best online education platforms

We compared 13 popular online learning platforms for all ages, budgets, and interests – our favorites include Coursera for certificate courses and MasterClass for creative arts classes

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• The rise of online learning is democratizing education by improving access to top-notch courses.
• We compared some of the platforms we cover the most to help you find the best ones for you.
• We looked at popular platforms like Coursera , edX , MasterClass , Skillshare , Duolingo , and more.

As online learning continues to grow in popularity, so do the options available to you. Whether you want to take a popular free Ivy League class for fun , pursue part of an online master's degree , boost your career with some additional certifications , or just learn a new language at your own pace , there are many options out there for you .

To help you decide which ones might work best with your schedule, budget, and goals, we compared 13 of the platforms we cover the most : edX , Coursera , FutureLearn , MasterClass , Skillshare , LinkedIn Learning , Udemy , Udacity , CreativeLive , Codecademy , Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone .

The best online learning platforms for accredited university courses and degrees

• The best online learning platforms for career skills certifications

The best online learning platforms for creative skills and hobbies

• The best online learning platforms for learning a new language

Coursera , edX , and FutureLearn are three popular online learning platforms that offer courses, certificate programs, and even master's degrees from top universities as well as well-known companies and non-profit organizations.

All three have courses you can audit for free, as well as options to pay for a certificate of completion. They also have multi-course programs you can exchange for real college credits from select schools, or apply to their full master's programs.

The topics covered on each platform are incredibly diverse, covering everything from computer programming and finance to positive psychology and art history . They can be taken to advance your career or expand your knowledge in a subject for fun.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between edX , Coursera , and FutureLearn :

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit for a limited amount of time; certificates and longer programs vary in price.

Pros: You can most courses for free, including ones in longer programs (great for testing out a longer certificate program before committing to it); financial assistance is available

Cons: Some courses are archived, meaning you can still access them but can't earn a certificate; Charges one lump sum for courses instead of a subscription fee

You can browse all edX courses here .

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also sign up for an annual Coursera Plus subscription ($399) and get access to 90% of Coursera's offerings.

Pros: Many programs charge a monthly fee, so the faster you finish, the more money you save; financial assistance available; offers some free certification courses

Cons: No financial assistance for Coursera MasterTracks; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of a Specialization)

You can browse all Coursera courses here.

FutureLearn

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also subscribe to FutureLearn Unlimited for $189.99 annually to get unlimited access to courses.

Pros: UK-based, offers more international options; offers some free certification courses

Cons: Not as many course options as edX and Coursera; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of an ExpertTrack)

You can browse all FutureLearn courses here.

The best online learning platforms for career skill certifications

What all of them have in common

LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity all offer online courses, programs, and bootcamps that can advance your career, including in in-demand subjects like omputer programming that boast high job satisfaction .

Unlike in-person or intensive bootcamp programs, these courses are self-paced and flexible, letting you practice and earn a certificate on your own time. They can be great for quickly picking up a new skill to boost your resume , testing out a potential job path before committing to a longer program, or gaining the qualifications you need to transition careers or move up in your role.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity :

LinkedIn Learning

Cost: A LinkedIn Learning subscription is $19.99/month (annually) or $29.99/month (month-to-month).

Pros: Short video classes broken down into digestible segments; certifications go right on your LinkedIn profile; LinkedIn occasionally makes popular career courses free for a limited time

Cons: Less interactive; no way to submit homework assignments or reinforce what you've learned

You can browse all LinkedIn Learning courses here.

Cost: Codecademy Pro is $39.99/month (month-to-month) and $19.99/month annually. Pro Student offers 35% off to eligible current students. (Note: Codecademy is currently offering 40% off Pro and Pro Student memberships through October 22 .

Pros: Some free beginner options ; a huge range of programming courses; Fun, hands-on projects

Cons: Less interactive than traditional coding bootcamps

You can browse all Codecademy courses here.

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a Udemy Personal Plan for $29.99/month for unlimited access to all Udemy courses

Pros: Easy to use on mobile; offers a huge range of course offerings; popular bootcamps are updated frequently so you're working with the latest information; frequent sales on courses

Cons: Less interactive; harder to reinforce or test what you've learned; not all courses come with certificates

You can browse all Udemy courses here.

Cost: Nanodegrees can be paid for as you go, starting at $399/month or $1,017 total

Pros: Offers some free courses ; provides additional career resources and support to help you find a job after a Nanodegree

Cons: Nanodegrees can get pricey and involve a bigger time commitment if you want to finish faster to save money

You can browse all Udacity courses here.

While platforms like edX and Coursera are great for taking university-accredited courses for fun , MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive all offer subscriptions to unlimited online courses and are particularly great for growing creative skills like writing, photography, art, design, and acting — though they all offer courses in other subjects like personal development.

All three platforms offer courses from celebrities and experts at the top of their fields, from famous chefs and bestselling authors to well-known Stanford faculty members . They also offer courses in more niche creative subjects, from hand-lettering to bird photography .

While they don't offer the same direct feedback on your work as in-person instruction, they can be a fun way to unwind and learn a new skill at your own pace.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive :

MasterClass

Cost: A MasterClass subscription is $180 annually (broken down to $15/month)

Pros: Beautiful and engaging video quality; celebrity instructors; offers a broad range of topics; digestible format; online forum provides a sense of community

Cons: No certifications; have to hold yourself more accountable to learn

You can browse all MasterClass courses here .

CreativeLive

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a CreativeLive membership for $13/month.

Pros: Lots of in-depth bootcamps; great selection of in-depth courses to expand your skillsets

Cons: Less interactive; no direct feedback

You can browse all CreativeLive courses here.

Cost: A Skillshare Premium subscription is $32/month (month-to-month) or $15/month (annually)

Pros: Nice video quality; some celebrity and expert instructors; great for very niche topics

Cons: No certifications; mostly focused on art and design

You can browse all Skillshare courses here.

The best online learning platforms for learning new languages

Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone are three language-learning platforms we cover a lot, and each has different strengths depending on which language you want to learn, your level of experience, and your time commitment. 

What they all have in common is flexibility — they can be great for brushing up on your high school Spanish or learning a few Japanese phrases before a trip .

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone:

Cost: Free; Duolingo Plus is $6.99/month for features like ad-free experience and unlimited tries

Pros: Great for learning new vocabulary; Fun, gamified experience; Easy to use on mobile; Lots of language options (including Yiddish )

Cons: Not as much practice directly speaking with someone in conversation

You can browse all of Duolingo's language options here.

Cost: $13.95 for 1 month; $9.95/month (3 months); $8.45/month (6 months); $6.95/month (1 year)

Pros: Focused on teaching you realistic conversation topics, such as travel or career-focused phrases; Uses native speakers to demonstrate lessons; frequent sales offered

Cons: Some language programs are not as strong as others ; Not as many language options as other services

You can browse all of Babbel's language options here.

Rosetta Stone

Cost: $11.99/month (3 months); $7.99/month (1 year); $179 lifetime (unlimited languages)

Pros: Fully immersive, mimicking real-life experience; Huge selection of languages to choose from

Cons: More expensive, requires more of a time commitment 

You can browse all of Rosetta Stone's language options here.

