TL;DR: Best Sales Funnel Builders
Building a sales funnel doesn't have to be a headache. I've spent years digging into the best sales funnel builders out there, and I'm sharing my honest take to help you pick the right one for your business. This guide cuts through the noise, showing you what each tool is really good at, and where it might fall short.
Key Takeaways for Skimmers:
- WordPress-native tools like Thrive Suite give you full ownership, deep customization, and integrated conversion tools right on your site. I use it myself because everything just works together.
- All-in-one hosted platforms (ClickFunnels 2.0, Kartra, Systeme.io) offer convenience and speed, centralizing everything from pages to email, but you're renting space on their platform.
- Your choice depends on your priorities: Do you want maximum control and a one-time annual fee (WordPress)? Or do you prefer an all-inclusive monthly subscription for convenience (hosted)?
If you're tired of piecing together tools and want a clear path to building funnels that actually convert, stick around. I'll walk you through the options so you can make a smart decision.
I know building a sales funnel can feel like assembling IKEA furniture with half the instructions missing.
You know you need one to turn visitors into buyers, but the sheer number of tools and conflicting advice can make you want to throw your laptop out the window. I've been there. I've wrestled with clunky integrations, paid for features I didn't need, and spent countless hours trying to make disparate systems work together. That's why I'm here. I've spent years sifting through the options, and I'm sharing my take on the best sales funnel builders out there, so you don't have to repeat my mistakes.
I've tested, used, and audited a lot of tools, both WordPress-native and standalone platforms. My goal is to cut through the noise and help you find a funnel builder that truly fits your business, your budget, and how you actually like to work. If you're just getting started with your first offer or you're a seasoned creator looking to scale, there's an option here that makes sense.
In this guide, I'll cover:
- My top picks for sales funnel builders, including both WordPress-native solutions and hosted platforms.
- What each tool excels at and where it might fall short.
- How to pick the right one based on your specific goals, existing tech, and budget.
- Why I lean towards Thrive Suite for WordPress-based funnel building.
If you're ready to build a funnel that means business and actually brings in those sales you deserve, let's dive in.
Why You Can Trust My Take on Sales Funnel Builders
I've been knee-deep in marketing for over eight years, building funnels for my own projects, for family, and for paying clients. Along the way, I've probably tried every sales funnel tool you can imagine – and yes, I've suffered through more than a few duds. I've seen firsthand what works in real business scenarios and what looks fantastic on a sales page but crumbles when you try to use it.
Now, my focus is on helping business owners like you make smarter choices than I did early on. I want you to build a system that converts, scales, and genuinely fits your workflow. This guide is the distilled result of years of real testing, real frustration, and some very satisfying wins. If you're trying to make sense of the funnel builder landscape, this is where you'll find the clarity to move forward.
What Exactly is a Sales Funnel Builder, Anyway?
Before we get into the tools, let's quickly clear up what we're talking about. A sales funnel builder is essentially a software tool that helps you design and automate the journey a potential customer takes, from first hearing about you to making a purchase. Think of it as a digital roadmap that guides people through awareness, interest, decision, and finally, action.
These builders typically include features like:
- Landing page creation: To capture leads or present offers.
- Opt-in forms: To collect email addresses.
- Checkout pages: To process payments.
- Upsells and downsells: To increase average order value.
- Email automation: To follow up with prospects.
The goal is to simplify the process of setting up these interconnected steps, so you don't have to stitch together a bunch of different tools with digital duct tape.
How to Choose the Best Sales Funnel Builder for Your Business
There are a lot of funnel tools out there, from flashy SaaS platforms to powerful WordPress plugins. But most either fall short in key areas or add unnecessary complexity as you grow. The tools I've picked weren't chosen for popularity; they made the cut because they meet the criteria that actually matter when you're building a funnel that converts.
