15 Best Online Course Platforms for 2024

Are you an online course creator looking for the best platforms to host and sell your courses? With the rise of online learning, countless options are available, each with its features and benefits.

In fact, according to a recent survey, the online learning industry is expected to reach $543.5 billion by 2030.

But with so many options, choosing the right platform for your needs can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in.

In this article, I explore the top online course platforms available based on our in-house extensive research and analysis. I’ve got you covered whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch to a new platform.

My 15 Best Online Course Platforms Overview (Free & Paid)

Platform	Free Trial	Starting Price
Thinkific	14 days	$49/month
Teachable	Free plan	$59/month
Mighty Networks	14 days	$119/month
Kartra	30 days	$119/month
LearnDash	None	$199/year
Kajabi	14 days	$69/month
Podia	Free plan	$9/month
Thrivecart Learn+	No	$495/lifetime
LearnWorlds	30 days	$24/month
Talent LMS	Free plan	$89/month
Lifter LMS	Free plugin	$149.50/year
Udemy	N/A	37% – 97%
SkillShare	N/A	Dependent
Coursera	N/A	Course dependent
Edx	N/A	$20/hour

1. Thinkific (Our overall Best)

If you’re looking for a user-friendly, all-in-one platform to create and sell online courses, Thinkific is my top pick. This platform stands out for its versatility, ease of use, and range of features.

Thinkific is an excellent platform for course creators who want a versatile, user-friendly, affordable solution for creating and selling online courses.

Its range of features, customization options, and integrations make it a top choice for beginners and experienced course creators.

My Favorite Features of Thinkific

• Course Customization: You can create custom pages, add your logo, and choose from various themes and templates.
• Course Builder: It allows you to create engaging and interactive courses easily. You can add videos, quizzes, surveys, and other interactive content for your students.
• Payment Options: Thinkific supports a range of payment options, including one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans. You can also set up coupons and discounts to incentivize students to enroll in your courses.
• Student Management: Thinkific tracks your student’s progress. You can also create custom certificates and badges to reward your students for their achievements.
• Marketing Tools: To attract new students, you can create landing pages, email campaigns, and social media ads.
• Affiliate Program: Thinkific allows you to partner with other course creators and influencers to promote your courses and earn commissions on sales.
• Analytics: Thinkific provides detailed analytics and reporting to help you track your course performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Integrations: Thinkific integrates with various third-party tools, including email marketing platforms, payment gateways, and CRMs.
• Support: Thinkific provides excellent customer support with various resources and tools to help you get the most out of the platform.
  

Thinkific Pricing

• Basic Plan at $49/month: This lets you gain access to core features and essential tools you need to launch your online learning business successfully.
• Start Plan at $99/month: This helps you unlock additional features designed to help drive student engagement and create a fantastic student experience.
• Grow Plan at $199/month: This lets you grow your online business with advanced tools to help you sell more and expand into multiple learning products.
• Expand Plan at $499/month: This gives you access to the tools needed to expand your business.
• Plus Plan: This custom plan gives you access to unlimited features.

Thinkific Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Thinkific:

Pros:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Range of features and functionality
• Customizable course website and branding
• Excellent customer support
• Affordable pricing plans
• Robust analytics and reporting
• Integrates with a range of third-party tools

Cons:

• Limited design customization options
• Limited advanced features

2. Teachable

Teachable is one of the most popular online course platforms that empowers creators to build and sell courses, digital downloads, memberships, and coaching services.

It is an all-in-one solution that simplifies the course creation process, making it accessible for instructors of all skill levels.

Teachable is an excellent platform for course creators seeking an all-in-one solution for creating, marketing, and selling their courses. It is easy to use, customizable, and provides outstanding customer support.

In this section, I will share my favorite features of Teachable, its pricing plans, pros and cons, and my verdict on the platform.

My Favorite Features of Teachable

• Customizable course website: You can choose from various templates or create your own design.
• Course creation tools: With Teachable, you can easily create and upload your course content, including videos, audio, and PDFs. You can also create quizzes, surveys, and assignments to engage your students.
• Marketing and sales tools: Teachable has built-in marketing and sales tools, such as email marketing, affiliate marketing, and coupon codes. You can also integrate with third-party tools like Zapier and ConvertKit.
• Payment processing: Teachable handles all payment processing. You can choose from multiple payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe.
• Student management: Teachable allows you to manage your students’ progress, track their performance, and communicate with them via email or discussion forums.
• Mobile app: Teachable has a mobile app that allows you to manage your courses and students.
• Integrations: Teachable integrates with various third-party tools, including Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and Intercom.
• Security and reliability: Teachable is a secure and reliable platform that protects data with SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and daily backups.
• Customer support: Teachable provides excellent customer support via email, live chat, and a knowledge base.

