Updated 13th October, 2025

TL;DR

If your growth depends on a branded mobile app, direct reach on your audience’s phones, and recurring subscriptions, choose Passion.io. You launch a real iOS, Android, and web app without code, bundle courses, community, push notifications, and payments, and follow a clear launch plan. Kajabi is a strong all-in-one for websites, funnels, and email, and it now offers a managed Branded App as an add-on or included on Pro plans. For a mobile-first business where you own the relationship and use push to bring members back, Passion.io is the better fit. Key fees to know: PassionPayments 3.9% on web checkouts, Apple or Google in-app purchases 15–30%, Apple Developer $99 per year and Google Play $25 to list apps. Get started with Passion today, 30-day money back guarantee applies.

Navigating branded mobile apps: Passion vs. Kajabi

If you want a branded mobile app that unifies content, community, and payments, your options narrow quickly. Passion.io is built mobile first so you publish native iOS and Android apps plus a matching web app. Learn more on the Passion.io homepage. Kajabi is a respected all-in-one for sites, funnels, courses, and email, and it sells a managed Branded App for creators who want their own listing, as explained in the Kajabi Mobile App vs. Branded Mobile App guide.

This guide compares how each platform handles mobile app experiences, engagement, monetization, pricing, security, and support so you can match the choice to your revenue plan.

Passion.io: your mobile-first app builder for audience ownership

Core value proposition and who it serves

Passion helps creators and coaches launch a real branded mobile and web app with courses, community, push notifications, and subscriptions. The goal is to move off rented channels into your own app that members open daily. Explore the platform on the features page.

Users call out training and speed to launch again and again.

"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
"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

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Key features that drive engagement and revenue

Native iOS, Android, and web app: Your brand in the Apple App Store and Google Play, plus a web app for desktop. Push, offline playback, and in-app community are first class.

No-code drag-and-drop builder: Upload video, audio, PDFs, and text, organize lessons and drip schedules, and style with your logo and colors.

"Drag and drop and hey presto it's done!!" — Priscilla S. on G2

Community and direct reach: Run challenges and polls, and keep discussions in your own app rather than a social group. See how communities work on Passion.io community.

Interactive content and habit tracking: Quizzes, timers, goals, and progress tracking are built for completion and retention on mobile.

Monetization options: Offer subscriptions, one-time purchases, and freemium access. Choose web checkout via PassionPayments or native in-app purchases for mobile convenience. External checkouts can be used at 0% Passion platform fee. Details are covered in the FAQs.

Training and playbooks: Passion Academy and launch programs give you step-by-step guidance, which users frequently praise in reviews.

"The platform is easy to use with clear directions on what to do next." — Michele D. P. on G2 .

AI Coach (waitlist): A coming AI Course Companion promises 24/7 coaching aligned to your content and voice. Join the AI Coach waitlist.

App Store submission support and realistic timelines

Developer programs: Apple charges $99 per year and Google Play charges $25 one time. See Apple’s enrollment steps in the Apple Developer Program, and a Google Play walkthrough in this Google Play developer account guide.

Plan-based help: Publishing to the Apple and Google stores requires the plan that unlocks App Store listing, with Plus offering done-for-you submission support. Passion.io’s help center includes checklists and monetization setup, and Plus includes more hands-on support. See the Passion.io Plus offer.

Kajabi: the all-in-one web platform with a managed Branded App option

Core value proposition and who it serves

Kajabi is an all-in-one for websites, landing pages, online courses, communities, and email marketing.

Marketing and sales features creators rely on

  • Website builder and landing pages with templates and themes
  • Email marketing and automation under one login
  • Sales funnels with upsells, downsells, and order bumps
  • Events and announcements to drive launches and webinars

Understanding Kajabi’s mobile app capabilities

Kajabi offers two mobile paths. Members can use Kajabi’s own app to access your content, or you can buy a managed Branded App that Kajabi builds and maintains under your brand - note that if you want a branded mobile app it’s either a $199/mo fee on top of your base plan or it’s include in the Pro plan which costs $499/mo. The Branded App supports push notifications and in-app purchases, typically ships in weeks, and requires Apple and Google developer accounts. See the Kajabi Mobile App vs. Branded Mobile App.

Feature-by-feature showdown: Passion.io vs. Kajabi

Use this to match your business goals to the right platform.