Here's the filter I use to narrow down the options:
Key Criteria for Evaluating Sales Funnel Builders
- Ownership and Control: Do you fully own your funnel and its data, or are you building inside someone else's platform? WordPress-native tools like Thrive Suite give you complete control. Hosted platforms offer convenience but mean you're renting space.
- Integration Flexibility: A good funnel builder needs to connect smoothly with your email platform, checkout system, and other content tools. I look for native integrations or easy ways to plug into your existing stack.
- Cost at Scale: Some platforms start cheap but get expensive fast as your business grows. I prefer tools with fair, transparent pricing that works whether you're bootstrapping or scaling.
- Ease of Use: You shouldn't need a developer or a week off work to launch your funnel. The best tools strike a balance between power and ease, letting you build something functional without hitting a tech wall.
- Conversion-Focused Features: A funnel builder should do more than just make pretty pages; it should help you make sales. I look for tools that support the full flow – landing page to opt-in to offer – plus extras like scarcity timers, checkout control, or lead segmentation.
- Scalability: Can the tool grow with your business? What happens when your list doubles or you want to add five more funnels? You want a solution that won't force you to migrate later.
- Support and Community: When you hit a snag (and you will), good support makes all the difference. A helpful community or responsive customer service can save you hours of frustration.
There's no single "perfect" funnel builder. There's just the right tool for your workflow, your business model, and how hands-on you want to be. The right choice depends on the level of control you want, the types of funnels you're building, and how much you value flexibility versus convenience.
Sales Funnel Builder Comparison: Hosted vs. WordPress-Native
Before we dive into the individual reviews, it helps to see how the top platforms stack up side-by-side. Every tool on this list aims to solve the same core problem – turning strangers into customers – but they each take a very different approach. Some are WordPress-native, giving you full ownership and flexibility; others are hosted platforms designed to centralize everything in one place.
This comparison table pulls together the most important details: my rating, best use cases, starting pricing, and whether the tool integrates naturally with WordPress. It's a quick snapshot to help you understand which tools align with your business model, your budget, and the level of control you want over your funnels.
Use it as your at-a-glance guide before diving into the individual reviews.
Tool | My Rating | Best For | Starting Price | WordPress-Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thrive Suite | 4.8/5 | WordPress users who want full funnel control + integrated tools | $299/year | ✅ 100% WP-native |
ClickFunnels 2.0 | 4.5/5 | All-in-one hosted platform for fast launches & advanced funnels | $147/month | ❌ Hosted |
Kartra | 4.6/5 | All-in-one automation, client delivery, & membership sites | $119/month | ❌ Hosted |
Systeme.io | 4.7/5 | Beginners & budget-conscious creators looking for an all-in-one | Free | ❌ Hosted |
Leadpages | 4.3/5 | Simple, high-converting landing pages and lead capture | $49/month | ✅ Integrates via plugin |
CartFlows | 4.7/5 | WooCommerce users optimizing checkout flows & order bumps | $199/year | ✅ 100% WP-native |
GoHighLevel | 4.7/5 | Agencies & advanced marketers needing CRM, funnels, & automation | $97/month | ❌ Hosted (but integrates) |
GetResponse | 4.4/5 | Email marketers adding funnels, webinars, & marketing automation | $15.60/month | ❌ Hosted (but integrates) |
SeedProd | 4.5/5 | Simple landing pages & beginner funnels on WordPress | $39.50/year | ✅ 100% WP-native |
Summary: How to Pick the Right Funnel Builder for You
If you want full design freedom inside WordPress — and a funnel stack you actually own — Thrive Suite and CartFlows are strong contenders. They give you deep customization, clean integration, and predictable pricing as your business grows.
If you prefer a hosted, all-in-one platform where everything lives in one dashboard, ClickFunnels 2.0, Kartra, and Systeme.io deliver structure and convenience without the maintenance that comes with plugins.
For those focused on lead generation and simple landing pages, Leadpages or SeedProd are excellent choices. And if email is your backbone, GetResponse sits in that sweet spot between "simple email tool" and "lightweight funnel builder." Finally, if you're an agency or need a serious CRM alongside your funnels, GoHighLevel is built for that.