Teachable Pricing

• Free Plan: This plan lets you try out Teachable and start earning before you pay. It has a $1 +10% fee on transactions.
• Basic Plan at $59/month: This plan provides the foundational tools and support you need to build your business. It has a 5% transaction fee.
• Pro Plan at $159/month: This gives you advanced tools and more support to help you scale your business. It has a 0% transaction fee.
• Pro Plus Plan at $249/month: This advanced plan gives you more products and custom user roles for fast-growing businesses. It has a 0% transaction fee.

Teachable Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Teachable:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• An all-in-one solution
• Highly customizable
• Several payment options
• It has a mobile app
• Integrates with various third-party tools.
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Limited design options
• Limited advanced course features
• Teachable charges transaction fees on its Basic plan, which can add up if you have a high sales volume.

3. Mighty Networks

If you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that combines content, courses, community, and commerce, then Mighty Networks is worth considering.

Mighty Networks is an excellent platform for course creators who want to build a community around their content and monetize their expertise. It offers a range of features that are easy to use and can help you create engaging and impactful courses.

My Favorite Features of Mighty Networks

• Customizable Spaces: You can create multiple Spaces for different topics, audiences, or programs and customize each Space with its branding, features, and access settings.
• Course Builder: You can create courses with multimedia lessons, quizzes, assignments, and certificates and organize them into modules or tracks.
• Community Features: You can enable discussions, polls, events, and member profiles to foster engagement and collaboration among your audience.
• Mobile App: You can provide a native app experience for your members with push notifications, offline access, and personalized content.
• Monetization Options: You can charge for your courses, subscriptions, or products and offer free trials, coupons, or bundles.
• Analytics Dashboard: You can track your metrics, such as revenue, engagement, retention, and feedback, and use them to improve your strategy.
• Integrations: You can connect your Mighty Network with other tools, such as email marketing, payment gateways, or CRM systems.
• Support Resources: For help and inspiration, you can access a knowledge base, video tutorials, live chat, and community forums.
• Branding Opportunities: You can showcase your brand, values, and mission through your content, design, and messaging.

Mighty Networks Pricing

• The Courses Plan at $119/month: This plan gives you everything you need to run a community and host and sell courses.
• The Business Plan at $219/month: This Business plan gives you access to everything in the Courses Plan with more white-labeling and customization.
• The Path-to-Pro Plan: This plan includes everything in the Business Plan, plus additional branding, a dedicated team, and start-up services. It is only billed annually.
• The Mighty Pro Plan: This plan gives you access to all features on your branded mobile apps with a dedicated Community Strategist.

Mighty Networks Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using Mighty Networks:

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for content, courses, community, and commerce.
• Customizable Spaces for different topics, audiences, or programs.
• Mobile app for native experience and engagement.
• Monetization options for courses, subscriptions, or products.
• Analytics dashboard for tracking metrics and improving strategy.
• Integrations with other tools for seamless workflow.
• Support resources for getting help and inspiration.

Cons:

• There are limited customization options for course layout and structure.
• The mobile app has limited branding options.
• Limited automation options for marketing and sales.

4. Kartra

If you’re looking for an all-in-one platform to create and market your online courses, Kartra is worth considering.

Kartra is a powerful all-in-one sales funnel platform that offers course creators a wide range of features. While it may not be the perfect platform for everyone, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable and user-friendly solution that combines course creation, marketing, and sales into one platform.

From my experience, this is the best tool for building your online course sales funnels.

With its powerful marketing automation features, drag-and-drop builder, and excellent customer support, Kartra is one of the best online course platforms.

My Favorite Features of Kartra

• Kartra Pages: With Kartra Pages, you can easily create beautiful landing pages, sales pages, and checkout pages optimized for conversion.
• Kartra Funnels: Kartra Funnels allows you to create multi-step sales funnels that guide your prospects through a buying journey, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
• Kartra Mail: Kartra Mail is a powerful email marketing tool that allows you to create and send emails to your subscribers, manage your email list, and track your email marketing campaigns.
• Kartra Memberships: With Kartra Memberships, you can create and manage membership sites, online courses, and other gated content.
• Kartra Videos: Kartra Videos is a video hosting platform that allows you to upload, host, and stream your videos without additional software or tools.
• Kartra Helpdesks: Kartra Helpdesks is a customer support platform that allows you to manage your customer support tickets and provide excellent customer service.
• Kartra Calendars: Kartra Calendars is a scheduling tool for appointments, consultations, and meetings with clients and prospects.
• Kartra Affiliate Management: With Kartra Affiliate Management, you can create and manage your affiliate program, allowing others to promote your courses and earn commissions.
• Kartra Analytics: Kartra Analytics provides detailed insights into your marketing campaigns, allowing you to track your conversions, revenue, and other vital metrics.

