Top 17 Online Learning Platforms to Enhance Your Skills (2024)

In this article, we’ll navigate through the digital maze to pinpoint the best online learning platforms of 2023, helping you make an informed choice for your educational journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Coursera: Best for Academic Courses and Professional Certifications
2. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Best for Career Development
3. Skillshare: Best for Creative Skills and Hobbies
4. EDX: Best for MicroMasters Programs
5. MOOC: Best for Free Courses
6. Udacity: Best for Tech Skills and Job Placement
7. Docebo: Best for Corporate Training

What Makes an Online Learning Platform Great?

When you’re faced with a multitude of options for online learning platforms, how do you decide which one is the best fit for you or your organization? Below are some of the key factors that contribute to making an online learning platform truly great.

• Comprehensive Content Library

A high-quality learning platform should offer a wide range of courses, spanning various subjects and skill levels. This enables learners to diversify their skill sets and offers the flexibility to explore new domains.

• High-Quality Instruction

Top-tier instructors can make or break a course. Look for platforms that collaborate with industry experts, experienced educators, or thought leaders in the field to ensure you’re receiving the best possible education.

• User-Friendly Interface

The best online learning platforms have intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for learners to navigate through courses, find information, and track their progress.

• Accessibility

Whether it’s mobile compatibility or multi-language support, a great platform should be easily accessible. This ensures that learning can happen anywhere, anytime, removing traditional barriers to education.

• Interactive Learning Environment

The platform should offer interactive quizzes, peer-reviewed assignments, or real-world projects to keep learners engaged. A mix of video lectures, reading materials, and hands-on activities creates a holistic learning experience.

• Customization and Personalization

The ability to tailor learning pathways, receive course recommendations based on interests or past behavior, and set individual learning goals are features that differentiate an exceptional platform from a good one.

• Social Learning Features

Community forums, peer interactions, and mentor support add an invaluable social element to online learning. This encourages collaborative learning and provides avenues for networking and skill reinforcement.

• Progress Tracking and Analytics

A robust analytics suite enables learners to monitor their progress, identify gaps in their understanding, and seek additional resources or support as needed.

• Certifications and Accreditations

Platforms that offer verified certificates or have partnerships with accredited educational institutions can add tangible value to your learning, especially for career development or academic applications.

• Reliable Customer Support

Quick and helpful customer support can make a significant difference, especially when you’re experiencing technical issues or have questions about courses and features.

• Cost-Effectiveness

While price shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, a great platform will offer a range of pricing options, including free courses, to make high-quality education accessible to a broad audience.

• Future-Proofing

Last but not least, the best online learning platforms are those that continue to innovate, whether it’s through course updates, new features, or adapting to educational trends and technological advancements.

What are the Best Online Learning Platforms?

1. Coursera

Overview

Founded in 2012 by two Stanford professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera is an online learning platform that collaborates with top universities and organizations globally to offer courses, specializations, and degrees across a wide range of subjects. From humanities to data science, the platform provides an extensive range of high-quality, university-level courses. 

Coursera aims to provide transformative learning experiences not just through content but also through credentials that can help learners advance their career or education.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• University-Level Courses: Coursera partners with renowned universities, meaning the quality of education is generally very high.
• Wide Range of Subjects: The platform offers courses in nearly every subject you can think of, from arts and humanities to engineering and computer science.
• Flexible Schedule: You can learn at your own pace, which makes it easier to balance studies with other commitments.
• Interactive Learning: The platform includes not just video lectures but also quizzes, peer-graded assignments, and forums to create an interactive learning environment.
• Certificate of Completion: Many courses offer a certificate upon completion, which can be added to your LinkedIn profile or resume.

Cons

• Cost: While many courses offer free trials, obtaining a certification often comes at a price.
• Time-Intensive: Because many of the courses aim to offer a deep dive into the subjects, they can be time-intensive.
• Limited Networking: While there are discussion forums, the networking opportunities are not as rich as those you’d find in an in-person environment.

Best for

Coursera is best for individuals looking for in-depth knowledge in specific fields, those preparing for higher education, or professionals looking for career advancement through certification.

Pricing

You can access some certain courses on Coursera for free. 