What matters most is how you want to work. The right funnel builder is the one that matches your workflow, your growth goals, and the level of creative control you want day-to-day.
The Top Sales Funnel Builders and WordPress-Friendly Tools (And What They’re Really Good At)
As you've probably guessed by now, I love a good deep dive. After testing more sales funnel builders than I care to admit (some delightful, some... well, let's just say they taught me patience), I didn't just walk away with a favorite. I uncovered patterns, pitfalls, and a few funnel-building truths that no one seems to talk about. I'll share those with you later.
But first, let's talk tools.
I reviewed each funnel builder based on the stuff that actually matters when you're building a real-life, conversion-focused funnel — not just tinkering for fun.
Here's what I looked at:
- Ease of use: Can you launch something decent without needing a 3-hour tutorial?
- Marketing capability: Does it help you capture leads, follow up, and convert?
- Scalability: Can it grow with your business, or does it tap out early?
- Pricing/value: Are you getting solid functionality, or just fancy fluff?
- Strategic flexibility: Can you build the kind of funnel you need, not just what the templates assume?
With those in mind, let's walk through what each tool is actually good for — the real use cases, not the marketing speak.
If you're searching for the best sales funnel builder for WordPress, Thrive Suite is often at the top of the list. That's not just because of its integrations, but because it's designed to keep every part of your funnel right inside your WordPress site.
Okay, full disclosure: this is the funnel builder I use. Not just because I know it inside and out, but because after trying nearly every major tool out there, this one made the most sense for how I work and what actually gets results. And yes, I liked it so much I started writing for them. That's how confident I am in what this tool can do; I've seen it work from both sides.
Thrive Suite was the first time I felt like everything finally clicked. No sketchy integrations, no "oh wait, that doesn't work with this plugin" moments — just one beautifully connected ecosystem where every tool pulls its weight.
I use:
- Thrive Architect for building landing pages that actually guide attention (instead of just sitting there looking pretty).
- Thrive Leads for creating high-converting opt-ins exactly where they need to be.
- Thrive Quiz Builder for segmenting leads without making them feel like they're being sold to.
- Thrive Apprentice for delivering content, lead magnets, and full courses without needing Kajabi-level pricing.
The real win? It's how smoothly everything works together. I can tag someone based on a quiz result, send them to a custom sales page, and show them a unique offer — all without jumping between five different platforms or praying my Zap holds up. There are so many ways to structure funnels inside Thrive — quizzes, lead magnets, micro-courses, evergreen series — and because it's all in one system, you're not guessing whether it'll work. It just does.
I genuinely wish I had found this setup three years ago. Would've saved me a lot of "why is my funnel broken again" moments.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: $299/year for all tools, updates, and support.
Best For: WordPress business owners, course creators, coaches, and marketers who want maximum control, deep integration, and a conversion-focused toolkit.
ClickFunnels has been a household name in the funnel world for years, and their 2.0 version is a complete overhaul, designed to be an all-in-one business platform. If you want everything under one roof — website, blog, funnels, CRM, email marketing, courses, and even an e-commerce store — without touching WordPress, this is a strong contender.
I've used ClickFunnels for clients who needed to launch something fast and didn't want to deal with WordPress plugins or integrations (and had the money to spend). It's incredibly structured, almost to a fault, which can be a blessing for some and a curse for others. The drag-and-drop builder is intuitive, and the pre-built funnel templates mean you can get a basic funnel live in a day.
The power of ClickFunnels 2.0 comes from its interconnectedness. Your customer contacts, sales data, and email sequences all live in the same place. This lets you build complex funnels with upsells, downsells, and order bumps that are all managed within the platform.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $147/month for the Basic plan, scaling up for more features and contacts.
Best For: Entrepreneurs, coaches, and small businesses who want an all-in-one hosted solution for fast funnel deployment and don't mind paying a premium for convenience.
