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Long story short, after working with 20+ different platforms, I found that Systeme.io and ClickFunnels are the best overall sales funnel builders.
They combine all essential features with great usability at reasonable prices – exactly what you want in a top-tier funnel builder.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Systeme.io is the best overall choice, offering everything you need without breaking the bank
- ClickFunnels remains a solid premium option with its new AI capabilities
- GoHighLevel is perfect for agencies needing white-label solutions
- Kartra excels with its powerful marketing automation features
- OptimizePress is the best choice for WordPress users
- SamCart is ideal if you need advanced checkout optimization
- ThriveCart offers an interesting lifetime deal option
However:
I wouldn’t recommend Groove.cm or Builderall. While they can get the job done, their complex interfaces and technical issues make them frustrating to use.
Remember that the “best” funnel builder is the one that matches your specific needs and goals.
What works perfectly for me might not be the ideal solution for you.
Have trouble deciding?
Feel free to contact me – I’d be happy to help you choose the right tool based on your unique requirements.
Contents
- What is a Sales Funnel Builder?
- My Top Sales Funnel Software (After Testing 20+ Different Tools)
- Two Funnel Builders I Found Very Problematic to Work With
- Matching Each Sales Funnel Builder to Your Business Needs
- Core Features to Look For in a High-Converting Funnel Builder
- So, Which Funnel Builder Is Best for You?
What is a Sales Funnel Builder?
A Sales Funnel Builder (sometimes called Sales Funnel Software) is a digital tool that helps you guide potential customers from first discovering your brand all the way through to making a purchase.
These tools give you everything needed to create and manage your entire sales process in one place:
- Create landing pages with drag-and-drop simplicity
- Capture and nurture leads automatically
- Send targeted follow-up messages
- Process payments
- Track customer behavior
- Analyze your results
The best part?
You can build sophisticated sales funnels without any technical skills.
Just use the built-in templates, customize them to your needs, and launch your funnel.
Instead of struggling with multiple complicated tools, funnel builders let you create and manage your entire sales process in a few simple steps:
- Capture leads
- Nurture relationships
- Present offers
- Process sales
- Follow up automatically
My Top Sales Funnel Software (After Testing 20+ Different Tools)
I’ve been building websites since 2005, way before fancy drag-and-drop builders were even a thing.
And here’s something interesting:
In the last decade, I’ve personally tested and used over 20 different funnel builders.
Why does this matter?
Because most “best funnel builder” lists are written by people who’ve never actually used these tools in real business situations.
They just regurgitate what’s popular or promote whatever pays the highest commission.
But here’s the truth:
I’ve been in the trenches for 18+ years and spent over $10,000 on funnel builders for my own business needs.
And I can tell you exactly which platforms actually deliver results – and which ones are just burning your money.
1. Systeme.io
The best overall funnel builder that won’t break the bank
Think creating professional sales funnels has to be complicated?
Think again.
Here’s the truth: After testing dozens of funnel builders, I can confidently say that Systeme.io is the most beginner-friendly option on the market.
This tool is amazingly intuitive.
You can build your first funnel within minutes – no technical skills are needed.
Let me show you how easy it is:
First, pop into their funnel builder:
Then, choose from one of their 50+ pre-built funnel templates:
Finally, customize your funnel using their visual editor:
Pretty simple, right?
And here’s something interesting:
Despite being one of the most affordable options out there, Systeme.io doesn’t compromise on features.
You get everything needed to run your entire online business:
- Professional funnel building
- Email marketing automation
- Course and membership hosting
- Both digital AND physical product selling
- Custom domain connection
But here’s where it gets REALLY exciting…
While other funnel builders overwhelm you with complex features, Systeme.io focuses on what actually matters: getting your funnels up and running quickly.
And that’s not enough:
Their automation capabilities are particularly impressive – and they keep adding new ones monthly.
The best part?
Their pricing is incredibly competitive:
Think about it:
While other funnel builders charge $97-$297 per month for basic features, you can get started with Systeme.io completely free.
And even their highest plan costs LESS than what most competitors charge for their basic package.
