Kartra vs GoHighLevel (and FG Funnels): Which All-In-One Platform Is Best in 2026?

Last Updated on December 10, 2025

Kartra vs GoHighLevel, what’s the real difference? In this honest comparison, we’re breaking down features, pricing, and who each platform is best for.

If you’ve been in the online business world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard the buzz: “GoHighLevel is the ultimate all-in-one system.” Or maybe someone told you to try FG Funnels — “It’s GoHighLevel but prettier!”

And if you’re already a Kartra user or you’ve been considering switching, you’re probably wondering:

What’s the real difference?
Are they actually better… or just more complicated?

Every week, we hear from coaches and course creators who are drowning in tech overwhelm. They’re juggling multiple tools, trying to automate everything, and wondering if the next shiny “all-in-one” platform will finally make it easier.

We get it, we’ve been there.

We’ve tested Kartra, GoHighLevel, and several of its white-labeled versions.

And here’s what we’ve learned:

They all promise simplicity. But how they deliver that simplicity couldn’t be more different.

So in this honest, side-by-side review, we’ll break down what each platform does best, where they fall short, and who each one is actually designed for. No hype, no bias, just straight talk from experience.

Because here’s the truth: we love Kartra and use it every single day in our business, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which tool will help you create a business that runs smoothly behind the scenes and actually supports your lifestyle instead of stealing your sanity.

What Are Kartra and GoHighLevel (and What’s FG Funnels)?

Before we start comparing features and pricing, let’s get clear on what each of these platforms actually is, because while they’re often lumped together as “all-in-one tools,” their foundations and focus are completely different.

What Is Kartra?

Kartra is an all-in-one marketing and sales platform designed for entrepreneurs, coaches, and digital creators who want everything under one roof.

It combines:

• Email marketing + automations
• Funnels + landing pages
• Checkouts + upsells
• Membership + course hosting
• Video hosting + analytics
• Helpdesk + affiliate management

Essentially, it’s your business command center.

Kartra is ideal for solopreneurs, coaches, and small teams who want to streamline their operations and scale without juggling 10 different logins or hiring a tech team.

It’s intuitive, visual, and designed for people who care about automation, not tech tinkering.

If you love the idea of setting up a funnel once and letting it run automatically while you serve clients or take a vacation… Kartra was built for you.

What Is GoHighLevel?

GoHighLevel (GHL) is an agency-focused CRM and marketing automation platform.

It’s built for power users: people who want deep customization, multi-client management, and tools that go beyond funnels and courses.

GoHighLevel combines:

• CRM + pipelines
• SMS and email marketing
• Automation workflows
• Calendars and appointment booking
• Funnels and landing pages
• White-label client accounts

It’s extremely powerful but also more technical.

You’ll need to integrate Twilio (for texts and calls) and Mailgun (for emails), and configure DNS settings, domains, and automations manually.

That level of control is fantastic if you’re running an agency or managing multiple client brands, but it can be overwhelming for solo business owners who just want their tech to work.

What Is FG Funnels (and Other White-Label Versions)?

Here’s where things get interesting.

FG Funnels (created by Julie Stoian and Cathy Olson) is a white-labeled version of GoHighLevel. That means it runs on GoHighLevel’s infrastructure but has its own branding, templates, and community.

Each of these white-label version GHL platforms have the same core functionality, but with added bonuses like:

• Pre-built funnel templates
• Branded training content
• Private Facebook groups and coaching support

Think of them like “GoHighLevel with a facelift.”

However, white-labels often limit access to certain settings (like advanced automations or sub-accounts), and you’ll still deal with the same underlying tech complexity.

The Key Difference

Here’s the easiest way to sum it up:

• Kartra was built for business owners who want simplicity and automation.
• GoHighLevel was built for agencies who manage clients and want full control.
• FG Funnels is a prettier, curated version of GoHighLevel, best for tech-comfortable coaches.

If you’re a solopreneur or coach, you’ll likely find Kartra feels like a sigh of relief. If you’re a systems strategist or agency managing multiple client accounts, GoHighLevel may be worth the extra setup time.

Kartra vs GoHighLevel (and FG Funnels): Feature Breakdown

At first glance, Kartra and GoHighLevel look similar. Both offer email marketing, funnels, memberships, and automations. But under the hood, they’re built with very different intentions.

Kartra was created for business owners who want simplicity and flow. GoHighLevel was built for agencies who manage multiple clients, need CRM tools, and love total customization.

