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20 Best Websites To Find Online Courses (Free & Paid)

We did our research to find the best online course websites. The list includes top-quality courses to learn new skills fast.

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Top 20 Websites to Find Online Courses

Key learnings.

Online courses are a great way to build new skills in a relatively short period of time. They are less expensive than traditional classes and you can follow a course from the comfort of your own home.

In this guide, you’ll find the best online course websites covering a range of topics, including digital marketing, graphic design, coding, personal development, marketing, business, photography, and much more.

All courses are delivered online by accredited academies and online learning platforms. Together with the paid courses, the list includes some great free online courses that are definitely worth your time.

So, if you want to explore new career paths, build a new skill, start a new hobby or learn a new discipline, you’ll love this list. We’ve done our research and handpicked the best free and paid sites offering online training courses. All you have to do is find the best course for you and start learning!

These are the best online course websites to find high-quality online courses :

• Reliablesoft Academy
• MasterClass

Google Skillshop

• LinkedIn Learning
• HubSpot Academy
• Simplilearn
• Semrush Academy
• Google Digital Garage
• Meta Blueprint
• Harvard University (Online Courses)
• Microsoft Learn
• Alison (Free Online Courses)
• CXL Institute

1. Reliablesoft Academy

Founded in 2002, Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Academy is one of the most reliable training platforms to learn digital marketing. Through their online academy, they offer 13 courses covering all important areas of digital marketing, including:

• Facebook / Instagram Ads
• Google Analytics
• Content Marketing
• Keyword Research
• Email Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Affiliate Marketing
• Retargeting
• YouTube Marketing

Their most popular course is the Digital Marketing Full Course , which teaches students the secrets of online marketing through a series of videos and tutorials. Upon completing the course, you can get an SEO and Digital Marketing Certification.

Students can download the courses offline or follow the lessons using the online interface.

Reliablesoft courses are highly rated by students , affordable, and have a 60-day unconditional money-back guarantee (the best money-back from all online academies).

Currently, online courses are offered at an 80% discount . The offer is valid for a limited time only.

Explore Online Courses

Udemy is perhaps the most popular online learning platform. According to statistics provided by the company, they have more than 130K online courses in their database and a student base of 35 million people.

Udemy courses are grouped into several categories, the most popular are:

• Development
• IT and Software
• Personal Development
• Photography

Udemy courses are budget-friendly and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In their library, besides paid courses, you’ll also find a number of free courses. Just type in “Free Courses” in their search bar, and you’ll get a list of more than 10,000 courses you can follow without paying.

To find the best courses on Udemy , choose one of the course categories from the top menu and then filter the results based on the number of ratings. You can also look for the ‘bestseller’ badge displayed in the description of popular courses.

If Udemy is not the right learning platform for you, there are great alternatives .

3. Coursera

Coursera offers online courses from world-class universities and reputable companies. It positions itself as a leading online learning platform for higher education. They claim to have more than 70M learners worldwide and partnerships with more than 200 universities and educators in different industries.

In their catalog, you’ll find a number of free courses, paid courses, specializations, certificates, and degree programs.

Their most popular course categories are:

• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Information Technology

University students can enroll in Coursera courses for free, provided their university is part of their partners’ program.

For non-university students, the cost varies per course, specialization, and certificate. For some courses, you can enroll for free and then pay for the certificate. For other courses, you can buy a monthly subscription and access a number of courses as long as you pay the monthly fee.

While Coursera offers great courses and accredited certifications from leading companies and universities, its refund policy is very strict.

So, I recommend reading their pricing fees and conditions before enrolling in a course to avoid any unpleasant surprises. You can also consider one of the Coursera Alternatives .

Udacity focuses on career advancement and provides the essential tools to succeed in landing the job of your dreams.  The website has a robust catalog that not only covers the skill but also provides classes on applying for jobs and interviewing.

Here are the training programs that are included:

• Programming and Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing
• Autonomous Systems

Udacity is another free membership platform offering free and paid online courses. There is no monthly subscription requirement, but registering as a user is necessary in order to gain access to the catalog. Within the search features, it allows you to filter free courses so that you can browse if you’d like to try them before you buy.

This platform also offers career prep opportunities, including meeting with career coaches, resume reviews, LinkedIn reviews, and more. Just an added bonus to the Udacity platform and in line with their mission to train the world’s workforce in the careers of the future.

5. Skillshare

Jumping from the very techy world of coding, Skillshare was founded with creatives in mind. Skillshare seeks to not only help members get inspired and learn new skills but also allow instructors to share their expertise and earn money.

Founded in 2010, Skillshare has curated some of the best online classes to take for innovators and creators.

Here are just a few of the categories it offers:

• Illustration
• Freelancing

In order to access all Skillshare courses, you will need to create a Premium account which comes with a 7-day free trial. After the trial period, you can pay an annual fee of $99 or $19/mo. I even saw a 30% off special on their website, so be sure to look out for the deals!

What I find valuable about this membership is that you will receive access to ALL of the incredible online classes and workshops available on the platform. To help you narrow down your decision, here is a list of the best skillshare courses you can take this year.

You are able to follow your favorite instructors, keep a library of the classes that you want to take, check out your class history, and have more convenient and user-friendly features. It’s definitely one to check out.

6. MasterClass

If you’re into pop culture, you’ll love being a part of MasterClass . Ranging from industries such as acting, creative writing, sports, and beyond, popular celebrities and experts in the field are sharing their mastery with the everyday person.

The platform is fun and current but still packed with education.

Here are some of the course topics that are covered in MasterClass:

• Arts & Entertainment
• Sports & Gaming
• Science & Tech
• Design & Style

MasterClass is set up as a membership platform at $15/mo billed annually. Although they do not offer a free trial, they do extend a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

It’s very user-friendly allowing downloading to watch offline, the use of PDF workbooks for every class, and mobile-friendly. They add new classes every month so you are sure to have more to browse. If you are curious, MasterClass is for you.

Additional resources to find more online courses

• Best Digital Marketing Courses – 10 great courses to teach yourself digital marketing online.
• Best Social Media Marketing Courses – the top courses to learn social media marketing.
• Best Content Marketing Courses – free and paid courses to get started with content marketing.
• Best SEO Courses – a list of SEO courses with a certification to build your SEO skills and become an expert.
• Best eCommerce Courses – online courses to teach yourself eCommerce. The list includes both free and paid training courses.
• Best Free SEO Courses – the best free courses on search engine optimization. Take online or download offline.
• Best Google Ads Courses – the best courses to master the secrets of Google Ads.
• Best Free Online Marketing Courses – a list of the top courses on online marketing that are 100% free.
• Best WordPress Courses – the top courses to learn WordPress online.

7. Google Skillshop

It’s no surprise that many businesses are using Google as a platform to run, scale, and advertise their businesses. With a mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful,” it’s no wonder it has managed to turn its name into an action one can actually take.

Because of its usefulness in the digital marketing world, it’s worth checking out their free Google Skillshop center to learn more about using their platform. Through Skillshop you can achieve a number of free Google certifications in the following categories:

• Google for Education
• Google Marketing Platform
• Analytics Academy
• Google My Business
• Google Ad Manager
• Google Cloud
• Waze Academy
• Google AdMob
• Authorized Buyers
• Android Enterprise Academy

is a free learning center with lengthy and in-depth lessons. If you’re looking to move forward with Google Ads or use the Google platform in any way to market your business, Skillshop is definitely worth browsing.

8. LinkedIn Learning

As a platform that aims to connect professionals with one another, it’s a seamless transition to using LinkedIn as a professional development tool. LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 of some of the top online courses in a wide range of industries.

The courses are broken down into the 3 main categories of business, creative, and technology.

Here are just some of the sub-categories available on the platform:

• Business Analysis and Strategy
• Career Development
• Finance and Accounting
• Leadership and Management
• Marketing Sales
• Audio and Music
• Graphic Design
• Web Development
• And so much more

LinkedIn Learning provides a mix of both paid and free courses with a monthly membership of $29/mo. You are able to try it for free for a full month on an individual plan. One of the unique features of this platform is that they offer team memberships when you fill out a form to connect with a sales consultant.

With industry experts teaching these online learning courses, it has been trusted by industry leaders such as Kellogg’s, Lego, MGM Resorts, Zillow, and more. If you have a goal to make the learning culture a part of your team, LinkedIn Learning is a top-notch option.

9. Codecademy

If you’re looking to uplevel your knowledge in an industry that is the way of the future, Codecademy has some of the best online courses available for coding. Codecademy is looking to rebuild the education system from the bottom up in creating the education that the world truly needs.

Here are the subjects that Codecademy courses offer:

• Developer Tools
• Machine Learning
• Code Foundations
• Game Development
• Mobile Development
• Data Visualization

There is also a wide range of coding languages that are offered such as Javascript, HTML & CSS, PHP, and more.

The pricing for Codecademy is a 3-tier membership. The good news here is that there is a free option, and although this option is limited in its content and real-world projects, it’s a great way to get some foundational training.

The Pro Tier is intended for the individual and is $19.99/mo paid annually or $29.99/mo if paid on a monthly basis. The 3rd tier is a team member which you can get a quote if you enter your email and company name. There is also a discount for college students!

Overall, if you want to add coding to your professional skills, Codeacademy is the place to start.

10. HubSpot Academy

Hubspot Academy offers everything from quick and practical courses to comprehensive certifications. They aim to help business professionals develop their skills regarding inbound sales, marketing, and customer support.

Hubspot is a reliable and credible platform which is one of the many reasons it’s one of the best places to educate yourself or your team.

Listed here are some of Hubspot’s course topics:

• Customer Service
• Advertising
• Hubspot Software

Even though you do have to create an account to get access to the Hubspot Academy courses, it is completely free. So if you are willing to invest your time in learning more about digital marketing, sales, and advertising, this is a great option for you.

If you are active on LinkedIn, the free certification courses will benefit you. Adding industry-recognized badges to your profile lets potential clients know that you are educated and willing to invest in your professional development. A little time and effort go a long way.

11. Simplilearn

Starting out in 2009 as a blog sharing project management tips, Simplilearn has grown into the world’s #1 online Bootcamp. This platform offers high-end classes for digital professionals from industry leaders.

Through individual courses, comprehensive certification programs, and partnerships with world-renowned universities, this platform provides work-ready skills for the ever-changing digital world.

Among these online courses are topics that cover:

• Project Management
• Cyber Security
• Business & Leadership
• Software Development
• Quality Management

Simplilearn is compiled of individual courses, so there is no membership requirement. If you are looking for higher education options and access to some of the best online classes in digital skills, this platform is worth browsing.

Some of the online boot camps offer both self-paced and live class recording options, and depending on the complexity and caliber of the course, it could range anywhere from $99-$3,000+.

I suggest thoroughly checking out the landing page of the course you are considering; watching the intro video, looking at the ratings, and reading the FAQs will help you avoid unrealistic expectations.

12. Semrush Academy

Semrush is all about online visibility, making its online courses on digital marketing top-notch. Not only does Semrush offer these courses, but they have an entire platform of SEO and digital marketing tools that are free for users. SEMRush Academy is a bonus feature.

Here are the categories that are included:

• Pay Per Click
• Social Media Management
• Competitive Research
• SEMRush Software

And everything they offer in the academy is 100% free. Once you are a registered SEMRush user, click on your desired category and start browsing, watching, and getting certified.

So, if getting more digital marketing knowledge is on your to-do list, check out these online learning courses.

What edX has to offer is higher education that’s accessible to anyone. Founded by Harvard and MIT, this platform has some of the best online courses from the most popular universities around the world.

There is a wide range of subjects on edX including:

• Agriculture
• Communication
• Engineering
• Food & Nutrition

edX provides free access to its catalog of both free and paid online courses. The unique feature of this platform is that they provide accessible college programs including online Master’s Degrees.

If you’re looking for continuing education in any form, but are a busy person needing online accessibility, these programs are the perfect opportunity for you.

14. Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage (now part of Google Skillshop) is unique in that, although it has its own set of courses, it has also curated courses from other online course platforms (some even on this list already!) Google Digital Garage also offers live classes that are streamed through YouTube.

Here are the 3 main categories that are included in this learning platform:

• Data & Tech

Google Digital Garage is free and very user-friendly. If you’re looking for the best place to learn more but not be overwhelmed, this is a great option for you. There are simple categories and filters so that you can narrow down your search.

Selections may take you off of the platform to another online course website, but you can simply click on the filter “Google” under course provider to make sure you are selecting one of the Google courses. There is even one free digital marketing certificatio n course available!

15. Meta Blueprint

Meta Blueprint is a social media marketing course library full of self-paced and step-by-step tutorials. Not only do they offer courses, but they also have advanced courses in Facebook advertising and certifications as well.

Some of the courses here include:

• How to Advertise on Instagram
• How to Create Ads on Facebook
• Get Started with Commerce Manager
• Map the Customer Journey

Again, Meta Blueprint is another free platform that allows you to uplevel your digital marketing skills with no risk. When logged in to Facebook, you are able to keep track of your course program and build your own library of active courses.