Kartra is another all-in-one platform, but it often gets overlooked in favor of ClickFunnels. That's a shame, because it's a powerhouse, especially if you're running a service-based business, selling courses, or managing client projects. Where ClickFunnels focuses heavily on sales funnels, Kartra builds out a more comprehensive marketing and business management system.
I've seen Kartra shine for coaches and consultants who need to manage client appointments, host membership sites, deliver courses, and run automated marketing campaigns all from one dashboard. Its email automation and "done-for-you" campaigns are particularly strong, letting you set up sophisticated sequences without much fuss.
The page builder is solid, if not revolutionary, and it ties into everything else smoothly. If you're tired of piecing together scheduling software, email platforms, video hosting, and a helpdesk, Kartra brings it all together.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $119/month for the Starter plan, with higher tiers for more contacts and features.
Best For: Course creators, coaches, consultants, and service-based businesses who need a strong, all-in-one platform to manage their entire client journey and marketing automation.
Systeme.io has rapidly gained popularity, and for good reason: it offers an incredible amount of functionality for a very attractive price, including a generous free plan. If you're just starting out, or you're on a tight budget but need an all-in-one solution, this is definitely one to check out.
I've recommended Systeme.io to friends launching their first online products because it removes a lot of the tech hurdles. You can build funnels, send emails, host courses, manage affiliates, and even run a blog — all from one dashboard. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it less intimidating for newcomers.
While it might not have the deep customization of a WordPress builder or the advanced features of a high-end platform, it covers all the essentials you need to get a business off the ground and start making sales. It's proof you don't need to spend a fortune to build effective funnels.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $27/month.
Best For: Beginners, solopreneurs, and budget-conscious creators who need an all-in-one platform to launch and grow their online business without heavy upfront investment.
Leadpages has been a staple in the lead generation world for a long time, and it continues to excel at what it does best: helping you create high-converting landing pages, pop-ups, and alert bars quickly. While it's not a full-blown all-in-one funnel builder like some others on this list, it's fantastic for the top-of-funnel activities.
I've used Leadpages when the primary goal was to capture leads with a simple opt-in page or to quickly test a new offer. Their drag-and-drop builder is intuitive, and their template library is designed with conversions in mind, often featuring templates that are statistically proven to perform well.
It integrates well with most email service providers and CRMs, and you can easily publish pages to your WordPress site using their plugin. If your main focus is on getting people onto your email list or to a specific offer page without much complexity, Leadpages is a reliable choice.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $49/month for the Standard plan (billed annually).
Best For: Marketers, small businesses, and solopreneurs who need to quickly create high-converting landing pages and lead capture forms, especially for lead magnets, webinars, or simple product launches.
If you're running an e-commerce store on WordPress using WooCommerce, CartFlows is the one for you. It's not a general-purpose funnel builder in the same way Thrive Suite is, but it specializes in optimizing the checkout experience to increase your average order value and conversions.
I've seen CartFlows work wonders for clients who already have products on WooCommerce but want to add professional-looking checkout pages, order bumps, one-click upsells, and downsells. It takes the standard, often clunky, WooCommerce checkout and transforms it into a smooth, conversion-focused flow.
It integrates directly with WooCommerce and popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and yes, even Thrive Architect. This lets you design beautiful, custom checkout pages that match your brand, and then add those crucial steps that encourage customers to spend more.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $199/year for the Pro plan.
Best For: E-commerce businesses running on WordPress with WooCommerce who want to improve their checkout process, increase average order value, and create custom sales funnels for their products.
GoHighLevel is a beast of a platform, designed primarily for marketing agencies and businesses that need a comprehensive CRM, marketing automation, and funnel builder all rolled into one. It's less about building simple funnels for a single product and more about managing client relationships, automating complex campaigns, and scaling an agency.