My Favorite Thing About Systeme.io: Incredible Customer Experience
Let me be clear about something:
The level of support you get with Systeme.io is simply unmatched.
Not only do they help you fix issues lightning-fast, but they’ll even connect your domain for free – a huge help if you’re just starting out.
Their knowledge base is also incredibly comprehensive, walking you through every single feature step-by-step.
Now, let me be honest about something:
The interface might not look as modern as some other tools on this list.
But here’s the thing:
This doesn’t limit your ability to create contemporary, professional-looking funnels.
The builder is totally capable of creating any modern design you need.
You can grab Systeme.io through this secret link, and you’ll get 40% OFF their annual Startup plan (that’s just $16.40/month instead of $27). They’ll even migrate your entire business for free.
The Bottom Line
Systeme.io isn’t trying to be the fanciest tool out there. But it delivers what matters: a reliable platform for building funnels that work.
No fluff, no complexity – just results.
2. ClickFunnels
A feature-rich funnel builder worth mastering
Here’s something interesting:
I’ve been using ClickFunnels for over 7 years now, including the past 3 years with ClickFunnels 2.0.
When people think of sales funnels, they think of ClickFunnels.
And there’s a good reason for that – they basically invented the whole funnel builder category back in 2014.
ClickFunnels isn’t just about building pretty pages.
They’ve built one of the most comprehensive collections of funnel templates I’ve ever seen:
- Sales funnel templates
- Product launch funnels
- Membership site funnels
- Webinar funnels
- Lead generation funnels
- And lots more
Besides, Their AI-powered funnel builder is a game-changer.
Instead of starting from scratch or tweaking templates, you can create custom-tailored funnels in minutes.
Just tell it about:
- The funnel type you want to create
- Colors you want to use
- Image types
- Copy you want to generate
And it builds a complete, conversion-optimized funnel for you.
Here is one of my test results.
Not bad, but there is definitely room for improvement.
One more thing worth mentioning:
ClickFunnels 2.0 includes Payments.ai, their native payment processor.
You can start accepting payments immediately instead of dealing with complicated payment integrations.
Plus, it handles everything from one-time purchases to complex subscription plans.
If you’ve ever had issues with Stripe freezing your account (which happens more often than you’d think), Payments.ai can be a lifesaver.
The only downside?
Payments.ai has its own processing fees, so you’ll need to factor that into your costs.
Now, let me be honest about something:
ClickFunnels isn’t exactly beginner-friendly.
While the dashboard looks modern and clean, some features can be pretty confusing.
For example:
- The drag-and-drop builder, while powerful, can be overwhelming with its many options
- Different functions are scattered across various panels
- Linking products to funnels isn’t intuitive at first
- You often need to jump between different sections to complete simple tasks
However, here’s the thing:
Once you get past that learning curve, the possibilities are endless.
And they’re constantly adding new features and improvements.
Plus, they offer extensive training resources – both free and paid – to help you master not just the platform, but funnel building in general.
One more thing to consider:
ClickFunnels isn’t cheap.
Startup plan start at $97/month, and if you want access to their advanced features, you’re looking at $297/month.
If you want to test drive ClickFunnels without committing to their full price, check out their One Funnel Away Challenge. For $100, you get 90 days of ClickFunnels access plus their complete funnel-building training.
It’s a great way to see if it’s right for you before going all-in.
The Bottom Line
ClickFunnels might have a steeper price tag than most tools on this list, but their new AI features and proven templates make funnel building easier than ever.
3. GoHighLevel
The complete marketing platform that is perfect for agencies
Here’s the truth:
When I first logged into GoHighLevel, I was amazed by the sheer number of features it offers.
Here’s what you can do with this platform:
- Build complex sales funnels
- Run email campaigns
- Send SMS messages
- Set up voice broadcasts
- Create membership sites
- Handle customer support
- Track every customer interaction
And here’s what makes it really powerful:
You can create sophisticated marketing systems that work on autopilot.
For example, when someone enters your funnel, GoHighLevel can automatically:
- Send personalized emails
- Fire off SMS messages
- Schedule follow-up calls
- Track engagement across channels
- Adjust your marketing based on behavior
The best part?
