Choosing the right online course platform can feel like navigating a jungle of options.
You’ve got dreams of building a thriving online learning empire sharing your expertise and maybe even making a decent living doing it.
But with so many platforms out there how do you know which one is the right fit?
I’ve been in this space for years building courses growing an audience and honestly making a few mistakes along the way.
But I’ve also learned a thing or two about what makes a platform truly stand out.
So let’s dive into the top 9 online course platforms and see which one might be your perfect match.
Ready to level up your online learning game? Learnworlds has everything you need to build an empire: AI-powered course builder, mobile app, killer analytics, and more. Get started with Learnworlds and unleash your inner course creator! 🚀
What to Look For in a Platform: The Keys to Success
Ready to level up your online learning game? Learnworlds has everything you need to build an empire: AI-powered course builder, mobile app, killer analytics, and more. Get started with Learnworlds and unleash your inner course creator! 🚀
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific platforms let’s talk about the things you really need to consider.
It’s not just about fancy features; it’s about finding the right tools for your goals and budget:
1. Pricing: Don’t Get Caught in a Hidden Fee Trap
Pricing is always a big one.
Sure a platform might seem affordable at first glance but then you discover hidden fees complicated revenue-sharing models or limitations on features.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: How much does it cost to get started? Are there recurring monthly fees? What are the transaction fees or revenue splits?
- Look for transparency: A platform that’s upfront about its pricing is a good sign.
2. Features: More Than Just a Pretty Course Builder
Features are the building blocks of your online course world.
You need tools to create engaging content manage your learners track progress and of course make money.
- Content creation: Look for platforms with intuitive course builders video hosting quizzes and the ability to add diverse media types (like downloadable resources interactive elements etc.)
- Learner management: You need to be able to organize your learners track their progress send personalized messages and offer support.
- E-commerce: This is crucial for selling your courses! Look for platforms that integrate with payment gateways provide tools for creating sales pages and allow you to set up different pricing models.
- Marketing and analytics: The ability to market your courses and track your results is essential for growth.
3. Support: Don’t Be Left Hanging When You Need Help
You’re going to run into questions technical glitches or maybe even just need a little guidance.
A good platform has strong support to back you up:
- Multiple channels: Live chat email phone and even community forums are all great ways to get help.
- Responsiveness: A platform that responds promptly to your questions and issues is a big plus.
- Knowledge base: A comprehensive knowledge base with articles tutorials and FAQs can be a lifesaver.
Beyond the Basics: Understanding the Different Types of Platforms
Now that we’ve covered the essentials let’s talk about the different types of online course platforms out there.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses so understanding them is crucial for making the right decision:
1. Standalone Online Course Platforms: Full Control But You’re in Charge
Standalone platforms are like having your own online schoolhouse.
They offer a complete suite of features for creating hosting and selling your courses.
You have full control over the design branding and data.
- Pros: Customization data ownership often more advanced features.
- Cons: Might require more tech knowledge sometimes more expensive.
2. Course Marketplaces: Reach a Wider Audience But Give Up Some Control
These are like the “Amazon” of online courses.
They offer a huge audience but you’ll need to compete for attention and they take a cut of your earnings.
- Pros: Built-in audience established brand less effort required to set up.
- Cons: Less control over branding and data potential for competition revenue sharing.
3. All-in-One Course Platforms: A One-Stop Shop for Your Entire Business
These platforms try to do it all: course creation marketing sales and even community building.
They’re designed to streamline your entire online course business.
- Pros: Simplicity all-in-one solution often good for growing businesses.
- Cons: Can be expensive might not have the same customization as standalone platforms.
4. WordPress LMS Plugins: Flexibility but You Need Tech Skills
If you’re already running a WordPress website you can use plugins to add online course functionality.
They offer a lot of flexibility but they also require more technical expertise.
- Pros: Flexibility can integrate seamlessly with your existing website often affordable.
- Cons: Requires tech knowledge can be difficult to manage with multiple plugins might not have as robust features.