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Best Online Learning Platforms

Coursera is the best online learning platform, with a variety of topics of study

Whether you’re aiming to learn some new marketable skills or just want to explore a topic, online learning platforms are a great solution for you and your family members to learn on your own schedules. Busy parents can also complete courses quickly and save money choosing virtual classes over in-person ones. In fact, individuals learn 40% faster on digital platforms compared to in-person learning.  

Some online learning platforms provide certifications, while others are designed to simply grow your skills in your personal and professional life. Here are our recommendations for the best online learning platforms you can sign up for today.

Best Online Learning Platforms of 2024

• Best Overall: Coursera
• Best for Niche Topics: Udemy
• Best for Creative Fields: Skillshare
• Best for Celebrity Lessons: MasterClass
• Best for STEM: EdX
• Best for Career Building: Udacity
• Best for Data Learning: Pluralsight
• Our Top Picks

MasterClass

• Pluralsight
• See More (4)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• How to Choose

Methodology

Best overall : coursera.

• Courses: 5,800+
• Price: Guided projects start at $10 per course, professional certificate courses start at $39 a month, and higher university-issued certificates begin at $2,000 per course
• Certificate: Yes 
• Accredited Institution: Coursera is not accredited, but partners with accredited institutions

Coursera has partnered with over 300 leading universities and companies to create courses to supplement your education and set you ahead in your career.

Accredited certificates recognized by employers

In-depth courses built by universities and organizations

Offers over 2,500 free courses

Classes available in multiple languages

User-friendly website

Some courses have strict timelines

Degree programs require additional applications

No certification with free courses

Coursera isn’t just a place to take classes that are like college courses—it actually offers real academic courses from real professors and universities at a fraction of the cost of getting an online degree.

The platform partners with over 300 universities and companies to provide real learning experiences that can connect to real-world benefits. In some cases, you can even earn certifications or degrees entirely through Coursera, which can then potentially lead to professional benefits like raises, promotions, and more. Even if you’re not looking for professional development, Coursera offers challenging and interesting classes on plenty of topics, so you can explore all kinds of interests.

The platform allows for multimedia courses, so professors can construct classes, upload videos, assign and grade quizzes and homework assignments, and other elements that would be present in a “real” online college class.

Each course is individually priced (the cheapest start around $30 to $40 and increase from there), although there are some instances where you can purchase a bundle of courses at once (and sometimes at a discount) as a “track” or certification/degree program. You can also get unlimited access to over 7,000 courses with Coursera Plus for $399 a year. It’s pretty much the closest you’ll get to the online college experience without enrolling in college.

Best for Niche Topics : Udemy

• Courses: 210,000+
• Price: $15 to $200 or more per course
• Certificate: For some courses
• Accredited Institution: No

Udemy has by far the most courses available compared to other online learning platforms: Over 210,000 classes. With over 70,000 instructors, you'll find an expert teaching a course in every niche.

210,000+ courses for professional skills and hobbies

Multimedia lectures that incorporate readings and quizzes

30-day refund guarantee

Courses available in 75 languages

No deadlines—work at your own pace

Not an accredited institution

Courses can be published by instructors without Udemy reviewing materials

Instructors not as engaging in Q&A section

If you want to learn something, you probably can on Udemy . The site is less of a unified platform and more of a portal or repository where students can access well over 213,000 courses on every topic imaginable.

Language, arts, music, and fitness courses can be found alongside lessons on programming and IT, business skills, teaching, productivity, and much more. There are even categories for personal development and lifestyle, which cover life skills and other topics that you wouldn't necessarily get in an academic setting.

There’s not one standard format for a Udemy course—the platform allows instructors to design multimedia lectures with audio, video, and text elements, plus readings, quizzes, and other activities. Udemy allows students to preview classes they’re interested in and does offer a 30-day refund if you’re dissatisfied.

Because each class is created and taught individually, they’re also priced separately: Lifetime access to a single course can range from inexpensive ($15) to pricey (roughly $200 or more).

Best for Creative Fields : Skillshare

• Courses: 35,000+
• Price: $14 per month ($159 per year)
• Certificate: Yes

Skillshare is a subscription-based online learning platform that offers classes in 13 different creative topics, including creative writing, graphic design, and photography. 

Wide range of course topics

Mostly skilled instructors, including celebrities

Covers nearly every creative field

Free seven-day trial for subscriptions

Limited free courses

Ad-free only on a premium subscription

While many online platforms basically provide college-style classes, Skillshare is less formal and aimed more at improving creative skills.

There are business and marketing classes on the platform, but the majority are courses in creative fields, taught by practicing experts in those fields: photography, film, animation, visual arts, writing, interior design, and more. The focus is on teaching practical skills that students can then use to create their own projects. Most courses involve a series of video lessons, combined with assignments for students to practice their skills.

Skillshare has a subscription model, rather than a per-course payment plan, so students who sign up can take as many or as few courses as they want while they’re subscribed. The current pricing is $159 per year (which works out to around $14 per month).

That being said, the platform does offer a set of free classes as well, from short, 20-minute videos to longer tutorials of an hour or more. They’re not as in-depth, but they’re a good way to try out potentially interesting topics.

Best for Celebrity Lessons : MasterClass

• Courses: 180+ 
• Price: $15 to $23 per month 
• Certificate: No

MasterClass courses tap into celebrities' expertise and experience, like Gordon Ramsay’s cooking talents and Anna Wintour’s leadership skills, to provide in-depth courses on a wide variety of topics.

World-class instructors

Memberships give unlimited access to all classes

High-quality video production

Courses have comprehensive curriculum

30-day satisfaction guarantee

Courses feature consistent level of quality

No free trial or free courses

No certifications

Fewer courses than competitors

Annual subscription only

Although MasterClass offers more than just creative courses, its marquee offerings put A-list actors, writers, artists, musicians, and more in the teacher’s seat.

And, these aren’t just one-off lecture-style classes: Most courses have around 20 lessons, so you get to really dive deep into your topic of choice. If you want to learn about these often-opaque professions, there’s no better way than to hear about it straight from the people who have been successful in them already.

These courses are video-based, with practical advice and demonstrations mixed in with straightforward lectures, workbooks, and class discussions. You can get TV writing advice from Shonda Rhimes, learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay, take a film class from Martin Scorsese, or explore creative leadership with Anna Wintour.

Since MasterClass is a subscription-based platform, you can take as many sessions as you want while your subscription is active. The price is about $15 per month for unlimited access, but you must commit to a year-long subscription.

Best for STEM : EdX

• Courses: 3,500+
• Price: Begins at $50 to receive a verified official certificate 
• Accredited Institution: Yes

With partners like Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley, this online learning platform has over 15,000 instructors who teach education-oriented courses across several different categories. Plus it offers programs and degrees to advance your career from home.

Can audit classes for free

Has bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

Provides financial assistance

14-day money-back guarantee

Known for its STEM-focused courses

Limited course availability in creative and humanities fields

Not all courses are eligible for financial assistance

EdX has a high-end pedigree—it was founded by Harvard and MIT—but an accessible system.

Real college courses, created and taught by real college instructors, are available in a huge array of fields and topics. They do lean slightly toward STEM fields, but there are plenty of languages, humanities, and arts topics, too. In partnership with several universities, EdX offers professional degree certificates, plus “micro” degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, largely as a tool for professional development .