Coursera offers 2 pricing plans for business users:

• For a team 5-125 people: $399/user/year. This plan allows you to Access catalog of 5,400+ from top universities and companies; Co-branded experience with learner priority technical support; Skills platform for insights and analytics; Tools to manage program communications
• For an enterprise of more than 125 people: custom pricing. It has all of the features of a plan for a team, plus Dedicated customer success manager for consulting services; Single sign-on, API and LMS integrations.

2. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

Overview

LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform specifically geared towards professional development. The platform boasts a massive library of more than 16,000 courses covering a plethora of skill sets, including software development, design, business, and more. With courses instructed by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning is tightly integrated with your LinkedIn profile, allowing easy updates with course completions and new skills.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Skill-Based Learning: The platform focuses on imparting practical skills useful in a professional context.
• High-Quality Instructors: Courses are taught by industry experts, often with real-world experience, lending credibility and depth to the material.
• LinkedIn Integration: Completed courses can be easily added to your LinkedIn profile, which is beneficial for job seekers and professionals alike.
• Wide Range of Topics: Beyond just technical skills, LinkedIn Learning also offers courses in soft skills like leadership, communication, and time management.
• Multi-Device Access: Courses can be accessed on different devices, allowing for learning on-the-go.

Cons

• Subscription-Based: Unlike platforms that let you pay for individual courses, LinkedIn Learning requires a monthly or yearly subscription.
• Generalized Content: While courses are comprehensive, they may not dive as deeply into specialized topics as other platforms.
• Limited Academic Subjects: The platform is more career-focused, so it’s not the best place for academic learning or subjects in the humanities or sciences.

Best for

LinkedIn Learning is best for professionals and job seekers who are looking to add specific skills to their repertoire, or those who are unsure about which skills they would like to learn and want to explore a wide range of options.

Pricing

There are 2 types of pricing for individuals and for teams offered by LinkedIn Learning:

• For Individuals: 1-month free trial then $39.99/month ($19.99/month if pay annually)
• For Teams (2-20 license): 1-month free trial then $379.88/license/year

In addition, for Organizations (more than 21 licences), the pricing is customized.

3. Skillshare

Overview

Skillshare is an online learning community geared towards creative professionals, freelancers, and hobbyists. With thousands of courses covering a myriad of creative fields like graphic design, illustration, photography, writing, and even entrepreneurship, Skillshare offers bite-sized classes to fit a busy lifestyle. Unlike traditional learning platforms, Skillshare emphasizes “learning by doing,” with most courses featuring a project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Project-Based Learning: Each course usually features a project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned, making the skills easier to internalize.
• Wide Range of Creative Courses: From digital painting to creative writing, Skillshare has an unparalleled range of creative topics.
• Short and Sweet: The courses are often shorter than those found on academic platforms, making it easier to complete them in your free time.
• Community Feedback: Skillshare has a community feature that lets you share your projects and receive feedback from both peers and instructors.
• Free Trials: The platform often offers free trials or free limited-access versions of their courses, so you can try before you buy.

Cons

• Less Academic: The platform lacks in-depth academic or highly specialized courses.
• Quality Variance: Since anyone can teach on Skillshare, the quality can be variable.
• Limited Certifications: Skillshare doesn’t provide recognized certifications for course completion, which may not be ideal for those looking to add credentials to their resume.

Best for

Skillshare is ideal for creatives, hobbyists, and freelancers looking to pick up new skills in a short amount of time. It’s also great for those who prefer a more hands-on, project-based approach to learning.

Pricing

After 1-month free trial, you’ll have to pay $32 per month for Skillshare Premium Membership. If choosing Annual Payment, you’ll pay just $14 per month ($168 per year).

4. EDX

Overview

EDx is a nonprofit online learning platform founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012. It offers a wide array of courses from universities and institutions around the world, including professional certificates, MicroMasters programs, and even full Master’s degree programs online. EDx provides courses in humanities, science, engineering, business, and many other disciplines. It aims to democratize education by offering high-quality courses from prestigious universities to learners around the globe.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Academic Rigor: Courses are designed and delivered by professors from top-ranked universities, ensuring a high level of academic rigor.
• Wide Subject Range: From computer science to philosophy, EDx offers a broad spectrum of subjects catering to various educational and career needs.
• Flexible Learning Options: Students can choose to audit many courses for free, with the option to pay for a verified certificate later.
• MicroMasters and Degree Programs: For those looking for more than just a single course, EDx offers advanced programs like MicroMasters and even online degrees.
• Self-Paced Learning: Most courses are asynchronous, allowing you to learn on your own schedule.