Feature comparison for mobile-first creators.
Feature Passion.io Kajabi Best for
Mobile app Branded native iOS & Android plus web. Push notifications, offline access, built-in community. Branded App is a $199/mo add-on to any plan; includes push notifications and IAP (for courses & communities). Members can also use the free Kajabi app. Creators who want a truly branded, app-first presence
Courses Interactive lessons with goal tracking, quizzes, drip & challenges; offline viewing. Traditional course delivery with quizzes and an updated native community experience. On-the-go learning & habit loops
Community In-app channels, posts, @mentions, and push nudges. Native community on web & mobile, with ongoing updates. Owned community on mobile
Monetization Subscriptions or one-time via in-app purchases, PassionPayments web checkout, or external checkout. Sell via web checkout or Branded App IAP (courses & communities); standard Apple/Google fees apply (15–30% depending on program). Flexible offers with mobile convenience
Marketing Broad integrations via Zapier (email, carts, analytics, more). Native funnels + email automation in one place. Advanced web funnels
Ease of use No-code builder; fast launch with templates & training. All-in-one web workflows; managed app maintenance with guided app-store steps. Teams that want a managed mobile path

Pricing and total cost of ownership (TCO)

Publicly reported figures as of 2025 are listed below. Confirm current pricing at purchase.

Passion pricing and fees

  • Plans: Launch is often listed $119 monthly or $99 on annual. Scale $299 monthly or $239 on annual. Expand near $699 monthly or $599 on annual. Plus is custom. See pricing page.
  • Web checkouts: PassionPayments adds a 3.9% platform fee on web. External checkouts can be used at 0% Passion platform fee. Details appear in the Passion.io FAQs.
  • In-app purchases: Apple and Google retain 15–30% depending on program thresholds. Use IAP for convenience and web checkout when you want to preserve margin. Confirm the best route in Passion.io FAQs.
  • Developer programs: Apple charges $99 per year and Google Play charges $25 one time. See Apple’s enrollment steps and the Google Play account guide.
  • Plan gates: Early tiers often include limits for content, subscribers, and pushes, while higher tiers unlock App Store listing and higher quotas. The Plus tier adds done-for-you help. Review the Passion.io Plus offer.
  • Trial: Passion does not offer a free trial but does offer a 30-day money back guarantee so risk is minimized.

Kajabi pricing and fees

  • Plans: Commonly Basic, Growth, and Pro, with promotional Kickstarter offers at times. See SchoolMaker’s Kajabi pricing breakdown.
  • Transaction fees: Kajabi highlights no per-transaction platform fee on web checkout, while processing fees apply. Review the Kajabi features page.
  • Branded App: The Branded App is a $199/mo add-on or included on Pro which costs $499/mo.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) snapshot

Cost item Passion.io Kajabi Notes
Subscription Launch: $119/mo (or $99/mo billed annually) • Scale: $299/mo (or $239/mo annually) • Expand: $699/mo (or $599/mo annually) • Plus: custom, done-for-you. Predictable costs (no sliding fees for extra users/content/push). Tiered plans (site says plans start at $89/mo). The Branded App is included on Pro or a $199/mo add-on to any plan. Always check plan gates/limits before deciding (Kajabi’s limits vary by tier)
App build & listing App Store submission is available on tiers that unlock publishing; you’ll use your own Apple/Google developer accounts. Passion Plus offers done-for-you app launch and store submission help. Branded App is built & maintained by Kajabi, but you still need your own Apple/Google developer accounts; they provide publish guides and you trigger new builds from your dashboard. Both require Apple & Google dev programs for store listings (Apple $99/yr, Google $25 one-time).
Payments PassionPayments: 3.9% Passion platform fee on web checkouts (plus Stripe). External web checkouts can be 0% Passion platform fee on eligible tiers. In-app purchases use Apple/Google billing (typ. 15% small-biz / up to 30% standard). Web checkout via Kajabi Payments: no extra Kajabi platform cut—processing is “industry-standard.” Optional add-ons include $0.15 per transaction for Kajabi Sales Tax and 1% for currency conversion when applicable. In-app purchases in the Branded App run through Apple/Google billing. Pick margin vs. convenience: web checkouts avoid store commissions; IAPs add reach/convenience with store fees.
What you can sell in-app Full app monetization via web (PassionPayments/external) and IAPs depending on your setup. Branded App App Offers support courses and community, with one-time or subscriptions. (Other product types can be sold by linking to web checkout.) Useful nuance if your model relies on subscriptions or community-only access.
Developer programs Apple Developer Program & Google Play Console accounts are needed when publishing to stores. Passion’s docs walk you through setup. Kajabi’s guides cover creating/connecting those accounts and publishing steps. Apple $99/yr; Google $25 one-time. Required for App Store/Play listings.

