Are you trying to decide whether ClickFunnels Classic or the ClickFunnels 2.0 platform is the right choice for your funnel-building needs?
ClickFunnels Classic Versus the ClickFunnels 2.0
This article compares ClickFunnels Classic and the ClickFunnels 2.0 to help you determine which version aligns with your business goals.
You will receive a thorough, professional breakdown of features, workflows, performance, migration considerations, pricing, and recommended use cases.
Overview of ClickFunnels Classic
ClickFunnels Classic refers to the original version of ClickFunnels version 1.0 that popularized drag-and-drop funnel creation and pre-built funnel templates. It became a standard for entrepreneurs and marketers who needed a fast, no-code way to create marketing funnels.
ClickFunnels Classic features include funnel-building templates, a funnel-focused page editor, basic membership areas, and integrated payment options. You will notice that the Classic version emphasizes straightforward funnel assembly with a step-by-step funnel flow.
Purpose and typical users of Classic
Classic was designed for small business owners, affiliate marketers, coaches, and consultants who needed quick-to-launch funnels without technical complexity. You will often encounter Classic users who prioritize speed of setup and familiarity with an established ecosystem.
Many long-term users appreciate Classic for its predictable behavior and extensive community resources. If your workflows are established around Classic, you will value its consistency and plugin ecosystem.
Overview of ClickFunnels 2.0 Platform
The modern ClickFunnels platform, sometimes referred to as ClickFunnels 2.0, represents a substantial revision of the original platform. It aims to unify site, funnel, store, and blog creation within a single, more flexible environment.
ClickFunnels 2.0 expands features to include a full website builder, improved page editor, built-in CRM, analytics, expanded membership functionality, and enhanced checkout and product management. You will find that the modern platform is designed to consolidate multiple tools into one platform.
Purpose and typical users of the modern platform
The modern platform targets business owners and agencies that require an all-in-one solution to manage sales funnels, websites, digital products, and customer relationships. You will appreciate enhanced flexibility and integrated capabilities that reduce the need for separate tools.
If your business requires a consolidated tech stack with deeper analytics and product management, the modern platform may better serve your long-term scalability needs. It is intended to replace or minimize dependency on external page builders, CRMs, and membership plugins.
High-level differences
At a high level, the key differences involve architecture, scope, and integration depth. Classic emphasizes funnel-focused simplicity, while the modern platform focuses on broader site and business management capabilities.
You will note differences in the editor experience, templates, membership features, checkout flows, and backend tools like CRM and analytics. These variations impact how you design funnels, manage customers, and analyze performance.
Why these differences matter to you
If your priority is a quick and familiar funnel-building workflow, Classic remains useful. If you require a unified platform that covers website, product, and customer lifecycle management, the modern platform has meaningful advantages.
Your decision should be based on current needs, projected growth, team capabilities, and whether you prefer a single integrated solution versus a more modular approach.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Below is a structured comparison that highlights major features you will care about. The table format will help you scan differences quickly and make a more informed decision.
| Feature | ClickFunnels Classic | Modern ClickFunnels Platform (2.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Page/Funnel Editor | Funnel-focused builder with proven templates and standard drag-and-drop | New editor designed for sites and funnels with improved block system and flexible sections |
| Website Builder | Limited; primarily funnels and landing pages | Full website builder with page templates, blogs, and navigation |
| Memberships | Basic membership areas | Advanced membership features, better content access control, and engagement tools |
| CRM & Email | Requires integrations or Actionetics (legacy) | Built-in CRM, email automation, and behavioral tracking |
| Checkout & Order Forms | Standard checkout and order bumps | Improved checkout flow, subscriptions, flexible payment options, and one-click upsells |
| Products & Catalog | Managed per funnel; basic product management | Expanded product management, subscriptions, variants, and store features |
| Analytics & Reporting | Funnel-centric analytics | Deeper analytics, funnel reports, customer insights, and revenue reporting |
| Speed & Performance | Mature performance; some legacy elements | Optimized performance, modern architecture, and faster page loads |
| Integrations | Broad third-party integrations and marketplace | Native integrations plus marketplace; improving third-party support |
| Learning Curve | Lower if you’re familiar with Classic | Higher initial learning curve but more powerful long-term |
| Migration Path | N/A (existing environment) | Migration tools available, but can require manual adjustments |
| Price Structure | Historically tiered for funnels and pages | New pricing tiers reflecting expanded capabilities |
You will use this table as a quick reference to identify which areas are priority differentiators for your business.
Editor and design experience
The editing experience represents one of the most tangible differences between the two platforms. Your comfort with the editor will directly affect speed of production and maintainability.
ClickFunnels Classic uses a page builder that is funnel-centric and familiar to long-term users. The modern platform introduces a more modular block-and-section system that better supports full websites and complex layouts.