Through a partnership with Arizona State University, EdX also offers a “Global Freshman Academy” where you can earn transferrable undergrad credits for select courses. Classes are similar to real online courses: Lectures, reading material, assignments, discussions, and quizzes are just some of the elements you may encounter.

The big selling point for EdX is that the majority of its courses are free—but there’s a catch. If you’re just taking the class for your own learning experience, the free version will probably work. But if you want to have formal verification for professional reasons, the “verified certificate” option costs about $49 per class.

Each course does have an official start date, cycling over and over again, but once the session begins, students can proceed at their own pace.

Best for Career Building : Udacity

• Courses: 200+
• Price: Starts at $399 a month

Udacity offers courses that the company calls “nanodegrees” which take, on average, four months to complete. Enrollment in these programs gives you full access to real advisors who work with you on building out your resume and work samples.

Features intensive programs with multiple lessons

Offers resume support and portfolio review

Provides personalized feedback on projects

Multiple scholarship programs available

Seven-day refund policy

Most expensive option

Project deadlines

Longer time commitment

Tech skills are among the most marketable classes you can take online, and Udacity has courses in all of the most in-demand fields.

The platform is a variation of the “coding bootcamp” style of learning, with programs focused on web development, programming, cloud computing, and data science. Whether you’re a total newbie trying to develop a new skillset or you’re looking to expand your knowledge of a certain topic, there’s probably a course at the right level for you.

Each program includes hands-on practice, real-world applications and examples, individual code reviews, and real instructors and career coaches who can address your individual needs.

Udacity’s platform is a little different than some of the others on the market. Rather than focusing on individual classes, its primary offering is a “nanodegree”—an intensive program which includes multiple lessons, projects, personalized reviews, class discussions, and one-on-one technical mentoring by experts. Most programs require one to five months of part-time study, depending on the subject.

All these features do come with a price tag, though: It's about $399 monthly, or = $1017 for students who buy three month access.

Best for Data Learning : Pluralsight

PluralSight

• Courses: 7,000+
• Price: $229 to $500 per year

Pluralsight is designed for working professionals looking to expand their data knowledge. The company offers mini degree programs for both individuals and teams.

Organized into three levels for easy course selection

Unlimited access to classes with subscriptions

Affordable price for intensive courses

Better for intermediate and advanced users

Designed with working professionals in mind, Pluralsight offers courses in subjects like software development, data science, information and cybersecurity, and more.

Students can take individual courses, but Pluralsight strongly encourages you to follow one of its “paths.” These programs are like mini-degrees: a series of connected courses in a specific area of expertise, such as individual programming languages, security certifications, creative skills in particular software, and so on. These preset paths take the guesswork out of learning—plus, you can do a quick pretest to set your skill level, which adds more customization.

The course library includes more than 7,000 individual classes across hundreds of paths, and if you’re not ready to tackle a full-length path, you can dip your toe in with individual courses that are only a couple hours long.

Regardless of how few or how many classes (or paths) you want to pursue, the price is the same: About $29 per month for a personal plan (or roughly $299 for a complete year at a slight discount). There’s a premium option, too, for around $500 per year. It includes all the regular features and courses, plus additional interactive courses and industry-standard practice exams for several professional certifications.

Regardless of what stage of life you are in, online learning platforms provide a convenient way for you to grow in your career or start something new entirely. 

Overall, Coursera is our top choice for an online learning platform because of its variety of courses and official accreditation. Its partnership with leading universities and corporations ensures that courses are academically comprehensive and meet industry standards for career growth. 

Compare the Best Online Learning Platforms

Guide to choosing the best online learning platforms, what is an online learning platform.

An online learning platform is a website and/or app that allows students to study some topics of interest wholly online and remotely. They’re typically geared at adult professionals who have already finished their traditional schooling, and while some will offer full certificate or even degree programs, most focus on teaching individual courses. They can be a great option for parents looking to fit in studies around parenting and work responsibilities.

What to Look for in an Online Learning Platform

Like any other type of class, every online learning platform will structure its courses a little differently. The key is finding a platform whose style works for you in terms of how independent of a student you tend to be and what you’re hoping to get out of a given class.

Most classes on these platforms are self-paced, either in part or in full, so there won’t be as much simultaneous work with other students as you’d have in a typical class, and you probably won’t have to tune in to live lectures or meetings—although a few platforms do offer one-on-one tutoring or coaching for some courses.

For classes teaching hands-on topics, such as creative courses or computer science, the top platforms will usually have a built-in way for students to practice their new skills and get instructor feedback.

You'll also want to consider your family budget for courses, whether or not the duration or the courses work with your schedule, and whether or not earning a certificate is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do online learning platforms cost.

Online learning platforms come with a pretty big range of prices, but in general, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re usually cheaper than similar courses at traditional colleges and universities.

There are two main types of platforms: per-course platforms, where you pay by the class or course package, or subscription platforms, where you pay a flat rate (usually monthly or annually) to access an unlimited number of individual courses within the given time.

What Kind of Features Do Online Learning Platforms Have?

Online platforms are usually video-based in some way, with audio and video lectures forming the backbone of the classes. Other features you might find are discussion boards, supplemental readings, quizzes or exams, and hands-on projects.

What Certifications Will Get Me a Job?

Certifications won't ensure that you'll get a job, but they may be required in order to be considered for some positions, or to help your resume stand out when applying in a relevant field. Taking courses can also help you feel more confident in your skills during the interview process.

There are more online learning platforms than ever before, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. We’ve selected the categories that we think will be the most useful to adult, professional learners, as opposed to children or teenagers (college students may find these selections useful, but they may already have access to similar resources through their schools).

This means that the platforms here are particularly aimed at adults looking to either explore a personal interest or gain measurable skills for professional advancement—that’s why we’ve focused on creative and tech platforms as the specialties featured here among the platforms with broader offerings.

Since learning online is typically a very personal experience, we’ve featured several platforms that allow for self-paced learning, interactivity, and/or learning tailored to a particular skill level. We’ve mixed in some informal options along with more traditional academic-style courses, but all of the platforms recommended here have top-notch instructors who are experts in their fields, regardless of the structure of the courses themselves.

Tom Werner / Getty Images

Brandon-Hall. Stunning statistics that prove the power of eLearning .

Best online learning platform of 2024

Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)

Best open source

Best for projects, best for pricing, best for integrations, best for google, best for entrepreneurs, best for streamlining, best for tools, best for social media, best for enterprises, best for training, how we test.

The best online learning platforms make it simple and easy to manage online courses for education and training.

1. Best open source 2. Best for projects 3. Best for pricing 4. Best for integrations 5. Best for Google 6. Best for entrepreneurs 7. Best for streamlining 8. Best for tools 9. Best for social media 10. Best for enterprises 11. Best for training 12. FAQs 13. How we test

Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) have become increasingly common, especially due to sweeping changes that became necessary due to the pandemic. 

While face-to-face learning has a place, increasingly learning and courses are being conducted through digital channels. This can be both cheaper and easier to manage for businesses, and for educators it means the ability to reach people from a distance. 

In a remote situation is where online learning platforms really come to the fore, as platforms for education make the most of modern technology. That’s not to say traditional means of education are about to be extinct, but academic institutions and businesses have identified that we can achieve plenty more through tech, such as smartphones and other internet-connected devices which can facilitate learning from any location.

