Courses.gg Review (2025): Mike Filsaime’s Skool Killer… Or Just Hype?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room for coaches, course creators, and community builders who are looking for a real courses.gg review: the monthly fees. Platforms like Skool have become incredibly popular, and for good reason – they offer a clean, integrated space for courses and community.

But at $99/month per community, those costs add up fast. If you run multiple programs, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars every single month, year after year. 💸

This is the reality for many, forcing tough choices: either limit your offerings, settle for fragmented tools (like Facebook Groups + a separate course platform), or just suck up the recurring expense.

Enter Courses.gg, the latest project from Mike Filsaime, a name you might recognize from his work on platforms like Kartra and Groove.cm. Courses.gg is stepping into the ring, positioning itself directly as a Skool competitor, but with a potentially game-changing difference: a one-time payment option during its pre-launch phase.

Now, you’re probably wondering… Is this legit? A one-time payment for unlimited communities and courses? What’s the catch? Is it actually going to be as good as Skool? And knowing the world of software launches, will it really deliver by June 2025?

I get that skepticism. I’ve been in this game for over a decade, built six-figure affiliate businesses promoting platforms like GrooveFunnels, and evaluated countless tools. I’ve felt the pain of monthly fees and the frustration of duct-taping systems together. I’ve followed Mike’s work for years and seen his ambition in software development.

This review is based on the compelling value proposition presented during the early access phase and the promise of what Courses.gg aims to be. It’s a no-BS guide to help you understand if this upcoming platform is the solution you’ve been waiting for, or if you should stick with the status quo.

So, is Courses.gg the answer to the monthly fee nightmare, offering a powerful space to host your courses and community without breaking the bank? Let’s dive in.

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Why Should I Trust Your Courses.gg Review?

You’re right to be skeptical, especially with a pre-release offer. Anyone can promise the moon. This review isn’t based on months of using the final software (because it’s not out yet). Instead, it’s based on:

1. Securing Early Access: Evaluating the compelling value proposition of the pre-order lifetime deal.
2. Founder’s Reputation: Understanding Mike Filsaime’s track record in the software and marketing space, having followed his work (including Kartra, GrooveFunnels, WebinarJam) for over a decade.
3. Industry Knowledge: Applying over 10 years of digital marketing experience and comparing the promised features and pricing against platforms I’ve used or evaluated extensively, like Skool, Kartra, and GrooveFunnels.

Think of this as a “calculated pre-order” review. It’s about assessing the potential, the value of the deal, and the trustworthiness of the vision presented by the founder, rather than a traditional review of a fully launched, mature product. My goal is to give you a grounded perspective on why this offer has generated such buzz and if it makes sense for you to consider, even at this stage.

What is Courses.gg? The Subscription Killer?

Courses.gg is Mike Filsaime’s brand-new software venture under his Monarch Labs brand. It’s designed specifically to be a modern, all-in-one platform for hosting online courses and building online communities.

Its core purpose is to provide creators, coaches, and educators with the tools needed to deliver digital education and foster engagement, but crucially, without the high, per-community monthly fees that are common with platforms like Skool.

Based on the pre-launch information, key features will include:

•  Unlimited Courses & Communities: The major selling point – no limits on the number of programs you can host.
•  Direct Payment Collection: Ability to use your own Stripe or PayPal accounts to collect 100% of your revenue instantly (or use their processing).
•  Custom Domains: Brand your platform fully with your own domain.
•  Built-in Affiliate Program: Easily allow others to promote your communities and courses.
•  Clean, Distraction-Free Interface: Focus on usability for both creators and members.
•  Gamification: Tools to boost member engagement within communities.
•  Hidden or Private Communities: Flexibility in access control.

The platform is slated for full release at the end of June 2025. The current focus is on providing early access and gathering feedback from founding members before the public launch transitions to a subscription model.

Who Created Courses.gg? A Founder’s Return to Core Software

Courses.gg is the first software launch from Mike Filsaime since his departure as CEO from Groove.cm. Mike is a well-known figure in the online marketing software space, having been a co-creator of successful platforms like Kartra, WebinarJam, and EverWebinar, in addition to Groove.cm. He’s also known for his early marketing concepts like Butterfly Marketing.