Everything works together seamlessly.
You can even create separate branded experiences for each of your clients – complete with their own:
- Custom domains
- Email campaigns
- Marketing funnels
- Automation rules
- Analytics tracking
Now, let me be honest about something:
The platform isn’t exactly intuitive at first.
I spent quite a bit of time searching through menus and settings just to figure out how everything works.
They do offer free 1-on-1 calls with their onboarding team if you’re stuck.
But if you’re like me and prefer figuring things out yourself, expect some initial head-scratching.
Plus, at $97/month, it’s not the cheapest option out there.
The Bottom Line
GoHighLevel is like a professional-grade toolset – it takes time to master, but once you do, you can build pretty much anything you want.
If you’re running an agency or managing multiple businesses, this power and flexibility is worth the initial learning curve.
4. Kartra
A full-featured funnel builder worth its price
If you’ve been looking for a funnel builder that can handle complex marketing automation, Kartra deserves your attention.
Unlike most funnel builders, Kartra was built from the ground up to handle serious marketing operations.
And it shows.
The first thing that surprised me was the onboarding experience.
The moment you log in, you get a step-by-step walkthrough of how to build your first marketing system.
And these aren’t just basic tutorials.
Kartra shows you how to:
- Set up behavior-based automation
- Create adaptive sales sequences
- Build membership sites that convert
- Launch automated webinar funnels
- Manage your entire affiliate program
But let me break down one of their most powerful features:
Say someone watches your sales video but doesn’t buy.
Kartra can automatically:
- Tag them based on video engagement
- Send a personalized email sequence
- Show them a different offer
- Track their interactions across your funnel
- Adjust your marketing based on their behavior
This level of automation usually requires 3-4 different tools.
With Kartra?
It’s all built right in.
Here’s something really cool about Kartra:
Their funnel mapping feature.
You can actually simulate your funnel before building it.
Test your conversion rates, analyze ROI, and adjust your strategy before spending time on creation.
My Favorite Part: The Campaign Builder
This is where Kartra really shines.
Their campaign builder lets you plan entire marketing systems on one screen.
You can see exactly how your:
- Pages connect
- Emails trigger
- Products relate
- Follow-ups work
However, there’s something important you need to know:
Their drag-and-drop page builder is one of the biggest downsides I encountered while using Kartra.
While it’s functional enough when working with pre-made templates, things get complicated when you want to create custom sections or designs from scratch.
The builder forces you to use their pre-made elements, which can be extremely limiting when you’re trying to achieve a specific look or layout.
I often found myself frustrated trying to create custom sections that didn’t fit into their predetermined structure.
This rigid approach makes it challenging to bring your design vision to life.
Speaking of potential dealbreakers:
Let’s talk about the investment required.
First, the price: plans start at $119/month. And while the features justify the cost, it’s definitely an investment.
Second, support isn’t 24/7. You might wait 16-30 hours for a ticket response when live chat is offline.
Using “Markin20” at checkout gets you 20% OFF any Kartra plan. Plus, you can start with a 30-day free trial to test everything out.
This brings the monthly cost down to:
- Starter: $95/month (instead of $119)
- Growth: $183/month (instead of $229)
- Professional: $439/month (instead of $549)
And yes, you can cancel anytime during your trial if it’s not the right fit.
The Bottom Line:
Kartra is a serious tool for serious marketers.
Yes, it’s pricier than basic funnel builders.
But if you need sophisticated automation and don’t want to juggle multiple tools, Kartra delivers.
5. OptimizePress
The native WordPress funnel builder
Ever tried building sales funnels in WordPress?
It’s not exactly fun – unless you’re using OptimizePress.
Here’s what makes this tool different:
Unlike cloud-based funnel builders, OptimizePress integrates directly with WordPress.
This means you can build high-converting funnels right inside your WordPress dashboard.
Here’s exactly what you can do:
- Create landing pages
- Build complete sales funnels
- Set up membership portals
- Design product launch sequences
- Make upsell pages
- Create webinar registration funnels
And here’s where it gets interesting:
Their visual funnel builder lets you map out your entire funnel flow on one screen.