Online learning also has its advantages for people who might not easily be able to access face-to-face learning. This can be especially relevant in remote areas, but also for people with disabilities whose mobility issues might prevent attending college or similar.

When comparing the different online learning platforms, we looked at what operating systems they were available on (Android and iOS), the app interface, integration with third-party software, and the overall quality. We also assessed the pricing plans and what kind of users each learning platform would be best suited for, among other things.  

Below we list what we think are the best online learning platforms currently available.

We've also featured the best online class sites .

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Adobe Captivate is a premier platform for crafting educational content, integrating various media sources such as images, screen captures, and PowerPoint presentations. Offer ends on 13 May and is only available in the US and CA.

Preferred partner ( What does this mean? )  

The best online learning platforms 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. Moodle LMS

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

While commercial software has its place, sometimes it is truly impressive what an open source project can achieve, such as in the case of Moodle LMS. This open source learning platform can be downloaded and used for free. While direct support is lacking (although an organization can engage one of 80 Certified Service Providers to remedy that deficit), there is still plenty here, including documentation such as guides on how to use this platform. 

Learners and teachers are sure to like the expansive feature set, such as interaction with multiple choice questions in the content, an integrated text editor , and support for 3rd party cloud storage providers, such as DropBox to submit assignments. It is also multi-language capable, and supports open standards such as SCORM. 

We also like that teachers can make comments on assignments, and the integrated all-in-one calendar . With so many features, it may be open source, but it hardly will feel like it, which explains why it has over 200 million users.

Read our full Moodle LMS review.

• ^ Back to the top

2. Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate is a professional platform for creating learning content. This can be incorporated from a variety of sources, including images that this software can edit, screen captures that can be done automatically, and by importing PowerPoint presentations. 

We are impressed with the support for VR projects, and users are sure to like the choice of acquisition options along with its use of templates to streamline project production, and provide consistency. Users do have issues with the stability of the app, the limited options for direct support and the cancellation fee for the monthly plan will undoubtedly irk some out there. 

Quibbles aside, Adobe Captivate is a mature piece of software that has endured with good reason, and is well worth a closer look via the 30-day trial that is longer than most of its competitors.

Read our full Adobe Captivate review.

3. Acorn LMS

For those that are looking for some upfront pricing, Acorn LMS- unlike some of its competition- answers that need. Rather than keeping potential users in the dark, Acorn LMS is upfront offering both a tier without content and another with content The company also offers a flat fee for the first 100 users and an additional student fee for each user thereafter. 

Beyond that, this platform has a number of strengths that impress us, such as the ability to make individualized student pathways via LinkedIn Learning content, the white label approach to foster customization of the site for consistent branding at an organization, and support for multiple tendencies allowing an administrator to easily manage multiple acorn LMS accounts via a single set of sign on credentials. 

While nothing is perfect, and we should point out the lack of an Android app in the Google Play Store, the dearth of user reviews, and that there are no advanced support options such as a forum or a FAQ, overall it is an attractive package worth the 60-day free trial.

Read our full Acorn LMS review .

4. Canvas LMS

The Canvas LMS is used by top institutions worldwide, and it can boast it has over 6 million users with an over 90% satisfaction rate. Users are sure to be impressed that it integrates well with popular apps that students use, such as those from Adobe, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams . 

We also like the robust community forum, with thorough answers for common user issues, and the multiple communication options covering the spectrum from messaging (individually and as a group), to audio, and video. Some areas we would like to see improved would be support for gamification, and some transparency in the pricing. Teachers will also be pleased to see the support for automated grading via integration with SpeedGrader.  While the opaque pricing is frustrating, we appreciate both the free 30 day trial, and also the lowest ‘Teacher Tier’ plan that is free long term for both teachers and students to allow for education of all.

Read our full Canvas LMS review .

5. Google Classroom

Google Classroom offers a cloud based learning environment to enable remote education for learners from pre-K through the university level. We appreciate that it pulls together a number of Google tools, such as Google Meet , Google Drive and Google Docs all in one place to enable learning. 

Teachers can put in assignments as all types of documents, including .doc and .pdfs, students get the notification, complete the assignment and submit it. Teachers then grade the assignment, keep a virtual gradebook and can give classroom style lectures via the Google Meet function. 

Google offers this via several tiers of features, but we can appreciate that the free tier is plenty powerful for budget conscious school districts. The platform is also cross platform to allow learners to function with it with whatever their device of choice is, including laptops, Chromebooks , and both smartphone platforms- although the Android one garners complaints from the users.

Read our full Google Classroom review .

6. Thinkific LMS

Thinkific is an online platform that has enjoyed meteoritic success as a relative newcomer to this space. It has useful functions, such as the ability for educators to build a website , and templates are provided to facilitate this for newcomers. 

We also like that this platform can be used to issue certificates of completion. It is used worldwide, and can accept payments from learners signing up for courses from over 100 countries. 

Some omissions, such as the lack of a direct phone number or email for support, and no smartphone apps for either Android or iOS show the immaturity of the platform. We also wanted to see more user reviews than what we found online. However, with a choice of tiers starting with a free one, and a track record that has already earned its experts over $650 million dollars, it is seriously hard to dispute.

Read our full Thinkific LMS review .

7. 360Learning

360Learning meets the challenge head on of streamlining the task of project creation. Users are sure to benefit from the integrated tools such as the video editing software , the included templates that are branded as ‘Cheat Sheets,’ and the option to include ten different types of questions to test learners. 

We also appreciate the free 30-day trial without credit card info, and the choice of tiered plans. However, we were less impressed that there are few options for direct contact, with some features reserved for the top plan (like support for course attachments), and that the Android app has a significantly lower rating than the iOS version. We also like the ‘Collaborative Authoring’ approach that lets even inexperienced users create a course in minutes, rather than months.

Read our full 360Learning review . 

8. Blackboard Learn

Blackboard Learn is a learning platform that is used for learners of all levels from pre-K to university and beyond such as in government and industry. It has some shortcomings such as the opaque pricing, the limited direct support options and the multiple bugs that users report in the apps, especially the Android version. 

Balance that against the integrated tools that some competing solutions charge for, such as a plagiarism checker to check student assignments against. Also factor in the accessibility tool to be ADA compliant, and the other items to foster communication between students and professors, and the tracker to keep students on track with submitting their assignments. Additionally, the 30-day trial is longer than most others, and the iOS app is highly rated, so organizations that need a full fledged solution will see quickly why this learning platform enjoys its popularity.

Read our full Blackboard Learn review.

9. Absorb LMS

The Absorb LMS is a learning platform that focuses on business. It is also especially adept at social aspects, as it can easily integrate with corporate social media accounts. 

We also like the social focus that continues on to allow learners to create social accounts on the platform. This then allows them to virtually interact with the other learners, and also display the awards and certificates that they accumulate for completed content. We also appreciate that certificates can be custom created, to be either downloaded or printed. However, some aspects frustrated us, such as the learning community that is not running yet, the opaque and ultimately high pricing, and the buggy smartphone apps on both the iOS and Android platforms that have users commenting they would be better off accessing content on a computer.

Read our full Absorb LMS review .

Targeting the enterprise market, Docebo takes an AI approach to a learning platform with an impressive list of Fortune 500 companies that use its service. Incorporated under the Docebo Suite are multiple products to create content, deliver it, and also to measure the metrics of its impact. This style of product is well suited to onboarding, and retaining new employees. 