The certification program that it offers is a sure way to stand out on your resume and LinkedIn. You can take the blueprint courses, take practice exams, view a study guide, and then participate in the official certification exams. It’s worth the effort!

16. Harvard University (Online Courses)

Harvard University has an entire site dedicated to its online learning. Because of its resources, the subjects available range anywhere from art & design, to health & medicine, and then to programming.

Here is a list of more categories that Harvard University offers online:

• Education & Teaching
• Mathematics
• Social Science

These programs range anywhere from $0 to $50,000+. Although most of the classes offer certificates of completion, some can be completed as credit toward a degree. If you want some formal education in your field, Harvard University is the best place to be.

17. Microsoft Learn

Microsoft learning aims to encourage both beginners and experienced professionals to achieve their goals faster with self-paced learning. There are 3 ways to learn on this platform through online courses, certifications, and live and recorded events.

Rather than categories, Microsoft Learn breaks down the courses by role:

• Administrator
• AI Engineer
• Business Analyst
• Business User
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Database Administrator

Microsoft Learn is not the most user-friendly site, so I suggest using the “Discover Your Path” function to find the courses that are right for you.

The courses range from no cost up to $1,500+. If you head over to this platform, make sure to check out the “Learn TV” option for some valuable learning opportunities.

18. Alison (Free Online Courses)

Alison’s belief is that “free education, more than anything, has the power to break through boundaries and transform lives. They are one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training and offer a wide range of categories including:

As advertised in its mission statement, Alison provides all of its courses for absolutely free. Of course, the trade-off for that is that you will see ads throughout the platform, which seems like a good deal. But if you aren’t about that, you can pay a $7.99 monthly fee.

Another thing to know is that the courses are free, but the diplomas and certificates are not. So if you are looking to have certificates for your resume, be aware of that before getting started.

19. Upskillist

With 100+ courses to choose from, Upskillist offers a plethora of online courses. They believe it’s never too late to learn, so they make it easy for real qualifications that lead to success.

These online courses included categories like:

• Health & Wellness

Upskillist starts with a 4-week free trial. Then, you can select one of their premium subscription plans. The cost is $39/mo (for 3 months), $35/mo (for 6 months), and $19/mo (12 months).

Their courses offer certifications and have the bonus of being educator-supported, meaning you can get your questions answered, which is always helpful when navigating online courses.

20. CXL Institute

CXL Institute offers 100+ online courses covering different topics. The main areas include:

You can pay $249 monthly and get unlimited access to all courses or buy courses individually for $299. All CXL courses come with a Certification and a 7-day money-back guarantee.

All instructors are industry experts and the lessons are carefully crafted to keep learners engaged throughout the course.

Learning a new skill is easier these days with the plethora of online courses available on the Internet. You can go through a course at your own pace and without having to attend a physical class on campus.

Most courses listed above are on-demand and offer lifetime access, meaning that you can follow the course at any time and for as long as you want.

The cost varies per academy and type of course but it’s affordable for most people and less expensive than classroom-based learning.

You can also view our list of the best online courses with certificates to find high-quality online courses that come with a free certification.

Do you know of any great courses or online course providers missing from the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Alex Chris is a digital marketing consultant, author, and instructor. He has more than 18 years of practical experience with SEO and digital marketing. Alex holds an MSc Degree in eCommerce and has consulted with Fortune 500 companies in different industries. He blogs regularly about SEO and Digital marketing, and his work has been referenced by leading marketing websites. Connect with Alex on Twitter and LinkedIn .

December 8, 2020 at 10:52 am

Excellent courses! Easy to understand and highly recommended.

October 3, 2021 at 10:54 am

Thanks for commenting. Yes, they are great online courses to build new skills.

All the best Alex

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About Reliablesoft

Online training.

Best online courses and online class sites of 2024

Learn new skills without leaving your house

Best for guided projects

Best for professional skills, best for celeb classes, best for online degrees, best affordable option, best for business, best for uk, best for nanodegrees, best for creatives, best for digital transformation, how we test.

The best online courses and online class sites make it easier to learn new skills from home through distance learning online.

1. Best for guided projects 2. Best for professional skills 3. Best for celeb classes 4. Best for online degrees 5. Best affordable option 6. Best for business 7. Best for UK 8. Best for nanodegrees 9. Best for creatives 10. Best for digital transformation 11. FAQs 12. How we test

Long gone are the days of having to attend a college to take a class. Now, with available learning platforms, through the use of video streaming, there are a wide variety of skills that can be learned from the comfort of your abode.

Websites abound that have online classes on demand. This can range from a single lecture on a specific topic, to a series of lectures to gain new knowledge in a field, to entire graduate level degrees offered by leading universities. You can even learn from professors on the other side of the planet via this method!

Course topics cover the spectrum. Some can be professionally oriented, designed to update skills for older workers, or those with a degree outside the area of study. Other courses are designed to supplement knowledge, offering additional study, such as advanced training for a certification exam. However, it is not all so serious, with coursework also available that borders on entertainment, with options for a cooking class, or film appreciation. In any case, in a competitive work environment, having some recent coursework can be an important CV builder, without having to do the rigors of a formal degree.

These are the best laptops for students on the market.

The best online courses and online class sites of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Coursera

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Coursera is an online educator that also focuses on college level education, and has partnered with leading universities including Arizona State University and Duke University, and also has alliances with many Fortune 500 companies. This platform is notable as the emphasis is on university courses, along with over a thousand free content videos, and also certificate programs. This content can be taken to acquire a college degree, all fully online. 

The standout feature is the Guided Projects, which are done to allow the learner to put their newly acquired skills to use, under the watchful guidance of an instructor. Those looking to acquire some job ready skills, whether in the form of a certificate, a degree or an advanced degree, from a name brand university should take a look at this platform.

Read the full Coursera review .

• ^ Back to the top

2. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an educational outgrowth of the highly popular, professional networking platform. As you might suspect, this platform is focused on development of professional skills, with a catalog that is expansive at over 16,000 offerings. The plan is simplified, with only a single tier, but it can be subscribed to either annually or monthly. We also like the interactive basis of this platform, which focuses on demonstration of the skills obtained, with online quizzes and exercise files available. 

The content is also quite professional, with the education conducted via expert instructors in their fields. Learners also praise the flexibility in learning, via the smartphone apps, an audio only option (perfect for jogging), and offline learning possibilities. Finally, the integration with LinkedIn is apparent, with the ability to put the certification achieved upon successful completion of the course onto the learner’s LinkedIn page.

Read the full LinkedIn Learning review .

3. MasterClass

While some platforms have courses by the thousands, MasterClass offers less, in numbers, with just over a hundred courses on offer. However, what it lacks in breadth of subject matter, it more than makes up for with its list of educators that easily qualify as Hollywood A-listers and the like. 

We take exception to the annual billing without a month to month option, but there is a choice of plans among three tiers. Also realize that learning cinematography from acclaimed director James Cameron has got to be an experience, but overall MasterClass offers more casual content, so don’t look for an online master’s degree here. 

Another standout feature is that the content is high quality, with each course having trailers that could be shown in a movie theater to help students decide if the course is worth pursuing. While there are fewer courses on offer, also realize that each one is a comprehensive look at the subject, being broken up into around 20 segments, each averaging about 10 minutes in length.

Read the full MasterClass review .

For those looking for an online learning platform to obtain a college degree- either undergraduate or graduate - edX is an excellent choice. Rather than having to look at online schools one at a time, edX makes it possible to access coursework among 160 universities, the likes of Berkeley, Harvard University and Boston University. Furthermore, this coursework is taught by university professors that teach over 3,000 courses. 

Courses are designed to result in obtaining a certificate, an online college degree, or even applied towards a degree at a university. This high level of quality education does not come at a bargain price, or an all you can eat monthly subscription, but rather these types of degrees can have a cost in the thousands, however keep in mind that they are less than attending the same school in residence, not to mention saving the costs of room and board at a dormitory. 

Read the full edX review .

Coming out of Ireland, Alison is an affordable approach to a learning platform. The notable standout is that everyone can afford it, with a free (ad supported) tier, and thousands of courses available for learners to take. We also appreciate the still affordable higher tiers, that eliminate the ads, with offerings of flexible monthly, annual and lifetimes tiers, with options to have a certificate of completion, or letter of attestation of the completed coursework at bargain basement prices. 

Some shortcomings need to be noted, such as the lack of degrees and the automated approach to support. Still, for those that just want some courses, and are on a limited budget, Alison is a solid starting point with a catalog sure to offer opportunity for its already 3.5 million learners.

Read the full Alison review .

Udemy is notable for its super large course catalog, a ridiculously large 155k courses focused on business content taught by over 56k instructors. This is driven in part by the over 7,000 enterprise customers. Users are sure to like the comments for the course that are integrated into the platform, the transparency in when the course was last updated, along with the high quality trailers to help assess if a course is right for your needs. 

We also noted the choice of tiers, and the longer 30-day money back guarantee period. Some downsides do encompass that some courses need to be purchased individually as opposed to a monthly subscription, the limited support options that are missing a direct phone number and an email address, and the bugs with the apps, especially with offline viewing. For those looking for the right business course, with support materials to support the learning, Udemy is worth a good look.

Read the full Udemy review .

7. FutureLearn

Leave it to the Brits to package some great educational opportunities from the UK into an online learning platform, through the internet available from anywhere, anytime. The course content offered by FutureLearn fits into ExpertTracks, which is a 10 to 12 week block of learning, and covers 3 to 4 courses leading to a certificate upon completion of study. The content focuses on beginner level content designed for job education. 

Some significant downsides include the lack of smartphone apps, average user reviews, and unclear pricing. The limited support options also hamper this service. New users should check out the free course availability as some courses can be started on a trial basis, and also keep in mind the 7-day trial period. Those not looking for an ExpertTrack should also look for the single courses that are available as well. 

Read the full FutureLearn review .

Udacity has a focus on providing education for business and technology with courses in areas such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and instructors that are industry experts. 

Learners like fully online nanodegrees that emphasize job related education, which are targeted at more developed than a certificate program, while falling short of a traditional college degree. Feedback is provided through a mentoring program, which is personalized to develop the student’s skills via direct critique of submitted projects. 

While the higher cost of this option may be a barrier (which gets paid on a monthly basis), and the support options could be better, it gets high marks in the user reviews of its smartphone apps. For those looking to develop computing skills via online education, Udacity is a worthy option.

Read the full Udacity review .

9. SkillShare

SkillShare has a large catalog of 35,000 plus online videos, divided into the categories of Create, Build and Thrive. It also has Workshops that offer a more in depth look into areas. It is easy to get started with this platform, as there are three tiers offered, and a week long free trial. However, we found the service to be more expensive than some others, with only an annual plan offered rather than offering it on a month by month basis. 

Also, another issue was that credit card info was a requirement for accessing the trial, and we found reports of the difficulties with cancellation of this service. Going through this service, issues aside, we found it an attractive option for those looking to learn new creative skills, with coursework offered in areas including illustration, photography and design.

Read the full SkillShare review .

10. Pluralsight

Coming out of Utah, Pluralsight provides technology based education, targeting skills for the digital transformation. It is a highly developed platform, with partnerships to educate those in industry, with such known tech names as Adobe and the Nasdaq counted among its 17,000 business users. 

While the emphasis appears to be on the enterprise market, there is the option for individual users as well. There is a choice of two plans for these individual users, we appreciate the option to pay monthly or annually, and on the upper tier there are over 7,000 courses. 

Support is also solid with many choices to get in touch to get help. There are some issues we encountered with creation of our account, but for those seeking out advanced technology education, that is up to the high standards of enterprise, Pluralsight is worth a look.

Read the full Pluralsight review .

We've also featured the best online learning platforms.

What is an online course website?

An online course website is an online platform for education. Each typically utilizes video lectures as the primary mode of learning, along with supplemental materials to reinforce the education, and demonstrate the learning. This can include course syllabi, graded projects, chat rooms for students, mobile apps for learning on the go, practice questions, and even formal exams. The education is often on a large variety of topics, but more in depth than what you would typically find on more casual websites, that are more for entertainment than formal education. These online courses are an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills, update knowledge, and branch into new areas.

Online Learning Platforms vs Learning Management Systems

An online learning platform has much in common with a learning management system (LMS), and the two terms are commonly confused, and even used interchangeably. However, there is a key difference.

A LMS is defined by Wikipedia as “A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.”

In contrast, there is no clear definition for what an online learning platform is, and also its alternate term, eLearning. The online learning platform is a more generic term that also encompasses a LMS, but alternately not every online learning platform has all the features of an LMS.

For example, there is plenty of educational content online, such as on YouTube and other websites, and this can be used for learning purposes. However, this does not meet all the requirements to be a LMS platform, as it lacks documentation, tracking, and reporting of the educational progress.

Online Learning Platform vs Online Course Websites

As stated above, there is no clear definition for what an online learning platform is, other than to say that there are plenty of websites for education. They can range from a more formal LMS that can provide tracking, documentation and reporting of the education that has been done, to less formal sites that can be as open as an online educational video. For example, sites such as Lifehacker, or wikiHow provide education, but it is not formal, or trackable in the sense that they would provide a certification.