The Top 9 Online Course Platforms: A Detailed Look
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for – the into the top 9 online course platforms:
1. LearnWorlds: The All-in-One Powerhouse for Creating Engaging Online Courses
LearnWorlds has quickly become a favorite for seasoned and newbie course creators alike.
It’s a true all-in-one platform meaning you get everything you need to launch manage and grow your online course business:
Key Features:
- AI Course Creator: This is where Learnworlds shines. It uses AI to help you create beautiful engaging and interactive lessons. It’s like having your own personal assistant for course design.
- Mobile App Builder: If you want to reach your learners on the go Learnworlds lets you create a custom mobile app for your courses.
- Assessment Builder: Build robust quizzes assessments and even gamified learning experiences to keep your learners motivated.
- No-Code Website Builder: Forget about hiring a developer! LearnWorlds’ website builder lets you easily design a professional branded website for your online school.
- Community Features: Foster a vibrant online community with built-in features for discussion forums live events and more.
- Advanced Analytics: Get insights into your learners’ behavior track course performance and optimize your content based on real-time data.
- White-Labeling: Make your online school look and feel completely unique with white-labeling options.
Who Is It For?
LearnWorlds is ideal for anyone who wants to create and sell online courses including:
- Entrepreneurs: If you’re building a business around your expertise Learnworlds can be a powerful tool.
- Instructors: Whether you’re a teacher coach or consultant Learnworlds helps you turn your knowledge into a thriving online business.
- Businesses: Train your employees customers or partners with LearnWorlds’ powerful internal training features.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution: Everything you need is in one place.
- Easy to use: LearnWorlds’ intuitive interface makes course creation a breeze.
- Powerful features: From AI to mobile apps Learnworlds is packed with features to make your courses stand out.
- Excellent customer support: Their support team is known for being responsive and helpful.
- Scalable: Learnworlds can grow with your business so you won’t need to switch platforms as you expand.
Cons:
- Pricing: LearnWorlds’ pricing is on the higher end but the value it offers is worth it for many users.
Pricing:
- Free Trial: 30 days.
- Starter Plan: $39/month.
- Pro Plan: $99/month.
- Growth Plan: $299/month.
Overall: Learnworlds is a robust feature-packed platform that’s ideal for serious course creators. It offers a seamless experience excellent support and all the tools you need to build a successful online business.
2. Thinkific: The Standalone Platform for Those Who Want Flexibility
Thinkific is another popular choice offering a more standalone approach to course creation.
If you want more control over the look and feel of your courses Thinkific might be a good fit.
Key Features:
- Intuitive Course Builder: Thinkific’s course builder is user-friendly and allows you to create beautiful visually appealing lessons.
- Website Builder: Build a custom website for your online school including sales pages landing pages and more.
- Advanced Analytics: Track your course performance student engagement and revenue.
- Community Features: Engage your learners with discussions forums and live events.
Who Is It For?
Thinkific is a good option for:
- Solopreneurs: If you’re just starting out with online courses Thinkific is a great place to get started.
- Small Businesses: Thinkific can help you create and deliver training programs for your employees or customers.
- Online Trainers: Thinkific’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it a popular choice for trainers.
Pros:
- Flexible: Thinkific gives you more control over the look and feel of your online school.
- Affordable: Thinkific’s pricing is more budget-friendly than LearnWorlds.
- Easy to use: Thinkific’s interface is simple and straightforward.
Cons:
- Limited features: Thinkific’s feature set is not as extensive as LearnWorlds.
- Support: While Thinkific’s support is helpful it’s not as comprehensive as LearnWorlds.
- Scalability: Thinkific can be challenging to scale as your business grows.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limited functionality.
- Basic Plan: $49/month.
- Pro Plan: $99/month.
- Growth Plan: $299/month.
Overall: Thinkific is a solid choice for those who want a user-friendly flexible platform. It’s a great starting point for new course creators but it might not be the best option for those who need a more feature-rich or scalable platform.
3. Teachable: The Simplicity of Course Creation for Everyone
Teachable is known for being incredibly user-friendly making it a popular choice for beginners.