Cons

• Cost for Certification: While you can audit courses for free, receiving a verified certificate generally requires payment.
• Time-Consuming: Given the academic depth, some courses can be as time-consuming as traditional college courses.
• Complexity: Some courses can be quite challenging, especially for those without background knowledge in the subject matter.

Best for

EDx is best for serious learners looking for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a subject, as well as those considering further academic pursuits or career shifts. It is also suitable for professionals looking to gain specific skills that can help them in their current roles.

Pricing

The pricing of courses on EDx ranges from $50 to $300.

5. MOOC

Overview

The term MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Courses, and it’s a bit different from the other platforms listed as it is a general category rather than a specific platform. MOOCs are courses that are designed to be accessible to anyone over the internet. They are offered by various platforms like Coursera, edX, and many others, often in partnership with universities and colleges around the world. These platforms offer courses on a wide range of subjects and can vary in their level of complexity and requirements.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Accessibility: The “Open” in MOOC means that, theoretically, anyone with internet access can participate. This democratizes learning to a great extent.
• Variety of Subjects: Given that MOOCs are offered by various providers, the range of subjects you can study is extensive.
• Affordable or Free Options: Many MOOCs offer free auditing options for their courses, making higher education more accessible.
• Networking Opportunities: Because of their massive scale, MOOCs allow you to interact with a diverse set of peers.
• Flexible Learning Environment: Most MOOCs are designed to be asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at your own pace.

Cons

• Limited Accountability: The “massive” nature of these courses can sometimes lead to a lack of personal attention from instructors.
• Variable Quality: Because MOOCs are offered by a variety of institutions and instructors, the quality can vary.
• Additional Costs for Certification: Though the course content may be free, getting a verified certificate usually requires a fee.
• Overwhelming Choices: The sheer volume of available courses can make it difficult to choose the right one for you.

Best for

MOOCs are ideal for independent learners looking for a flexible and affordable way to gain new skills or deepen their knowledge in a particular subject. They are also good for professionals looking to upskill without taking time off work.

Pricing

Pricing for MOOCs can vary widely depending on the platform and the type of certification or additional resources you may want. Many offer free versions, but specialized courses and degree programs can cost much more.

6. Udacity

Overview

Udacity is an online learning platform that specializes in technology-focused courses, mainly in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and software development. Founded in 2011, it diverges from traditional academic curriculum and leans towards vocational courses aimed at professionals and students looking to improve their job-related skills. Udacity’s courses, commonly known as “Nanodegree programs,” are created in collaboration with industry leaders and are project-based, aiming to provide hands-on experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses are co-created with leading companies in the tech industry, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable in the job market.
• Project-Based Learning: Every Nanodegree includes various projects that you must complete, allowing you to create a portfolio that you can show to potential employers.
• Mentor Support: Each student is assigned a mentor for personalized guidance, providing a level of support that is rare in online education.
• Focused Content: Courses are very focused and cut out any unnecessary material, meaning you can complete them in a shorter period.
• High-Quality Production: The production quality of the course materials, including videos and interactive exercises, is usually very high.

Cons

• Time Commitment: While courses are designed to be flexible, the intensive nature of the curriculum demands a considerable time investment.
• No Accreditation: Unlike some other platforms, Udacity’s Nanodegrees are not accredited by any educational institution.

Best for

Udacity is best suited for people who are looking to gain job-relevant tech skills quickly. Whether you’re a professional looking to pivot into a tech role or a student aiming to supplement your education with practical skills, Udacity’s industry-aligned, project-based courses have a lot to offer.

Pricing

Pricing of each course on Udacity varies on the courses or programs chosens, but often $399/month for a 4-month course with a degree program.

7. Docebo

Overview

Docebo is an enterprise-focused online learning platform that emphasizes a learner-centric approach. Unlike many platforms that focus primarily on academic or vocational courses, Docebo is designed for corporate training and development. It provides a customizable and scalable Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver, track, and measure impactful e-learning content. While it’s generally aimed at businesses, individuals associated with those businesses can greatly benefit from its curated and specialized content.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Customization: One of Docebo’s strong suits is the high level of customization it allows in course creation and learner paths, letting organizations tailor content specific to their needs.
• AI-Powered Recommendations: The platform employs artificial intelligence to recommend relevant courses and materials to learners, making the experience more engaging and personalized.
• Multi-Language Support: Docebo supports multiple languages, allowing global companies to train their employees in their native tongues.
• Scalability: As your organization grows, Docebo can scale with you, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.
• Integration: Docebo offers seamless integration with CRM and HR software, simplifying the process of tracking employee progress and performance.