There are some issues with the lack of support options as we would have liked to have seen some more direct choices, such as a direct phone number or a chat option. Also of concern is the completely opaque pricing as we could not even figure out the available tiers or options without direct company contact. However, users are sure to make good use of the robust interactions fostered by this service via the ‘Docebo Community,’ although this gets negated by the clunky, and low rated smartphone apps on both the Android and iOS platforms.

Read our full Docebo review .

11. iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn is one of the most popular learning management systems (LMS) and is mostly used by corporations to train their employees. It makes it easy to prepare and deliver educational content for corporate trainees. You can start with the content you already have, e.g., upload your PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, audio tracks, and video tutorials to the platform. This platform doesn’t impose limits on the size or number of files you can host.

One of the best things about this platform is its interactivity. You can use it to put together engaging educational content complete with illustrations, quotes, videos, etc. For example, you can divide your long articles into chapters so that users can explore the material step-by-step. If you wish, you can restrict navigation such that the user can not proceed to the next material without completing the initial one. You can also add self-test questions throughout the content to help users understand and retain information as they proceed through the course. 

This platform has a customizable design, so you can design your courses with the colors and fonts that are part of your corporate brand. There’s also direct integration with iSpring Suite , a tool that works within PowerPoint and lets you quickly develop quizzes, interactions, and simulations.

iSpring Learn doesn’t just let you build courses. It also gives you analytics to track how trainees are interacting with your courses and their progress. This platform is ideal for companies looking for a solution to deliver corporate training to their employees.

Read our full iSpring Learn review .

If you're interested in studying more online, we've also featured the best courses in:

• HTML , 
• Word , 
• Javascript .

What is an online learning platform?

It is simply a platform that is designed to offer students or trainees everything they need for their education in one place. It allows them to access course materials and interact with other students. It also makes it easy for tutors to monitor student progress.

Online learning platforms are mostly used by schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. However, it is also used by other types of customers, such as corporations that want to deliver training materials to their staff. You can use such platforms to create lectures, assignments, quizzes, etc., and issue certificates to people that complete the course.

Which online learning platforms are best for you?

The first thing to consider when you want to choose an online learning platform is your technical competency. If you have not used an LMS system before, it's better to start with a basic platform before migrating to a complex one such as Moodle. This gives you more chances to understand the platform you are using and maximize its features. Advanced LMS systems offer more features but are of no use if you can find it difficult to use them. A more basic tool will get you acquainted with the intricacies of a learning management system before switching to a complex one.

The size of your trainees or students also matters. If you’re tutoring just a few dozen people, it’s better to choose a basic platform that is easier to manage. On the other hand, if you have hundreds to thousands of students, a more advanced platform such as Moodle is better. 

Online learning platforms vs Learning Management Systems

There are three main categories of online learning platforms; open-source, free, and paid. Open-source refers to platforms where the source code is freely available for modification. Thus, anyone with sufficient programming skills can tweak the software to get just exactly what they want out of it. Moodle is currently the most popular open-source learning platform and is used by many colleges, schools, and companies. 

An open-source learning system is free to use and can be customized extensively. For example, you can use your organization's logo and its unique colors to make the platform feel familiar to users. Open-source systems are also very scalable, so you can start small and expand the platform as you add more students.    

There is a large community of developers behind popular open-source learning platforms like Moodle, and they are constantly building features that you can take advantage of. The drawback of using open-source software is that they are more complex to handle compared to regular free or paid software. You may need a dedicated technical staff to help you. 

The second main category is the free online learning platform. They come at no cost, but the source code behind them is not freely available and customizable like with open-source software. You can use these free platforms to host your educational content and deliver them to the intended users without paying. However, there may be some costs associated with hosting your content on an internal server or for additional features. The drawback of free platforms is that they don’t offer as much features as paid and open-source ones.

The third category is the paid online learning platform, which refers to most on this list. Here, you will need to pay upfront to host your educational content and distribute them to your students or trainees. Expect to pay a fixed fee for each user either monthly or annually, and it can add up to a considerable amount if you have a lot of students. The paid platforms are usually easy to use and navigate because customers expect user-friendliness for a platform they’re paying for. You can also access on-demand support if you run into any issues, unlike with free and open-source software. 

With a paid platform, you don’t need to spend money running your own server and setting up and managing the software. The provider does that for you, while you just pay and access it whenever you want. It is an ideal type to choose, but the disadvantage is that it can be expensive. 

Online learning platform vs online course websites

There are plenty of ways to receive education online these days. This can include anything from casual content, such as an educational YouTube Video, to more structured online education such as a series of videos, and in some cases supplemental content in the form of text or a downloadable PDF . While there are many websites to educate and impart content, they are not all online learning platforms.

An online learning platform goes beyond what an online course website offers, with additional content to support the education. While it will incorporate the elements of an online course website, it will include additional tools, which will all be combined into a single platform. These tools can be communication methods such as live video or messaging, the opportunity to have assignments, and a record of certificates of completed courses. Overall, an online learning platform provides content that will be more in depth, and organized in a more formal environment to promote greater learning.

Open source vs free vs paid online learning platforms

Learning platforms can be divided into three different categories based on the pricing model.

The first is free, which has the benefit of no cost. There are both services that offer this at no cost, or ones that have a free tier, with reduced features, that then hope to upsell the service to a paid tier, and use the free offering as a gateway to getting a paying customer. A downside of these free offerings is that the support tends to be minimal to nonexistent, such as only via an online community board.

Open source is another nice option for a learning management system. In this model the software is distributed for no cost. This can allow an organization to then run this off of its own server. However, there are still costs to doing this, and then this must be supported internally. Another downside is that then the software may not be as updated as frequently, exposing it to security vulnerabilities.

The final option is a paid offering. While this does have an upfront cost, and in most cases for each additional learner, it does have plenty of advantages. This includes that the provider can host the software as a cloud service, requiring no in house personnel to provide support. Also, there may be options for phone support, and also more features.

Is Zoom an online learning platform?

Made popular by the pandemic with remote meetings becoming commonplace, Zoom is a video communications platform. Other popular choices in this category are GoToMeeting , and Google Meet . Zoom and other video communication apps are used for online audio and video meetings for business, casual and educational use. Each also supports additional content to support the virtual meeting, such as sharing screens, or chat within the app.

However, Zoom is not specifically an online learning platform. While it can certainly be used to support education, it has no way to give assignments, grade them, or do quizzes for example. As an online learning platform it falls pretty short, with plenty of better options out there. Also, many of the better online learning platforms offer video chatting within the platform so Zoom as a standalone is not needed as the functionality is already incorporated in.

What are the pros and cons of an online learning platform?

There are plenty of pros for an online platform. This includes the instant availability of the education, and that learners are not limited by geography and can attend class anywhere- even from the comfort of home. The learning is also self-paced, as it can accommodate a variety of learning styles and learner needs as it is more flexible. There is also the benefit that learners don’t need to commute to the school reducing the cost and burden of education, which can also be a time saving benefit as well.

While there are certainly benefits, there are some downsides as well. Some students may prefer face to face learning with a teacher directly in front of them, that an online learning platform lacks. Also with no physical school to attend, there is less of a structured learning environment, which some learners may do better with. Furthermore, there is less or even no camaraderie between learners than at a physical school, which can all be part of the total educational experience, and is a missing component with an online learning platform.