I've seen agencies use GoHighLevel to white-label services, manage multiple client accounts, and automate everything from lead nurturing to appointment booking. It includes features like a strong CRM, email marketing, SMS marketing, call tracking, reputation management, and yes, a funnel and website builder.
If you're an agency looking to consolidate your tools, or a business with a complex sales process that requires heavy automation and client management, GoHighLevel offers an impressive suite of tools. It's definitely not for the faint of heart or the casual user, but its power is undeniable.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $97/month for the Agency Starter plan.
Best For: Marketing agencies, advanced marketers, and businesses with complex sales processes who need a strong CRM, extensive marketing automation, and the ability to manage multiple client accounts or sophisticated campaigns.
GetResponse started as an email marketing platform, but it has evolved into a comprehensive marketing automation tool that includes a solid funnel builder and webinar hosting. If email is the core of your business and you want to add sales funnels and webinars without introducing a whole new system, GetResponse is a strong contender.

I've used GetResponse for its webinar features and found them to be very user-friendly. Their "Conversion Funnels" (formerly Autofunnels) guide you through setting up lead magnets, sales pages, and email sequences. It's a great way to dip your toes into funnel building if you're already familiar with their email marketing interface.
It's not as powerful as a dedicated funnel builder for complex sales pages or deep customization, but for straightforward lead generation, product launches, and webinar funnels, it offers a lot of value in one integrated package.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $15.60/month for the Email Marketing plan; higher tiers include funnels and webinars.
Best For: Email marketers, small businesses, and solopreneurs who primarily rely on email and want to easily add lead generation, sales funnels, and webinar hosting to their existing marketing efforts.
I have a soft spot for SeedProd. It's one of those tools I recommend to friends who are just starting their websites and don't want to spiral into tech overwhelm. SeedProd often shows up in "best funnel builder for WordPress" searches — and for good reason. It's simple, visual, and ideal for creators who just want fast results.
I've used SeedProd for simple, time-sensitive launches where the goal was clear: publish a clean opt-in page, connect it to an email list, and move forward. It's especially helpful when you're just getting started and want to focus on your offer — not your tech stack.
Everything about SeedProd is geared toward ease. From the drag-and-drop interface to the growing library of templates (including new AI-generated options), it's designed to help non-technical users build fast, functional pages with confidence. It's especially great for those early-stage funnels — Opt-in → Thank You Page → Email follow-up.
Pros
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $39.50/year for the Basic plan.
Best For: WordPress beginners, small businesses, and solopreneurs who need a simple, fast, and easy way to create landing pages, coming soon pages, and basic lead generation funnels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sales Funnel Builders
I hear a lot of similar questions when people are trying to wrap their heads around funnel builders. Let's tackle a few common ones.
A sales funnel builder is a software tool that helps you design and automate the steps a potential customer takes from first learning about your business to making a purchase. It guides visitors through a specific path, often including landing pages, opt-in forms, sales pages, and checkout pages, all aimed at converting them into buyers.
Making Your Decision: What's Next?
Choosing the right sales funnel builder is a decision that impacts your workflow, your budget, and ultimately, your business growth. I've laid out the options, highlighted their strengths, and pointed out where they might not be the best fit.
If you want full design freedom inside WordPress and a funnel stack you truly own, Thrive Suite is my go-to. It gives you deep customization, clean integration, and predictable pricing as your business grows.
If you prefer a hosted, all-in-one platform where everything lives in one dashboard, ClickFunnels 2.0, Kartra, or Systeme.io offer structure and convenience.
And if you're specifically looking to supercharge your WooCommerce store, CartFlows is tailor-made for that.
The key is to pick the tool that aligns with your specific needs today, and that can grow with you tomorrow. Don't get caught up in chasing the "perfect" solution; focus on the one that helps you get your funnels live and converting.
You're now armed with the insights to make a smart choice for your business. Take a deep breath, pick the tool that resonates most, and start building. The sooner you get your funnels out there, the sooner they can start working for you.
💡 Ready to launch your funnel on WordPress (without the tech overwhelm)?