Cons

• Complexity: The range of features and customizations can make the platform a bit overwhelming for users who are new to online learning systems.
• Limited Non-Corporate Content: The platform is primarily tailored for corporate training, which means it may not be suitable for individuals looking for academic or hobbyist learning opportunities.
• Minimum User Requirement: Many of Docebo’s plans have a minimum user requirement, which might not suit smaller organizations or teams.

Best for

Docebo is best for large corporations or growing businesses that require a robust, scalable, and customizable e-learning solution for employee training and development.

Pricing

Docebo’s pricing is not publicly listed and is generally customized according to the needs of the organization. Pricing can vary greatly depending on the number of users, the level of customization, and other additional features required. Pricing of courses on this platform might start from $25.000 per year, free trial is available

What are the Best Online Course Platforms?

1. Teachable

Overview

If you’re an avid learner looking for specialized knowledge in a variety of fields, Teachable should be on your radar. The platform hosts courses from individual experts and small businesses, offering you a unique opportunity to learn from people who are deeply entrenched in their respective fields. Unlike traditional learning platforms that often offer a generic curriculum, courses on Teachable are usually tailored based on the instructor’s specific expertise and practical experience.

Key Features and Pros

• Course Variety: Teachable hosts a wide array of courses across multiple subjects, giving you ample options to choose from.
• Quality Content: Many of the instructors on Teachable are experts in their respective fields, assuring high-quality course content.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for easy navigation, meaning you can focus more on learning rather than figuring out how to use the site.
• Flexible Payment Options: With one-time fees, subscriptions, and payment plans, you can choose a payment method that suits you.
• Course Completion Certificates: These give you something concrete to show for your efforts and can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Cons

• Cost: Some of the high-quality courses can be expensive, and since the platform charges instructors a fee, those costs can be passed down to you.
• No Community Engagement: The platform doesn’t have a built-in student community or forum, so if you thrive on peer interaction while learning, you might find this aspect lacking.

Best for

Teachable is ideal for learners who prefer a more specialized, hands-on approach to education. If you’re looking to gain skills or knowledge directly from an expert in the field, rather than through a traditional or academic curriculum, Teachable offers a vast array of options.

Pricing

Teachable offers 4 pricing plans from $0 to $249 per month. 

• Free: $0/month, including $1 + 10% transaction fee; 1 published product of each type (course, coaching, downloads); No-code course builder and web pages
• Basic: $59/month, including all Free plan features with more quantities such as 5% transaction fee; 5 published products of each type (course, coaching, downloads); Integrated email marketing; Coupons and order bumps; Live group coaching
• Pro: $159/month, including all Basic plan features with more quantities such as 0% transaction fee; 50 published products of each type (course, coaching, downloads); Live chat support; Removable branding
• Pro+: $249/month, including all Pro plan features with more quantities such as 0% transaction fee; 200 courses; 200 coaching products; 200 digital downloads

2. Podia

Overview

Podia is a platform that you’ll want to explore if you’re in the market for digital courses, memberships, and even downloadable digital products like eBooks. One of the platform’s significant advantages is its emphasis on a streamlined, hassle-free learning experience. Podia hosts courses from a range of experts in fields like business, design, coding, and more. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or skill up in your career, Podia offers an excellent collection of quality courses.

Key Features and Pros

• Intuitive Interface: Podia’s student dashboard is simple and easy to navigate. You can easily track your course progress, revisit previous lessons, or download accompanying course materials.
• Variety of Content: The platform supports a wide range of content types, including video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources. This provides a comprehensive, multi-faceted learning experience.
• Community Building: Many courses on Podia offer community features, allowing you to interact with the instructor and fellow students. This creates a more engaging and collaborative learning environment.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Features: While the platform is easy to navigate, it may lack advanced features like in-depth analytics of your learning patterns or advanced quizzing options.