Mike’s story behind creating Courses.gg is clear from his communication: he saw the popularity of platforms like Skool and recognized their value in combining courses and community. However, he identified the high monthly cost per community and the lack of control (no custom domains, no direct payment collection) as significant pain points for creators.

His vision for Courses.gg is to build something equally elegant and simple but with more flexibility and control, all while eliminating the recurring monthly fee burden, at least for early adopters. He’s leveraging his years of experience in building software and understanding the needs of online entrepreneurs to create a platform he believes should exist.

While Mike’s past projects have sometimes involved ambitious timelines and complex rollouts (which can fuel skepticism), his commitment to this specific platform under his new Monarch Labs brand, and his focus on addressing a clear market pain point (high monthly fees), are strong indicators of his dedication. He’s building this from scratch, focusing on core functionality first.

Who is Courses.gg For? Escaping the Monthly Fee Trap

Choosing the right platform is tough, especially when promises are big and budgets are real. Courses.gg is targeting a specific type of online entrepreneur. Based on its features and pricing model, here’s who I see benefiting most from this upcoming platform:

1. Coaches & Consultants Running Group Programs: If you host multiple coaching groups or programs, the idea of paying $99/month for each one on a platform like Skool is painful. Courses.gg’s unlimited communities for a one-time (or future annual) fee offers a compelling cost advantage for scaling your coaching.
2. Course Creators with Multiple Offerings: If you plan to launch several courses, each with its own community aspect, Courses.gg provides a space to host and deliver them all without escalating monthly costs based on the number of programs.
3. Community Builders (Paid or Free): Whether you’re building a paid membership community or a free group around your content, Courses.gg gives you the tools (gamification, custom domains) on a platform you control, without the per-community fees.
4. Entrepreneurs Prioritizing Ownership & Value: If you dislike the idea of “renting” your online space and prefer to own the platform where your core audience and content live, and you’re looking for exceptional long-term value compared to ongoing subscriptions, the lifetime deal is a major draw.
5. Marketers Leveraging Affiliate Programs: The built-in affiliate tools make it easier to incentivize others to promote your communities and courses.

Who might Courses.gg NOT be the perfect fit for (at this stage)?

•  Those Needing a Full Marketing Suite: If you require integrated funnel builders, email marketing automation, or advanced CRM within the same platform as your community/courses, you will still need to integrate other tools. Courses.gg is focused specifically on the community + course core.
•  Those Needing Immediate Access: If you need a fully functional platform today, Courses.gg is not ready – it’s scheduled for release in June 2025.
•  Those Uncomfortable with Pre-Release Products: As a pre-ordered platform, the final polish, stability, and exact execution of all features won’t be known until release.

Courses.gg Tutorial & Walkthrough (Coming Soon)

Since the platform is still under development and scheduled for release in June 2025, a video demonstrating the user interface, community features, and showing how to set up a course is planned and will be embedded here once access is available.

What Benefits Does Courses.gg Provide?

I’ve spent years evaluating and promoting online marketing tools, from all-in-one suites to specialized platforms. My experience with platforms like Kartra and GrooveFunnels showed me the power of integration, but also the complexity. Evaluating platforms like Skool highlighted the appeal of simplicity for communities, but the recurring cost felt like a trap. When Mike Filsaime announced Courses.gg, it immediately addressed that core pain point for me. Here are the key benefits I see this platform promising:

•  💰 End the Monthly Fee Nightmare: This is the headline benefit. Securing lifetime access means no more ongoing monthly or annual payments for your core community and course platform. This represents massive long-term savings, especially compared to scaling on a platform like Skool.
•  📈 Scale Your Offerings Without Cost Penalties: With unlimited communities and unlimited courses, you can expand your coaching programs, membership levels, or course library without worrying about hitting higher subscription tiers.
•  🔒 Own Your Digital Space: Gain control over your platform. Use your custom domain and collect payments directly into your own Stripe or PayPal accounts. You’re building on your own digital real estate, not just renting space.
•  🤝 Build and Engage Your Tribe: Leverage planned features like gamification and a clean, distraction-free UI to create an engaging environment that encourages member interaction and boosts retention.
•  🚀 Launch Your Programs Efficiently: The platform is designed for simplicity, aiming to make setting up communities and courses straightforward so you can focus on delivering value.
•  💡 Benefit from a Founder’s Experience: Mike Filsaime’s background in building successful software platforms suggests a focus on core functionality that marketers and creators actually need.
•  🔮 Influence the Future: Joining as a founding member potentially offers the opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the platform’s development before its public release.