Here’s how they stack up when you look feature by feature.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FEATURE	KARTRA	GOHIGHLEVEL / FG FUNNELS
Email Marketing	Built-in, behavior-based automation with tagging, sequences, and advanced logic.	Full CRM with SMS, email, voicemail drops, and pipelines — but requires setup (Twilio + Mailgun).
Landing Pages & Funnels	Visual drag-and-drop builder with pre-built campaign templates.	Funnel builder modeled after ClickFunnels, flexible but not as intuitive.
CRM / Pipelines	Tagging and lead tracking.	Full CRM with pipelines, opportunities, lead scoring, and custom dashboards.
Checkout & Payments	Built-in checkout + upsells + coupon codes.	Stripe integration; checkout pages require more manual setup.
Membership / Courses	Simple, seamless setup with user progress tracking.	Membership feature available but less refined; not built for course experiences.
Video Hosting	Built-in with analytics and CTAs.	None; requires external hosting (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
Affiliate Management	Built-in affiliate center with tracking and payouts.	Available through add-ons or separate setup.
SMS / Calls	Not available.	Built-in (requires Twilio); great for follow-up texts or appointment reminders.
White-Label / Client Subaccounts	Not available.	Core feature — designed for agencies managing multiple clients.
Ease of Use	Deep metrics for behavior, tagging, conversions, and revenue.	High-level overview dashboards.
Integrations	Beginner-friendly once set up; minimal integrations needed.	Steeper learning curve; requires manual configuration and technical comfort.
Support & Community	Centralized support + tutorials.	Depends on provider (GoHighLevel or white-label like FG Funnels).

In Plain English

If you want to run your own business, Kartra wins hands down. It’s everything you need, beautifully integrated, with no external tech puzzle.

If you want to run other people’s businesses (manage clients, send SMS campaigns, or white-label a platform) GoHighLevel is your powerhouse.

FG Funnels, specifically, adds a layer of feminine branding and design templates, which make the GoHighLevel ecosystem a little more welcoming for creatives and coaches. But it’s still GoHighLevel underneath… meaning it comes with all the same setup complexity.

Kartra vs GoHighLevel Pricing in 2025 (and What You Really Get)

At first glance, Kartra and GoHighLevel might seem close in price but what you get (and what you have to set up yourself) are two very different stories.

Let’s break it down clearly so you can see which one gives you the best value for your business model.

Kartra Pricing Overview

PLAN	MONTHLY (BILLED ANNUALLY)	KEY FEATURES
Essentials	$59/month	Up to 500 leads, 1 custom domain, 5% transaction fees, all core tools.
Starter	$119/month	Up to 2,500 leads, 1 domain, unlimited emails, automations, and membership sites.
Growth	$229/month	Up to 12,500 leads, 3 domains, advanced automations, and agency tools.

What makes Kartra’s pricing unique:

• Every plan includes the full feature set — funnels, automations, courses, affiliate management, video hosting, and analytics.
• You’re only upgrading when your list size grows, not to “unlock” new functionality.
• There are no hidden fees for sending emails or using automations.

👉 That means you can run your entire business with one subscription — no Twilio, no Mailgun, no add-ons required.

GoHighLevel Pricing Overview

PLAN	MONTHLY (BILLED ANNUALLY)	KEY FEATURES
Starter (Agency Starter)	$97/month	Core CRM, email, SMS, and funnel builder for one account.
Agency Pro (Unlimited)	$297/month	Unlimited client subaccounts, white-label options, custom branding.
SaaS Mode	$497/month	Full white-label SaaS setup — resell GoHighLevel under your own brand.

Important Notes:

• Email and SMS costs are separate — you’ll need to connect Mailgun (for email) and Twilio (for SMS/calls).
• Additional usage fees apply for each text or email sent.
• Setup and maintenance take longer, especially if you’re new to DNS or API connections.

So while $97/month looks appealing upfront, by the time you add messaging fees, integrations, and setup time, GoHighLevel can easily cost 2–3x more per month than Kartra for solo business owners.

FG Funnels Pricing Overview

PLAN	MONTHLY (BILLED ANNUALLY)	KEY FEATURES
Founding Member Unlimited Plan	$100/month *This plan will be retired once they hit 3000 members.	Unlimited on most things. To send emails or text messages, it costs $.00675 per email and each text segment costs $.0237 (for US/CA users).

FG Funnels simplifies the setup and adds more curated visuals for female founders and creatives but the core functionality and pricing model still rely on GoHighLevel’s system (including Mailgun and Twilio).

Our Experience:

When we moved to Kartra, we replaced six separate tools — and saved over $12,000 a year in software fees. More importantly, we stopped wasting hours fixing broken Zaps and manual integrations.

Kartra doesn’t just save you money… it gives you mental clarity.

The Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth

Let’s strip away the marketing hype for a minute.

Both Kartra and GoHighLevel (and its white-label versions like FG Funnels) promise to simplify your business and replace multiple tools. But “simplify” looks very different depending on whether you’re running your own brand or managing multiple client brands.

Here’s the real, no-fluff breakdown of what’s great (and what’s not) about each platform.