Pros and cons: weighing your options

Passion

Pros

  • True native mobile app. Push, offline, and in-app community under your brand.
  • No-code launch in weeks. Reviewers cite ease of use and helpful launch guidance.
  • Monetization flexibility. Subscriptions, one-time, and freemium with web checkout or IAP. See the Passion.io FAQs.
  • Launch playbooks. Training and community focused on going from content to sales. See App Secrets.
"I like that there's an easy to follow system to not only build your App but also your Business." — Emmely C. on G2

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Cons

  • Investment for early-stage creators could be difficult, although within a few short months they can get a great ROI.
  • Native live via integrations. Live streaming runs through YouTube rather than a fully native live module.
  • Customization depth. Less flexible than fully custom development but the pay-off comes in not having to build your own app.

Kajabi

Pros

  • All-in-one web stack. Website, funnels, email, and courses in one login.
  • Mature funnel features. Pipelines and automations are a strength.
  • Branded App option. Managed mobile app with push and IAP under your brand.

Cons

  • Mobile app is not native-first by default. The Branded App is an add-on unless on Pro, and it is managed by Kajabi.
  • Cost considerations. Higher base plan costs are a frequent discussion point for smaller teams.
  • Deeper mobile engagement is not core. The platform’s center of gravity remains web funnels and email.

Who should choose Passion and who should choose Kajabi?

Choose Passion if:

  • A branded mobile app is non-negotiable and you want native push, offline access, and in-app community to lift completion and renewals.
  • You want to launch in weeks with no code and follow a 30/60/90-day plan with built-in training and checklists.
  • Your model includes mobile subscriptions and you want the choice of web checkout for margin or IAP for convenience.

Choose Kajabi if:

  • You do not need a fully branded native app today, or you prefer a managed Branded App path handled by Kajabi.
  • You run multi-step web funnels and rely on email automation as your primary re-engagement channel.

30-day launch plan: from tool sprawl to a live app

Materials: 10 core lessons, logo and colors, pricing plan, Apple Developer $99, Google Play $25.

Time: 30 days to web app live and submissions underway.

Steps

  1. Day 1–3. Create your Passion account. Pick a template. Upload branding and 10 core lessons on the features page.
  2. Day 4–6. Set pricing. Add monthly and annual subscriptions. Decide web checkout versus IAP by offer using the Passion.io FAQs.
  3. Day 7–9. Set up community channels. Draft a twice-weekly push cadence for the next 8 weeks. See Passion.io community.
  4. Day 10–12. Connect automations with Zapier for Passion.io for email CRM and scheduling.
  5. Day 13–15. Publish the web app. Test lessons, community, and purchase flows end to end.
  6. Day 16–18. Enroll in the Apple and Google developer programs. Follow Apple’s enrollment steps.
  7. Day 19–22. Submit iOS and Android builds. Use Passion’s guide to set up your branded iOS app and respond promptly to any review requests.
  8. Day 23–30. Run a 7-day founding-member offer. Drive early sales via web while store reviews complete. Keep onboarding moving inside the web app.

Scorecard by Day 30: web live, iOS and Android submissions in review, first 25–50 paying users, and a scheduled push calendar.

Risks and fixes:

  • If Apple asks for metadata changes, update screenshots or copy and resubmit in 1–3 days.
  • If margins feel tight, route bundles to web checkout and reserve IAP for low-ticket convenience purchases.

Creator success stories and social proof

"Passion team always answers my emails and questions. Running an app as a computer illiterate creator isn't easy but passion makes it simple!" — Dana Martin on Trustpilot
"I have been wanting to join the Passion.io community for so long and I finally did. It is everything that I imagined. The training is amazing..." — Laura Mae Canada on Trustpilot

Browse Passion case studies to see more success stories, and watch the short comparison video below on YouTube:

Make the choice that matches your revenue plan

If your plan centers on mobile engagement and predictable subscriptions, Passion is purpose-built. You get native apps, push, community, and monetization in one place plus training to ship in weeks. If your plan centers on web funnels and email automation, Kajabi remains a proven all-in-one with an optional managed Branded App that costs extra. Choose the platform that matches how your audience buys and how you want to reach them.

Try Passion today with a money-back guarantee and start monetizing your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Passion offer a free trial?

Instead of a free trial, Passion offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

What are Kajabi’s mobile app capabilities?

Kajabi offers a managed Branded App under your brand with push and IAP, plus a free Kajabi app for members.

How much support does Passion provide for App Store submission?

Publishing to Apple and Google requires the plan that unlocks App Store listing. Plus adds done-for-you submission. The help center includes detailed Apple and Google checklists.

What are the main differences in monetization fees?

PassionPayments adds a 3.9% platform fee on web checkouts. External web checkouts can be 0% Passion platform fee. In-app purchases on iOS and Android send 15–30% to Apple or Google. Kajabi emphasizes no platform cut on web sales, with processing fees applying.