You can see exactly how your pages connect and make changes on the fly.
But the best part?
OptimizePress works perfectly with all your existing WordPress plugins and themes.
Whether you’re using SEO plugins, affiliate tools, or other marketing add-ons – everything keeps working exactly as it should.
Plus, you can:
- Split test different designs
- Track conversion rates
- Create mobile-responsive pages
- Host everything on your own domain
- Use your favorite WordPress theme
Other good news:
OptimizePress costs a fraction of what you’d pay for cloud-based funnel builders.
You can get started for just $129/year (that’s only $8.25/month).
The Bottom Line
If you’re already running your business on WordPress, OptimizePress is a no-brainer.
It gives you everything you need to build funnels without forcing you to leave your WordPress ecosystem.
6. SamCart
The checkout specialist that also builds funnels
Here’s the truth:
While SamCart is known for creating high-converting checkout pages, they’ve expanded their offering to include complete funnel building.
Their core strength – optimized checkout pages with:
- One-page checkout designs
- Upsell sequences
- Order bumps
- Payment plans
- Subscription management
But here’s where it gets interesting:
You can build entire sales funnels if you’re on their Grow plan or higher.
This means you can create:
- Landing pages
- Sales pages
- Upsell funnels
- Thank you pages
- Complete marketing sequences
My Favorite Feature: Checkout Anywhere
This is where SamCart really shines.
Instead of forcing customers to leave your page to complete a purchase (which kills conversions), their Checkout Anywhere feature lets you place a high-converting checkout form literally anywhere:
- Embedded directly on your pages
- As a popup that appears right where your customer is
- On your blog posts
- In social bio links
- Even in tools like Notion
And you know what?
You can place these checkouts on any platform – WordPress, Webflow, Wix, Shopify, or any other website builder.
Just paste one line of code, and you’re ready to start selling.
With Checkout Anywhere, you can:
- Customize it to match your brand
- Add custom fields for better data collection
- Include multiple payment options
- Enable express checkout for 8-second purchases
You can start with SamCart’s 7-day free trial to test everything out.
Their Launch plan starts at $79/month, but most sellers will want the Grow plan at $159/month for access to upsells and automation features.
Now, let me be honest about something:
While SamCart has expanded into funnel building, their approach is quite different from other platforms.
Instead of focusing on landing pages, their entire funnel structure revolves around the shopping cart experience.
Their drag-and-drop editor is pretty basic compared to dedicated funnel builders – you won’t find the advanced design features you might be used to with platforms like ClickFunnels or Kartra.
And there’s another thing that bothers me:
SamCart charges an additional $19/month for live chat support.
For a platform at this price point, paying extra just to get real-time help isn’t great.
Mainly when most competitors include live support in their regular plans.
The Bottom Line
SamCart is a solid choice if you want the highest-converting checkouts possible with the option to build complete funnels.
Just be aware that it’ll cost you extra if you need quick support.
7. ThriveCart
The lifetime checkout and funnel solution
Like SamCart, ThriveCart started as a dedicated checkout platform before expanding into funnel building.
But here’s what makes it unique:
While most platforms charge monthly subscriptions, ThriveCart offers a one-time payment for lifetime access.
Let me show you what ThriveCart offers:
- High-converting checkout pages
- Complete funnel building
- Upsell and bump offer creation
- Affiliate management
- Subscription handling
- A/B testing capabilities
And here’s what makes it so special:
ThriveCart focuses on optimizing the checkout experience with features like:
- Multi-step checkout processes
- Order bumps and upsells
- Cart abandonment campaigns
- Payment plan management
- Detailed analytics
Their affiliate center is particularly impressive, letting you manage everything from custom commission structures to automated payments.
It’s not all perfect though:
While ThriveCart can significantly boost your revenue with its conversion features, it’s not without issues:
- Webhook integrations can be unreliable at times
- Tax management can get complicated
- Technical support could be more helpful when issues arise
- Some users report integration problems with course platforms
But here’s the thing:
If you can work around these technical challenges, ThriveCart’s lifetime deal model is incredibly cost-effective.
