When you’re building an online business, finding the right software to drive sales is essential. ThriveCart and ClickFunnels are two popular options for boosting conversions. Both platforms have powerful features but serve different purposes.
This guide will compare ThriveCart and ClickFunnels based on key features, ease of use, pricing, and best use cases. By the end, you’ll know which platform best fits your business.
ThriveCart Overview
ThriveCart is a checkout and shopping cart platform focused on driving sales at the final stage of the buying process. Its main features include:
- One-Click Upsells: Add extra items to a purchase with a single click.
- Order Bumps: Offer additional items on the checkout page to increase order value.
- Subscription Management: Manage recurring payments for memberships or digital products.
- One-Time Payment: ThriveCart’s one-time pricing is a big draw for those looking to save over time.
ThriveCart is a solid choice for businesses selling digital products, courses, and memberships. It’s ideal for those who need a streamlined checkout process without the complexity of a full sales funnel builder.
ClickFunnels Overview
ClickFunnels is an all-in-one funnel builder. It guides customers through the buying journey, from lead generation to post-purchase follow-up. Main features include:
- Landing Pages: Create pages to capture leads and drive traffic to offers.
- Email Marketing: Run email campaigns, set up follow-ups, and automated messages.
- Membership Sites: Host courses or memberships directly on the platform.
- A/B Testing: Test different versions of pages and funnels to improve conversions.
ClickFunnels is best for businesses that want a full marketing suite. It’s subscription-based, so you’ll pay monthly but get continuous updates and support.
ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels: Key Feature Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of ThriveCart and ClickFunnels.
Checkout Process and Upsells
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart focuses on checkout. It’s designed for simplicity and encourages users to complete their purchases. One-click upsells, and order bumps make it easy to boost sales.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels includes upsell features, but they’re part of larger sales funnels. Its upsells are embedded in a sequence, which is great for guiding customers through a complete journey.
For pure checkout features, ThriveCart wins. For upsells within a full-funnel, ClickFunnels has the advantage.
Sales Funnel Creation
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart lacks dedicated funnel-building tools. You can create simple upsells and downsells, but it’s limited to checkout optimization.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels is built for funnel creation. It includes customizable templates for various funnels, such as lead capture, webinars, product launches, and membership. You can map out and automate entire sales journeys.
Email Marketing and Follow-Up
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart doesn’t have built-in email marketing. You can connect it with email tools like MailChimp, ActiveCampaign, or ConvertKit.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels includes email marketing via Actionetics (on the Platinum plan). This lets you send automated emails, follow-up sequences, and lead engagement emails directly within ClickFunnels.
ClickFunnels wins for email marketing. ThriveCart is best if you already have a separate email tool.
Subscription and Membership Management
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart supports subscriptions and recurring billing. You can set different pricing plans and control billing cycles.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels also supports memberships and recurring billing, which is ideal for online courses and gated content.
ThriveCart is simpler for subscription management, while ClickFunnels offers more customization for membership sites.
Analytics and Reporting
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart’s reporting covers checkout metrics, conversion rates, and revenue tracking. It’s simple and focuses on checkout data.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels provides more detailed analytics, tracking funnel performance at each stage. Its A/B testing feature also helps improve conversions.
ClickFunnels has better in-depth funnel analytics, whereas ThriveCart offers essential data but lacks funnel-specific insights.
Pricing Comparison: ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels
Pricing is key when choosing between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels.
- ThriveCart: ThriveCart has a one-time payment model. You pay around $495 once and own it for life. It’s budget-friendly for those looking to avoid monthly fees.
- ClickFunnels: ClickFunnels operates on a subscription basis. Plans start at $97 per month for the basic plan, and the Platinum plan costs $297 per month. ClickFunnels is a larger investment over time but includes ongoing updates and support.
ThriveCart is ideal for a one-time fee. If you’re fine with a subscription and want extra features, ClickFunnels is worth the investment.
Ideal Use Cases: ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels
Choosing the right platform depends on what your business needs most.
- ThriveCart: Great for businesses that want to optimize checkout for digital products or courses without a full-funnel system. ThriveCart’s one-time payment model is attractive for long-term users.
- ClickFunnels: Best for those who want an all-in-one marketing tool. ClickFunnels suits businesses looking to build detailed sales funnels, manage email marketing, and create membership sites.
Pros and Cons Summary
ThriveCart Pros
- One-time payment option, making it affordable over time.
- Powerful checkout features like one-click upsells and order bumps.
- Integrates with popular email marketing tools.
- User-friendly interface and easy setup.
ThriveCart Cons
- Lacks full funnel-building features.
- No built-in email marketing or advanced analytics.
ClickFunnels Pros
- All-in-one marketing platform with email marketing, funnels, and membership sites.
- Wide range of templates for building customized funnels.
- Built-in email marketing with Actionetics (Platinum plan).
- Advanced analytics and A/B testing for funnel optimization.
ClickFunnels Cons
- Recurring subscription costs can add up over time.
- More complex setup if you only need checkout features.
Conclusion: ThriveCart vs ClickFunnels — Which is Best?
The decision between ThriveCart and ClickFunnels boils down to your business needs and budget:
- Choose ThriveCart if you’re focused on checkout optimization and prefer a one-time payment. It’s ideal for businesses looking to sell digital products and manage subscriptions without complex funnels.
- Choose ClickFunnels if you need an all-in-one tool for creating sales funnels, managing email marketing, and building memberships. It’s a good choice for businesses ready to invest in a complete marketing suite.
Both ThriveCart and ClickFunnels offer valuable tools for online businesses, but each excels in different areas. ThriveCart is unbeatable for checkout-driven businesses, while ClickFunnels offers the complete marketing solution many businesses need.