It focuses on making course creation easy and efficient letting you focus on the content.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Course Builder: Create courses with ease using Teachable’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Customizable Templates: Choose from a variety of templates to create a professional-looking online school.
- Marketing and Sales Tools: Teachable provides tools for creating sales pages promoting your courses and tracking your results.
Who Is It For?
Teachable is a great option for:
- New Course Creators: If you’re new to online courses Teachable’s simplicity makes it a good starting point.
- Coaches: Teachable’s focus on building engaging courses makes it popular with coaches.
- Creative Professionals: If you’re a creative professional who wants to share your skills online Teachable is a good option.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use: Teachable makes course creation a breeze.
- Affordable: Teachable’s pricing is very competitive.
- Strong community: Teachable has a vibrant community of course creators.
Cons:
- Limited features: Teachable’s feature set is not as extensive as Learnworlds or Thinkific.
- Support: Teachable’s support is adequate but it’s not as robust as LearnWorlds.
- Scalability: Teachable can be challenging to scale as your business grows.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limited functionality 10% transaction fee.
- Basic Plan: $49/month.
- Professional Plan: $119/month.
- Business Plan: $299/month.
Overall: Teachable is a great option for those who want a simple affordable and user-friendly platform. It’s a good starting point for new course creators but it might not be the best option for those who need more advanced features or scalability.
4. Kajabi: The All-in-One Solution for Marketing and Sales
Kajabi is a popular choice for course creators who want a platform that takes care of everything from creating and delivering courses to marketing and selling them.
It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for building a successful online business.
Key Features:
- Course Builder: Create engaging courses with Kajabi’s user-friendly course builder.
- Website Builder: Design a custom website for your online school.
- Email Marketing: Build email lists create automated email sequences and nurture your leads.
- Landing Pages: Create high-converting landing pages to drive traffic to your courses.
- Sales Funnels: Build powerful sales funnels to convert leads into customers.
- Webinars: Host live webinars to engage with your audience and promote your courses.
Who Is It For?
Kajabi is a good option for:
- Non-Techy Course Creators: If you’re not comfortable with technical tasks Kajabi’s ease of use makes it a great choice.
- Entrepreneurs: Kajabi provides all the tools you need to build a successful online business.
- Digital Marketers: Kajabi’s marketing tools are a big draw for those who want to build a strong online presence.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features: Kajabi offers a wide range of tools for building and managing your online course business.
- Strong marketing tools: Kajabi’s marketing features are powerful and effective.
- Ease of use: Kajabi’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Cons:
- Expensive: Kajabi’s pricing is on the higher end.
- Limited customization: Kajabi’s customization options are not as extensive as LearnWorlds.
- Support: Kajabi’s support is adequate but it’s not as comprehensive as LearnWorlds.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $149/month.
- Growth Plan: $249/month.
- Pro Plan: $399/month.
Overall: Kajabi is a solid choice for those who want a comprehensive platform with strong marketing tools. It’s a good option for entrepreneurs who want to build a complete online business but it might not be the best choice for those who are on a tight budget or need more customization.
5. LearnDash: The Powerful WordPress LMS Plugin
LearnDash is a popular WordPress LMS plugin that allows you to add online course functionality to your existing WordPress website.
It’s a flexible and powerful option for those who are comfortable working with WordPress.
Key Features:
- Course Builder: Build engaging courses with LearnDash’s easy-to-use course builder.
- Drip Content: Release content to your learners over time to keep them engaged.
- Assessments and Quizzes: Create quizzes tests and assignments to assess your learners’ progress.
- Gamification: Use points badges and leaderboards to motivate your learners.
- Community Features: Build a community around your courses with forums and discussion boards.
Who Is It For?
LearnDash is a good option for:
- WordPress Users: If you’re already using WordPress LearnDash is a seamless way to add online course functionality.
- Businesses: LearnDash is often used by businesses to create internal training programs.
- Educational Institutions: LearnDash is popular with universities colleges and other educational institutions.
Pros:
- Flexible: LearnDash’s flexibility allows you to customize your courses to fit your needs.
- Powerful features: LearnDash offers a wide range of features for creating and managing online courses.