Then there is the term “Online course website.” Again, this is a vague term that covers both extreme ends. While some would use it interchangeably with a LMS, the latter is the preferred term that once again can provide tracking of educational progress, and is more formal, able to provide documentation of education progress including certificates or degrees as applicable.

What is a MOOC?

A MOOC is a “Massive Open Online Course.” These are offered by edX, a leader in online education. The idea is that while a traditional classroom gets limited in how many students can attend, with a MOOC, as it gets offered through the internet, literally millions of folks can all take the class and benefit from the education. It is literally an economy of scale so that high quality education can be disseminated.

According to edX, the first MOOC offered was through MIT, and it is a course entitled “Circuits and Electronics.” As of 2019, over 50k learners have taken this course!

With such success, it is no surprise that there has been growth in this MOOC segment. There are now MOOC’s for business so that education can occur for corporate learners. Also, edX has offered college credits for select MOOC’s since 2015.

What sort of computer do I need to take online courses?

The good news is that just about any modern computer will be absolutely fine for this online education, and these platforms work through any web browser. Those looking to do this inexpensively can get the job done with a Chromebook , which tends to be quite affordable.

Most of the platforms offer apps for smartphones, on both the iOS and Android platforms. This is ideal for learning on the go, and also allows the education to proceed on a tablet device from either platform.

For a Windows laptop , ideally a larger screen with 1080p resolution (or higher), and a solid set of speakers would be ideal. However, don’t think you need to expend serious resources on this, as even an entry level laptop, with a Celeron processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a minimal internal hard drive will be more than adequate for the education. You can even use Windows 10 in S mode, although having the full version of Windows 10 is easier as then you can install other software, such as a word processing program to take notes.

Also check out our roundup of the best laptop .

How do I build and sell a course?

With the popularity and growth of so many online learning websites, it has presented the opportunity for folks to not only take these courses, but also to be able to teach them as well. The first step is to figure out what you want to teach, which can range from a university type of course, to a casual single lecture. 

The potential educator should also take an honest assessment of their skill level, and what actually qualifies them to teach the course. A qualification that learners will appreciate is having a degree in the field, especially a graduate degree, such as the terminal degree in the field, such as a PhD. Having such a degree clearly shows the scholarship in the area, and would qualify you to teach at any college or university, along with an online platform. 

Not having a terminal degree can in some cases be substituted by a certification or license in select fields, such as a manicurist who wants to teach nail care. Additionally, with this democratization of content, there can be plenty of situations where experience in the area can also qualify the individual to be able to impart knowledge, such as working in the field successfully for a number of years, or even performing the task at home, such as a stay at home parent that wants to teach laundry skills.

Figuring out your qualification, and the type of course then will help to determine what platform it will be appropriate for. For example, unless you are a professor at Harvard, your content will not be appropriate for the online Harvard education site. However, there is no shortage of sites, so next you need to find a site, and certainly start with checking the sites above, realizing that some are better suited to more formal courses, and others are looking for more casual content. Once you identify the target site, get in touch, as most of them have links for those looking to be the next great educator.

Is YouTube a good online course website?

YouTube, and other online streaming site s are a valuable resource to learn new skills. There is no shortage of content available, to learn anything and everything, such as how to cook a new dish, how to repair your car, and a lesson in home improvement.

However, this type of content has its limitations. One is that it is taught by anyone, and there is a varying skill level, and in most cases it is not taught by skilled instructors, such as a university professor. In many cases the goal is as much to entertain as it is to instruct. This is fine for casual content, such as in our prior example of a cooking video, but not as well suited for more formal instruction.

Finally, while a LMS can provide proof of the education, YouTube does not offer this. In other words, there are no certificates, or degrees offered to provide an employer as a demonstration to the new knowledge obtained.

Are Harvard online courses really free and worth it?

Harvard University is a leading institution, and they do indeed have online educational offerings. They certainly have a full variety of coursework available, and it is a mix of paid and free content. As Harvard has consistently topped the list of endowed US universities, with a staggering $40+ billion of endowments, this is a chance for them to give something back.

Harvard has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and founded edX. While the free courses that Harvard offers are on a website for Harvard Online , realize that the course content is on edX.

There are plenty of high quality courses available through Harvard University, approximately 140 in a recent count. Some are quite specific, and not quite what would qualify as a standard university class, such as “Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Webinar: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Statements” that would target only a select group with interest in this area. Mixed in are courses that are not free, and have a cost, so be sure to double check when signing up, or you can filter to only look at the free courses.

A popular area of these online courses is the CS50 series, which covers computer science topics. This coursework is targeted to AP high school students in this area. It includes about 30 courses, such as the “CS50's Introduction to Game Development,” an intermediate course that covers “The development of 2D and 3D interactive video games.” The course is in English, and is designed to be completed over a 12 week period, for 6 to 9 hours weekly, although it is self-paced to accommodate other learning paces. While this course can be audited for free by anyone, a Verified Certificate is available for those that complete it for $199.

There is no shortage of learning platforms out there to choose from. Thankfully for you, we have sorted through them to find the ones that will benefit users.

We look at a number of factors, and truth be told no one learning platform will be the best for everyone. Things to consider start with the pricing, and for that we look at the plans. Some platforms even have free courses offered. Others charge by the course, and some companies have a monthly subscription, there is truly a learning platform for every budget.

Content is another factor. Some platforms focus on a specific area, such as computer programming, while others have more expansive catalogs that rival what any major college would offer.

Another issue is the quality of the coursework. Some are more crowd sourced, allowing a democratization of education. At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have platforms that partner with top rated professors at name brand universities to teach the content.

Finally, there are the extras offered, such as the available smartphone apps. Also, there are the available certifications, and degrees that can be completed for looking for a more formal education.

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The 10 Best Educational Websites for Taking Online Courses in 2024

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Back in the day, if you wanted to learn something new, you'd go to school for it. Today, educational institutions offer their full programs and individual courses online. Experts in almost every field create programs and courses online to share their knowledge with a worldwide audience.

Both educational institutions and individual experts who want to offer their courses online need somewhere to host it and get it out to people who want to learn. This is why there are many platforms dedicated to offering online courses. Some focus on tighter niches like green technology . Others include courses in a variety of fields.

Whatever you're interested in learning, you can find a course about it from the educational course sites listed below. From beginner levels to intermediate and advanced, there's something for everybody.

Diversity of content; some inexpensive

Top-notch faculty and institutions

The "anyone can be an instructor" approach means lesser-known instructors will be hit-or-miss

Udemy is the online education site that tops this list for being a popular and valuable resource. You can search over 190,000 courses on different topics. Download the Udemy app to take your learning mobile for quick lessons and study sessions when you're on the go.

Some Udemy courses are free, and others start as low as $15. If you're an expert looking to create and launch a course of your own, you can become an instructor with Udemy and take advantage of their massive user base to attract students.

Excellent courses taught by national leaders

Reasonable price points

Academic rigor is reasonably strong

Topics are heavily focused on programming and science

If you're looking to take courses from over 275 of the country's top universities and organizations, then Coursera is for you. Coursera has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and others to offer universal access to the world's best education.

You'll find over 5,400 paid and unpaid courses on Coursera related to computer science, business, social sciences, and more. Coursera also has a mobile app available so you can learn at your pace on-the-go.

LinkedIn Learning

Ala carte model for one monthly subscription cost

Focus on professional development

Hit-or-miss content based on the skill and expertise of the course designer

LinkedIn Learning is a popular educational hub for professionals looking to learn new business, creativity, and technology skills. With over 20,600 expert-led courses, categories include animation, audio and music, business, design, development, marketing, photography, video, and more.

When you sign up with LinkedIn Learning, you get a 30-day free trial. You're then charged either $20 a month for an annual membership or $40 for a month-to-month membership. If you want to deactivate your membership and come back later, LinkedIn Learning has a reactivate feature that restores your account information, including your course history and progress.

Open Culture

 Open Culture

Great clearinghouse of free educational materials

No cost to browse the large library of offerings

Open Culture isn't an educational provider. It's only a curator of other people's content

If you're on a budget and looking for quality education content, check out Open Culture's library of 1,700 courses with over 45,000 hours of audio and video lectures that are free. You'll have to spend a bit of time scrolling through the single page containing 1,700 course links with courses organized by category in alphabetical order.

Many of the courses available on Open Culture are from leading institutions from around the world, including Yale, Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Berkley, and others.  Audiobooks , ebooks, and certificate courses are also available.

Open-source philosophy

Well-curated and well-delivered content by industry experts

Credential programs available

Content tends to be dominated by programming and the sciences

Similarly to Coursera, edX offers access to higher education from over 160 of the world's leading educational institutions, including Harvard, MIT, Berkley, the University System of Maryland, the University of Queensland, and others. Founded and governed by colleges and universities, edX is the only open-source and nonprofit MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) leader.

Find courses in computer science, language, psychology, engineering, biology, marketing, or any other field that interests you. Use it for high school level education or to earn credits for university. You'll receive an official credential from the institution to verify your achievement.

Great content for creative professionals

A subscription-only model with no trial period

Envato's Tuts+ is for those who work and play in creative technology. In addition to its vast library of how-to tutorials, courses are available in design, illustration, code, web design, photography, video, business, music, and audio.

Tuts+ has almost 30,000 tutorials and over 1,300 video courses, with new courses added every week. There isn't a free trial, but the membership is affordable at $16.50 a month.

Focus on technology skills that are in demand by businesses

A well-designed platform that offers credentials and transcripts

The catalog is deep, but not broad

Heavy focus on tech topics

Udacity is dedicated to bringing higher education to the world in the most accessible, affordable, and effective ways possible. Udacity offers online courses and credentials that teach students the skills that are currently in demand by industry employers. They claim to offer their education at a fraction of the cost of traditional schooling.

This is an excellent platform to look into if you plan on working in technology. With courses and credentials in Android, iOS, data science, and software engineering, you can get access to the most up to date education in these innovative areas that are relevant to today's tech companies and startups.

No-cost education

Clean, easy-to-use interface

Wide variety of subjects

Some courses are too niche

Not many well-known providers of content

With 25 million students from across the world, ALISON is an online learning resource that offers free, high-quality courses, education services, and community support. Their resources are designed for anyone looking for a new job, promotion, college placement, or business venture.

Choose from a variety of subjects to pick from thousands of free courses designed to provide you with certificate and diploma level education. You'll also be required to take assessments and score at least 80 percent to pass, so you'll have the skills to move forward.

An eclectic collection of lessons on a variety of subjects

Free content

Some content is so terse (like five-minute video courses) that its value is questionable

OpenLearn is designed to give users free access to educational materials. It was launched in the late 1990s to offer online learning in a broadcast collaboration with the BBC. Today, OpenLearn offers topical and interactive content in a variety of content formats, including courses.

You can filter the free courses by activity, format (audio or video), subject, and more options. All courses are listed with the level (introductory, intermediate, and more) and the time length to give you an idea of what to expect.

FutureLearn

 FutureLearn

Emphasis on group learning and peer engagement

A broad cross-section of content

Can't jump into a course whenever you want, many have start and end dates

Like OpenLearn, FutureLearn is part of The Open University. It is another alternative on this list that offers course programs from leading educational institutions and organization partners. Courses are delivered a step at a time and can be learned at your pace while accessed from a desktop or mobile device.

One benefit of FutureLearn is its commitment to social learning, giving its students the opportunity to engage in discussions with others throughout the course. FutureLearn also offers full programs, which contain several courses for more extensive learning.

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10 Best Learning Websites For Taking Online Courses (2024)

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We’ve researched dozens of online courses for the best educational learning platforms — these are our top 10 picks.

Many of us follow a pretty typical education trajectory: elementary school, middle school, high school. Some of us go on to college or university, and others go even further, earning higher degrees and making careers in academia. No matter how far your formal education journey takes you, learning doesn’t have to stop there. We can continue learning—whether for career advancement or simply for fun.

Why should you take online courses?

Online learning platforms offer lots of advantages for anyone looking to advance their career or learn something new. They are flexible and accessible in comparison to in person classes, as you’ll be able to access course materials anytime and anywhere you have access to a computer and an internet connection. Most online courses allow for self-paced learning, making it easier to commit and follow through with the workload as your personal schedule and priorities shift (here’s our tips on how to stay productive while learning remotely ). You can even access online courses from institutions anywhere across the globe, allowing you to learn from top experts without having to leave your home. 

You’ll find online courses are also more affordable than in-person lectures. By studying online, you’ll save tons of money that would typically be spent on commuting and accommodations. Online courses, by comparison, are also cheaper than traditional in-person classes, making it easier for you to advance your skills on your terms. 

That’s why we love these ten learning platforms that are leading the way in online education. These websites are free or low-cost and offer courses from a wide spectrum of topics like knife and cooking basics to graphic design and mobile development. For the tech lover, language learner, or aspiring artist, there’s something for everyone. 