Kartra Pricing

• Starter Plan at $119/month: This lets you access the core features, including Kartra AI, to launch your online business quickly and sell your expertise.
• Growth Plan at 229/month: It lets you unlock additional features, including Webinars, designed to connect with your audience and accelerate your growth.
• Professional Plan at $549/month: This provides powerful tools for advanced marketing, including Funnel Analytics.

Kartra Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Kartra:

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for course creation, marketing, and sales
• User-friendly interface and drag-and-drop builder
• Powerful marketing automation features
• Great customer support
• Affordable pricing compared to other all-in-one platforms
• Integrates with other popular tools and platforms
• Offers a 30-day free trial

Cons:

• Limited options for course gamification
• Limited video editing capabilities
• No built-in course marketplace

5. LearnDash (Best for WordPress)

If you are looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use platform for creating and selling online courses, LearnDash is worth considering. It is one of the most popular premium WordPress LMS plugins on the market, and for good reason.

It offers many features and customization options, allowing course creators to build and sell high-quality courses without technical skills.

My Favorite Features of LearnDash

• Drag-and-drop course builder: Learndash’s course builder is intuitive and easy to use. You can create courses with multiple modules, lessons, and quizzes with just a few clicks.
• Drip-feed content: With LearnDash, you can schedule content to be released at specific intervals.
• Gamification: LearnDash allows you to add gamification elements to your courses, such as badges, certificates, and points.
• Advanced quizzing: Learndash’s quiz builder is powerful and flexible, allowing you to create various question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, and essay questions.
• Customizable branding: LearnDash allows you to customize the look and feel of your courses to match your brand.
• Multi-tier courses: LearnDash allows you to create classes with multiple access levels.
• Robust reporting: LearnDash’s reporting features allow you to track student progress, quiz scores, and course completion rates.
• Third-party integrations: LearnDash integrates with various third-party tools, such as WooCommerce, Stripe, and Zapier.
• Excellent customer support: LearnDash offers top-notch customer support, including a comprehensive knowledge base, community forum, and one-on-one support.
  

LearnDash Pricing

LearnDash offers three pricing plans:

• One Site at $199/year: This plan lets you create and sell dynamic courses in a few clicks on WordPress. It can be used for one site.
• Ten Sites at $399/year: This plan can be used for up to ten sites. It lets you create and sell courses on your WordPress website.
• Unlimited Sites at $799/year: This can be used for unlimited sites.

LearnDash Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using LearnDash:

Pros:

• LearnDash is intuitive and user-friendly, even for beginners.
• LearnDash offers various customization options.
• It provides many features, including drip content, gamification, and multi-tier courses.
• Great customer support
• LearnDash integrates with various third-party tools.
• Good value for money
• LearnDash is a stable and reliable platform trusted by thousands of course creators.

Cons:

• WordPress dependent
• Limited design options
• Steep learning curve.

6. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that offers course creation, marketing, and sales tools. It is an excellent platform for course creators who want to simplify the process of creating and selling online courses.

With Kajabi, you can create and sell online courses, membership sites, and digital products in one place.

Its drag-and-drop course builder, customizable templates, and marketing automation features make creating and promoting your online course easy.

My Favorite Features of Kajabi

• Course Builder: Kajabi’s drag-and-drop course builder makes creating and customizing your online course easy.
• Marketing Automation: Kajabi’s marketing automation features allow you to create targeted marketing campaigns to promote your course.
• Membership Site: Kajabi’s membership site feature allows you to create a secure and customizable members-only area for your course.
• Customizable Templates: Kajabi offers various templates to help you create a professional-looking course.
• Payment Integrations: Kajabi integrates with Stripe and PayPal, making accepting payments from your customers easy.
• Analytics and Reporting: Kajabi provides detailed analytics and reporting to help you track your course performance.
• Affiliate Program: Kajabi’s affiliate program allows you to recruit affiliates to promote your course and earn a commission.
• Community Building: Kajabi’s community building features allow you to create a community around your course, which can help increase engagement and retention.
• Mobile App: Kajabi’s mobile app allows you to manage your courses and engage with your audience on the go.

Kajabi Pricing

• Kickstarter Plan at $69/month: This plan is ideal for beginners and includes essential funnels-building tools.
• Basic Plan at $149/month: This gives you everything you need to start running your business.
• Growth Plan at $199/month: Scales up features and marketing capabilities for growing businesses.
• Pro Plan at $399/month: Offers advanced options for established businesses with more significant needs.

Kajabi Pros and Cons

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for course creation, marketing, and sales.
• Easy to use drag-and-drop course builder.
• Customizable templates for a professional-looking course.
• Marketing automation features to promote your course.
• Payment integrations with Stripe and PayPal.
• Detailed analytics and reporting to track course performance.
• Affiliate program to recruit affiliates to promote your course.

Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to some other online course platforms.
• Limited customization options for templates.

7. Podia

Podia is an excellent option if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform offering digital downloads, memberships, and online courses. It is a user-friendly platform that lets you quickly create and sell online courses.

It is easy to use, offers a range of features, and provides excellent customer support.

My Favorite Features of Podia

• Ease of use: Podia is an intuitive platform that is easy to use, even for beginners.
• Customizable storefront: You can customize your storefront to match your brand and style.
• Multiple payment options: Podia allows you to accept payments through Stripe and PayPal.
• No transaction fees: Podia doesn’t charge any transaction fees on your sales.
• Drip content: You can drip your content to your students, releasing new content at specific intervals.
• Built-in email marketing: Podia has a built-in email marketing feature that allows you to communicate with your students.
• Affiliate marketing: You can create an affiliate program to promote your courses and products.
• 24/7 customer support: Podia provides excellent customer support and is available round the clock.
• Free migration: Podia offers a free migration service if you switch from another platform.

Podia Pricing

• Free Plan at $0/month: This lets you build your website, blog, and products for free. There is a 10% fee on all transactions.
• Starter Plan at $9/month: This lets you personalize your website with a custom domain. There is an 8% fee on all transactions.
• Mover Plan at $39/month: This lets you sell online courses and other digital products. There is a 5% fee on all transactions.
• Shaker Plan at $89/month: This lets you scale your business with advanced marketing features. It does not charge transaction fees.

Podia Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of Podia:

Pros:

• User-friendly platform
• All-in-one solution for digital downloads, memberships, and online courses
• No transaction fees
• Drip content feature
• Built-in email marketing
• Affiliate marketing feature
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to some other platforms
• No built-in quiz or survey feature

8. Thrivecart Learn+

Thrivecart Learn+ is a comprehensive platform that provides course creators with all the tools they need to create, market, and sell their online courses.

It is an excellent platform that allows course creators to focus on creating great content while the platform handles the rest.

Thrivecart Learn+ is an excellent platform for course creators who want a comprehensive solution for creating, marketing, and selling their online courses. It is easy to use, affordable, and offers an extensive feature set that includes everything you need to create and sell your courses.

My Favorite Features of Thrivecart Learn+

• Checkout and Fulfillment Connection: Seamlessly link checkout processes with product fulfillment to ensure smooth and automated delivery of purchased items to customers.
• Customizable Checkout Pages: With flexible templates and customization options, design checkout pages that match your brand and optimize the customer experience.
• Multiple Payment Options: Offer various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and subscriptions, to cater to customer preferences and increase sales.
• Drip-Feed Content: Deliver course content gradually over time, keeping users engaged and encouraging consistent interaction with your material.
• Upsells and Downsells: Increase revenue by offering additional products or services tailored to the customer’s purchase behavior during checkout.
• Affiliate Management: Easily manage and track affiliates, providing unique links and performance analytics to drive more sales through your affiliate network.
• Customizable Branding: Maintain a consistent brand identity across all customer touchpoints by customizing the look and feel of your checkout pages and membership areas.
• In-Depth Reporting: Access detailed analytics and reports to track sales, customer behavior, and the performance of your products and marketing campaigns.
• Automatic Tax Calculation: Simplify the checkout process by automatically calculating taxes based on the customer’s location, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Thrivecart Learn+ Pricing

ThriveCart’s pricing structure is straightforward. Instead of a subscription model, it offers a one-time lifetime deal of $495 for the Standard and $690 for the Pro plans.

This means that for a single payment, you gain lifetime access to all the current features and any future updates. This model can save you significant money over time compared to other platforms that charge monthly or yearly fees.

Thrivecart Learn+ Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Thrivecart Learn+:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Comprehensive feature set
• Great customer support
• Lifetime Payment
• No transaction fees
• Unlimited courses and students
• Automatic tax calculation

Cons:

• No free trial
• Limited customization options
• The steep learning curve for beginners

9. LearnWorlds

Are you looking for an online course platform that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features to help you create, promote, and sell your courses?

Look no further than LearnWorlds!

LearnWorlds is a great online course platform for course creators who want a platform that is easy to use, offers a wide range of features, and is affordable.