Kartra Pros

✅ True All-in-One Platform

Everything — email marketing, funnels, checkouts, courses, video hosting, and affiliate management — lives in one ecosystem. You never have to connect another app.

✅ Behavior-Based Automation

Kartra tracks every click, open, and purchase, then lets you trigger smart automations to personalize each customer’s experience.

✅ Beginner- and Coach-Friendly

Kartra is powerful but intuitive. You can set up automations, courses, and emails without needing a developer or tech VA.

✅ Saves Time + Money

It replaces 5–10 separate subscriptions (ConvertKit, Leadpages, ThriveCart, Vimeo, etc.), easily saving thousands a year.

✅ Excellent for Evergreen Funnels

If your business runs on lead magnets, tripwires, and ongoing course sales, Kartra’s automation system is chef’s kiss.

Kartra Cons

❌ No SMS or Phone Integration

If you rely heavily on text marketing or appointment reminders, you’ll need another solution.

❌ Not Built for Agencies

You can’t white-label or create subaccounts for multiple clients. It’s ideal for one brand at a time.

❌ Slight Design Learning Curve

The page builder is flexible but not as “pretty” as some FG Funnels templates. You’ll trade polish for power.

❌ Limited CRM Depth

Kartra tracks leads and behaviors beautifully but doesn’t have full pipeline management like GoHighLevel.

GoHighLevel / FG Funnels Pros

✅ Powerful CRM + Pipeline Management

Manage leads through every stage of your funnel with visual pipelines, deal tracking, and appointment scheduling.

✅ Multi-Client Capability

If you’re an agency, you can run multiple client accounts or white-label the platform under your own brand.

✅ Built-In SMS + Calls

Text marketing, voicemail drops, and call tracking are baked in — perfect for high-touch sales or appointment-based businesses.

✅ Customizable Automations

The workflow builder gives you deep control over triggers, pipelines, and actions.

✅ FG Funnels Adds Feminine Design + Support

FG Funnels softens the GoHighLevel experience with beautifully designed templates and curated coaching support for female founders.

GoHighLevel / FG Funnels Cons

❌ Complex Setup

You’ll need to connect Twilio, Mailgun, and domains manually. It’s not beginner-friendly and can feel overwhelming without tech help.

❌ Ongoing Costs

You pay separately for every text or email sent, and maintenance requires time (and patience).

❌ Steep Learning Curve

GoHighLevel is designed for power users and agencies, not solopreneurs who just want their system to work.

❌ Support Quality Varies

Support depends on whether you’re using GoHighLevel directly or a white-labeled version like FG Funnels. Some have better documentation and community than others.

Our Honest Recommendation

Here’s the truth no one tells you: both Kartra and GoHighLevel can work beautifully… but which one will actually make your life easier depends on how you run your business and how much time you want to spend managing your tech.

We’ve tested them both and here’s where we’ve landed.

Why We Recommend Kartra (for 90% of Entrepreneurs)

If your business revolves around coaching, digital courses, memberships, or online programs, Kartra is the clear winner.

It’s powerful, automated, and built for entrepreneurs who want their tech to work with them, not against them. You can:

• Launch funnels, sales pages, and memberships in a few clicks.
• Automate your entire client journey — from opt-in to upsell — without breaking a sweat.
• Eliminate broken integrations and expensive tech stacks once and for all.

And perhaps most importantly, you can do it all yourself — no agency, no tech VA, no guesswork.

When we switched to Kartra, we replaced six different platforms and saved over $12,000 a year but what we really gained was freedom.

Freedom from tech overwhelm.

Freedom from Zapier bandaids.

Freedom to actually focus on serving clients and growing the business.

When GoHighLevel (or FG Funnels) Might Make Sense

If you run a marketing agency, manage multiple client brands, or love geeking out over CRM pipelines, automations, and SMS campaigns, GoHighLevel can be a fantastic choice.

Its ability to create subaccounts, white-label dashboards, and resell software access makes it a dream for agencies, but it’s overkill for most solo founders.

FG Funnels is a friendlier version, especially for female entrepreneurs who want a little more design and community support. But remember: it’s still GoHighLevel at its core, meaning it comes with all the same setup and maintenance needs.

Our Honest Takeaway

If you want simplicity, automation, and sanity, go with Kartra.

If you want control, customization, and client management, go with GoHighLevel.

Either way, the key is choosing one system and committing to it fully, because no tool can save you from confusion if your business systems stay scattered.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kartra vs GoHighLevel (and FG Funnels)

Final Thoughts

Both Kartra and GoHighLevel are powerful, but power looks different depending on your goals.

The right choice isn’t about features: it’s about freedom.

Choose the platform that lets you do more of what you love, and less of the tech that drains your energy.

👉 Ready to stop the tech chaos and build a scalable, soul-aligned system that runs itself? Join us inside The Room and let’s simplify your business once and for all.