Our criteria:

Our team has audited dozens of online courses and learning platforms courses, as well as scoured thousands of customer reviews for this round-up of our favorite educational websites. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet our criteria below:

• AVAILABILITY OF EXPERT INSTRUCTORS | These online course websites offer a wide selection of courses taught by certified professionals who have authority in their industry.
• RANGE OF COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED | Each of these learning websites provide courses and certifications for various relevant and in-demand skills, topics, and professions.
• AFFORDABILITY | We’ve prioritized low-cost and free online learning platforms on this list.

No matter where you are in the world or your educational background, let’s keep learning together with these online training and certification programs.

(Psst, and for a subject close to our hearts, check out this list of our favorite online writing classes !)

Best Overall | Best For Casual Learners | Best Free Option

Best For  | Affordable classes for professional skills Features | Certifications available, courses taught by real-world experts, 210K+ courses available, 67M+ learners globally, available app Our Pick   | Ultimate Photoshop Training: From Beginner to Pro Pricing  | À la carte ($12–$200+) 

Udemy ’s focus is to make quality education more accessible—and they’ve made some serious progress. To date, it’s achieved over 900 million enrollments around the world with courses ranging from Instagram marketing to aromatherapy. Starting at just $12, you can access more than 210,000 online courses that work with your pace and your lifestyle—plus, it’s yours forever. There’s a reason why businesses like Adidas and Mercedes-Benz utilize Udemy for their teams. Available in many languages and accessible around the world, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking up Udemy’s trial offer—time to get to learning!

2. Coursera

Best For  | On-demand higher education degrees, university certificates, and credits Features | Certifications & degrees available, courses taught by experts from 275+ leading universities & companies, ability to earn recognized credentials, available app Our Pick   | Modern Art And Ideas Pricing  | Guided projects (starting at $10/per course); Specialized program (starting at $49/month); degrees (starting at $9K/per)

Coursera believes that everyone should be able to learn anywhere, anytime, and from the world’s top education providers. Since then, it’s reached over 129 million learners and partnered with more than 275 universities to bring all kinds of content to users. Whether you’re looking for a general course, a specific specialization, or a university-recognized degree, Coursera will be your one-stop-shop. You’ll find specializations in topics like data science or econometrics as well as degrees that can be taught over one to four years.

3. Masterclass

Best For  | On-demand classes from industry experts across fields Features | Courses taught by globally-recognized icons & experts, 200+ classes available, available app, available on Roku & Amazon Our Pick   | Sara Blakely Teaches Self-Made Entrepreneurship Pricing  | Starting at $120/year (Unlimited classes)

Masterclass brings revered and renowned heroes, icons, and experts to your screen for one-on-one classes in their areas of expertise. Whether you’re learning acting from Natalie Portman, scientific thinking from astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, or self-expression from famed queen of drag RuPaul, each practice and process is broken down into an average of 20 on-demand, cinematically produced video lessons and a downloadable workbook with optional assignments. With over 200 instructors offering high quality education and insight, the fields you can explore are endless.

Best For  | Self-paced college courses from top institutions Features | Certifications & degrees available, courses taught by experts & professors, partnered with universities, 4,400+ programs available, 81M+ learners, available app Our Pick   | IBM: Software Engineering Basics for Everyone Pricing  | Free–$25,000+ (Online Master’s Degrees)

What happens when two of the most prestigious higher education institutions come together for open learning? edX . Harvard and MIT collaborated to create the only MOOC (massive online open courses) provider and nonprofit around. Today, it works with more than 250 partners, including MIT, Columbia University, and Georgia Tech, to name a few. The online learning options run the gamut: you can choose one course or an online Master’s Degrees, with a range of professional certificates and “micro” Master’s programs.

5. Skillshare

Best For  | Accessible classes for personal and business development Features | Certifications available, courses taught by knowledgeable teachers, available app Our Pick   | Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design Pricing  | Free, Premium ($32/month or $168 annually)

Skillshare offers more than 34,000 classes to anyone, anywhere, based on design, business, tech, and more. It prides itself on providing more than just access to education; Skillshare considers itself an online learning community of more than 830K active members. At Skillshare, you can learn skills, network with others, and discover new opportunities, all in one place. There are classes available for free (check out “Going Freelance” or “Intro to SEO”), or if you upgrade to Premium you can unlock even more. Those funds enable them to pay teachers, and you’ll have access to classes offline and without ads. Not sure if you can afford them? Skillshare offers plenty of scholarships (and free or low-cost trials), too, so there is something for everyone.

6. LinkedIn Learning

Best For  | Professional development Features | Certifications available, courses taught by industry professionals, personalized course recommendations, available app Our Pick   | Project Management Foundations Pricing  | Starts at $20/month (Unlimited classes)

You’ve likely already heard of LinkedIn, and may even currently use it for networking and job-searching. But the employment-oriented service also offers online education. With LinkedIn Learning , you gain access to over 20,000 expert-led classes across business, technology, and creative. (Dozens are added every week and there’s no limit to how many you can watch.) The platform also provides personalized course recommendations based on your skills. With classes available in 13 languages, you can download exercise files so you can practice while you learn and will earn a certificate for each class you complete.

Best For  | Free online classes for endless learning Features | Certifications & diplomas available, courses taught by the world’s leading experts, 6M+ graduates across the globe, available app Our Pick   | Introduction to Spanish Pricing  | Free, paid certifications/diplomas available

No matter what your interest is, Alison likely has a course for you, including ones that offer certifications and diplomas. Completely free to use, payment only comes in with certified or diploma courses. Otherwise, you can learn to your heart’s content on topics like project management, web design, or amateur French and German. Not sure where to start? Check out the Career Guide for many career paths and associated class options. From architecture to manufacturing to human services, you can find knowledgeable instructors and high-quality content for every imaginable subject.

Best For  | Online classes for in-demand tech and programming skills Features | Certifications & nanodegrees available, courses taught by industry experts, 205K nanodegree certifications earned, available app Our Pick   |  Intro to Programming Pricing  | Starts at $249/month (Unlimited classes)

Students first—that’s the policy of Udacity , an online learning platform started by two Stanford instructors who knew that offering up quality education would revolutionize the future of learning. What began as an “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course soon became hundreds of classes that focus on in-demand skills like virtual reality, full-stack development, and even self-driving cars. Ideal if you’re looking for a job in the world of tech or programming, Udacity’s classes are free. You only have to pay if you want to pursue a “nanodegree” which takes you down a specific career path.

9. Khan Academy

Best For  | Nonprofit based learning courses for students pre-k to college Features | Classes taught by teachers and experts, available in 36 languages, available app Our Pick   | Official LSAT® Prep Pricing  | Free

Khan Academy is a non-for-profit learning resource with a mission to empower students’ education through their accessible online platform. Started by one man who simply wanted to tutor math to his cousin, the company has now grown into a huge team that’s committed to offering world class educational skills. Here, you’ll find foundational school courses ranging from 6th grade math and AP college physics to SAT test prep and financial literacy classes. Best of all, these courses are self-paced, offer both instructional videos and exercises, and are 100% free! Take your growth into your own hands and at your own pace.

10. Catapult

Best For  | Zoom classes and virtual workshops for writers Features | Courses taught by industry experts, online and in-class options available  Our Pick   | 6-Week Open-Genre Generative Seminar: From First Thought to First Draft Pricing  | À la carte ($15 for independent study—$6,000+ for year long course)

Writers and readers looking for a community love Catapult for the wide variety of online classes, workshops, independent studies, and seminars offered in all genres. Take a generative fiction class, dig into revision techniques for your novel, or learn how to write a query letter to agents from leading writing and publishing professionals on a day-job-friendly schedule. You can even join a class to read and study books with other writers! Our team has taken multiple classes and loved our experiences, especially the connections we have made with other writers around the world.

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Top 11 Online Learning Platforms for Individuals & Businesses

Table of Contents

Online learning platforms democratize education by offering access to elearning courses for everyone, anywhere, and at their own pace.

This is great news for educators selling online courses , trainers, and coaches, as it allows them to expand their in-person offerings and reach billions of people.

On the other hand, learners from all walks of life can learn a skill, access professional development programs, get certified, or even learn as a hobby.

We have reviewed dozens of platforms over the years. Here is a short list of the best online learning platforms for each case.

Your professional looking Academy in a few clicks

What is an online learning platform.

An online learning platform is an information system with a learning environment where learners can access educational content. Modern learning platforms support a variety of interactive learning and offer tools for educators to promote their courses.

Course Marketplaces

Most learning platforms are often called ‘online course marketplaces’ because they give learners the opportunity to search for and pay for online courses directly.

While some of these course marketplaces are used to feature online courses, the majority are more educational-based and strictly offer university-level education.

Why is it Different than LMS?

A typical Learning Management System (LMS) is used for corporate training, serving the requirements of a company’s compliance, certification, user management, and, often, cybersecurity.

While online learning platforms are more flexible systems suitable for a wider audience of learners.

How to Choose an Online Learning Platform

Choosing the right platform to use for online education is a very important decision. As a learner, it will define the education you are getting, and for businesses, it’s a big decision that will stick with you for at least 2-3 years.

Consider your options, and make a checklist (or RFP) of requirements before you start looking.

For Learners (Buying a Course)

Purchasing educational products is very different from physical goods. Learning is a deeply personal process, and you need to consider what will work best for you or your goals.

Instructors: It’s important to choose an instructor you feel comfortable with and trust. Consider whether they are subject matter experts, have the credentials to teach, and if there are examples of their teachings (e.g., an intro video).

Content: Check the level of the content and whether it covers your requirements. Review the course material and course subjects before signing up for a plan.

Certification: Review the compliance for professional certificates and find out whether they are given by credible educational institutions, organizations, or individuals.

Trust: When choosing a learning platform, you need to trust its process, support, refund policy, and delivery of the material. A well-established platform is more likely to offer high-quality content than a lesser-known platform.

Pricing: Consider whether the price works for you. Is it a one-off payment, subscription, pay-as-you-go? And think about the value you will get for the price you pay. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a bit more for higher-quality education.

For Educators & Instructors (Selling a Course)

When you are selling an online course , your considerations are different. You are the instructor selling the course and looking for a learning platform to host and deliver it.

Features: You are looking for the learning tools to deliver the course but also for marketing and sales features. Also, consider whether the platform is suitable for the type of course you have or want to build. Different platforms specialize in different courses, e.g., Video, Certification, Structured/Unstructured, etc.

Support: It’s important to have good technical support. Some marketplaces may barely respond to your questions, while other platforms might be challenging to use. Support can help you solve all your issues and make your life easier.

Reliability: You want to offer a high standard of quality to your students, and using a reliable platform to deliver your course is essential for that.

Pricing: Consider the pricing tiers or other associated costs. You want to ensure your business is profitable as you grow, and want to avoid any platforms that cost too much or take a steep cut of your profits as you grow.

#1 LearnWorlds: Our Top Choice for Creating & Selling Online Courses

LearnWorlds is a modern LMS with built-in course authoring , e-commerce , community , and user management features .

It offers a true all-in-one elearning solution for companies, being the best online course platform for offering great e-learning experiences .

With LearnWorlds, you can create your own academy, launch a mobile app , and own the user data.

Pros & Cons

• Easy to use
• Full-feature: Course authoring, website builder, e-commerce, and user management
• White-label website & mobile app
• Supports SCORM and HTML5 files
• AI Assistant to build courses with artificial intelligence
• Exceptional customer support
• No marketplace for courses
• Does not support TinCan and xAPI
• Limited gamification options

Who is it for?

Instructors: It’s ideal for professional trainers, e-learning companies, and SMEs for training employees or educating their customers .

Learners: Learners in LearnWorlds schools enjoy great user experience, a community of peers, and control over their accounts. While it’s not always visible if you are learning under a LearnWorlds school, we recommend preferring instructors using LearnWorlds for their courses.

It offers a 30-day free trial and then 4 subscription pricing plans:

• Starter plan: $29/month
• Pro trainer plan: $99/month
• Learning Center: $299/month
• High Volume and custom corporate pricing are available

*Pricing information retrieved from LearnWorlds in April 2024.

LearnWorlds is a standalone course platform for any size of business looking to create a professionally looking academy and sell online courses. Try LearnWorlds with a 30-day trial today.

Find out more about LearnWorlds’ alternatives .

#2 Udemy: The Best Course Marketplace

Udemy is one of the most popular online course marketplaces on the web, featuring more than 210,000 online video courses. This educational platform has over 60 million students, 65 thousand instructors, and subject matter experts creating online courses.

Udemy makes course creation possible for everyone with the possibility of acquiring new skills. In doing so, it offers a range of online learning materials including PDF documents, PowerPoint, text, and video content, among many others.

Instructors can join Udemy and start teaching online , but Udemy takes a huge piece of the revenue and has control over pricing and discounting the course.