Best for

Podia is particularly well-suited for learners who are looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use platform that offers a range of course types, from short tutorials to comprehensive learning paths. If you value a community aspect in your learning journey and prefer a clutter-free, straightforward environment, Podia is likely a good fit for you.

Pricing

Podia offers 3 options for pricing plans:

• Free: $0/month, including full website, community, 1 download, 1 coaching product, draft courses, etc
• Mover: $39/month, including all Free plan features with more quantities such as unlimited download, unlimited coaching, draft webinars, added chat support
• Shaker: $89/month, including all Mover plan features with more quantities such as unlimited webinars, added affiliates, third-party code

3. Thinkific

Overview

When it comes to learning from experts in a diverse range of fields, Thinkific is another platform that shouldn’t be overlooked. Known for its high-quality courses and user-friendly interface, Thinkific hosts a myriad of courses in areas such as marketing, technology, arts and crafts, and more. What sets this platform apart is its focus on delivering a comprehensive learning experience that extends beyond just video lectures.

Key Features and Pros

• Broad Range of Topics: Thinkific is known for its diverse course offerings. Whether you’re interested in coding, painting, or personal development, there’s likely a course for you.
• High-Quality Instructors: Courses are often taught by field experts, ensuring that the content is both reliable and up-to-date.
• Customizable Learning Paths: The platform allows you to combine courses into a “learning path,” helping you achieve your specific learning goals in a structured manner.
• Interactive Quizzes and Assignments: The courses usually come with quizzes and assignments, helping to reinforce your learning and provide practical experience.
• Mobile-Friendly: The platform is optimized for mobile use, making it convenient for those who want to learn on the go.

Cons

• Inconsistent Course Quality: Since anyone can create a course, the quality can vary. You’ll need to rely on reviews and ratings to gauge a course’s worth.
• Pricing Disparities: Some courses can be quite expensive, and there may not always be a free trial or sample lessons to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

Best for

Thinkific is a great fit for learners who prefer a multi-faceted learning approach that incorporates different types of content and interactive elements. If you enjoy being part of a learning community and value the option to preview courses before buying, Thinkific will likely meet your needs well.

Pricing

Thinkific offers 4 options of pricing plans:

• Free: $0/month, including features such as 1 course, 1 community, unlimited students
• Basic: $49/month, including all features with more quantities of Free plan, added custom domain, affiliate selling, coupons and discounts
• Start: $99/month, including all features with more quantities of Basic plan, added assignments, live lessons, advanced course-building options, etc
• Grow: $199/month, including all features with more quantities of Start plan, added more advanced tools such as remove Thinkific branding, bulk student emailer, bulk enrollment, etc

4. Academy of Mine

Overview

For learners who are seeking a more personalized, high-touch educational experience, Academy of Mine should be on your shortlist of platforms to explore. The platform is often utilized by professional organizations and experts who want to offer highly specialized courses, often with Continuing Education (CE) or professional development credits attached. The courses you’ll find here are often in-depth, tailored, and come with higher levels of instructor involvement than many other platforms.

Key Features and Pros

• Personalized Learning Environment: Unlike mass-market course platforms, Academy of Mine tends to offer courses with smaller student numbers, often resulting in more individualized attention and customized learning paths.
• Professional Credentials: Many of the courses on Academy of Mine are geared toward professionals looking to earn CE credits or additional certifications. If you’re in a field that requires ongoing education, this is a significant advantage.
• Comprehensive Course Material: Courses often come packed with a wealth of resources, including video lectures, downloadable PDFs, quizzes, and sometimes even live webinars or one-on-one coaching sessions.

Cons

• Complex User Interface: The platform has a variety of advanced features that can be overwhelming and may require some time to navigate efficiently.

Best for

Academy of Mine is best suited for professionals or students who are looking for a more in-depth, credential-focused educational experience. If you are in a field like healthcare, law, or engineering where continuing education credits are important, or if you’re looking for a course that offers a deep dive into a specialized topic, this platform is likely a good fit for you.

Pricing

Academy of Mine offers pricing plans starting from $599/month, with free trial available.

5. Teachery

Overview

Teachery is an up-and-coming platform that’s making waves for its simplicity and focus on course quality over quantity. If you’re a learner tired of wading through endless options and prefer a more curated experience, Teachery could be the online course platform for you. The courses on Teachery are often meticulously crafted, focusing on delivering value and actionable insights rather than just informational content.

