ThriveCart vs SamCart which is better in-depth comparison



Selecting the right platform for managing your sales process is essential for any coach or course creator. Let's compare two popular options: ThriveCart and SamCart. Both platforms excel at optimizing the sales funnel, but they have distinct features that cater to different needs. By the end of this comparison, you'll be better equipped to choose the platform that aligns with your business goals.

If we haven't met before, I'm Natalia, the founder of this magical place where we help life coaches and holistic leaders stand out, gain visibility, and simplify their marketing efforts. 


Choosing the right platform can make all the difference in managing your business in a cost effective way and without tech headaches.


In this blog post, we'll explore the main pain points surrounding this topic. You want to sell online courses but don't know which platform to choose. Should you go for an all-in-one solution or save some money with ThriveCart? 



What exactly is ThriveCart?


ThriveCart  (affiliate link) is a powerful checkout platform designed specifically for entrepreneurs and course creators like you. It offers a wide range of features to help you sell digital products with ease. It features high-converting checkout pages, upsell offers, order bumps, and affiliate programs. ThriveCart Learn also allows you to host your online courses. With a one-time purchase model, it offers a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to scale.

thrivecart backend

What Exactly is SamCart?


On the other hand, we have SamCart, another popular checkout solution. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, SamCart empowers you to create beautiful sales pages, manage subscriptions, handle order bumps, and integrate seamlessly with other tools in your tech stack.

samcart

The main differences between ThriveCart and SamCart and what to consider for making the choice


Now that we know what each platform offers at a high level, let's dive into the main differences between ThriveCart and SamCart:


1. Your website front-end strategy:

If you're looking for complete control over your checkout process and want to customize every aspect of it to match your brand, then ThriveCart shines in this area. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler approach and want beautifully designed templates without spending too much time on customization, SamCart offers stunning pre-designed themes that will make your sales pages stand out.


2. Your website back-end strategy:

If you're a tech-savvy individual who loves tinkering with advanced settings and enjoys the flexibility of creating complex funnels, ThriveCart's back-end capabilities will leave you thrilled. However, if you prefer a more user-friendly interface that allows you to set up your products and funnels quickly and easily, SamCart's intuitive back-end is designed with simplicity in mind.

3. Monthly and annual costs:

One of the significant advantages of ThriveCart is its one-time purchase option. Pay once, and it's yours for life! This can be a game-changer if you're looking to save money in the long run.

In contrast, SamCart operates on a subscription model, offering different pricing tiers based on your business needs. While this may require ongoing investment, it also provides regular updates and support.


4. The level of automations and integrations you want to have:

With ThriveCart, you have access to a wide range of integrations that allow you to connect with other tools in your tech stack seamlessly. This enables you to automate various aspects of your business, saving you time and effort.

Similarly, SamCart offers robust integrations that ensure smooth communication between different platforms. From email marketing services to membership site, you'll find the right integrations to support your business needs.

Now that we've explored these differences, let's compare the features of ThriveCart and SamCart in this comparison chart:



How much does ThriveCart cost?


ThriveCart offers a one-time purchase option starting at $495 for their Standard plan and $690 for their Pro plan. These prices may seem steep upfront, but remember, it's a lifetime investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.


How much does SamCart cost?


SamCart operates on a subscription model with three pricing tiers: Launch ($59/month), Grow ($119/month), and Scale ($239/month). Each tier offers different features and benefits tailored to your business needs.
Check here the latest pricing.

Which is better: ThriveCart or SamCart?


Now comes the big question: which platform is better for your coaching or course creator business?


Personally, I prefer ThriveCart for several reasons. First, the one-time purchase option aligns with my long-term goals and allows me to save money in the long run. Second, the extensive customization options, integrations, and automations available with ThriveCart give me the flexibility to create a unique customer experience. I’m not saying this can’t be done withing SamCart but after paying for Kajabi for a year and realizing I can do exactly the same withing ThriveCart and a cheaper email marketing, I prefer tu cut that tech cost and reinvest my tech money on something else. 


However, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Take into account factors such as your website front-end and back-end strategies, monthly and annual costs, level of tech savviness, and desired level of automations and integrations. Consider what will best support your coaching or course creator business in the long run.

Both ThriveCart and SamCart offer powerful checkout solutions 


By understanding the differences between these platforms and considering your unique needs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals.


So, are you ready to take your coaching or course creator business to the next level? If you sign up for ThriveCart today you can send me an email and get access to my
Profitable Website Copy Toolkit for free to help you optimize your website copy and write strategic sales pages that convert.   


Related reads:


thrivecart vs samcart

* AI Disclosure: This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.

* Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on www.nataliamaganda.com may contain affiliate links meaning that I will get a commission for recommending products at no extra cost to you.


hello! i'm natalia

Latina, web design expert for mental health professionals.

I help ambitious life coaches, therapists and holistic leaders amplify their magic, gain visibility, and simplify their marketing efforts through strategic web design and content. 