Courses.gg Pricing – How Much Does it Cost?

The pricing model for Courses.gg is a major differentiator, especially during its pre-launch phase. Mike Filsaime has outlined a clear 4-Phase launch strategy:

1. Phase 1 (Limited Time): $297 One-Time Payment. This is the current early adopter pricing, offering lifetime access to the unlimited communities and unlimited courses plan. This phase is ending very soon.
2. Phase 2 (Starting Soon): $397 One-Time Payment. The price increases but still offers lifetime access.
3. Phase 3 (Later): $497 One-Time Payment. The final opportunity to get lifetime access before the subscription model.
4. Phase 4 (Release: June 2025): $497/year. This is the planned public pricing, transitioning to an annual subscription model for unlimited communities and courses.

The significant value lies in securing access during Phases 1-3 to avoid the future $497/year recurring cost forever.

Now, let’s answer some specific pricing questions:

Does Courses.gg Offer a Free Trial?

No, Courses.gg does not currently offer a free trial. Access during the pre-launch phase requires a one-time payment. A trial option might be introduced after the official public launch in June 2025, but the current opportunity is focused on securing lifetime access via a paid pre-order.

Is There a Courses.gg Discount Available?

The $297 price point (Phase 1) is the significant early adopter discount. It’s a substantial reduction compared to the planned future annual price ($497/year) and is a one-time fee instead of a recurring one. The price will increase in subsequent pre-launch phases ($397, $497) before converting to the annual subscription.

Does Courses.gg Have a Lifetime Deal?

Yes! The current pre-launch offer (Phases 1-3) is specifically a Lifetime Deal. By making a one-time payment during these limited phases, you secure access to the platform (unlimited communities, unlimited courses) forever, without any future monthly or annual subscription fees. This deal will not be available after Phase 3 ends.

What About Courses.gg Subscriptions?

Courses.gg will transition to a subscription model in June 2025 (Phase 4). The planned public price will be $497 per year for unlimited communities and courses. The pre-launch lifetime deal is the only way to avoid this future recurring subscription.

Are There Any Courses.gg Coupon Codes?

No, there are no generic coupon codes available. The value and “discount” are built into the tiered pre-launch pricing phases ($297, $397, $497 one-time) before the platform transitions to its standard annual subscription ($497/year).

Courses.gg User Reviews

Since Courses.gg is currently in its pre-launch phase and not yet fully released to users (scheduled for June 2025), you will not find public user reviews on sites like Trustpilot, G2, or Capterra. Any feedback available is likely from internal testing or early beta users.

However, the pre-launch phase has shown significant early momentum. Mike Filsaime reported over 100 creators jumped in within the first 12 hours, quickly growing to over 500 pre-orders shortly after. This suggests strong market demand and trust in Mike’s ability to deliver based on the value proposition presented.

My review is based on the promise of the platform, the value of the pre-order deal, and my understanding of Mike Filsaime’s track record in building software. It provides a perspective on why this offer is compelling at this stage, while acknowledging that the true test will come upon the platform’s full release in June 2025.

Courses.gg Alternatives – Comparing Community & Course Platforms

It’s smart to see how Courses.gg aims to stack up against the tools already out there. Here’s a look at some key competitors, specifically focusing on platforms used for communities and courses:

Courses.gg vs. Skool

•  Skool’s Strength: Clean, simple interface, strong gamification, established user base.
•  Comparison: Courses.gg is positioned directly as a Skool alternative. Both aim for a clean UI and integrate community with courses and gamification. The major difference is pricing and ownership. Skool charges $99/month per community, offers no custom domains, and doesn’t allow direct payment collection. Courses.gg (especially with the lifetime deal) offers unlimited communities for a one-time fee, promises custom domains, and allows direct payment collection. Courses.gg offers more control and potentially massive cost savings, while Skool is the established, currently functional platform.
•  Who Prefers Which: Choose Skool if you need a simple, proven platform today, only need one community, and are okay with the monthly fee and platform limitations. Choose Courses.gg if you prioritize avoiding monthly fees, need unlimited communities, want more control (domains, payments), and are willing to pre-order and wait for the June 2025 release.