Their standard license is available for a one-time payment of $495, while the Pro plan runs $690.
This includes all future updates, and when you compare it to other platforms charging $100-300 monthly, it can pay for itself pretty quickly.
The Bottom Line
ThriveCart is a powerful checkout solution that can significantly boost your conversions.
Just be prepared to deal with occasional technical hiccups and ensure your tech stack can handle the necessary integrations.
Two Funnel Builders I Found Very Problematic to Work With
While testing different funnel builders, I discovered that some popular options aren’t quite what they seem.
Let me be clear: These tools can still get the job done.
But based on my experience, you might want to approach them cautiously.
Here’s what I found:
1. Groove.cm
A funnel builder that promises more than it delivers.
Let me share something personal:
I invested $1,397 in Groove.cm’s lifetime deal a few years ago.
It turned out to be one of my worst software investments ever.
Let me show you the biggest issues:
The entire platform feels like a collection of disconnected tools forced to work together.
Simple tasks become complicated because:
- Different tools don’t integrate properly with each other
- The interface is confusing and not intuitive
- Basic features are hard to find
- Many functions just don’t work as they should
Support? Don’t count on it.
When you run into problems (and you will), you’ll find:
- Support tickets often go unanswered
- Documentation is outdated or incorrect
- Help articles contradict each other
- Community forums are filled with frustrated users
Plus, you’ll get bombarded with promotional emails for various affiliate offers – even after paying for the platform.
But wait, it gets worse:
Their pricing tactics are a major red flag.
They claim their base plan “normally” costs $299/month ($3,588/year), but there’s always a “special limited-time offer” for $497/year.
Spoiler alert: These “limited-time” deals never end.
They just reset the countdown timer and keep the “discount” running forever.
My Advice:
While Groove.cm might look tempting with their “massive discounts,” I’d suggest approaching with extreme caution.
Don’t fall for their high-pressure sales tactics and fake urgency.
If you’re interested, start with their 30-day trial to test if you can actually make it work for your needs.
2. Builderall
A feature-packed platform held back by poor performance.
Let me be upfront:
Builderall offers better value than Groove.cm.
But after extensive testing, there are two major issues you need to know about.
First, let’s talk about usability.
Builderall probably has the most integrated tools in the market.
But using them is incredibly frustrating.
I’ve spent countless hours just trying to understand:
- How to connect different tools together
- Where to find specific features
- How to set up basic automations
- Why certain integrations aren’t working
And just when you finally figure things out?
They release a new version.
In fact, Builderall launches a major update (like Builderall 4.0, 5.0) every 1-2 years.
Each time, you basically have to relearn the entire platform.
But here’s the bigger issue:
The platform is SLOW.
And I mean really slow.
Whether you’re:
- Working in the admin dashboard
- Loading your funnel pages
- Setting up automations
- Or just navigating between tools
Everything. Takes. Forever. To. Load.
The Good News?
Builderall is actually quite affordable.
At $17/month for their basic plan, it won’t break the bank to test it out.
The bad news?
They only offer free trials occasionally, so you might have to pay to try it.
My Advice:
If you’re interested in Builderall, start with their cheapest monthly plan.
Just be prepared to invest significant time in learning the platform – and even more time waiting for pages to load.
Matching Each Sales Funnel Builder to Your Business Needs
You should know that not every funnel builder will work for your specific situation.
What works great for a startup might be completely wrong for an agency.
Let me show you exactly which tool fits your needs:
What Are the Best Choices for Startups and Solopreneurs
If you’re just starting out or running a solo business, you need a funnel builder that’s:
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Packed with essential features
Here’s what I recommend:
- Systeme.io stands out as the clear winner here. You can start completely free; even their paid plans won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s incredibly intuitive – perfect when you’re wearing multiple hats in your business.
- Kartra might seem expensive at first ($119/month), but its powerful automation features can actually save you money in the long run. Instead of paying for multiple tools, you get everything you need in one platform – from email marketing to video hosting.
- OptimizePress is another solid choice if you’re already running your business on WordPress. At just $129/year, it’s significantly cheaper than most alternatives while giving you all the essential funnel building features.