- Affordable: LearnDash’s pricing is competitive especially when compared to some all-in-one platforms.
Cons:
- Technical knowledge required: You need to be comfortable with WordPress to use LearnDash effectively.
- Limited marketing tools: LearnDash’s marketing features are not as extensive as some other platforms.
- Support: LearnDash’s support is adequate but it’s not as comprehensive as LearnWorlds.
Pricing:
- LearnDash Plugin: Starts at $159/year.
- LearnDash Cloud (full-site): Starts at $199/month.
Overall: LearnDash is a powerful WordPress LMS plugin that’s ideal for those who are comfortable with WordPress. It offers a lot of flexibility and features but it requires technical knowledge and doesn’t offer the same level of marketing support as some other platforms.
6. LifterLMS: The Open-Source LMS Plugin for Customization
LifterLMS is another popular WordPress LMS plugin that offers a lot of flexibility and customization options.
It’s a great choice for those who want to build a unique online learning experience.
Key Features:
- Course Builder: Create engaging courses with LifterLMS’s flexible course builder.
- Drip Content: Release content to your learners over time.
- Assessments and Quizzes: Create quizzes and assessments to test your learners’ knowledge.
- Community Features: Build a community around your courses with forums discussion boards and other features.
Who Is It For?
LifterLMS is a good option for:
- WordPress Users: If you’re already using WordPress LifterLMS is a good way to add online course functionality.
- Small Businesses: LifterLMS is a popular choice for small businesses who want to create internal training programs.
- Niche Communities: LifterLMS is a good option for those who want to build a unique online learning experience for a specific niche.
Pros:
- Open-source: LifterLMS is open-source so you can customize it to fit your needs.
- Flexible: LifterLMS offers a lot of flexibility in terms of course design and functionality.
- Affordable: LifterLMS is free to use with limited features. Paid plans are available for additional features.
Cons:
- Technical knowledge required: You need to be comfortable with WordPress and coding to use LifterLMS effectively.
- Limited marketing tools: LifterLMS doesn’t offer as many marketing features as some other platforms.
- Support: LifterLMS’s support is adequate but it’s not as comprehensive as LearnWorlds.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limited features.
- Basic Plan: $147/year.
- Plus Plan: $247/year.
- Growth Plan: $447/year.
Overall: LifterLMS is a good option for those who want a flexible and customizable LMS plugin. It’s a good choice for those who are comfortable with WordPress and coding but it might not be the best option for those who need a more user-friendly or feature-rich platform.
7. Udemy: The Massive Course Marketplace for Reaching a Wider Audience
Udemy is a well-known course marketplace that allows you to reach a massive audience.
It’s a great option for instructors who are just starting out and want to see if their courses are in demand.
Key Features:
- Large Audience: Udemy has millions of users so you can reach a large audience with your courses.
- Course Creation Tools: Udemy provides tools for creating and uploading your courses.
- Marketing Support: Udemy offers marketing support to help you promote your courses.
Who Is It For?
Udemy is a good option for:
- New Course Creators: If you’re new to online courses Udemy is a good platform to start with.
- Instructors with Existing Audiences: If you have a following Udemy can be a good way to reach a larger audience.
- Those Who Want to Test the Waters: If you’re not sure if your courses will be successful Udemy is a low-risk way to test the market.
Pros:
- Large audience: Udemy has millions of users so you can reach a large audience with your courses.
- Established platform: Udemy is a well-established brand which can give your courses credibility.
- Marketing support: Udemy offers marketing support to help you promote your courses.
Cons:
- High competition: There are millions of courses on Udemy so you’ll need to stand out from the crowd.
- Revenue sharing: Udemy takes a cut of your course revenue.
- Limited control: You have limited control over the branding and marketing of your courses on Udemy.
Pricing:
- Free to Enroll: Students can enroll in free courses.
- Paid Courses: Instructors set their own course prices and Udemy takes a cut of the revenue.
Overall: Udemy is a good option for those who want to reach a large audience and test the waters with their courses. However it’s important to be aware of the high competition and revenue sharing model.