Key Features of LearnWorlds

• Drag-and-Drop Course Builder: Create courses effortlessly with a user-friendly interface that allows you to arrange content by simply dragging and dropping elements into place.
• Interactive Video Player: Enhance learner engagement with videos with interactive elements like quizzes, overlays, and clickable links.
• Gamification Options: Incorporate gamified elements such as badges, points, and leaderboards into your courses to boost motivation and retention.
• Customizable Certificates: Reward learners with personalized certificates upon course completion, enhancing their sense of achievement and recognition.
• Built-in Social Network: Foster a sense of community among learners with integrated social features, enabling discussions, networking, and collaboration within your platform.
• Multiple Payment Options: To cater to customer preferences, offer flexibility with various payment methods, including one-time payments, subscriptions, and installment plans.
• Automated Email Marketing: Streamline communication with learners through automated email campaigns, keeping them engaged and informed about their progress and upcoming courses.
• Mobile App for Learners: Provide a seamless learning experience on the go with a dedicated mobile app, allowing learners to access courses anytime, anywhere.
• Detailed Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into learner behavior and course performance with comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, helping you refine your content and improve outcomes.

LearnWorlds Pricing

• Starter Plan at $24/month: This plan lets you create unlimited paid courses, create your website, manage your school, and connect your tools. There is a $5 fee per course sale.
• Pro Trainer at $79/month: This plan includes all starter features plus subscriptions and memberships, affiliate marketing, and the development of your ecosystem. There are no transaction fees.
• Learning Center at $249/month: This includes all Starter and Pro features and auto transcription, subtitles, interactive videos, automation, and APIs.
• High Volume and Corporate Plan: This includes all features, extra data safety, flexible management options, and a dedicated account manager.

LearnWorlds Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy-to-use course builder
• Interactive video player
• Gamification options
• Customizable certificates
• Built-in social network
• Multiple payment options
• Mobile app for learners

Cons:

• Limited customization options for course templates
• Limited integrations with third-party tools
• Limited design options for course pages

10. Talent LMS

Talent LMS is a cloud-based learning management system for course creators who want to create and manage online courses. It is user-friendly, affordable, and offers a wide range of features that are perfect for any course creator.

Key Features of Talent LMS

• Easy Course Creation and Management: Quickly create and organize courses with a simple, intuitive interface that makes course management straightforward and efficient.
• Customizable Course Content: Tailor your courses with flexible content options, including text, video, quizzes, and interactive elements, to meet the specific needs of your learners.
• Gamification Features: Enhance learner engagement by incorporating game-like elements such as badges, points, and leaderboards to motivate and reward progress.
• Integration with Third-Party Tools: Seamlessly connect Talent LMS with other tools and platforms, such as CRM systems, video conferencing apps, and productivity tools.
• Mobile App for Learners: Ensure a seamless learning experience on the go with a dedicated mobile app.
• Automated Email Notifications: Keep learners informed and engaged with automated email notifications for course updates, reminders, and progress tracking.
• Reporting and Analytics: Gain valuable insights into learner performance and course effectiveness with detailed reporting and analytics tools.
• E-commerce Integration: Monetize your courses with built-in e-commerce capabilities, enabling you to sell courses online, manage payments, and track sales.
• Multi-Language Support: Reach a global audience by offering courses in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for learners from different regions.

Talent LMS Pricing

• Free Plan: This is free to use and lets you explore the basic features. It enables you to create up to ten courses and up to five users.
• Core Plan at $89/month: This plan lets you start by selling unlimited courses and creating your custom homepage.
• Grow Plan at $139/month: This lets you strategize your learning with intuitive insights. It includes custom reports and onboarding by a dedicated specialist.
• Pro Plan at $179/month: This plan provides everything you need to support training at scale. It includes advanced automation, priority support, and the option to remove TalentLMS branding.
• Enterprise Plan: This custom robust plan supports even your most complex training.

Talent LMS Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Wide range of features
• Affordable pricing
• Excellent customer support
• Customizable course content
• Multi-language support
• Integration with third-party tools

Cons:

• Limited design customization options
• Limited video hosting options
• Limited webinar integration

11. Lifter LMS

Lifter LMS is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to create and sell online courses. This platform is designed to help course creators easily create, market, and sell their courses online.

It is best suited for course creators who want a user-friendly platform with advanced features to manage their courses and engage with their students.

It’s packed with features that make it one of the best online course platforms.

Key Features of Lifter LMS

• Flexible Course Builder with Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Easily create and organize courses using a user-friendly interface that allows you to arrange content with simple drag-and-drop actions.
• Ability to Create Quizzes, Assignments, and Certificates: Enhance learning experiences with customizable quizzes, assignments, and completion certificates to assess and reward student progress.
• Built-in Gamification Features: Increase learner engagement by motivating students with game-like elements such as badges, achievements, and leaderboards.
• Drip Content Functionality: Schedule the release of course content over time to keep learners engaged and ensure a structured learning path.
• Integration with Popular Payment Gateways: Offer flexible payment options by integrating with major payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, making it easy to sell courses online.
• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Track student progress and course performance with detailed analytics and reporting tools.
• Customizable Email Notifications and Student Engagement Tools: Keep learners informed and engaged with customizable email notifications for updates, reminders, and course milestones.
• Multisite Compatibility for Managing Multiple Courses on One Platform: Efficiently manage multiple courses across different sites within a single platform, ideal for large organizations or diverse learning programs.
• Seamless Integration with WordPress: Leverage Lifter LMS flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem to enhance your learning management system.