Pros & Cons

• No setup cost (for instructors)
• Geared towards self-paced learning and video courses
• No need for highly technical knowledge
• A Udemy app available for iOS and Android
• Limited interaction with students
• High competition between instructors
• No personal branding option
• No data ownership or control over branding – it keeps emails and user data and does not share this information with instructors
• Visibility depends on your own marketing – the platform only promotes courses that are already popular

Learners: Udemy has a course for almost every discipline, but potential students should always read the reviews before buying one. The quality is not consistent.

Instructors: It’s great for teachers, instructors, educators, and freelancers who are just starting out.

Pricing/Revenue Share (for instructors):

To start charging students a fee for courses on Udemy, you will need to become a premium instructor. In such a case, the following conditions apply:

• No starting fee, but very high commissions on sales of up to 75%.
• 37% when students come through their paid user acquisition channel.
• 97% on course sales when you sell through your own links. Udemy keeps a 3% administration fee.

*Pricing adjusted on a global price tier matrix developed by Udemy.

*Pricing information retrieved from Udemy Support in April 2024.

Learner Pricing: Most Udemy courses end up selling between $10-$20 with very few exceptions where instructors have set a higher price.

#3 Coursera: The Academic Learning Platform

Coursera is an online learning platform with over 100 million users dedicated to offering high-quality online training courses worldwide. Partnering with top universities and businesses, it offers students the opportunity to receive certifications from renowned institutions upon enrolling in its paid courses.

Coursera offers individual courses, specializations, certifications, and degree programs (for bachelor’s and master’s degrees) that support on-demand video lectures, homework exercises, peer-reviewed assignments, and community discussion forums.

With Coursera Plus, students can get unlimited access to 90 percent of the learning programs in the Coursera catalog via a yearly or monthly subscription option.

• Offers a variety of learning options and activities
• Offers certifications from accredited institutions
• Provides high-quality educational tools
• Courses are free if you are not looking for a certification
• Limited to educators in partner institutions
• Less flexible course creation options compared to other platforms
• Does not offer instructor feedback, only peer-reviewed assignments as a feedback mechanism

Learners: Anyone who wants to learn from prestigious institutions, whether they are looking for a one-off course, certification, or an online degree.

Instructors: It is aimed at professors who are based at a HE partner institution or business .

Coursera offers free courses, subscriptions, and one-off payments depending on the course or program.

#4 Thinkific: An All-in-one Learning Platform for SMEs

Thinkific is a standalone course platform that helps you build and sell online courses. It provides everything you need to create your online education business, including an easy-to-use interface for building courses and rich multimedia to add right to your course content.

Thinkific is a popular option for course creators launching their business, but support is lacking.

• Has a freemium plan
• Full-featured platform
• Integrates with popular software
• Lots of (paid) experts can help you build your website/courses
• Includes mobile app & community features
• Limited website templates & design options
• Basic learning features
• Does not support SCORM, TinCan, or AICC
• Bad support

Learners: Thinkific academies usually offer decent video courses with a certification, but usually top-tier educators choose more professional platforms to deliver their training.

Instructors: Thinkific is ideal for solopreneurs, small/medium businesses – SMEs, and coaches who want to generate more income.

Free to join with limited functionality. It offers a 30-day free trial on the Pro plan. Higher tiers exist with hidden functionality.

Subscription plans include:

• Free plan: $0
• Basic: $49/month
• Start: $99/month
• Grow: $199/month
• Thinkific Plus: custom pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from Thinkific in April 2024.

View a list of Thinkific Alternatives

Compare Thinkific to LearnWorlds.

Compare Thinkific Pricing to Teachable & LearnWorlds.

#5 edX: The Marketplace & Open Source LMSt

EdX.org (course marketplace) and Open-edX are two sides of the same coin. EdX is the learning platform where students find online courses from various universities, and Open-edX is an open-source content management system.

Both were created by a team of scientists from Harvard University and MIT with the goal of providing online university-level education across the globe.

EdX.org offers over 4,000 online courses from 250 prestigious businesses and universities offering higher education in many disciplines. These mainly specialize in the sciences–engineering, computer science, data science, math, humanities, business, and management.

• Free and open-source (for instructors)
• Provides in-depth knowledge and added value (for students)
• Comes with a mobile app on iOS and Android
• Interactive online classes – allowing students to chip in
• Discussion forums seem to be outdated and difficult to navigate
• Requires technical knowledge or hiring a developer/web designer to implement (for instructors)
• Comes with the additional costs of a self-hosted server and its maintenance (for instructors)

Students (EdX): it has a very diverse library of courses suitable for most ages looking to learn a subject or new skills.

Instructors (Open-edX): It’s great for businesses who can afford a team or outsource the development and maintenance of the platform on their own servers.

Pricing for Instructors:

It’s free to join, but there may be additional costs for procuring a server and system support and getting expert help from Open-edX’s service providers or freelancers, whose pricing varies according to your project’s requirements and budget.

For more information on Open-edX course creation expenses, check out this guide .

#6 Teachable: All-in-one Course Platform for Coaches

Teachable is an online teaching platform that serves the everyday instructor, helping them transform their knowledge into a business. Teachable provides an easy and simple solution for uploading your learning content, customizing your online school, and communicating effectively with your students.

Teachable embodies simplicity. It’s easy to use and ideal for beginner course creators wanting to sell video courses, tutorials, or coaching. It also comes with the digital marketing tools you need to promote your courses .

• Has a free plan for your first course
• Simple and easy-to-use learning platform
• Good eCommerce features for selling courses
• Limited learning/teaching and assessment capabilities
• Does not support advanced learning features
• No social or community-building features
• Not very responsive customer support
• Limited white-labeling options

Instructors: It’s a great option for new course creators, solopreneurs, and coaches due to the free plan.

Learners: Teachable courses are more often video lessons with some quizzes. Teachable schools are great when they specialize in video tutorials, but you will not find many great certification courses there.

Teachable has the following pricing options:

• Free plan: $0/month (limited functionality and $1 + 10% per transaction)
• Basic plan: $59/month (plus a 5% transaction fee)
• Pro plan: $159/month
• Pro+ plan: $249/month
• Business plan: $665/month

*Pricing information retrieved from Teachable in April 2024.

Compare Teachable with LearnWorlds

Check out more Teachable Alternatives

Are you looking for a SCORM-compliant LMS ?

#7 Kajabi: Best Course Platform with Marketing Feature

Kajabi is an all-in-one online platform that offers the tools to sell digital products , including online courses, coaching programs, and podcasts . Kajabi specializes in building high-converting sales pages, landing pages, and webinar pages for your online business and launching your advertising campaigns.

• Best-in-class marketing features
• Many automations for course creation (AI) and funnels
• Supports many digital products: courses, memberships, podcasts, etc
• No free plan
• No advanced learning features
• Can be difficult to set up
• Many limitations, and ends up being quite expensive quickly

Instructors: It is for non-techy online course creators, digital entrepreneurs, small businesses, freelancers, creators, and individual instructors selling video courses and other digital products.

Learners: Kajabi is great at selling and less in the learning experience, you should expect simple video lessons, PDFs, quizzes, live sessions, and a community/membership where students can socialize.

Offers a 14-day trial with a credit card. Then it goes to a monthly payment of the subscription plan, which includes:

• Basic plan: $149/month
• Growth plan: $199/month
• Pro plan: $399/month

*Pricing information retrieved from Kajabi in April 2024.

Compare Kajabi with LearnWorlds

Check out other Kajabi Alternatives

#8 Docebo: Best Traditional LMS for Entreprises

Docebo comes with a top cloud-based LMS solution that meets most of every organization’s training needs and requirements.

The platform is learner-centric and offers L&D capabilities using learning-specific Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to personalize the learning experience.

• Supports SCORM, AICC, and Tin Can API
• Has engaging gamification capabilities
• Provides analytics on the effectiveness of learning programs
• Supports more than 40 languages
• Very expensive, only suitable for enterprises
• Lacking reporting feature
• Limited customization capabilities

Docebo is targeted at corporate and enterprise users training their employees and partners. It is prohibitively expensive for most course creators or small businesses.

Docebo’s pricing is based on active users and has a steep lower cost of $25,000.

• Engage plan: Starts at $25,000/year
• Elevate plan: Starts at $40,000/year
• Enterprise plan: You need to book a demo for a custom price.

*Pricing information retrieved from Docebo in April 2024.

Best Docebo Alternatives

#9: Litmos: Easiest-to-Use Traditional LMS

Litmos (formerly known as SAP Litmos) is a popular platform that offers a variety of eLearning solutions for businesses, including corporate, customer, partner, services, support training, and compliance training.

One of its biggest strengths is the ability to create customized learning paths for the needs and styles of every company and its employees.

• Intuitive course authoring
• Supports SCORM, AICC, xAPI/Tin Can API
• Great reporting & dashboards
• Includes a content library with 2,000+ ready-made training courses
• Has limited customization options
• Expensive option for most businesses
• Its assessment and feedback delivery process are slower than usual
• Lacks a dedicated payment gateway connection

It’s suitable for businesses of all types and sizes, focusing mostly on corporate training .

Pricing for Litmos LMS is not publicly available on the site, but it is based on the number of active users. Various online sources mention a price range between $2 and $5 per user per month .

Access to the LMS, specific courses, and add-on features comes with a quote-based plan after making a pricing request to Litmos directly.

#10 Moodle: The Most Popular Open-Source LMS

Unlike the majority of LMSs, Moodle is a free, open-source learning management platform . You can also buy hosted versions of Moodle with technical support from many resellers.

Moodle is the usual LMS for higher education and is being used by many businesses as well. It requires a great deal of effort for setup, but may be the most customizable solution for elearning out there.

A large community of developers is still supporting it, and you can find or develop almost any feature you might require.

• Open Source (free to use)
• Most customizable solution
• Compatible with SCORM, AICC, IMS LTI, and xAPI/Tin Can API
• A big community of users, developers, and businesses offering services and support
• Doesn’t offer support, but you can pay for it
• Very old user interface
• You need an expert or a team of experts to use it

Instructors: Moodle is best suited for colleges, universities, public administration, and specialized businesses with the expert knowledge to use it.

Learners: While not the most user-friendly solution, it is relatively easy to use and could offer many functionalities for users including a community, forum, etc.

Moodle is open-source Moodle which is free to use but requires your own server to host.

The other is MoodleCloud or other providers, which offer a cloud-based solution and usually come with tech support.

For off-the-shelf hosting:

• Starter: $120/year (50 users, 250MB)
• Mini: $200/year (100 users, 500MB)
• Small: $380/year (200 users, 1GB)
• Medium: $870/year (500 users, 2.5GB)
• Large: $1,650/year (1,000 users, 5GB)

For premium hosting: Customized pricing

*Pricing information retrieved from MoodleCloud in April 2024.

#11 LearnDash: Best WordPress Plugin for Learning

LearnDash is the most popular premium WordPress LMS plugin in the market. With it, you can design, promote, and sell online courses. Some of the best features it offers are its speed and its drag-and-drop course builder, which make the process of course creation both easy and enjoyable.

LearnDash has the flexibility of WordPress , allowing it to be very customizable. You can add many more functionalities that are not natively built-in. The downside is that adding too many plugins may be detrimental and break the website, requiring a developer to do the setup or keep maintaining the site and offering support.

• Cheaper than cloud-based LMS
• Very flexible and customizable
• Many add-ons that add functionality
• Has an ecosystem of themes & developers building new functionalities
• No free trial, but you can cancel within 15 days (if you don’t like the product)
• The membership plugin costs extra
• Every extension also comes at an additional cost
• Self-hosting on your own server comes with additional hosting & developer costs
• E-commerce features require a third-party plugin like WooCommerce

Instructors: LearnDash is suited for individuals and smaller companies, as it’s a low-cost LMS based on WordPress. It does not support most requirements for bigger, more complex organizations.

Learners: LearnDash’s interface is pretty easy to use and straightforward for learners. You will probably not realize when a course you bought is hosted on LearnDash.

There are two ways to use LearnDash – either getting the plugin or launching a fully hosted course website.

LearnDash plugin’s pricing is based on the number of site licenses:

• 1 site license: $199/year
• 10 site licenses: $399/year
• Unlimited: $799/year

LearnDash Cloud (full-site) starts at $25 per month.

MemberDash (the membership plugin) starts at $199/year as a standalone plugin (does not require LearnDash).

*Pricing information retrieved from LearnDash in April 2024.

Compare LearnWorlds vs LearnDash

Compare LearnWorlds vs WooCommerce

Choosing an Online Course Platform

There are many options available when it comes to offering online learning, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some platforms are more suitable for individual learners, while others are more business-friendly.

Depending on your budget, type of course, and compliance requirements (for bigger companies), you may choose a different platform that fits your needs.

Our favorite option is hands-down LearnWorlds .

It’s the easiest all-in-one course platform offering a high-end learning experience to your learners, whether you are an individual creator or a business.

Want to try out LearnWorlds? You can get a 30-day free trial today and schedule your demo!

Kyriaki Raouna

Kyriaki is a Content Creator for the LearnWorlds team writing about marketing and e-learning, helping course creators on their journey to create, market, and sell their online courses. Equipped with a degree in Career Guidance, she has a strong background in education management and career success. In her free time, she gets crafty and musical.