Key Features and Pros

• Curated Content: Teachery is known for hosting courses that are more curated and carefully put together, often by industry experts who have a wealth of experience in their respective fields.
• Interactive Features: Many courses on Teachery incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, real-world assignments, and even forums where you can discuss course material and ask questions directly to instructors and fellow students.

Cons

• Limited Course Selection: Unlike larger platforms, Teachery has a more limited selection of courses. If you’re looking for highly specialized topics or courses from well-known experts, you might not find them here.
• No Mobile App: Teachery doesn’t offer a mobile app, making on-the-go learning less convenient for those who prefer to use a smartphone or tablet.

Best for

Teachery is an ideal platform for learners who are seeking in-depth knowledge in specialized fields and who prefer a more hands-on, interactive learning experience. If you’re someone who values quality over quantity and wants a more focused list of courses to choose from, Teachery is worth considering.

Pricing

Teachery offers 2 types of pricing plans with a 14-day free trial.

• Monthly Plan: $49/month if you’re just getting started and want to pay month by month to have more time to experience
• Yearly Plan: $470/year (save 20% off monthly plan) 

6. Ruzuku

Overview

If you’re a learner who thrives in a community-focused environment and values ease of use, Ruzuku might be just the online learning platform you’ve been searching for. Known for its minimalist design and community-centric features, Ruzuku offers courses primarily in the personal development, business, and creative fields. The platform aims to create a seamless, straightforward learning experience that emphasizes interaction between learners and instructors.

Key Features and Pros

• User-Friendly Design: Ruzuku boasts an extremely intuitive interface that even the least tech-savvy individuals will find easy to navigate. You can effortlessly find courses, track your progress, and access course materials without the hassle.
• Community Engagement: A standout feature of Ruzuku is its strong focus on community. Many courses offer forums, discussions, and even live webinars that provide opportunities for you to engage with peers and instructors alike.
• Customizable Learning Path: Courses often come with flexible schedules and learning paths, allowing you to tailor your educational journey according to your needs and availability. You can go through courses at your own pace or follow along with a cohort, depending on how the course is structured.

Cons

• No Accreditation: Courses generally do not offer accredited certificates, which might be a drawback for those looking to use the course for professional advancement.

Best for

Ruzuku is an excellent choice for learners who value a straightforward, community-based learning experience. If you’re looking for personal development courses, or are a small business owner or creative seeking to expand your skill set, the community features and ease-of-use make Ruzuku a platform worth exploring.

Pricing

Ruzuku offers 3 options of pricing plans:

• Free: $0/month, including features such as 5 limited students, unlimited courses, host unlimited videos (up to 2GB per video)
• Core: $99/month, including all features with more quantities from Free plan such as unlimited students, host unlimited videos
• Pro: $199/month, including all features with more quantities from Core plan such as host unlimited videos (up to 4GB per video), custom domains, premium branding, multiple instructor accounts

7. Udemy

Overview

Udemy is a name that’s almost synonymous with online learning, and for good reason. With a vast array of courses on virtually every subject you could think of—from Python programming to pasta making—Udemy offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a professional looking to brush up on some skills or a hobbyist keen to try something new, Udemy’s expansive catalog is one of its strongest assets.

Key Features and Pros

• Expansive Catalog: Udemy’s most significant advantage is the sheer volume and variety of courses available. Whether it’s tech skills, languages, arts, or even lifestyle topics like cooking or yoga, there’s likely a course for it on Udemy.
• Quality Ratings and Reviews: Udemy offers an extensive system of ratings and reviews for each course, helping you make a more informed decision before you purchase. These are often supplemented with preview videos and detailed course outlines.

Cons

• Variable Course Quality: With a large number of instructors and courses, the quality can be hit or miss. It’s essential to read reviews and maybe even preview a few lessons before purchasing.

Best for

Udemy is a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of learners. Whether you’re a professional looking to advance in your field, a student needing extra help in academic subjects, or just someone interested in picking up a new hobby, Udemy’s extensive catalog is likely to have a course that meets your needs.

Pricing

The subscription fee on Udemy starts at $360/person/year with the Team plan (5-20 users). For Enterprise (more than 20 users), the price is customizable and you must contact the seller for more information.