What are the essential features of an online learning platform?

When choosing an online learning platform for your organization, be sure the choice is a good one. Here are some essential features to look for:

• Scalability: Nobody wants to outgrow their platform too soon, and have to transition to another one. Therefore, look for scalability that can grow as you need it to.
• Mobile presence: Today’s learners want to be able to learn when on the move. Therefore, look for an online learning platform that has well rated apps for both the iOS and Android platforms, that are highly rated.
• Tools for authoring: A flexible platform allows for content creation that is easy to use. This can include tools for text editing, and also video capture and editing from within the platform to streamline production.
• Easy to use interface: Nobody likes to use a clunky interface, so look for an easy one to use, that is well presented, and won’t distract or overwhelm users.
• Robust support: When the inevitable issues of a platform come up, users are going to need some help. Look for a platform that offers a variety of support choices, including options for direct support such as a direct email and phone number.

Read how to host your own learning management software with Moodle LMS .

There are plenty of choices in the online learning management software area, so there is sure to be one well suited for each organization.

A major differentiator is price. Some LMS’ are available for free, or have a low cost entry tier. Others offer more features, but at a higher price point. Pricing models are also different with some providers charging only by each student, while others having the price based on the plan, and then a lower additional cost for each additional learner. 

Another feature to look for are the mobile apps. Especially younger learners value these apps so that a learner can engage in education from anywhere, at any time. Be sure that the apps are available for both of the mobile platforms- Android and iOS . Also, check the ratings of the apps in their respective stores, as just because an app is available it may not be a great one with some low rated, glitchy ones out there.

Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .  

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Brian has over 30 years publishing experience as a writer and editor across a range of computing, technology, and marketing titles. He has been interviewed multiple times for the BBC and been a speaker at international conferences. His specialty on techradar is Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, covering everything from office suites to IT service tools. He is also a science fiction and fantasy author, published as Brian G Turner.

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• Courses, Books & Certifications

11 Best Online Learning Platforms of 2024

These days, more and more online learning platforms have come into the mainstream. It’s easy to see why people flock to them — top eLearning platforms offer great value one way or another. Some may offer courses much more affordably, while others are on the pricier side. Either way, you’d have picked up a new skill that might help you advance your career by the end of your course. Most courses will reward you with a certificate of completion, while some might even help you earn or maintain your professional accreditations.

Of course, you have the mainstays such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), but there are now so many platforms that it can be difficult to keep track of all of them. If you’re feeling confused about all these training platforms, this guide lists the very best of them.

Read on to find out about the best learning platforms and learn more about them!

• Best Online Learning Platforms [2024]
• Coursera - Best Subscription-Based Platform for Online Classes
• Udemy - Best for Casual Learning and Niche Topics
• Skillshare - Best for Courses on Creative Skills
• Udacity - Best for Career Growth
• edX - Best Free Online Learning Platform
• PluralSight - Best Learning Platform for Working Professionals
• Khan Academy - Best Free Platform for Learning Math
• LinkedIn Learning - Best for Certification Prep and Earning CEUs
• Thinkful - Best for Bootcamps
• Simplilearn - Best for Flexible Learning
• CodeAcademy - Best Online Platform for Learning to Code
• What Are the Essential Features of an Online Learning Platform?

As you consider your options and look through each online learning platform, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. Consider these essential features below:

• Fits Your Budget - Most people choose online learning platforms for their tendency to be much more affordable than traditional schooling, such as colleges and universities. However, not all platforms are created equal — some offer courses for free, others offer them very affordably, and others will burn a hole in your wallet. Ensure the platform you choose fits your budget!
• High-Quality Courses - It goes without saying that a good platform should offer courses that provide value to learners. At the end of each course, they should have learned something new. Again, not all platforms are the same — some offer courses that are more for personal consumption, while others have courses that truly have the potential to help you advance your career. Either way, the courses should be well-made, easily understandable, informative, and accurate.
• High-Quality Instructors - A course is often only as good as its instructor. Some platforms have higher standards for instructors than others.
• User-Friendly Interface - Whether the platform only has a website or also offers an app, it should always have a well-designed and user-friendly interface. An intuitive experience can go a long way.
• Convenience - Some platforms offer apps and offline learning for the utmost convenience. Some may even allow you to download the course materials and keep them indefinitely.
• Good Support - Any platform you choose should always have good customer support. The last thing you want is to be left out in the cold after paying a lot of money for a course that won’t work for you.
• Accessibility Options - Accessibility is something that every platform should have. Unfortunately, not all platforms offer captioned content, transcripts, or courses in different languages.

Most eLearning platforms should also offer either a free trial or a free forever tier that allows you to get a closer look at how everything works before you commit to paying. If neither are on offer, check their refund policy to ensure you can try a course to a certain degree and return it if you aren’t quite happy. You can also look for a money-back guarantee.

• The Best eLearning Platforms of 2024

1. Coursera - Best Subscription-Based Platform for Online Classes

Key information:.

• Our Rating: 4.5/5
• Coursera offers some free content such as guided projects or individual courses
• Coursera Plus subscription: $59/month or $399/year (14-day money-back guarantee)
• Guided Projects: $9.99+
• Professional Certificates and Specializations: $39.99+
• MasterTrack Certificate: $2,000+
• Degrees from $9,000+
• Number of Courses: 5,000+
• Topics Covered: Coursera offers courses on IT, computer science, and data science. You can also find full degrees in such fields. This platform also offers content on other subjects such as business, health, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more.

Check out our full Coursera review to learn more.

Who is this platform for?

It’s difficult to pinpoint who Coursera is for specifically, as the platform targets a variety of markets. Coursera is for people who want to learn any of the subjects offered on the platform. It is also for those seeking degrees online, though Coursera’s catalog of degrees is still limited at this time. Coursera targets individuals and also businesses who seek to upskill their workforces.

• Offers some accredited certificates that are employer-recognized
• Courses are usually built by established companies and universities
• Tons of free courses
• Accessibility — courses are offered in many languages
• Website is pretty user-friendly
• Courses can at times be inconsistent in terms of quality or value provided
• Some courses are not so self-paced
• Enrolling in a degree program requires following an additional application process

2. Udemy - Best for Casual Learning and Niche Topics

• Our Rating: 4.4/5
• Instructors choose the prices for their Udemy courses
• Free courses are available, but you cannot earn a certificate
• Courses start at <$10 and go up to $300+, but Udemy often offers sales of up to 70-90% off
• Udemy Personal Plan: $29.99/mo for access to 6,000+ curated courses 
• Number of Courses: 200,000+
• Topics Covered: Udemy offers a course on practically any topic you can think of. Here, you’ll also find a ton of courses related to computer science, web development, software development, data science, data visualization, machine learning, and more.

Check out our full Udemy review to learn more.

Because anyone can create a course on Udemy, there seems to be a bit of a perception that Udemy is more for casual learners and people who want to pick up a new skill or two. While these skills are generally useful and can help you find employment, Udemy’s certificates are often not recognized by employers.