Lifter LMS Pricing

• Core Plugin at $0: With this plan, you get free access to the LMS plugin. You can create unlimited courses and memberships.
• Earth Bundle at $149.50/year: This plan lets you use the LMS on one active site. You also get unlimited support for one user and e-commerce add-ons.
• Universe Bundle at $249.50/year: This plan can be used on up to five active sites. You also get unlimited support for two users, four e-commerce add-ons, forms integrations, email marketing, and CRM add-ons.
• Infinity Bundle at $749.50/year: This plan can be used on unlimited sites. It gives you access to all Pro features, priority support, access to all add-ons, and unlimited support for up to three users.

Lifter LMS Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly course builder
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Built-in gamification features to keep students engaged
• Drip content functionality to release course material over time
• Multisite compatibility for managing multiple courses on one platform
• Seamless integration with WordPress
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to other online course platforms
• Limited customization options for course design
• Limited options for third-party integrations

12. Udemy

Udemy is one of the most popular online course platforms that provides a marketplace for course creators to sell their courses to learners worldwide.

Udemy is an excellent platform for course creators who want to reach a large audience and have access to built-in marketing and promotional tools. If you want to create and sell online courses, Udemy is a platform worth considering.

My Favorite Features of Udemy

• Easy-to-Use Course Creation Tools: Develop courses with an intuitive interface, making creating and organizing content without technical expertise simple.
• Unlimited Course Creation: Create as many courses as you want, with no restrictions on the number of courses you can offer.
• Access to a Large Audience of Potential Students: Reach millions of students worldwide through Udemy’s extensive user base, increasing your visibility and enrollment potential.
• Built-In Marketing and Promotional Tools: Promote your courses using Udemy’s marketing resources, including targeted email campaigns and promotional deals.
• Set Your Pricing and Discounts: Control your course pricing and offer discounts, providing flexibility to attract students and maximize revenue.
• Free or Paid Courses: Choose to offer courses for free or set a price, catering to different audience segments and monetization strategies.
• Quizzes, Assignments, and Certificates: Enhance the learning experience with interactive quizzes, assignments, and completion certificates to assess and reward student progress.
• Host Live Sessions with Students: Engage with students in real-time by hosting live sessions, fostering interaction, and providing immediate feedback.
• Collaborate with Other Instructors: Work with other instructors to create and teach courses, allowing for shared expertise and co-teaching opportunities.

Udemy Pricing

• Sales through instructor promotions: Instructors receive 97% of the revenue when students purchase content using an instructor’s coupon or referral link.
• Sales that do not occur through an instructor promotion: Instructors receive 37% of the revenue for any Udemy sales where no instructor coupon or course referral link was used. These sales might occur after a user clicks on a Udemy advertisement or browses the Udemy marketplace for courses.

Udemy Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A large audience of potential students
• Easy-to-use course creation tools
• Built-in marketing and promotional tools
• Option to set your pricing and discounts
• Option to offer free courses or paid courses
• Option to create quizzes, assignments, and certificates
• Option to host live sessions with students

Cons:

• Udemy takes a percentage of revenue generated by course sales
• Limited control over course pricing
• Limited control over student data and communication

13. SkillShare

SkillShare is one of the most popular online course platforms available today. It is an excellent choice for course creators who want to share their knowledge and expertise with a large audience.

SkillShare has a vast library of courses in various fields, including design, business, technology, and more.

Key Features of SkillShare

• Easy-to-Use Interface: Easily navigate the platform with a user-friendly interface, making course creation and management straightforward.
• Wide Range of Courses Available: Tap into a diverse catalog of subjects, allowing you to align your course with existing popular topics or fill a niche market.
• Affordable Pricing Plans: Reach a broader audience with budget-friendly subscription plans that make your courses accessible to more learners.
• High-Quality Video Content: Create engaging courses with professionally produced video lessons, ensuring your content is clear and captivating.
• Option to Create and Share Your Courses: Share your expertise by developing and publishing your courses, gaining exposure to a global audience.
• Active Community of Learners and Creators: Connect with a vibrant community, exchanging ideas and feedback with other instructors and students to enhance your teaching experience.
• Mobile App for On-the-Go Learning: Allow your students to access your courses anytime, anywhere, with a dedicated mobile app for learning on the go.
• Ability to Earn Money by Teaching on the Platform: Monetize your knowledge by earning royalties based on student engagement with your courses.
• Option to Collaborate with Other Creators and Learners: Foster a collaborative environment by working with fellow creators and interacting with learners, enhancing the overall educational experience.