Page templates and flexibility
Classic provides tried-and-true templates optimized for conversion-focused funnels. You will find many pre-built funnels and community templates to accelerate setup.
The modern platform offers updated templates designed for responsiveness and modern aesthetics while allowing greater customization for site-wide styling. You will gain more control over global styles and reusable components.
Funnels and site architecture
How you structure funnels and manage site navigation differs between the platforms. Your chosen architecture will impact SEO, user experience, and scalability.
Classic organizes funnels into discrete flows where each funnel represents a set of funnel steps. The modern platform lets you combine funnels, pages, and a broader website structure under a unified approach.
SEO considerations
Classic supports basic SEO controls, but it was primarily designed as a funnel tool rather than a full website builder. You will likely need to use additional tactics for broader SEO strategies.
The modern platform includes improved SEO features, such as global metadata, flexible URL structures, and better blog integration, which support content marketing and organic acquisition. You will find it easier to manage long-term SEO on the modern platform.
Memberships and course delivery
If you plan to sell courses, memberships, or gated content, membership system capabilities will be critical for your choice.
Classic offers functional membership areas suitable for simple course delivery with drip access and basic content restriction. Many users implemented third-party LMS platforms for advanced needs.
Modern platform membership strengths
The modern platform enhances membership capabilities with more nuanced access control, content structuring, and member engagement tools. You will find better analytics on member behavior and integrated payment handling for subscriptions.
This capability reduces the requirement for third-party LMS tools and can simplify your tech stack when you manage digital products and subscriptions.
Checkout, payments, and order management
Checkout flows and payment features directly influence conversion rates and customer experience. You will need a reliable and flexible checkout system that supports your business model.
Classic includes standard checkout pages, order bumps, and upsell flows that have proven effective for many funnel types. However, more complex product variations and subscription management sometimes required external tools.
Modern checkout and product catalog
ClickFunnels 2.0 improves product management, subscription handling, and order flow flexibility. You will benefit from improved one-click upsells, better refund handling, and centralized product catalog management.
These enhancements help when you run stores, manage multiple products or pricing tiers, and need tighter control over billing cycles and customer retention tactics.
CRM, automation, and email
Customer relationship management and automation determine how well you nurture leads and convert them into customers. The modern platform expands native capabilities in this area.
Classic relied heavily on integrations or legacy Actionetics for advanced automations. You will often connect third-party CRMs or email platforms for robust campaigns.
Built-in CRM in the modern platform
The modern ClickFunnels platform includes an integrated CRM, contact management, tagging, and automation workflows. You can create behavior-based funnels and automated sequences without extensive external integrations.
You will find it easier to implement advanced segmentation and lifecycle campaigns directly within the platform.
Analytics, tracking, and optimization
Data-driven decision making requires accurate analytics and the ability to split-test effectively. Your conversion optimization efforts hinge on the platform’s reporting capabilities.
Classic provides funnel analytics and split-testing that helped marketers optimize pages and steps. It offers conversion tracking but may lack depth for complex multi-touch attribution.
Enhanced analytics in ClickFunnels 2.0
The modern platform delivers deeper analytics, including cross-funnel revenue reports and customer insights. You will have better visibility into lifetime value, churn, and funnel performance across products.
This level of insight supports strategic decisions around customer acquisition costs and product mix optimization.
Performance and hosting
Page performance affects conversion rates and SEO. Hosting and asset delivery differ between the platforms and can influence your user experience.
Classic operates on a mature hosting infrastructure optimized for funnel delivery, but older elements may not leverage the latest performance improvements. You will generally see reliable performance for standard funnels.
Modern platform performance improvements
ClickFunnels 2.0 was built with a more modern architecture and focuses on faster page loads, improved asset management, and better caching mechanisms. You will likely experience faster initial load times and smoother rendering.
Improved performance contributes to better conversion rates and search rankings for your public site pages.
Integrations and extensibility
Your ability to connect external tools like payment processors, CRMs, analytics platforms, and custom scripts will affect the platform’s fit within your existing stack.
Classic has a rich history of third-party integrations and a marketplace of add-ons. You will find a wide range of community-built solutions for common needs.
Growing integration ecosystem for 2.0
The modern platform continues to expand native integrations and marketplace offerings. You will increasingly be able to connect with popular tools natively, but some niche integrations may still require workarounds or custom solutions.
Evaluate integration needs early to ensure the platform supports your critical tools or provides APIs to bridge gaps.
Migration and transition considerations
If you currently use ClickFunnels Classic and consider moving to the modern platform, migration planning is critical. Your migration process will affect downtime, redesign needs, and historical data continuity.
ClickFunnels offers migration resources and tools, but full automated migration is not always possible. You will likely need to recreate some funnels, pages, and membership content due to structural differences.