8. Coursera: The Partner-Focused Platform for University-Level Courses
Coursera is a platform that partners with top universities and industry leaders to deliver high-quality online courses and degrees.
It’s a good option for instructors who want to reach a global audience and offer university-level content.
Key Features:
- Partnerships with Top Universities: Coursera partners with universities and institutions to offer high-quality courses.
- Degrees and Specializations: Coursera offers degrees and specializations in a wide range of subjects.
- Global Audience: Coursera has a global audience of learners.
Who Is It For?
Coursera is a good option for:
- University Professors: Professors can partner with Coursera to offer their courses online.
- Industry Experts: Industry experts can create courses and specializations on Coursera.
- Learners Seeking High-Quality Content: Learners looking for high-quality university-level courses will find Coursera a good option.
Pros:
- High-quality content: Coursera partners with reputable universities and institutions to offer high-quality content.
- Global audience: Coursera reaches a global audience of learners.
- Degrees and specializations: Coursera offers degrees and specializations in a wide range of subjects.
Cons:
- Strict requirements: Coursera has strict requirements for course creators.
- Limited customization: Course creators have limited control over the branding and design of their courses.
- Revenue sharing: Coursera takes a cut of course revenue.
Pricing:
- Free courses: Some courses are free to enroll in.
- Paid courses: Learners pay for access to paid courses.
- Subscriptions: Learners can also subscribe to Coursera to access a library of courses.
Overall: Coursera is a good option for those who want to offer high-quality university-level courses to a global audience. However it’s important to be aware of the strict requirements and revenue sharing model.
9. LinkedIn Learning: The Platform for Professional Development and Career Advancement
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that focuses on professional development and career advancement.
It’s a good option for instructors who want to create courses that are relevant to the job market and help learners build their skills.
Key Features:
- Professional Development Courses: LinkedIn Learning offers courses on a wide range of professional development topics.
- Integration with LinkedIn: LinkedIn Learning is integrated with LinkedIn so learners can add their courses to their profiles.
- Job-Relevant Content: LinkedIn Learning offers courses that are designed to help learners advance their careers.
Who Is It For?
LinkedIn Learning is a good option for:
- Industry Experts: Industry experts can create courses on LinkedIn Learning to share their knowledge and expertise.
- Professionals Seeking Career Advancement: Professionals looking to build their skills and advance their careers will find LinkedIn Learning a good option.
Pros:
- Job-relevant content: LinkedIn Learning offers courses that are designed to help learners advance their careers.
- Integration with LinkedIn: Learners can add their courses to their LinkedIn profiles which can help them stand out to potential employers.
- Professional focus: LinkedIn Learning’s focus on professional development makes it a good option for those looking to advance their careers.
Cons:
- Limited course creation tools: LinkedIn Learning offers limited tools for creating courses.
- Limited customization: Course creators have limited control over the branding and design of their courses.
- Revenue sharing: LinkedIn Learning takes a cut of course revenue.
Pricing:
- Free to Enroll: Some courses are free to enroll in.
- Subscription-based: Learners can subscribe to LinkedIn Learning to access a library of courses.
Overall: LinkedIn Learning is a good option for those who want to create courses that are relevant to the job market and help learners build their skills. However it’s important to be aware of the limited course creation tools and revenue sharing model.
Making the Right Choice: Your Journey Starts Here
This might seem like a lot of information and it is! But hopefully it’s given you a clear picture of the landscape of online course platforms.
Remember there’s no single “best” platform.
The right one for you depends on your individual needs goals and budget.
Consider these key factors:
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on a platform?
- Your technical skills: Are you comfortable with WordPress or do you need a user-friendly platform?
- Your course format: What type of courses do you want to create?
- Your marketing goals: Do you want to reach a large audience or build a more focused community?
Take your time explore the platforms and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The right platform will help you build a successful online course business and make a real difference in the world.
Ready to level up your online learning game? Learnworlds has everything you need to build an empire: AI-powered course builder, mobile app, killer analytics, and more. Get started with Learnworlds and unleash your inner course creator! 🚀