Updated 12th November, 2025

You're juggling Instagram DMs, Facebook groups, and separate course platforms when you need one branded hub for your audience. The promise of online education is freedom, but the reality can be tool sprawl and algorithm risk.

Deciding between Classplus and Passion means choosing your path to digital education. This guide offers a direct comparison of their mobile app capabilities, community features, and monetization tools, helping you identify the best platform to build a branded, engaging, and scalable digital learning experience that truly puts you in control.

Why choose a branded app for your online community?

A branded mobile app transforms how your students engage with your courses and community. When you own the platform, you control the experience, the data, and the relationship.

Tool sprawl drains time and money. When you patch together Instagram DMs, a Facebook group, Zoom links, and a separate course platform, you create friction for students and chaos for yourself. Creators consistently report that this scattered approach leads to low completion rates and weak engagement that erode reputation and renewals.

Your audience lives on their phones. Push notifications drive open rates far higher than email, often exceeding 50-70% for engaged communities, while email open rates average 20-30%. Creators using push-driven engagement report completion lifts of 15-30% within 90 days, according to Passion case studies.

A branded app builds authority. When students see your logo on their home screen, you're positioned alongside Netflix and Spotify. One creator shared:

"Passion.io helped me turn my vision into a fully branded app that inspires equestrian women daily. It's easy to use, incredibly supportive, and built for creators who actually care about changing lives." - Jenna Knudsen on TrustPilot

Classplus vs. Passion: A direct comparison for creators

Both platforms promise to help educators move online, but their approaches differ significantly.

Mobile app experience and branding

We deliver native iOS and Android apps alongside a web app, all built with a no-code drag-and-drop builder. You customize logos, colors, fonts, and layouts without hiring developers. We offer hundreds of pre-made templates and manage the app store submission process, with support varying by plan.

"Passion makes building your own e-learning app fast, simple, and stress-free. With their no-code, drag-and-drop platform, I was able to design, build, and launch a fully functional app in just a few hours—no tech experience required." - Rob M. on G2

Our platform includes push notifications, offline downloads, and interactive elements like goal tracking and quizzes directly within courses. We handle hosting, automatic updates, and web publishing so you can focus on content.

You can build one app per subscription. Removing Passion branding requires subscribing to higher-tier plans, starting with the Scale plan at $239/month annually. Our Launch plan at $99/month annually includes our branding, as detailed on our pricing page.

Classplus makes it easy for creators to create branded apps for Android and iOS, alongside a web portal. Features include offline downloads, an integrated store, live classes, online tests, and analytics.

However, Classplus does not let users own the application code or publish apps under their own developer account, limiting control and customization. User feedback notes a general lack of customization options compared to competitors.

Community management and engagement features

We emphasize robust in-app community building across all plans. You can create multiple public or private channels, moderate discussions, and allow direct messaging between members. Our platform supports rich media sharing including images, videos, and voice messages up to five minutes long, as detailed in our community feature updates.

You can link community access to different pricing plans, enabling exclusive groups for higher-tier members. Block and unblock members, remove comments, and flag content. A comment automatically hides after three reports, awaiting your approval.

"What I love about Passion is that it's not just a platform to create your own app – it also provides invaluable training on how to build and sell your course." - Mathilde N. on G2

Classplus facilitates real-time interaction through live chat within the app. It includes features for managing classes and student batches and allows educators to send updates via a marketing dashboard, which can include push notifications or SMS.

The platform offers discussion forums where students and faculty engage in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback. Faculty can create categories with specialized permissions, restrict access by course group, and set read-only categories.

Some users report limitations in communication, such as students or parents being unable to send messages to faculty if replies are disabled for a specific batch. This restriction can hinder open dialogue in larger batches.

Monetization options and fees

We offer diverse monetization options: weekly, monthly, or annual subscriptions, one-time purchases, freemium models, and in-app purchases. PassionPayments, our web checkout gateway, charges a 3.9% platform fee in addition to standard Stripe processing fees, typically around 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

For in-app purchases made through Apple or Google, creators incur 15-30% commissions depending on revenue thresholds, but we do not add our own platform fee on top.

We also support external checkouts via Zapier integrations with platforms like Shopify and ClickFunnels at 0% platform fee on Scale, Expand, and Plus plans. Our app monetization features page outlines these options.

Our pricing plans include Launch starting at $99/month annually, Scale at $239/month annually, Expand at $599/month annually, and a custom Plus plan. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Classplus primarily charges yearly fees, with plans starting around ₹10,999 per year for a basic package. A Pro plan is available at approximately Rs 15,999 annually. All plans generally include unlimited courses and students.