SkillShare Pricing

Members pay an annual or monthly fee for a Skillshare membership, which includes unlimited access to our entire catalog of classes and other membership benefits like hands-on projects, teacher feedback, and offline viewing through our mobile app. 

Approximately 20% of Skillshare’s subscription revenue is allocated to monthly teacher payments. Teachers will be paid from this share of income based on the following metrics: minutes of video watched and engagement.

SkillShare Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable pricing plans
• Wide range of courses available
• High-quality video content
• Active community of learners and creators
• Option to earn money by teaching on the platform
• Mobile app for on-the-go learning
• Option to collaborate with other creators and learners

Cons:

• Revenue share model
• You are not paid if a member using a free trial watches your video and does not subscribe.
• You must accrue a minimum of 75 total minutes watched by members on an active subscription across all of your published classes in such month to receive a payment for that month.

14. Coursera

If you’re looking for a comprehensive online course platform that offers a wide range of courses, Coursera is an excellent choice.

Coursera is one of the most popular online learning platforms, with over 77 million registered users worldwide. It offers many courses from top universities and institutions worldwide, including Yale, Stanford, and Duke.

Key Features of Coursera

• Wide Range of Courses in Various Fields: Reach a diverse audience by offering courses in numerous subjects, from arts and humanities to technology and business.
• High-Quality Course Content and Materials: Provide students with top-tier course materials and lectures, ensuring a rich and compelling learning experience.
• Interactive Learning Experience: Enhance engagement by incorporating quizzes and assignments, allowing students to apply their knowledge and receive feedback.
• Access to Top Instructors and Experts: Collaborate with other renowned professors and industry leaders, enriching your students’ educational experience.
• Flexible Learning Options with Self-Paced Courses: Cater to learners with busy schedules by offering flexible, self-paced courses that accommodate their needs.
• Option to Earn Certificates and Degrees: Increase the value of your courses by enabling students to earn accredited certificates and degrees, boosting their career prospects.
• Coursera for Business: Tap into corporate training markets by providing customized learning solutions to organizations, expanding your reach and impact.
• Affordable Pricing Options: Attract a wider audience with various pricing plans, including free courses and subscription models, making high-quality education accessible to more learners.
• Coursera App for Convenient Learning On-the-Go: Allows students to learn anytime, anywhere with the Coursera app, increasing engagement and course completion rates.

Coursera Pricing

You can’t become a Coursera instructor as an individual on Coursera. As a mandatory requirement, you must be part of an institute to be certified and accepted as an instructor at Coursera.

Several academic institutions all around the world are constantly looking for instructors. Send your job application to institutions that are growing quickly and with very well-reputed professionals.

This will maximize your chances of landing a teaching job position at Coursera. A Coursera instructor can earn, on average, more than $60 per hour. The estimated wage, including base and bonus, on Coursera is $138,879 or $66 per hour.

The estimated median salary is $141,947 or $68 per hour. Coursera instructors can earn $10 per enrollment ($5,000 – $25,000 a year).

Coursera Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of courses and learning options
• High-quality course content and materials
• Access to top instructors and experts
• Flexible learning options with self-paced courses
• Affordable pricing options
• Coursera for Business offers customized learning solutions for organizations.
• Coursera app for convenient learning on-the-go

Cons:

• You can’t become a Coursera instructor as an individual on Coursera.

15. Edx

Edx is one of the best online course platforms for creators of courses who want to offer classes from top universities and institutions. It is a non-profit platform founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012 and has since grown to include over 120 global partners.

Edx offers a wide range of courses, from free classes to complete degree programs, and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate.

My Favorite Features of Edx

• Extensive Course Catalog: Leverage edX’s vast platform to reach a global audience by creating courses across various subjects, from humanities to STEM.
• High-Quality Content Delivery: Utilize edX’s robust platform to deliver professional-grade course materials, including video lectures, readings, and interactive content.
• Interactive Assessments: To enhance understanding and retention, engage learners with various assessments, including quizzes, peer-reviewed assignments, and projects.
• Access to Top Institutions: Collaborate with prestigious universities and organizations, lending credibility and attracting a diverse student base to your courses.
• Flexible Learning Paths: Offer self-paced and instructor-led courses, allowing learners to progress at their own pace or follow a structured schedule.
• Verified Certificates: Students can earn verified certificates upon course completion, adding value and recognition to their learning achievements.
• Global Reach: Expand your audience by offering courses on a platform with millions of learners worldwide, increasing your impact and influence.
• Comprehensive Analytics: Track student performance and engagement with detailed analytics, allowing you to refine course content and improve learning outcomes.
• Marketing and Promotion: Use edX’s marketing tools and resources to promote your courses, reach a wider audience, and drive enrollments.