Practical migration steps
- Audit your existing funnels, pages, and memberships. You will identify high-priority assets and dependencies.
- Map features from Classic to their modern equivalents. Some features may require redesign or custom logic.
- Recreate or import assets manually where necessary, and test checkout flows and automations thoroughly.
- Update DNS and integrations, validate analytics tracking, and run a soft launch to verify function.
Allocate time and resources for testing and contingency planning to avoid disruption to sales.
Pricing and value proposition
Pricing structures influence ROI and long-term value. You should assess not only monthly costs but how platform capabilities reduce or eliminate other tool expenses.
Classic pricing historically focused on funnel limits and user seats, while the modern platform often positions itself as an all-in-one replacement for multiple tools. You will need to compare total cost of ownership including external SaaS subscriptions you might discontinue.
How to evaluate price versus value
List all tools you currently use for site building, membership management, email marketing, CRM, and analytics. You will compare combined costs against the modern platform subscription to determine net value. Factor in expected gains from faster development, improved analytics, and consolidated billing.
Security, compliance, and reliability
Security and compliance are important when handling customer data and payments. Your choice should consider platform security measures and data privacy controls.
Both platforms maintain PCI compliance for payments and offer secure hosting. You will want to review data residency, backup policies, and access controls based on your regulatory obligations.
Recommended security practices
Implement two-factor authentication, use strong password policies, and review user permissions regularly. You will also ensure that your checkout and membership content comply with applicable data protection regulations.
Use cases and recommendations
Selecting the right platform depends on your business model, growth plans, and technical preferences. Below are common scenarios and platform recommendations.
- You run small, single-product funnels and prioritize minimal change: Classic may be sufficient and familiar for you. You will gain speed and consistency without substantial migration work.
- You need a full website, blog, memberships, and unified product management: The modern platform suits you best to reduce tool sprawl and improve analytics.
- You operate an agency building sites and funnels for clients: The modern platform offers client management, broader site capabilities, and product catalogs that support agency workflows.
- You require advanced third-party integrations and custom solutions today: Classic’s mature ecosystem may meet immediate needs, but evaluate the modern platform’s roadmap for long-term compatibility.
Pros and cons summary
A concise pros and cons list will help you weigh trade-offs and make an informed decision.
ClickFunnels Classic
- Pros: Familiar workflow, mature marketplace, fast funnel creation, lower short-term learning curve.
- Cons: Limited website features, older architecture, reliance on integrations for CRM and advanced automation.
Modern ClickFunnels Platform
- Pros: Unified platform for sites, funnels, CRM, and products; enhanced analytics; modern editor and performance improvements.
- Cons: Higher initial learning curve, migration complexity from Classic, evolving integration ecosystem.
Decision framework: how to choose
Use a practical framework to guide your selection. You will evaluate present needs, future growth, integrations, and team skills.
- Inventory current tools and workflows.
- Identify must-have features and pain points.
- Assess the cost of migration versus benefits.
- Prioritize long-term scalability and analytics needs.
- Pilot a small funnel or site on the modern platform before large-scale migration.
This structured approach will help you make a decision aligned with business priorities rather than short-term preferences.
Implementation tips for whichever platform you choose
Regardless of the platform, following best practices will improve outcomes and reduce friction. You will benefit from consistent processes and documentation.
- Create a style guide and reusable components to maintain design consistency.
- Implement version control or documentation for funnels and pages.
- Test payment flows and automations in staging or with small transactions.
- Monitor analytics and set KPIs for conversion optimization.
- Train your team on platform-specific workflows and maintain a knowledge base.
These practices improve efficiency and reduce errors as you scale.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions you may have while comparing the two platforms.
Can I use both platforms simultaneously?
Yes. You can maintain ClickFunnels Classic for existing funnels while piloting the modern platform for new projects. You will need to manage two systems and keep integrations aligned.
Will my third-party integrations continue working on the modern platform?
Many integrations are supported, but some niche tools may require custom connection work. You will want to validate each critical integration before migration.
Is migrating to the modern platform mandatory?
No. Migration is optional, but the modern platform represents ClickFunnels’ strategic direction. You will want to evaluate long-term support and feature development when planning your platform strategy.
Final considerations
Your choice between ClickFunnels Classic and the modern ClickFunnels platform depends on balancing immediate familiarity against long-term consolidation and expanded capabilities. You will want to evaluate how each platform fits into your tech stack, team skills, and growth strategy.
If you value a unified system that reduces tool sprawl and provides deeper analytics, the modern platform is likely the better strategic choice. If you require minimal change and rely heavily on Classic-specific integrations and templates, staying on Classic while planning a measured transition could be more appropriate.
Make a decision based on documented business requirements, a migration plan if applicable, and a pilot to validate assumptions. You will reduce risk and achieve a smoother transition by following a disciplined approach and engaging stakeholders early in the process.