Nick Malekos

Nick Malekos is a Senior Digital Marketer in LearnWorlds. He is a results based and well-rounded Digital Marketer with years of experience in the education industry, writer and digital literacy trainer.

The 18 most popular online professional certification programs on Coursera, led by companies like Google and Facebook

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• Coursera offers online certification programs from top employers such as Google and Facebook .
• You can become job-ready for desirable, entry-level roles in a matter of months.
• Here are the most popular certificates on Coursera, from project management to data analytics .

One of the most enduring appeals of taking an online class is the simple, affordable gateway it can provide to a new, better-paying, and stabler career. An additional perk of finishing an online course or program is gaining a professional certificate : A recognition you can add to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV to show future employers your proficiency and initiative.

Unlike master's degrees or bootcamps, online professional certificates are usually shorter-term, more flexible, and a fraction of the cost of traditional continuing education. Entry-level certificates also don't usually require prior knowledge or degrees to sign up for.

Coursera , one of the most popular online platforms, offers a number of professional certificate programs through top employers such as IBM , Meta (f.k.a. Facebook ), Google , and Amazon Web Services , often taught by experts at those companies. 

Most Coursera programs are self-paced and cost from $39-$49 per month, so the faster you finish, the more you save. (If your goal career requires you to take multiple programs, or you plan on really taking your time to complete the coursework, you may also want to consider a Coursera Plus subscription if it saves you money .)

Below, you'll find the 18 most popular entry-level certificate programs on Coursera . Class objectives range from getting job-ready for data science roles to successfully passing the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional exam . Some programs even give students who've completed the programs access to an exclusive careers network that connects them with dozens of employers . 

The 18 most popular entry-level Coursera professional certificates right now:

Google data analytics.

Enroll here

Learn how to tackle the day-to-day responsibilities of a junior or associate data analyst by gaining key skills like data cleaning, data analysis, and data visualization using tools like Tableau and programming languages like R and SQL.

Google Project Management

For those looking into entry-level project management roles, this program explains the basics of Agile project management, focusing on Scrum events, artifacts, and roles. Students also learn strategic communication skills through real-world scenarios.

Google UX Design

This program covers a broad overview of the design process before going into the fundamentals of UX design and having students complete a UX portfolio of three projects: A mobile app, a functioning website, and a cross-platform experience.

Google IT Support

Learn the skills necessary to apply to entry-level IT jobs, from completing IT support tasks like computer assembly, wireless networking, program installation, troubleshooting, debugging, and customer service.

IBM Data Science

Develop career-relevant skills in data science and machine learning. Note: You don't need prior knowledge of computer science or programming languages.

Facebook Marketing Analytics

This early career program teaches students marketing analytics skills to take them from beginner to job-ready.

Google IT Automation with Python

To advance your IT career, learn skills in Python, Git, and automation, including managing IT resources in the cloud, writing Python scripts, and troubleshooting IT problems.

IBM Data Analyst

Build the skills needed for entry-level data analyst roles through the course of eight classes. You'll gain practical experience with data manipulation and analytical techniques and use data analysis tools including Excel, SQL, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and Cognos Analytics.

Facebook Social Media Marketing

This five-course professional certificate program is designed to make social media marketing beginners equipped for entry-level roles. You'll create and analyze an effective advertising campaign for your target audience, make a creative brief, establish and manage a social media presence, and use Facebook Ads Manager to perfect your ads.

IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

Over eight courses, students gain the technical skills to be job-ready for a cybersecurity analyst role. You'll gain skills for incident responses and forensics using real-world cybersecurity case studies and build knowledge in data protection, endpoint protection, and SIEM, as well as systems and network fundamentals.  

Intuit Bookkeeping

Gain the skills you need to launch a bookkeeping career — whether it's in public accounting, private industry, government, or a non-profit organization — and ace the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional exam.

SAS Programmer

This course prepares you for the SAS Base Programmer certification, including learning the fundamentals of the SAS programming language, accessing and preparing different types of data (SAS, Excel, Text), and applying SAS programming principles in practical examples.

Salesforce Sales Operations

Learn the foundational Salesforce skills needed to launch a sales operations career, including building reports, charts, and dashboards in Salesforce; using Salesforce Sales Cloud Lightning to manage accounts, and explaining how CRM works in appropriate contexts.

Salesforce Sales Development Representative

This five-course program helps students build job-ready skills for entry-level Sales Development Representative (SDR) positions.

IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer

This program will teach you how to master Cloud Native and Full Stack Development through hands-on projects utilizing HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django, Containers, Microservices, and more.

IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R

Master the data analysis and visualization tools needed to transform data into information and insights with Excel and R.

IBM Data Engineering

This six-course program is designed to build the skills and portfolio you need for a career as an AI or ML engineer.

IBM Applied AI

This AI program is a good jumpstart for an AI career. Among other things, you'll learn to build AI-powered solutions using IBM Watson AI services, APIs, and Python with minimal coding, as well as develop custom image classification models and deploy them to the Cloud.

• Main content

Popular Online Course Websites to Choose From

May 8, 2024

in Online Course Platforms

Our content is reader-supported . If you click on our links, we may earn a commission.  How we review .

Are you trying to navigate the world of online course platforms in 2024? No sweat! We’ve compared the top contenders to help you pinpoint your ideal fit. Let’s dive in as we uncover the best online learning platforms on the market right now ⇣ .

The internet has opened up endless possibilities for learning, and now, anyone can go online and find a course for just about anything. It doesn’t matter how niche it is; there is always someone willing to sell their knowledge and expertise, and there are always potential students willing to learn.

Did you know that the online learning industry was worth $240 billion in 2022 , and it’s estimated to be worth $325 billion in 2025 – that’s a 35% increase in just three years.

To accommodate this boom in online learning, numerous platforms have sprung up, allowing creators to build, market, and sell engaging courses with ease. 

As always, some of these platforms are awesome, and some less so, but I’ve compiled this list of what I think are the best ones around right now.

How do you choose the best online course platform for building courses, coaching programs, podcasts, gated websites, communities, and memberships?

Here are a few general recommendations:

So, if you’re planning to enter the world of course creation, you’ll definitely want to read this comparison article.

TL;DR: Kajabi is no doubt the #1 best platform for building online courses. It may be pricy, but it has the most sophisticated and diverse features that let you create incredibly engaging courses as well as market and sell them successfully.

What are the Best Online Course Platforms in 2024?

2024‘s digital landscape is ready for your expertise. For sleek course creation and delivery, Kajabi , Teachable , Thinkific , and Podia are top-tier choices. Kartra offers an all-in-one business platform, weaving everything from landing pages to email campaigns.

If WordPress is your home, LearnDash is the plug-in to transform it into a learning powerhouse. For the ultimate in sales funnels and conversions, give ClickFunnels 2.0 or Systeme.io a try.

Table of Contents

• 1. Kajabi: Best Overall Platform For Creating Courses
• 2. Thinkific: Best Value For Money Online Course Creator
• 3. Teachable: Cheapest Online Course Builder
• 4. Podia: Best Beginner-Friendly Option
• 5. LearnDash: Best WordPress LMS Plugin
• 6. ClickFunnels: Best Course Builder For Funnels
• 7. Systeme.io: The Rising Star of Online Course Platforms
• 8. Kartra: Best for CRM Tools

Honorable Mentions

Worst online course platforms (that you probably should avoid), why use an online course platform, frequently asked questions, best online course platforms in 2024: short summary, 1. kajabi : best overall platform for creating courses.

Website : www.kajabi.com

Free plan: Not available.

Free trial: They offer a 30-day free trial, letting potential instructors test-drive the platform.

• Beautiful, customizable themes: Ensure your online presence matches your brand.
• Pipelines: Integrated funnels and landing pages to guide a student from interest to purchase.
• Events: Host webinars and other events right from the platform.
• Advanced automations: Trigger actions based on student behaviors.
• Comprehensive reporting: Dive deep into metrics about sales, course completion, and more.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $149/month or $119/month paid annually

Best for: Entrepreneurs who seek a robust platform that doesn't compromise on either the course creation or marketing front.

Quick summary: Kajabi stands out as a comprehensive solution for online educators, seamlessly integrating course creation, marketing tools, and community-building features.

Join Kajabi, where sophisticated course creation meets robust marketing tools. Your next level awaits!

Start your extended 30-day free trial. Pay yearly and save 20%.

If there’s a platform that has it all, it’s Kajabi . This undisputed champion of online course-building platforms is so much more than, well, just a course-building platform.

It boasts an entire suite of features that allow you to create diverse and engaging communities, digital products, coaching, webinars, and more.

Selling them is a breeze, too, as Kajabi includes an absolute boatload of marketing and sales tools ( including free AI tools ). From building full funnels and websites to creating entire automated campaign workflows, Kajabi makes the entire process seem somewhat effortless.

A platform boasting so many features runs the risk of becoming over-complicated, but Kajabi has taken great steps to ensure it’s as user-friendly as possible. 

With top-class templates, a stellar help center, and on-screen prompts, even course-building newbies will feel like pros in a matter of hours.

The only downside? Oh man, Kajabi is expensive.

Kajabi Pricing

Did I mention that Kajabi was expensive? There are three plans available, both payable on a monthly or annual basis. Paying annually gets you a 20% discount :

• Basic plan: $149/month or $119/month paid annually
• Growth plan: $199/month or $159/month paid annually
• Pro plan: $399/month or $319/month paid annually

All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee . And you can try my extended 30-day free trial by signing up here .

Kajabi Features

As expected, Kajabi packs in the features and provides as close to an “all-in-one” platform as possible. Here’s what you get:

• Templates for all building features
• Course building tool
• Quizzes and assessments builder
• Web page building tools: websites, landing pages, and blogs
• AI creator hub with free AI tools that can structure online courses, create marketing content, and more in seconds
• Funnel builder
• Workflow builder and automation
• Coaching tools
• Native live streaming
• Smart booking calendar
• Community building tool
• Membership sites
• Email marketing
• CRM and pipeline tools
• Contact lists
• Analytics and reports
• Native payment gateway
• Upsells, order bumps, coupons, and more
• Mobile app: you can use the creator app to manage your Kajabi products on the move while your customers can access and consume your content via the Kajabi customer app
• Live chat support

Kajabi Pros and Cons

• Extended 30-day free trial available (normally only 14 days)
• Best-in-class platform with outstanding features
• Truly an all-in-one platform with everything you need to create, market, and sell
• Excellent help resources are available
• Stunning out-of-the-box templates and fully built workflow blueprints to use 
• No third-party app integrations are necessary (but you can if you want)
• AI-powered content generator makes creating courses effortless
• It’s very expensive, with no entry-level plan available, only a 14-day free trial
• Feature limits apply on all plans – even the top-tier one

Kajabi Verdict

There’s no doubt that Kajabi is unaffordable for some, but ultimately you pay for what you get. And in this case, you’re getting the best-in-class platform that delivers excellent features that run seamlessly.

When I look at the platform itself, I find it extremely difficult to find fault. Do I wish it had a more affordable price plan? Yes. Do I think Kajabi is worth the money it charges? Also, yes.

Try out Kajabi’s extended 30-day free trial by signing up here .

2. Thinkific : Best Value For Money Online Course Creator

Website : www.thinkific.com

Free plan: Thinkific offers a limited free plan for 1 course only basic plan with 0% transaction fees.

Free trial: A 30-day trial period is available for instructors to try out all premium features.

• Diverse Content Options: Incorporate a variety of file types including video, PDF, audio, and HTML. Enhance courses with quizzes, surveys, and external tools like Typeform, Articulate, and Storyline.
• Integrated E-commerce: Manage student enrollments and track sales with robust reporting tools, ensuring you understand your audience's journey.
• Seamless Integrations: Connect seamlessly with tools like Segment.io, broadening the possibilities of data analysis and external functionalities.
• White-label Branding: Offer a completely branded experience to students, hiding the fact that Thinkific powers the backend.
• Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Access a vast reservoir of resources and solutions for any queries, ensuring uninterrupted course creation and delivery.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $49/month or $36/month paid annually

Best for: New and seasoned course creators looking for a balanced blend of powerful features with ease of use.

Quick summary: Thinkific remains a popular choice in the LMS industry due to its robust features, flexibility, and user-friendly interface, making course creation and management a breeze.

Transform your expertise into captivating courses; let Thinkific guide the way!

Free 30-day trial to try out all premium features.

Thinkific is actually pretty similar to Teachable and offers many of the same features . However, there are some differences worth noting.

Of course, you can build the usual courses and fill them with videos, uploads, images, and more. But unlike Teachable, Thinkific has a community feature that provides a social-media-style experience to users.

This is highly valuable when searching for ways to increase engagement among your customer base and is a feature I believe is becoming more and more popular on learning platforms.

Disappointingly, Thinkfic is seriously lacking in the marketing department, and beyond providing a website builder, there’s nothing to help you sell your products. For that, you must integrate with a third-party tool which, in most cases, costs extra.