Courses.gg vs. Circle / Mighty Networks

•  Circle/Mighty Networks’ Strength: More advanced customization, robust features (like native live rooms in Circle, strong mobile apps in Mighty Networks), flexibility in community structure (spaces/subgroups).
•  Comparison: Circle and Mighty Networks offer more depth and customization than Skool, but often come with higher price tags and can have a steeper learning curve (“with great power comes great complexity,” as Mike noted). Courses.gg aims for the simplicity of Skool but with more core control features (domains, payments) and the unlimited, one-time pricing advantage. Courses.gg is focused purely on the community + course core, while Circle/Mighty Networks offer broader feature sets.
•  Who Prefers Which: Choose Circle/Mighty Networks if you need highly customizable, feature-rich communities, are comfortable with complexity and tiered pricing, and potentially stronger mobile apps. Choose Courses.gg if you want a simpler, Skool-like experience but with more ownership/payment control and the massive value of the lifetime deal.

Courses.gg vs. Kajabi / Thinkific / Teachable

•  Kajabi/Thinkific/Teachable’s Strength: Established course delivery platforms, often with more mature course-specific features (quizzes, certificates), Kajabi offers broader marketing tools (funnels, email).
•  Comparison: These are primarily course platforms that often add basic community features, whereas Courses.gg is designed with community as a core, integrated element alongside courses. Kajabi is an all-in-one marketing suite (more comparable to a part of ESTAGE’s vision), but is significantly more expensive. Thinkific/Teachable are more focused on course delivery. Courses.gg offers unlimited courses and unlimited communities for a much lower price (especially the lifetime deal) than scaling on these platforms, but may lack some of their advanced course-specific features or broader marketing tools.
•  Who Prefers Which: Choose Kajabi/Thinkific/Teachable if your primary focus is advanced course delivery, you need specific course features (like robust quizzes), or want a broader marketing suite (Kajabi), and are comfortable with their subscription pricing. Choose Courses.gg if you prioritize building a strong integrated community alongside your courses and want unlimited scaling potential for a one-time fee.

Courses.gg vs. Facebook Groups + Separate Course Platform

•  Facebook Groups Pro: Free, easy to start, large existing audience.
•  Facebook Groups Con: Rented land (no control), full of distractions, poor organization, basic features, no integrated course delivery, no direct payments.
•  Comparison: This is the “duct tape” approach Mike is directly challenging. While free, Facebook Groups lack ownership, control, and integration. Pairing it with a separate course platform adds cost and disconnects the experience. Courses.gg provides an owned, integrated space for both community and courses, free from Facebook’s distractions and algorithms, allowing direct payment collection.
•  Who Prefers Which: Stick with Facebook Groups + separate course platform if you absolutely need to leverage Facebook’s organic reach or existing groups despite the lack of control, integration, and distractions. Choose Courses.gg if you want to build a professional, owned, integrated, distraction-free ecosystem for your members.

The right choice depends on your budget, tolerance for monthly fees, need for integrated community vs. broader marketing tools, and comfort with pre-release software.

Feature Highlight: The Lifetime Deal & Pricing Model

The most compelling aspect of Courses.gg at this stage, and the primary reason for the massive early interest, is its pricing model, specifically the one-time payment lifetime deal offered during the pre-launch phases.

In an industry dominated by escalating monthly and annual subscriptions (Skool at $99/month per community, Kajabi starting at $149/month, etc.), Mike Filsaime’s decision to offer lifetime access for a single payment is a direct challenge.

He’s structured the launch in phases, with the price increasing at each step ($297 -> $397 -> $497 one-time). The critical point is that after these pre-launch phases end (scheduled for June 2025), the platform will transition to a standard $497 per year subscription.

This means that by securing access during the pre-launch, you are locking in unlimited communities and unlimited courses for life, for a price that’s less than the annual cost will be after launch, and dramatically less than the annual cost of running multiple communities on a platform like Skool.

This isn’t just a discount; it’s an opportunity to acquire a core business asset outright, eliminating a significant future recurring expense forever. It feels very much like a “Kickstarter” or “AppSumo” style deal – you’re investing early based on the founder’s vision and track record, accepting the wait until release, for the immense long-term value of owning the software license.

This model is a clear differentiator and offers exceptional value for those who jump in during the pre-launch window.