Perfect Software for Agencies Serving Multiple Clients
If you’re managing multiple clients’ funnels, you need a platform that can handle:
- Multiple sub-accounts
- White-label capabilities
- Advanced automation
- Separate domains
- Client reporting
Here’s what I recommend:
- GoHighLevel is the standout choice here. It’s built specifically for agencies, letting you create unlimited sub-accounts with separate branding and domains for each client. Plus, their white-label features mean your clients never need to know you’re using GoHighLevel.
- Kartra is another solid option. Their Growth plan and higher tiers include agency features that let you manage multiple clients from one dashboard. While not primarily built for agencies like GoHighLevel, its powerful automation and account management capabilities make it great for agency work.
Best Platforms for eCommerce and Physical Products
If you’re selling physical products online, you need a funnel builder that can handle:
- Product management
- Shopping cart features
- Order fulfillment
- Shipping options
- Inventory tracking
Here’s what I recommend:
- ClickFunnels has become a powerful eCommerce solution. Their Store funnels make it easy to build complete shopping experiences – from product listings to checkout. You can manage, sell, ship, and fulfill physical product orders all in one place.
- Systeme.io works great if you’re selling a limited number of physical products. While managing large product catalogs might get complicated, it’s perfect for businesses with a focused product line. Plus, you can start completely free.
Core Features to Look For in a High-Converting Funnel Builder
Here’s the truth:
The features you need in a funnel builder depend entirely on what you’re selling.
Think about it:
If you’re selling digital products, membership site capabilities, and drip content features are crucial.
But if you’re running a physical product store, you care more about inventory tracking and shipping integrations.
Running a service business?
Your priority should be scheduling tools and consultation funnel templates.
But here’s something interesting:
Some features are essential no matter what you’re selling.
You’ll always need an easy-to-use page builder, reliable payment processing, and basic email marketing capabilities.
The trick isn’t finding the funnel builder with the most features – it’s finding the one that excels at what your business actually needs.
Let me continue with how to figure this out:
When I’m testing funnel builders, I always start by asking three simple questions:
First, what’s my main offer type?
If you’re selling courses, you need a platform that handles video hosting and member access.
For coaching, you want something with booking systems and client portals.
And for eCommerce, you’ll need solid inventory and order management.
Second, what’s my tech experience?
Some funnel builders offer tons of features but require coding knowledge.
Others are simpler but might limit what you can customize.
Be honest about your technical skills – there’s no point in paying for advanced features you’ll never figure out how to use.
Third, what’s my budget reality?
Sure, some platforms pack every feature imaginable.
But if you’re just starting out, do you really need to pay $297/month for features you won’t use for months?
The key is matching your actual needs with your budget.
Because here’s the thing:
A simpler funnel builder that you actually understand and use is far better than an advanced platform that overwhelms you.
Here’s what I’ve learned about specific business needs:
- For Digital Product Creators: You need rock-solid membership features and content delivery. Focus on funnel builders that handle video hosting, course protection, and automated content drips.
- For Service Providers: Your funnel must handle scheduling, consultation bookings, and follow-up sequences. Look for calendar integration and automated reminder systems.
- For eCommerce Store Owners: Your priority is smooth product management and checkout processes.
- For Coaches and Consultants: You need a mix of everything – booking systems, content delivery, and payment plans.
- And for Affiliate Marketers: Focus on platforms with strong affiliate management and tracking.
So, Which Funnel Builder Is Best for You?
You’ve seen the in-depth analysis of each platform.
You know the key features to look for and the pitfalls to avoid.
Now, it’s time to choose your funnel-building sidekick.
Here’s my advice:
- If you’re just starting out, grab Systeme.io’s free plan. It’s got everything you need to launch your first funnel without breaking the bank.
- Running an agency? GoHighLevel’s white-label features and client management tools are a game-changer.
- And if you’re an eCommerce entrepreneur, ClickFunnels’ powerful shopping cart features can’t be beat.
But no matter your chosen platform, the key is to take action.
Because the sooner you build your first funnel, the sooner you can start turning leads into loyal customers.
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