Thinkific Pricing

Thinkific provides four key plans. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time:

• Free plan : Free for life but limited
• Basic plan: $49/month or $36/month paid annually
• Start plan: $99/month or $74/month paid annually
• Grow plan: $199/month or $149/month paid annually

Thinkific provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and if you fancy upgrading your plan, it’s possible to get a 30-day free trial first to see if you like it.

If you’re thinking about giving Thinkific a shot, you can try it for free here.

Thinkific Features

Again, like Teachable, Thinkific has certain features only available on certain plans, so be sure to check out the full feature list for each of the pricing plans.

• Beginner-friendly course builder
• Course quizzes, assignments, and surveys
• Website builder and themes
• Community creation tool
• E-commerce native payment gateway
• Basic bookkeeping tools
• Coupons, upsells, and discounts
• Live streaming
• Student emailer
• Reporting and analytics

Thinkific Pros and Cons

• Free plan available
• Affordable paid plans
• If you pay annually, you get the Accelerator Program (to help you get started) worth $499 for free
• Comprehensive community building tool
• No transaction fees imposed on sales
• Loads of direct third-party app integrations available
• Many features are only available on the most expensive plans
• Serious lack of marketing tools

Thinkific Verdict

If it weren’t for the community feature, I believe Thinkific would be almost the same as Teachable. Sure, it has good course-building features and tools, but nothing that stands out over the platforms we’ve already covered. And the notable absence of any real marketing tools is a real letdown.

However, its community feature is really decent, and what’s more, you can try it out on the free plan, so it’s super affordable too. This, in my opinion, is what makes this platform worth using.

3. Teachable : Cheapest Online Course Builder

Website : www.teachable.com

Free plan: Teachable offers a 1 product or course only basic plan with $1 + 10% transaction fees.

Free trial: A 14-day trial period is available for testing out its advanced premium features.

• Versatile course content: Use videos, quizzes, text assignments, and even coding exercises to create a dynamic learning experience.
• Comprehensive sales and analytics dashboard: Get insights into course sales, student engagement, and more.
• Direct integrations with marketing tools: Easily connect to services like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and others for enhanced reach.
• Customizable course pages: Ensure your branding remains consistent and distinct.
• Student management capabilities: Dive into individual student progress, issue refunds, and more.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $59/month or $39/month paid annually

Best for: Educators seeking a comprehensive platform that’s not just about course creation but also emphasizes marketing and student management.

Quick summary: Teachable emphasizes both on the teaching and the business aspect of online education. With its array of tools and integrations, it’s a solid choice for educators looking to monetize their content effectively.

Unlock the power of seamless course creation; start your teaching journey with Teachable today!

Free 14-day trial - no credit card required.

Teachable is a respected course-building platform that has affordable plans, including a limited free plan. 

Rather than trying to do everything, Teachable focuses solely on providing great tools to help you build effective learning products. As such, the platform doesn’t have many marketing or sales features available.

Like Kajabi, Teachable has its own payment gateway eliminating the need for third parties, and the higher-tier plan you opt for, the lesser the transaction fees are.

Whether you’re looking to create a cohort-based course, a coaching product, or just simple modules and lessons, Teachable has the tools to help you achieve it.

Teachable Pricing

Teachable offers four different plans to its customers:

• Free plan: Free but with high transaction fees
• Basic plan: $59/month or $39/month paid annually
• Pro plan: $159/month or $119/month paid annually
• Pro+ plan: $249/month or $199/month paid annually

Teachable also provides a 14-day free trial for its paid plans, and if you do pay and decide it’s a no-go, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If Teachable ticks your boxes, sign up here for a free trial or for the free plan.

Teachable Features

Here are all of Teachable’s features. Note that not all of them are available on certain price tiers. To see what is available in each tier, check out Teachable’s pricing page:

• Web page building tool
• Quizzes, certifications, and assessments
• AI-powered curriculum generator
• Sell digital downloads
• Native payment gateway – Teachable:pay
• Tax-inclusive pricing
• Upsells, order bumps, and coupons
• Admin task automation

Teachable Pros and Cons

• Decent free plan available
• Drag-and-drop building tool and intuitive interface
• Automatic sales tax handling  
• Use of AI to quickly create your course content
• The transaction fees are really high in the free plan
• Lack of decent marketing tools
• Some features are only available in the higher tier plans

Teachable Verdict

While I find the lack of marketing tools disappointing, Teachable is still a solid choice for course building. And I particularly like that it automatically handles sales tax charges – something that Kajabi doesn’t actually do.

Teachable’s free plan makes it an ideal platform for newbies who don’t want to commit financially, but experienced users may find it a little limited in features.

4. Podia : Best Beginner-Friendly Option

Website : www.podia.com

Free plan: Podia offers a 1 product or course only basic plan with 8% transaction fees.

Free trial: A 14-day free trial provides ample time for instructors to gauge the platform's capabilities.

• No transaction fees: Maximize your revenue from course sales.
• Email marketing: Engage with your audience right from the platform.
• Messaging: Real-time chat with students, fostering a sense of community.
• Bundling: Offer courses, memberships, and digital downloads together.
• Pre-launch courses: Build interest and an audience before the course goes live.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $39/month or $33/month paid annually

Best for: Ideal for individual educators or small teams who desire a no-fuss, comprehensive solution to sell courses, memberships, and digital products.

Quick summary: Podia prioritizes simplicity without compromising on features. It's an all-in-one solution tailored for those who prefer a direct and uncomplicated approach to online education.

From online courses to memberships, Podia is your one-stop-shop; come onboard and see for yourself!

Start your free plan now. Pay yearly and save 17%.

Podia is a decent online course creation platform that contains a smattering of marketing tools too. 

The course builder is pretty comprehensive, allowing you to create diverse learning products, including coaching, webinars, workshops, and digital downloads. The platform also features a website builder and email marketing, so you have the basics with which to promote your offers.

Additionally, Podia has a community feature, but it’s pretty basic compared with others.

One feature I really like here is that Podia has an on-page chat widget allowing you to engage with your site visitors in real time, thus reducing the likelihood of a dropped lead.

Podia Pricing

Podia gives you the choice of three plans:

• Free plan: Free for life but limited
• Mover plan: $39/month or $33/month paid annually
• Shaker plan: $89/month or $75/month paid annually

If you pay and decide it’s not for you, you only have 72 hours in which you can claim a full refund. There is also a 14-day free trial available for the paid plans.

It’s easy to get started with Podia. Simply click here to sign up for the free plan .

Podia Features

Podia packs in the features for a very affordable price. And most of them on the paid plans are unlimited:

• Course builder
• Website builder
• Video uploads
• Community builder
• Webinar tool (integrate with third-party apps for live-streaming)
• Coaching features and tools
• Live chat widget
• Live chat customer support

Podia Pros and Cons

• Paid plans are super cheap
• All features are unlimited on the paid plans
• Nice, easy-to-use interface
• The live chat widget for your website is ace
• Includes basic marketing tools 
• To get full use of the platform, you are required to integrate with a lot of third-party apps
• No analytics tools or native payment gateway
• Advanced users will find this platform too basic 

Podia Verdict

Podia is decent, but it’s not going to set your world on fire. It does what it does just fine, though, and I feel this is an excellent choice for those on super tight budgets. 

Overall, it’s the cheapest platform on our list, so if you’re happy to forego the sophistication that more expensive platforms have in favor of something very affordable, Podia will suit you down to the ground.

5. LearnDash : Best WordPress LMS Plugin

Website : www.learndash.com

Free trial: No, you are purchasing the plugin, but they have a 15-days money-back guarantee period.

• Advanced quizzing: Eight question types, custom messages, question banks, and more.
• Course content protection: Schedule and drip-feed lessons based on a set schedule.
• Engaging gamification: Award points, badges, certificates, and more.
• Integration-rich: Being WordPress-based, it can integrate with numerous plugins and tools.
• Dynamic forums: Foster community and discussions among your students.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $39/month or $25/month paid annually

Best for: WordPress users seeking an advanced LMS solution that integrates seamlessly with their website.

Quick summary: LearnDash is a frontrunner in the WordPress LMS space, offering advanced features with the flexibility and robustness of WordPress.

Harness the flexibility of WordPress and elevate your e-learning game with LearnDash now!

Get started now! Risk-free 15-day money-back guarantee.

LearnDash operates a little differently than other platforms. It’s a WordPress plugin that lets you integrate an entire learning management system (LMS) onto your WordPress site. Although, there is also a cloud-based version that lets you get started without having a WordPress site.

Additionally, it has features that are suitable for academic institutions, such as online colleges and universities. Therefore, it’s also suited as a learning solution for businesses. 

That’s not to say it’s not ideal for individuals too. It is, as long as you have a WordPress site. 

Its course-building solutions are detailed , and best of all, you can create unlimited numbers of them. The cost of your plan only increases if you want to use the plugin with multiple WordPress sites.

Keep in mind that LearnDash is purely for courses and nothing else. There are no sales tools or CRM features to be had here.

LearnDash Pricing

LearnDash has two pricing options to choose from, and they are dependent on whether or not you already have a WordPress site:

• LMS LearnDash plugin (for existing WordPress sites): From $199/year
• LearnDash Cloud: (Out of the box solution): From $29/month or $25/month paid annually

All add-on tools noted in the feature list cost an additional $49/year each.

There is no free trial, but LearnDash has a sandbox demo site that lets you fully play around with all its features before committing financially. Once you subscribe, you have a 15-day money-back guarantee.

Try out LearnDash by checking out its demo site.

LearnDash Features

There are loads of features included with LearnDash, including add-on features for an additional cost:

• Themes and templates
• Quizzes, assessments, and certificates
• Exams and challenges
• Assignments
• iThemes Security Pro for site security
• Add on ProPanel for advanced analytics and reporting
• Add on GradeBook for grading, scoring, and reporting
• Add on Notes to allow your students to write notes on course content and have two-way discussions with tutors
• Add on Groups for larger organizations that want group learning activities

LearnDash Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Sandbox mode available that lets you try out the platform risk-free
• The only course-building platform made for WordPress
• SCORM compliant
• Tailor your plan by choosing add-on features
• Daily automatic backups included
• Excellent out-of-the-box templates and themes
• Suitable for large organizations and serious academic facilities
• Requires a learning curve and knowledge of WordPress to get started
• Features are exclusively for courses and course building; no sales or marketing tools can be found

LearnDash Verdict

Given how many websites are powered by WordPress, I’m surprised there aren’t more platforms like LearnDash around.

This is a great plugin for more serious course builders and businesses looking to implement a learning solution for their employees. And if you need courses that require grades, tests, assessments, etc., this is probably the most advanced platform for that job.

However, if you’re looking for more diverse features, including sales tools, maybe LearnDash isn’t the right solution for you.

6. ClickFunnels : Best Course Builder For Funnels

Website : www.clickfunnels.com

Free trial: A 14-day free trial + 30-day money back guarantee for instructors to test-drive the platform.

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor: Create landing pages with ease.
• High-converting templates: Use tried-and-tested designs to enhance sales.
• Follow-Up Funnels: Integrated email marketing for effective follow-ups.
• Membership areas: Deliver courses within gated communities.
• Extensive integrations: Connect with numerous third-party tools and platforms.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $147/month or $127/month paid annually

Best for: ClickFunnels is best suited for online educators and entrepreneurs who prioritize marketing and sales funnels, with course delivery as a complementary feature.

Quick summary: ClickFunnels is a marketing powerhouse, best suited for those who prioritize sales funnels and wish to deliver courses as part of a broader business strategy.

Beyond courses – master the art of funnels and amplify your impact with ClickFunnels!

Start your 14-day free trial right now!

ClickFunnels has been around for ages, and as you can probably guess, ClickFunnels 2.0 is the second reincarnation of the platform. 

ClickFunnels is primarily a funnel-building platform, and it does this to a highly advanced level. But it does a lot of other stuff too, and I’d say it’s probably Kajabi’s closest rival as far as features and their quality are concerned.

Why is ClickFunnels not further up the list, then? 

Well, you can build courses and learning products on the platform, but that’s not its main focus. Therefore, there are other platforms that do it better. Oh, and it’s blimmin’ expensive.

Additionally, the entire ClickFunnels vibe feels a little cultish and in your face. Just watch some of Russell Brunson’s (ClickFunnel’s founder) YouTube videos and check out his “Two Comma Club” to understand what I mean. Obviously, this is a personal opinion, though, and I’m sure plenty of people won’t be bothered by it.

ClickFunnels Pricing

ClickFunnels has three plans to pick from:

• Basic plan: $147/month or $127/month paid annually
• Pro plan: $197/month or $157/month paid annually
• Funnel Hacker plan: $297/month or $208/month paid annually

A 14-day free trial is available PLUS you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee (so really, you get 44 days to try out ClickFunnels membership site platform).

To get started with the ClickFunnels 2.0 free trial, click here .