Classplus utilizes RazorPay for payment processing, applying a 2.64% transaction charge on payments. Unlike Passion, Classplus offers only yearly plans with no monthly options and does not provide a free trial.

Ease of use and launch speed

Users consistently praise our user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop builder designed for creators without coding or design skills. One creator noted:

"I like that there's an easy to follow system to not only build your App but also your Business. It makes you think about the fundamentals of your business so that you can create an app that's suited for your clients' needs." - Emmely C. on G2

We provide hundreds of templates that can be customized with your branding in hours. Your web app can go live in 2-3 weeks, with App Store submissions underway by week 3-4, reaching full app store presence within 4-8 weeks depending on your plan. Our Expand plan at $599/month annually includes App Store listing support.

Some reviews note that more advanced design options are reserved for higher-priced plans, presenting a trade-off for the no-code convenience.

Classplus makes content creation and storage easy for teaching. It offers a user-friendly video portal and automated messaging. The platform integrates directly with Zoom and Google Meet, allowing educators to embed sessions and automate attendance syncing.

Customization options present some limitations, particularly regarding branding and aesthetic control.

Support and training for creators

We provide responsive customer support that users consistently praise for quick assistance and clarity. We offer extensive educational resources, including the Creator MBA coaching program, a 12-week program designed to help creators earn significant revenue from their apps, starting at Creator MBA details.

We also offer the Expert Unleashed Challenge, designed to help you launch your app and acquire initial 10-20 clients within 30 days, as described in our pricing guide.

"They lay it out clearly and are available for support. The platform is easy to use with clear directions on what to do next. Very motivating videos and AMAZING guidance." - Michele D. P. on G2

We offer support through a help center, FAQ section, blog, resource library, and podcast, all of which you can find prominently linked.

Classplus users report positive experiences with customer support available during business hours and online. Some educators have raised concerns about launch details requiring fixes and related charges. Classplus focuses primarily on technical support rather than structured business training and go-to-market playbooks.

Key differences at a glance

How Passion helps creators own their audience and revenue

Our drag-and-drop builder lets you create a professional app without code. Select a template that fits your niche, upload videos, audio files, PDFs, and text, then organize them into lessons and modules. Add quizzes, timers, goal tracking, and drip schedules, as outlined on our courses features page.

Customize your branding by uploading your logo, selecting brand colors, and choosing fonts. On higher plans, fully remove Passion branding. Set up pricing and checkout paths between PassionPayments for web checkouts at 3.9% plus Stripe fees, or enable in-app purchases through Apple and Google at 15-30% commission.

Drive engagement with push and in-app community

Push notifications reach your students directly on their phones, bypassing email inboxes and social algorithms. Schedule push messages for new lesson releases, challenge checkpoints, live event reminders, or motivational nudges.

Our Expand plan offers unlimited push notifications, while Launch and Scale plans have monthly quotas. A typical push cadence is two to three times per week during active programs. Creators report that consistent push reminders lift completion rates by 15-30% within 90 days, as documented in our platform review.

Create in-app community channels for group discussions, Q&A sessions, and peer support. Set up announcement-only channels for important updates and open channels for member interaction. Our community management features include moderation tools to remove spam, block disruptive members, and flag inappropriate content.

You can enable or disable direct messaging between members or between members and you based on your community structure. Link community access to specific pricing tiers, offering a free community for all app users and a premium, exclusive community for higher-tier subscribers.

Set up 30-day challenges with daily check-ins, progress tracking, and leaderboards. Integrate with Calendly to embed scheduling links and use Typeform for quizzes and surveys. Our Zapier integration options include HubSpot, Zoho CRM, ActiveCampaign, and Mailchimp.

Flexible monetization with transparent fees

We support multiple revenue models so you can test pricing strategies and build a subscription ladder. Start with a freemium model offering free content to attract users, then upsell to paid memberships for premium lessons and community access.

Offer weekly, monthly, or annual subscriptions. One-time purchases work well for signature courses or workshops. High-ticket offers can be processed via external checkout links through Shopify or ClickFunnels at 0% platform fee on Scale, Expand, and Plus plans.

Web checkout via PassionPayments incurs a 3.9% platform fee plus Stripe's standard 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. For a $100 purchase, you pay roughly $3.90 to us and $3.20 to Stripe, netting $92.90.

