternatives
| Alternative | Price today | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|
| Teachable | $39/mo with 7.5% fee, $89 at 0% | You want a dedicated course tool with certificates |
| Thinkific | $54/mo ($40 annual) | The course player and quizzes matter most |
| Kajabi | $179/mo ($143 annual) | You are trading up to the app |
| Gumroad | 10% + 50c per sale | You sell a few downloads with no list |
What the same setup costs on systeme.io
Free plan, no card. Affiliate link; we earn a commission on paid plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Podia alternative?
Yes. systeme.io hosts one course, one community, and downloads free with a checkout and 2,000 contacts.
Does Podia still have a free plan?
No. It was removed in October 2024. There is a 30-day trial with no card.
What is the cheapest Podia alternative?
systeme.io at $0, then $17 a month. Teachable Starter is $39 but takes 7.5% of sales.
Does Podia charge transaction fees?
5% on the Mover plan. Shaker and Earthquaker charge 0%. Processing fees apply on every plan.
Related: systeme.io pricing, systeme.io review.