8. Kajabi

Overview

Kajabi is a premium online course platform that specializes in offering comprehensive, high-value courses, particularly in the realms of business, marketing, and personal development. 

Key Features and Pros

• All-in-One Experience: One of Kajabi’s major draws is that it’s not just about the courses. Many educational programs on the platform come with additional resources such as workbooks, checklists, and exclusive community access, providing an all-in-one learning experience.
• Community Focus: Courses on Kajabi often feature community forums, mastermind groups, or even dedicated Facebook groups, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities. This enhances your learning journey by adding a social and interactive dimension.
• High-Quality Production: The courses on Kajabi often set a higher bar in terms of production value compared to other platforms. Expect well-structured lessons, high-definition videos, and often, professionally designed supplementary materials.

Cons

• Complex Interface: For those not familiar with robust digital platforms, Kajabi’s multi-functional interface may seem overwhelming at first.
• Niche Topics: Kajabi often focuses on business and entrepreneurship courses, which may not suit learners interested in a broader range of subjects.

Best for

Kajabi is best suited for serious learners who are looking to invest in comprehensive educational programs rather than standalone courses. Whether you’re a business professional, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to delve deeply into personal development, Kajabi’s high-value, community-centric offerings make it a worthy investment.

Pricing

Kajabi offers 3 pricing plans:

• Basic: $149/month, including features such as 3 products, 3 funnels, unlimited landing pages, 10,000 contacts, etc
• Growth: $199/month, including all Basic plan features with more quantities, plus 24/7 chat support, advanced automation, etc
• Pro: $399/month, including all Growth plan features with more quantities, plus custom code editor

9. WizIQ

Overview

WizIQ is an online learning platform that leans heavily into the live, virtual classroom experience. If you’re a learner who prefers real-time instruction and interaction over pre-recorded lessons, then WizIQ may offer the sort of educational setting you’re looking for. The platform serves a diverse range of subjects but is particularly known for its business, technology, and academic courses.

Key Features and Pros

• Live Virtual Classrooms: The standout feature of WizIQ is its focus on live, virtual classrooms. This allows for real-time interaction with instructors and peers, making for a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.
• Interactive Tools: Within these virtual classrooms, WizIQ offers a variety of interactive tools such as whiteboards, polls, and chat options to enhance the learning experience. It’s as close as you can get to a physical classroom setting in a virtual format.
• Multi-Device Support: WizIQ is accessible across various devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This flexibility allows you to attend live classes from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
• Recorded Lessons: If you can’t attend a live session, most are recorded and made available for later viewing, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the course material.

Cons

• Technical Issues: Users have reported some technical glitches and issues with the live classrooms and streaming features.
• Limited Course Categories: The platform might not offer as wide a range of subjects as other more extensive platforms do.
• User Experience: Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other platforms, which can make navigation a bit challenging.

Best for

WizIQ is ideal for learners who value the live classroom experience and want real-time access to instructors and classmates. Whether you are a professional looking to expand your skill set, a student needing academic support, or just someone eager to learn in a live setting, WizIQ’s features are tailored to suit your needs.

Pricing

Pricing of WizIQ starts from $18/teacher/month with Live Classroom and $1/user/month with Learning Management System.

10. Learndash

Overview

Learndash is a platform that’s engineered to provide a structured, classroom-like experience in an online setting. If you’re someone who benefits from a guided educational journey with checkpoints and assessments, Learndash could be an excellent match for you. The platform excels in areas like professional development, technical training, and academic subjects, offering courses that often mimic the structure of a traditional classroom curriculum.

Key Features and Pros

• Structured Learning Paths: Learndash is known for its highly organized course outlines that include modules, lessons, and quizzes. This structure helps to keep your learning on track, much like a semester in school.
• Progress Tracking: The platform includes robust progress tracking features that allow you to monitor your advancement through the course material. This can be particularly motivating and helps you identify areas that might need further attention.
• Interactive Quizzes and Assessments: Learndash places a significant emphasis on testing and assessment to ensure you’ve grasped the material. Multiple types of quizzes, from multiple-choice to free-form questions, are integrated into the courses to test your understanding.
• Certifications and Badges: Upon completing courses or milestones, Learndash often provides digital certificates and badges. These can be useful for your professional portfolio or resume, serving as tangible proof of your skills and expertise.