ClickFunnels 2.0 Features

So what do you get for your plan price? Here are the platform’s features:

• Sales funnels builder
• Website, landing page, and blog builder
• Online course builder
• Customer center setup
• Workflows and automation
• Payments AI (native payment gateway)
• e-Commerce store and shopping cart are also coming soon

ClickFunnels 2.0 Pros and Cons

• Has the most advanced funnel-building tool on this list
• Wide range of features available
• Great templates and easy-to-use building tools
• Sophisticated automation
• Plans are very expensive
• Features on all plans are limited
• The ClickFunnels 2.0 culture is a bit much

ClickFunnels 2.0 Verdict

If this article was called “Best Funnel Building Platforms,” then ClickFunnels 2.0 would win hands down . It’s definitely on top when it comes to the marketing tools it provides.

And its course building and learning product creation tools are perfectly good. If not, better than good, but for me, the sticking point is the pricing and the plan limits. If I’m going to be forking out over $140 per month for a platform, I should be able to create more than three courses on it.

All-in-all, if marketing is a priority and you have deep pockets, ClickFunnels 2.0 isn’t a bad choice. Check out my detailed review of ClickFunnels 2.0 .

7. Systeme.io : The Rising Star of Online Course Platforms

Website : www.systeme.io

Free plan: Yes, Systeme.io offers a free but limited basic plan.

Free trial: In addition to the free plan, they sometimes offer trials for their premium features.

• Built-in email marketing: Engage with your audience without needing another tool.
• Sales funnels: Convert potential students with optimized funnel templates.
• Blogging: Enhance your visibility with built-in blogging capabilities.
• Affiliate management: Let others promote your courses for a commission.
• Automation rules: Simplify tasks and actions based on user behavior.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $27/month or $228 when paid annually

Best for: Entrepreneurs and educators seeking an all-in-one solution for course creation, marketing, and sales without the complexities of larger platforms.

Quick summary: Systeme.io is a holistic platform designed for educators who want simplicity without compromising on essential features. It combines course creation with effective marketing tools, making it a great choice for solo entrepreneurs.

All-in-one, yet straightforward – streamline your online course venture with Systeme.io now!

Get your free systeme.io account today!

Not many people have heard of Systeme.io . That’s because it’s a French platform and, up until recently, was only available to the French market. Not so long ago, they released the platform fully in English , and since then, it has been rising in popularity .

Essentially Systeme.io offers pretty much everything that Kajabi does, albeit on a less sophisticated basis. You get full course-building features and a whole host of sales and marketing features too. Plus, it supports automation, and you can do cool things like split A/B testing.

It has its limitations, though. For example, the platform currently has no native live-streaming capabilities, and overall its tools are definitely more basic than Kajabi. But if you want something that’s like Kajabi but without Kajabi pricing, I think you’ll like Systeme.io.

Systeme.io Pricing

This is where the platform stands out. Four very affordable plans await you:

• Free plan: Free for life
• Startup plan: $27/month or $228/year
• Webinar plan: $47/month or $396/year
• Unlimited plan: $97/month or $828/year

Paid users can get their money back if they cancel within 14 day s and if you want to upgrade your plan, you can try it out with a 14-day free trial.

See for yourself how Systeme.io stacks up by signing up here .

Systeme.io Features

Systeme.io’s features are numerous and most of them are available on all plans but with limits imposed depending on which one you’re on:

• Website and blog builders
• Sales funnel builder
• Templates for all features
• Dropshipping and product sales tools
• Evergreen webinar uploads
• Multiple payment gateway integrations
• 24/7 email support
• Reports and analytics

Systeme.io Pros and Cons

• Generous free plan
• Extremely cheap paid plans – even the top-tier plan is less than $100/month
• Full set of sales and marketing features
• Platform is easy to use and beginner-friendly
• Lots of features are unlimited
• Automation is included plus it has split A/B testing
• No live-streaming feature
• No native payment gateway – you must integrate with a third-party
• No live support (email only)

Systeme.io Verdict

Okay, so right now, Systeme.io is a little rough around the edges and lacks the full sophistication of the more established platforms. 

On the other hand, it’s truly an all-in-one platform that you can use to make and sell your products. And it’s so incredibly cheap!

I’ve also noticed that Systeme.io are very receptive to receiving and implementing improvement suggestions from their subscribers . Therefore, I think this platform is a rising star and could become a very serious contender for Kajabi.

8. Kartra : Best for CRM Tools

Website : www.kartra.com

Free trial: 14-day free trial to try out its features + risk-free 30 day money back guarantee.

• All-in-one platform: From email marketing to video hosting and checkout pages, everything's in one place.
• Behavioral adaptive marketing: Send targeted messages based on user behavior.
• Built-in video hosting: Embed directly into your courses without third-party platforms.
• Advanced automation: Streamline your sales, marketing, and even course delivery processes.
• Comprehensive analytics: Understand every aspect of your business and courses with detailed metrics.

Plans and pricing : Basic plan starts at $119/month or $99/month paid annually

Best for: It’s tailor-made for online businesses that need a unified platform for both course creation and holistic digital marketing.

Quick summary: Kartra is a powerhouse for online businesses. It’s not just an educational platform but an integrated solution for marketing, sales, and course delivery.

Empower your online business with the all-in-one prowess of Kartra. Dive in today!

Start your free trial today! Try out the premium features.

Kartra is another platform claiming to be “all-in-one” and I believe it to be so. Kartra is really packed with features, including the ability to create diverse courses and membership sites.

However, I would say that Kartra is more focused on providing customer relationship management (CRM) tools along with sales and marketing features. As such, the platform lacks features to create learning products, like communities or coaching packages.

Also, since there are so many features, the average person who simply wants to create one or two courses may find it’s too much – and too expensive – for their needs.

Kartra Pricing

Kartra gives you four options to choose from:

• Starter plan: $119/month or $99/month billed annually
• Silver plan: $229/month or $189/month billed annually
• Platinum plan: $549/month or $429/month billed annually

There’s no free trial but you can try the platform for 14 days and once you pay for a full subscription, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee .

To give Kartra a whirl, get your dollar ready and sign up here .

Kartra Features

Kartra is busting at the seams with features. And most of them are unlimited on all plans but the cheapest one:

• Page builder tool for websites, landing pages , forms, and more
• Membership portals
• Surveys and quizzes
• Interactive videos
• Email campaigns
• CRM, pipeline, and lead management tools
• Native checkout
• Helpdesk portal and support ticketing (for your customers)
• Native calendars and scheduling
• Centralized console for agencies

Kartra Pros and Cons

Pros:  

• Tonnes of features and most are unlimited on the higher tier plans
• Plenty of stunning-looking templates to choose from
• Advanced CRM features, including a helpdesk
• Native checkout facility, suitable for low-volume e-Commerce
• Interactive video streaming tool
• Lacks advanced learning product creation tools
• The cheapest plan is so limited it isn’t worth the price
• No chance to try out the platform for free

Kartra Verdict

Kartra’s course-building features are really sleek and modern, but it lacks the diversity that you find on more specialized platforms. Therefore, I’d choose Kartra if I were searching for a “does it all” solution where course-building wasn’t my main focus.

I do really love that most plans have unlimited features. This is quite often a rarity on premium-priced platforms. However, I’m not sure what the $99/month Start plan is about – it’s so limited and definitely not worth the money!

1. LearnWorlds

LearnWords is an all-in-one online course platform that elevates e-learning experiences. With tools for interactive video creation, eBook builders, and SCORM compatibility, LearnWorlds promotes active learning while keeping course creation intuitive.

✨ Best for : Educators aiming for a rich, interactive, and comprehensive online learning environment.

2. SkillShare

SkillShare is a thriving community of creators and learners, SkillShare provides access to thousands of high-quality courses spanning design, photography, business, and more. Each class emphasizes project-based learning, ensuring practical skills are acquired.

✨ Best for : Creatives and hobbyists keen on both learning and sharing their expertise in concise, impactful lessons.

3. Teachery

Teachery is a platform that demystifies online course creation, Teachery offers unlimited courses, students, and zero transaction fees. With recurring payment options and a clean, no-code course editor, it’s tailored for creators who value simplicity.

✨ Best for : Instructors seeking a clean, hassle-free platform with transparent pricing.

4. LifterLMS

LifterLMS is a robust WordPress plugin designed to transform websites into functional learning platforms. LifterLMS supports multi-tier courses, membership options, and engagement features like badges and certificates, providing a comprehensive LMS experience.

✨ Best for : WordPress users wanting to meld high-grade e-learning features with their existing sites.

5. TutorLMS

TutorLMS is an all-in-one LMS solution for WordPress, TutorLMS is equipped with a frontend course builder, advanced quiz creator, and monetization options through WooCommerce. The platform supports multi-instructor setups, making it versatile for larger e-learning endeavors.

✨ Best for : Entrepreneurs and educational institutions on WordPress looking to craft and scale their online learning offerings.

Udemy is an expansive online course marketplace known for its vast reach and diverse offerings. Its massive scale, however, can sometimes be a double-edged sword.

• Huge Audience : Udemy boasts millions of users worldwide, offering course creators a vast potential audience.
• Diverse Courses : The platform supports a wide range of topics, from technology and business to arts and personal development.
• No Upfront Costs : Instructors can create and upload courses for free.
• Revenue Distribution : Udemy’s revenue-sharing model heavily favors the platform, especially when enrollments happen through their promotional efforts. This can significantly reduce instructors’ earnings.
• Promotional Strategy : The platform is notorious for its frequent and aggressive discounting, which can devalue the perceived worth of courses and erode potential earnings.
• Over-Saturated : Given the sheer number of courses available on Udemy, new or less-known instructors might find it challenging to gain visibility and traction without significant marketing efforts.

Ruzuku markets itself as an all-inclusive platform, merging course content, payment processing, and student communication into a unified system. However, some aspects of the platform might not meet everyone’s expectations.

• All-in-One Platform : Ruzuku handles course content, payment, and email communication all in one place.
• Engagement Tools : The platform offers tools like quizzes, tasks, and community forums to increase student engagement.
• Support : They offer good customer support, with multiple options including live chat.
• Dated Interface : The platform’s design and interface, by some accounts, lag in modern aesthetics and intuitive navigation compared to newer entrants in the market.
• Expensive Pricing : Ruzuku’s pricing model may appear high, especially for beginners or those with a limited student base, especially when compared to the features offered.
• Limited Advanced Features : While it handles the basics, Ruzuku may lack the advanced tools, integrations, or customizations available on more evolved platforms.

3. Click4Course

Click4Course positions itself as a straightforward solution for course creation, it caters to both individual educators and corporate training needs. However, its simplicity may come with trade-offs.

• Simple Interface : Designed for ease of use, Click4Course offers a straightforward course creation process.
• SCORM Compliant : It supports SCORM, which is crucial for some businesses and educators.
• Internal Company Training : The platform is geared not just for selling courses but also for internal training within companies.
• Limited Functionality : The platform might not be as feature-rich as its competitors, potentially limiting its adaptability for diverse needs.
• Platform Visibility : Lacking the bustling marketplace characteristic of giants like Udemy, Click4Course offers limited organic visibility or discovery for public courses.
• Value Proposition : The platform’s pricing might not always align with its feature set, leading potential users to question its overall value compared to other options in the market.

We’ve all got knowledge tucked away at the back of our brains somewhere. And knowledge is valuable. People want to know what you know and even more so if you’ve got a particular skill or talent.

Online course platforms make it possible to monetize your knowledge, and it can be extremely profitable too.

Imagine creating an online course that you can sell an infinite number of times. That’s infinite possibilities for profit! I mean, there are only seven-ish billion people on the planet, so you are limited in that respect, but you get my drift.

Essentially, online learning products can be highly profitable. Whether you’re selling a ten-page ebook containing tips on gardening or a full-scale course filled with videos and documents teaching someone how to play the guitar, someone will be willing to pay to learn from you.

And how do you create these courses? With an online course-building platform, of course! And there are loads to choose from.

So there you have it, nine great platforms, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, but all are solid choices for course building.

That said, there has to be a winner, and I’m sold on Kajabi . Yes, it’s expensive, and I get that many people won’t be able to afford it straight off the bat. But its features are the best, and it’s worth the money. In short, you get what you pay for.

However, other platforms are starting to catch up while offering much more affordable rates , so I’m interested to see how this list evolves over the coming years, especially as AI becomes front and center.

Matt Ahlgren

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, steering a global team of editors and writers. He holds a master's in information science and management. His career pivoted to SEO after early web development experiences during university. With over 15 years in SEO, digital marketing, and web developmens. His focus also includes website security, evidenced by a certificate in Cyber Security. This diverse expertise underpins his leadership at Website Rating.

The "WSR Team" is the collective group of expert editors and writers specializing in technology, internet security, digital marketing, and web development. Passionate about the digital realm, they produce well-researched, insightful, and accessible content. Their commitment to accuracy and clarity makes Website Rating a trusted resource for staying informed in the dynamic digital world.

Lindsay Liedke

Lindsay is the Chief Editor at Website Rating, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the site's content. She leads a dedicated team of editors and technical writers, focusing on areas such as productivity, online learning, and AI writing. Her expertise ensures the delivery of insightful and authoritative content in these evolving fields.

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