Edx Pricing

The average edX Boot Camps hourly pay ranges from approximately $20.00 per hour for a Front-End Associate to $50.79 per hour for PT.

Edx Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of courses and degree programs from top universities and institutions
• User-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate
• Interactive learning tools, including discussion forums, quizzes, and assignments
• Access to course materials, including lecture videos, transcripts, and reading materials
• Option to audit courses for free or earn a verified certificate for a fee
• Mobile app for learning on-the-go
• The ability for students to learn at their own pace

Cons:

• Verified certificates can be expensive for some learners.
• You can only apply to be an instructor for boot camps.

Criteria For Choosing an Online Course Software Platform

There are several key factors to consider when choosing an online course platform.

Here are some critical criteria to keep in mind:

1. Intuitive Course Builder

An intuitive course builder is essential for creating engaging courses quickly and easily. Look for a platform with a drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates, and easy uploading of multimedia content such as videos, images, and audio.

2. Multimedia Support

Multimedia support is crucial for creating dynamic and engaging courses. Choose a platform that supports multimedia content, including interactive videos, quizzes, and assessments.

3. Automation and Scheduling

Automation and scheduling features can save you time and streamline course creation. Look for a platform that offers automated email reminders, drip content, and scheduling tools.

4. Third-Party Integrations

Third-party integrations can help you extend the functionality of your course platform. Look for a platform that integrates with popular tools such as email marketing software, payment gateways, and learning management systems.

5. Analytics & Reporting

Analytics and reporting tools can help you track student progress and identify areas for improvement. Look for a platform with detailed analytics and reporting features, including student progress tracking, quiz and assessment results, and engagement metrics.

6. White-Label Branding

White-label branding allows you to customize the look and feel of your course platform to match your brand. Look for a platform that offers customizable branding options, including logos, colors, and fonts.

7. Marketing Features

Marketing features can help you promote your courses and attract new students. Look for a platform that offers built-in marketing tools such as email campaigns, social media integration, and affiliate programs.

8. Intuitive Student Interface

An intuitive student interface is essential for keeping students engaged and motivated. Look for a platform that offers a user-friendly interface, easy navigation, and interactive features such as discussion forums and social learning.

9. Scalability

Scalability is essential to grow your course offerings and student base over time. Look for a platform that can handle large volumes of traffic and course content and offers flexible pricing plans and payment options.

10. Pricing Structure

Pricing structure is vital for controlling your costs and maximizing your ROI. Look for a platform offering transparent pricing, no hidden fees or charges, and flexible payment options such as monthly or annual billing.

11. Payment Options For Students

Payment options for students are essential for maximizing your revenue and attracting a more comprehensive range of students. Look for a platform that offers multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and other popular payment gateways.

12. Responsive Customer Support

Responsive customer support is essential for resolving issues quickly and keeping your courses running smoothly. Look for a platform that offers 24/7 support, multiple channels of communication, and a knowledgeable and friendly support team.

Understanding Online Course Platforms and their Importance

Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, and online course platforms have played a crucial role in this growth.

These platforms provide a virtual space where instructors can create and deliver courses to students from anywhere in the world.

They provide various tools and resources that make it easy for instructors to create engaging and interactive courses. These tools include video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums.

Online course platforms offer many benefits, including flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. They allow students to learn at their own pace, on their schedule, and from the comfort of their own homes.

One of the most significant advantages of online course platforms is their ability to reach a global audience. Students worldwide can enroll in courses, providing instructors with a vast and diverse pool of learners.

My Final Words on The Best Online Course Platform

Several options are available to help you choose the best online course platform.

Thinkific is a popular choice among course creators, offering a full-featured software solution to create, market, and sell online courses. It provides a beginner-friendly pricing structure and excellent user experience.

Teachable is another excellent option for creating an online school with advanced marketing features. It offers customizable add-ons and a user-friendly interface.

Mighty Networks is a platform for creating a community around your courses. It provides features like forums, messaging, and events to help you build a strong community around your brand.

Kartra is an all-in-one platform that offers features like landing pages, email marketing, membership sites, and online course creation. It is an excellent option for consolidating marketing and course-creation efforts.

LearnDash is a popular premium WordPress LMS plugin that offers a drag-and-drop course builder and customizable design options. It is an excellent option for those who want speed and flexibility in course creation.

Podia is an all-in-one platform for selling digital products, memberships, and online courses. It offers a user-friendly interface and customizable design options.

Thrivecart Learn+ is a platform that offers a simple and easy-to-use interface for course creation.

Frequently Asked Questions on Online Course Platforms