In-app purchases streamline mobile conversions. When users browse your app on iOS or Android, they can purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or stored payment methods. Apple and Google charge 15-30% depending on your revenue, but we do not add a platform fee on top. For transactions under $1 million annually across all Apple platforms, you pay 15% instead of 30% through their Small Business Program. Google offers similar terms.

Track revenue and member activity through built-in analytics. Our Expand and Plus plans include advanced analytics and dedicated success managers. Case studies show creators hitting mid-five-figure MRR within 90-180 days.

Risks and considerations for your app platform choice

App Store submission realities

Apple and Google review every app before it goes live. Apple's review process typically takes 1-2 weeks and can request clarifications. Google Play reviews usually complete within a few days but can also flag issues.

Plan a 2-3 week buffer beyond your content completion date for submission and potential resubmission. On our Expand plan, we provide App Store listing support to help you avoid common pitfalls. On Launch and Scale plans, you handle submission yourself using our checklists.

Your Apple Developer Program account costs $99 per year and Google Play Developer account costs $25 one-time. Once your app is live, updates and new content can be pushed without resubmission in most cases. We handle backend updates automatically.

Understanding platform fees and plan limits

Our Launch plan at $99/month annually includes quotas on subscribers, videos, and push notifications. These quotas can feel restrictive for fast-growing creators. Plan to upgrade to Scale or Expand as you approach limits.

The 3.9% PassionPayments platform fee applies only to web checkouts processed through our integrated gateway. If you use an external checkout via Shopify, ClickFunnels, or ThriveCart connected through Zapier on Scale, Expand, or Plus plans, we charge 0% platform fee.

Removing our branding requires at least the Scale plan. Unlimited users, products, communities, and videos unlock on the Expand plan, as detailed on our features page.

The Plus plan offers done-for-you build and launch with white-glove support, priced at $10,000-$20,000 depending on scope. This is viable if you want to launch faster and need custom migration or advanced analytics.

Classplus charges 2.64% transaction fees via RazorPay, which is lower than our 3.9% web fee. However, Classplus users do not own their app code or developer accounts, limiting long-term control.

Choose the platform that aligns with your growth goals

Classplus delivers a functional course platform with integrated live classes, analytics, and yearly pricing suited for local markets. It handles the basics well but limits customization, app ownership, and creator control over developer accounts.

We excel for creators who want to own their audience, build mobile-first engagement through push notifications and in-app community, and structure flexible monetization with transparent fees. Our no-code builder, extensive training programs like Creator MBA and Expert Unleashed Challenge, and responsive support make it accessible for non-technical creators.

Within 90 days, you can have your web app live, App Store submissions complete, your first paid challenge driving +20% completion, and a clear path to +15% MRR growth.

If your business model depends on recurring revenue, predictable subscriptions, and reducing tool sprawl, Passion provides a clear path to launch a branded app in weeks and scale to mid-five-figure MRR within 90-180 days.

Try Passion with a 30-day money-back guarantee and start building your branded app today. If you want to see the platform in action first, book a demo to explore how creators launch in 4-8 weeks.

Frequently asked questions about app builders

What are the typical costs for a branded app?

Passion starts at $99/month billed annually for the Launch plan, with Scale at $239/month and Expand at $599/month annually, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Add $99/year for Apple Developer Program and $25 one-time for Google Play Developer account. Classplus starts around ₹10,999 per year with a 2.64% transaction fee on payments.

How long does it take to launch an app?

Your web app can go live in 2-3 weeks once content is uploaded. App Store submissions typically complete in 1-2 weeks for iOS and a few days for Android, with full app store presence within 4-8 weeks. On Passion's Expand plan, App Store listing support accelerates this process.

Can I migrate my existing content?

Yes, both platforms support content migration. Passion allows you to upload videos, audio, PDFs, and text in bulk, then organize them into lessons using the drag-and-drop builder. Classplus supports content uploads and unlimited video lectures without storage restrictions. On Passion's Plus plan, white-glove migration support is included.

Key terms glossary

Branded app: A mobile application for iOS and Android and web customized with your own logo, colors, and content, providing an owned digital space independent of social platforms.

Push notifications: Direct, real-time messages sent to users' mobile devices from an app, used to drive engagement, announce new content, or send reminders, bypassing email and social algorithms.

In-app purchases (IAP): Digital content or subscriptions bought within a mobile app, processed through Apple App Store or Google Play Store, subject to 15-30% fees from Apple/Google.

PassionPayments: Passion's integrated payment gateway for web checkouts, which incurs a 3.9% platform fee plus Stripe's standard processing fees of approximately 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.