Cons

• Complex Setup for Quizzes and Assessments: While it does offer quizzes and assessments, setting them up can be complicated and time-consuming.
• No Mobile Application: Unlike some other platforms, Learndash doesn’t offer a mobile application for learning on the go.

Best for

Learndash is particularly beneficial for learners who require a structured, classroom-like environment to stay motivated and organized. If you are a professional looking for career advancement, or a student who prefers a guided approach to learning, the meticulous course structure and assessments on Learndash make it a strong contender for your educational needs.

Pricing

• Pricing starts from $29 to $99 per month with LearnDash Cloud to get started right out of the box.
• Pricing starts from $199 per year with LMS plugin to add a full course solution to your WordPress site.

What Are Online Course Platforms?

Online course platforms are digital spaces where learners can access educational content in the form of courses, tutorials, lectures, and assessments. 

These platforms serve as the bridge between educators and students, enabling the dissemination of knowledge without geographical or time constraints. Powered by various technologies including video streaming, interactive quizzes, forums, and even virtual classrooms, these platforms offer a versatile learning environment that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Online course platforms often host a wide array of subjects, from academic disciplines like math and science to professional skills such as programming, marketing, and design. They also cater to a variety of learning styles, offering options for self-paced learning, live instruction, or even blended formats that combine both.

The course material is typically curated and presented by experts in the respective field, ensuring that the knowledge imparted is reliable and up-to-date. The digital nature of these platforms allows for a rich multimedia experience, incorporating text, video, audio, and interactive elements to create a comprehensive learning package.

How do I Create and Sell Online Courses?

Creating and selling online courses is a multifaceted process that involves planning, content creation, platform selection, and marketing. While this article primarily targets those looking to buy courses, it’s worth knowing the basics of how courses are created and sold to make an informed purchase. Here’s a simplified guide:

Planning and Research

• Identify Your Niche: The first step is to identify what you’re good at and what people want to learn. Conduct market research to pinpoint a niche where there’s demand.
• Curriculum Development: Create a course outline that covers all the important aspects of your subject. This will serve as the blueprint for your course creation process.

Content Creation

• Quality Content: Start building your course according to the outline. This could include video lectures, written material, quizzes, assignments, and more. Make sure to offer high-quality, valuable content.
• Professional Production: Invest in good recording equipment, lighting, and editing software to give your course a professional look.

Platform Selection

• Choose the Right Platform: Select an online course platform that aligns with your needs and goals. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Kajabi offer various features and pricing models.
• Course Upload: Once you’ve chosen your platform, follow their guidelines to upload your course material.

Marketing and Sales

• Pre-Launch Marketing: Build buzz around your course through social media, blog posts, webinars, or even a pre-sale at a discounted price.
• Launch: Once your course is live, continue your marketing efforts to draw students in.
• Customer Support and Updates: After the launch, keep engaging with your students, providing customer support, and updating the course as needed to keep it current and valuable.

Making the Most of Online Learning 

Online learning platforms offer unparalleled convenience and access to a wealth of information. However, the key to truly benefiting from these resources lies in how you approach the learning experience. Below are some strategies to make the most out of your online learning journey.

• Setting Clear Goals

Before diving into a course, establish what you aim to achieve. Are you learning for professional advancement, academic enrichment, or personal development? Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and gauge your progress.

• Time Management

One of the beauties of online learning is flexibility, but this can also be a pitfall if you’re not disciplined. Set aside specific times for learning, just like you would for a traditional class, and adhere to that schedule as much as possible.

• Active Participation

Many online courses offer discussion forums, quizzes, and interactive assignments. Participate actively in these elements. Not only does this solidify your understanding, but it also provides opportunities for networking and collaborative learning.

• Practical Application

The real test of learning is in its application. If your course teaches you how to code, try building a simple app. If it’s a business course, try implementing the strategies in your workplace. Applying what you learn solidifies your understanding and enhances skill retention.

• Seek Feedback and Improve

Always be open to receiving feedback, whether it’s through quizzes, peer discussions, or self-assessment. Use it constructively to identify areas for improvement.

• Continue Learning

The world is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is the key to staying updated. After you complete a course, look for advanced courses or different subjects to expand your skill set.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, learning platforms have revolutionized the way we access education, offering a flexible and convenient avenue for skill development. By understanding the various options available and employing effective learning strategies, you can maximize the benefits these platforms offer.