If you've decided a WordPress-native solution like Thrive Suite is the right path for you, I've got a guide that walks you through the exact steps. From setting up your landing pages and opt-ins to connecting your email platform and publishing your first offer, you'll learn how to build a conversion-ready funnel using WordPress + Thrive Suite. You won't need a developer or a duct-taped stack of tools.
👉 How to Build a Sales Funnel on WordPress
This guide is perfect if you're ready to:
- Get your funnel live *fast*.
- Avoid tool fatigue and endless integrations.
- Create a system that actually scales with your business.











Thanks for this great article that shares so many options and directions! I am a huge Thrive Suite fan — and I love how confident you are in your product that you are able to openly share info about competitors. Of course, in my opinion, there is no competition to Thrive Suite! (I have a bunch of lead pages stuck on Leadpages and wish I could convert them easily to Thrived so I could get out of Leadpages.
Thanks for all the great products and service you provide!
Thank you!
Thanks for this article.
I’ve used a few of these Sales Funnel Builders but honestly, Thrive Suite is the easiest and the most effective.
You guys have the best tips and info. Love your suite of products. I use ThriveThemes is a must for all my 5 businesses websites and wouldn’t consider anyone else. Keep up the great content I’ve learned so much from you guys!!
Very Interesting Article! CartFlows sounds really promising for building an website!
used Thrive Suite for my last job. pretty easy to use
Very informative, thanks
I have been using thrive themes for years now and I still love it. One of my favourite combos is Thrive Themes / Thrive Automater / Thrive Apprentice / SureCart. Works so well together and looks amazing.
Glad to hear this, Daniel! Thanks for being a part of the Thrive Themes fam!
I’ve used Thrive Apprentice for years and have been thrilled with it. But then I tried Thrive Themes and I’m kicking myself for not getting the this full suite of tools years ago. Easy to understand and use. Fully integrated. Everything you’d want for all types of webpages. Fast websites. Great price. Of course, you could spend hundreds a month with those other products and spend all your time trying to figure them out, or you could take advantage of this Black Friday Sale and do it right and do it the easy way.
Thank you for these kind words, Maurice. We’re glad to have you as a part of the Thrive Themes family!
thanks for the information it’s really helpful, that’s what we really need
thnks for the info
Will be getting the Funnelkit
I use LeadPages now. Its great
This was really helpful for me
Thank you for this article, it helps me a lot to building the website
We were discussing this the other day. You included some really useful points that we as newbies hadn’t considered. Thanks.
Thanks for the info, something new.
Thank you for this article, it helps me a lot to learn . You can never know too much ahah
Great roundup! Thrive Suite caught my eye for its versatility and affordability. Excited to explore the options and build effective sales funnels. Thanks for the insights!
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading!
I’m not an entrepreneur, but I appreciate all the tips you offer. I highly recommend these to anyone wanting to grow their business.
Wow this was very informative and I really enjoyed learning about Thrive Themes, I’m definitely looking into getting started!!
Great. Thank you for the article!
Apart from Seedprod I would consider the listing order of the funnel builders as if it goes from best to worst in terms of money for value, with the Thrive suite being number one and some other good plugins on the funnel builder market following. Thanks for the list!
Thanx for showing me all those tools
I like that I can use Thrive Suit even though I don’t know how to code. It’s also the most cost-effective solution considering everything you get.
Fantastic article, thank you. Though once you’ve set up your sales funnel with Thrive Suite and start seeing results, you’ll be hooked like I was.
Great guide! I’ve been exploring sales funnel builders lately for my small business, and this article came at the perfect time. The breakdown of key factors to consider is super helpful. I’m particularly intrigued by Thrive Suite – the all-in-one bundle seems like a steal, especially for someone like me with limited coding experience. Has anyone here tried it?
Thanks for all the information I learned a lot.
Your content is very elaborative and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing such great knowledge.