• 30-day money-back guarantee for individually purchased courses
• Fully self-paced
• Keep your purchased courses forever
• Multimedia lectures, quizzes, projects, and more
• 200,000+ courses
• Many courses are available in other languages
• Certificates from Udemy are not often employer-recognized
• Q&A section for courses are not always active; many instructors do not participate
• Course quality can vary greatly

3. Skillshare - Best for Courses on Creative Skills

• Pricing: 
• Some free content available, though not much
• One-month free trial, then
• $32/mo paid monthly; $168/mo paid annually
• Accounts created with valid .edu email addresses get 50% off
• Number of Courses: 40,000+
• Topics Covered: Although Skillshare mostly offers classes related to creative skills, there are also courses on web development, business and entrepreneurship, productivity, and more.

Check out our full Skillshare review to learn more.

Skillshare is best for those looking to learn new skills related to creative fields. On this platform, you can learn everything from animation to photography and even graphic design. However, those wanting to learn web development can also find something useful here.

• A variety of course topics are available
• Instructors are generally skilled; some are even celebrities
• An excellent platform for creatives looking to upskill
• Free content is quite limited
• Courses are only in English
• There are ads unless you pay for a premium subscription

4. Udacity - Best for Career Growth

• $399/month for single courses and Nanodegrees
• Enrolling in a Nanodegree and choosing the value package (paying upfront for multiple months) can get you a 15% discount off your total
• Number of Courses: 200+ free courses, 70+ Nanodegrees
• Topics Covered: Udacity offers courses and Nanodegrees on a variety of topics, including cloud computing, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, programming, project management, and more.

Check out our full Udacity review to learn more.

Udacity is best for learners who are serious about making a career out of what they learn from the platform. Hobbyists and casual learners can still learn a great deal from this platform, but the pricing can be a deterrent.

• Nanodegrees are intense programs that can help you be career-ready by the end
• Certificates are widely employer-recognized, thanks to the quality of Udacity’s courses
• Courses are often co-created with respected companies and instructors
• Nanodegree students get some resume and portfolio support
• Some scholarships are available for qualifying students
• Expensive compared to other platforms
• Some courses have enrollment deadlines
• Nanodegrees require more time commitment

5. edX - Best Free Online Learning Platform

• Our Rating: 4.7/5
• You can audit all the regular classes for free, but you cannot earn a certificate
• For access to assignments and certificates, prices range from $50-$300
• Costs for Bootcamps, MicroMasters programs, Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Professional Certificate Programs vary and can be in the thousands (these classes/courses cannot be audited for free)
• Number of Courses: 5,100+
• Topics Covered: edX offers courses on a variety of topics, including coding and development, data science, computer science, and more. edX is also the best online training platform for STEM-related subjects.

Check out our full edX review to learn more.

edX is for a variety of learners of practically any age. With 40 million users, edX offers courses to just about anyone, whether they are hobbyists or working professionals. Currently, edX is in the middle of releasing more bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, which means the platform will begin to target a university-level audience more in the future.

• You can access any of the regular courses for free, but you cannot earn a certificate
• The platform offers a variety of certification courses, bachelor’s degree programs, MicroMasters programs, and more
• Qualifying students can get financial assistance, sometimes up to 90% off
• 14-day money-back guarantee
• Not all programs offer financial assistance
• As edX figures out its monetization, pricing models may change

6. PluralSight - Best Learning Platform for Working Professionals

• Our Rating: 4.75/5
• Pricing: (for individuals)
• Standard: $29/mo paid monthly; $299/year paid annually
• Pro: $45/mo paid monthly; $449/year paid annually
• Five free courses rotating every week
• Number of Courses: 7,500+ courses and a few hundred paths
• Topics Covered: PluralSight offers courses and paths related to subjects such as software development, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, and more.

Check out our full PluralSight review to learn more.

PluralSight is definitely in the running for the title of best eLearning platform for working professionals. It’s also best for those looking to expand their data science-related knowledge. As an authorized CEU (continuing education unit) provider, many of the certificates earned on this platform count as CEU or CPE (continuing professional education) for professional certification holders.

• There are more than 7,500 high-quality courses and hundreds of paths, with more added each month
• ALL courses have full transcripts, closed captioning, and translation into 50+ languages
• Instructors and course creators are vetted experts
• Pretty affordable pricing compared to other platforms like Udacity
• No refunds mean you cannot get your money back if you aren’t happy with your subscription
• Beginner courses could be easier
• All courses are tech-related (not necessarily a bad thing)

7. Khan Academy - Best Free Platform for Learning Math

• Pricing: Free — forever!
• Topics Covered: Khan Academy has recently made a switch to offering free K-14-level education, so most of the subjects on this website cover such topics. However, there are also some college-level courses, life skill courses, and courses all about computing and computer programming.

Check out our full Khan Academy review to learn more.

Although this platform is more geared towards K-14 learners, anyone can access the courses here. Khan Academy is extremely well known for its math classes, which are completely free and comprehensive. Khan Academy is one of the best learning platforms for those who want foundational knowledge in math that can help them later on in their computer science and data-related studies.

Khan Academy is unique in that it offers all of its courses for free and makes it a mission to keep all of them free forever. This platform is fully supported by generous benefactors, whether they are individuals like you or tech giants like Google, which has made millions in donations so far.

• Courses are high quality and are created by knowledgable and vetted experts
• User-friendly, intuitive, and easy-to-use
• Stellar reputation
• Content has shifted to be more K-14 related, and as such, the website will no longer be as useful to a lot of people
• Limited courses on tech-related subjects
• No certificates

8. LinkedIn Learning - Best for Certification Prep and Earning CEUs

• Individual courses available from $20 to $40
• Monthly subscription: $39.99/mo paid monthly; $323.88/year paid annually
• Number of Courses: 17,000+
• Topics Covered: LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, offers courses on a variety of topics, most of them related to professional growth. Here, you’ll find courses on three main topics: Business, Technology, and Creative. Computer Science-related topics are under Technology, and it is there you’ll find classes on programming and the like. LinkedIn Learning also offers a variety of courses meant to help with certification prep or to provide learners with continuing education units (CEUs) necessary to maintain their current certifications.

Check out our full LinkedIn Learning review to learn more.

LinkedIn Learning is one of the best learning platforms for those who seek to earn professional certification (or maintain the ones they have). LinkedIn Learning is affiliated with a myriad of certifying bodies, which means that courses you take on this platform can help you prepare for your certification assessment. If you’d like to see which certifications are covered on this platform, check out this link .

• Affordable compared to other platforms
• Offers CEUs and certification prep
• One-month free trial gets you access to all the courses
• Courses are high-quality and well produced
• Certificates of completion are shareable on your LinkedIn profile
• Certificates aren’t accredited
• Topics are somewhat limited
• User interface needs an update
• Some courses need updating

9. Thinkful - Best for Bootcamps

• No free trial
• $4,500 for some part-time programs and up to $16,000 on full-time courses
• Because of the high cost related to enrolling in Thinkful’s bootcamps, the platform offers various payment methods, including deferred payments which require no upfront payment
• Thinkful also offers a tuition refund guarantee to qualifying graduates, which allows a full refund if certain conditions are met
• Number of Courses: 6 intense bootcamps
• Topics Covered: Thinkful offers full bootcamps on a few subjects, namely software engineering, data science, data analytics, UX / UI (user experience/user interface) design, digital marketing, and technical project management.