By Sofia Alvarez April 18, 2025
You sit down after a long day of sessions, your brain still processing the emotional weight you’ve carried. You should be resting. But instead, you're buried in your inbox—responding to DMs, rescheduling a cancellation from earlier, checking if that intake form ever came through. The therapy part of your work is done for the day, but the admin part? It’s just beginning. Maybe you've tried to make Google Calendar work. Maybe you’re toggling between too many tabs—forms here, reminders there, and client info in some spreadsheet you meant to organize weeks ago. You wonder if there’s a simpler way to keep everything running without it running you into the ground. The truth is: managing your schedule shouldn’t feel like a second job. You don’t just need a booking link. You need a system that understands the nuances of your practice—one that helps clients get to you easily, keeps no-shows to a minimum, and gives you back your time, energy, and peace of mind. And that’s where smart scheduling tools come in. Not just to help you stay organized, but to actually support the growth and sustainability of your practice. In case we haven’t met—hi, I’m Natalia. I’m a website designer for therapists and practitioners , and I help private practice owners like you build brands, websites, and systems that feel as grounded as the work you offer. Today, I want to show you the scheduling software I recommend to all my clients—the ones that don’t just “book appointments,” but make your life easier. What is scheduling software for therapists? Imagine this: A potential client visits your website. Instead of filling out a long contact form and waiting days for a response, they see a calendar directly on your website. They book a free intro call, receive an automated confirmation, and get a reminder the day before their appointment. No back-and-forth emails. No admin stress. Just a smooth process that increases bookings effortlessly. That’s what scheduling software does—it automates appointment booking, reminders, cancellations, and follow-ups so you can focus on your clients, not your inbox. But here’s where many therapists go wrong: they only use a practice management software (PMS) when they really need both a PMS and a CRM. Practice management software vs. CRM: what’s the difference? Understanding the difference between practice management software (PMS) and customer relationship management (CRM) tools can change how smoothly your practice runs. While they might sound similar, they serve two very different functions—and relying only on one can mean missing out on potential clients. Practice management software (PMS) – handles client care after they book A PMS is an all-in-one tool designed to manage everything that happens after a client books. It takes care of billing, session notes, insurance claims, compliance, and scheduling so you can focus on therapy instead of admin work. What a PMS does: Manages billing and insurance claims so payments run smoothly Stores client records, SOAP notes, and treatment documentation Ensures compliance with HIPAA and legal requirements Simplifies session scheduling within your workflow Offers secure telehealth capabilities 📌 Example: A new client books their first session. Your PMS ensures their intake forms, session notes, and payments are processed automatically, allowing you to focus on therapy. Customer relationship management (CRM) – converts leads into clients While a PMS handles existing clients, a CRM helps potential clients book their first session. A CRM is all about lead management—helping you nurture inquiries, follow up automatically, and guide potential clients from first contact to a confirmed appointment. What a CRM does: Captures inquiries from your website Sends automated email follow-ups so leads don’t slip away Tracks where potential clients are in the decision process Helps convert website visitors into paying clients 📌 Example: A potential client fills out a contact form but doesn’t book right away. Without a CRM, they might forget to follow up. With a CRM, they receive personalized emails answering their questions and encouraging them to schedule a session. The all-in-one scheduling platform I install for my clients (and why it’s built with HighLevel) When I build websites for therapists, I’m not just thinking about fonts and colors—I’m thinking about how your site will actually work for you . That means making sure it doesn’t just look beautiful, but that it also automates, simplifies, and supports the day-to-day flow of your private practice. That’s why I set up every therapist website using HighLevel , a powerful all-in-one platform designed to do much more than just book sessions. Instead of juggling multiple tools—one for scheduling, another for forms, another for email follow-ups—I give you one streamlined system where everything works together . Fewer tabs. Fewer headaches. More time for your clients (and for yourself). Here’s how it supports you behind the scenes (and yes, we integrate all of this into your website): 1. A fully integrated calendar—connected to your site No more back-and-forth emails. No more third-party apps with limited features. With HighLevel, we embed a real-time, branded calendar directly into your website. Visitors can: See your availability Book a free intro call (or paid session) Get a confirmation instantly And you? You get more bookings without lifting a finger.
April 18, 2025
Discover the best therapist website examples and learn how to create a site that builds trust, attracts clients, and simplifies your practice. See what works and how to optimize your online presence.
April 18, 2025
Explore the emotional and practical differences between solo and group therapy practice so you can build a business that truly supports you.
By Sofia Alvarez April 18, 2025
Create a therapy office that soothes, supports, and inspires. Discover practical decor tips, emotional design insights, and top-rated product picks.
April 17, 2025
Discover the best therapy desks to support focus, regulation, and presence. Curated picks for calm, beautiful, and productive workspaces.
April 17, 2025
Discover trusted, free therapy resources to save time, support your clients, and feel more grounded in your practice. Tools made for therapists like you.