Check out our full Thinkful review to learn more.

Thinkful is one of the best platforms offering bootcamps on tech-related topics. Bootcamps are generally intense programs that are often full-time commitments, but Thinkful also offers part-time programs for those who have other responsibilities. For the hefty price you pay to enroll in one of the programs, you also get one-on-one mentoring and access to career services and guidance. Thinkful’s career services focus on helping students secure a job soon after graduation, so we would also say that Thinkful is one of the best platforms for those seeking to start a new career or advance in their current one.

• Because Thinkful has only six bootcamps available, you can pretty much rest assured that each one is of extremely high quality
• One-on-one mentoring offers a unique new way to learn
• Full community support
• Full-time programs have preparatory courses to help you get ready
• Thinkful offers many ways to pay for their bootcamp fees
• Tuition refund guarantee can help you recoup all of your tuition costs, provided you meet the eligibility requirements
• Some reviews have stated that mentor quality is inconsistent
• You need to pass prep courses to qualify for enrollment in full-time programs
• Could use programs on more topics

10. Simplilearn - Best for Flexible Learning

• Our Rating: 4.3/5
• Self-paced learning starts from $400
• Online bootcamp options start from $700
• All courses are offered as one-time purchases
• Simplilearn offers free courses through SkillUp
• Number of Courses: 400+ courses
• Topics Covered: Simplilearn offers courses in tech and business-related subjects, such as data science, AI/machine learning, cyber security, project management, software development, business and leadership, and more.

Check out our full Simplilearn review to learn more.

Simplilearn is easily the best eLearning platform for those who want a unique way of learning tech and business-related skills. This platform recognizes that people all learn in their own way, which is why it provides options for students to choose from. For example, if you’d like a fully self-paced style of course with no need for you to interact with others or show up at any specified time, you can choose a self-paced class. Online bootcamp options, on the other hand, are better for people who enjoy live lectures.

• Choose self-paced or online bootcamp learning styles
• Courses are created and instructed by industry experts
• Some certificates earned on this platform are recognized as CEUs and CPEs
• Excellent customer service
• Free trial for seven days
• Limited payment options
• Courses are only available in English, and there are no subtitles available
• Some reviews express dissatisfaction with the quality of courses

11. CodeAcademy - Best Online Platform for Learning to Code

• Our Rating: 4.6/5
• CodeAcademy offers a free forever “Basic” tier that allows access to daily practice and interactive lessons
• Pro Lite: $14.99/mo paid monthly; $11.99/mo paid annually
• Pro: $19.99/mo paid monthly; $15.99/mo paid annually
• Number of Courses: 60+
• Topics Covered: CodeAcademy offers courses on topics like data science, web development, computer science, machine learning, web design, game development, mobile development, cybersecurity, data visualization, AI, and more. It offers various aspects of data science, programming and development, and information technology.

Check out our full CodeAcademy review to learn more.

CodeAcademy is one of the best online education platforms for those who want to learn how to code, regardless of their skill level. Even if you are an absolute beginner, CodeAcademy will have content to help you get started.

• Beginner-friendly platform; even complete newbies will find helpful lessons 
• There are fifteen programming languages you can learn through CodeAcademy
• The free forever Basic tier is great for anyone who needs to learn without all the bells and whistles
• Community support is readily available
• Very affordable
• Navigation can be a challenge at times
• Paid plans don’t offer a paid trial so you can’t see the content behind the paywall before committing
• You can’t skip the lessons
• How We Chose the Best Online Learning Platforms

Thanks to the sudden boom in online learning, there are now more platforms than people can track of. The sheer number of platforms available can be pretty overwhelming, so we’ve considered a few factors to help us decide which ones to put on this list. 

Here’s what we looked at:

• Who the platform is for - We made sure to include only platforms that can help you learn more about programming, IT, data science, and more. From these platforms, you’ll be able to find courses on coding for beginners and even complex, advanced programs in data science.
• Pricing - We made sure to list a variety of courses at every price point.
• Reviews - We’ve chosen to include platforms that we’ve already looked at in-depth and reviewed as we can guarantee their quality. Additionally, we did a lot of research into the public’s general consensus about these platforms. We eliminated anything that didn’t meet our high standards.
• Learning styles - Although a great majority of the platforms on this list offer self-paced learning, some offer a different learning experience compared to others. We’ve chosen to include different learning options as everyone learns in their own way.
• Course and instructor quality - We eliminated any platforms that do not meet our quality standards.

We’ve also made sure to include platforms that offer a more casual experience as well as platforms that are intended to help you professionally.

• What’s the Difference Between Open Source, Free, and Paid Platforms?

Chances are you’ve come across three different types of online learning platforms: free, open-source, and paid.

Paid platforms are exactly what they sound like. They will require you to pay to purchase a course outright or to subscribe to their service to access their catalog. It’s worth mentioning that most of these paid platforms do offer a “free forever” tier with limited access. Otherwise, they may offer a free trial or a few free rotating courses from their catalog each week (or month).

Free platforms, on the other hand, offer all of their content for free. A great example of this is Khan Academy, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering free education to all — forever! Free online learning platforms will never ask you to pay for anything, though there may be donation links up that can allow you to support their website if you wish.

Open-source learning platforms are another free option. However, unlike free platforms, which are typically run by one individual or organization, open-source platforms are open to everyone’s contributions. One of the best examples of this is Wikipedia, which is run under a management style you can call open-source. After all, Wikipedia allows anyone to write or edit articles on the website.

With so many online learning platforms available today, it can be challenging to find the one that’s just right for you. Luckily, there are many ways to check whether a platform is right for you, such as by reading reviews. Most platforms also have free trials or free courses that can give you a peek into how everything works — so give it a whirl before you commit!

We hope that this guide has helped you figure out which platform you’d like to check out first. If you aren’t quite ready to commit to paid online courses just yet, you can check out our article on the best free coding bootcamps .

• Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which online learning platform is best?

The best platform for online training will be the one that suits your needs best. Consider factors such as your budget, the topics you’d like to learn, the length of time you are willing to commit to your learning, and whether you want a certificate at the end. Additionally, if you are taking a course to prepare for or maintain a professional certification, it’s important to ensure your platform of choice is recognized by the respective accrediting boards.

2. What are digital learning platforms?

Online learning platforms are websites or apps that allow anyone to study over the internet at their own pace. Many of these platforms are MOOC (massive open online course) providers.

3. Which is the largest online learning platform?

In our opinion, Udemy is the largest online learning platform if you look at the sheer number of courses available. Udemy currently boasts over 200,000 courses on its platform. However, many other platforms (such as edX) have users in the tens of millions.

4. How much do online learning platforms cost?

Online learning platforms can offer their courses at wildly varying prices — some offer everything for free, while others can charge over $10,000. One thing’s for sure, though: courses from these platforms are almost always more affordable than similar programs offered at traditional colleges and universities. Note that online learning platforms usually charge a monthly subscription or require you to pay for each course you’d like to access.

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Jenna Inouye currently works at Google and has been a full-stack developer for two decades, specializing in web application design and development. She is a tech expert with a B.S. in Information & Computer Science and MCITP certification. For the last eight years, she has worked as a news and feature writer focusing on technology and finance, with bylines in Udemy, SVG, The Gamer, Productivity Spot, and Spreadsheet Point.

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