Online courses have never been more popular, and there are tons of options to consider when launching your own learning path.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to monetize your expertise, an educator building a learning program, or a student hunting for the best courses, choosing the right online course platform makes all the difference.
The right platform can mean better engagement, smoother course delivery, and higher earnings for course creators. But with so many options available, how do you pick the best one?
This guide breaks down the 15 best online course platforms in 2025 based on features, pricing, and user feedback.
Whether you’re looking for a hosted course platform, a marketplace-style site, or a self-hosted LMS (Learning Management System), we’ve got you covered with all the facts.
Looking for more information on how to make your online course a major success? Check out our other posts:
Using Urgency Messaging to Increase Sales
| Platform | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price | Pros | Cons |
| Teachable | Solopreneurs & new course creators | Drip content, built-in payment processing, affiliate marketing | $49/month | Beginner-friendly, no coding needed, good integrations | Limited design customization, transaction fees on lower plans |
| Thinkific | Entrepreneurs & businesses | Drag-and-drop builder, custom branding, no transaction fees | €36/month | No transaction fees, robust course creation tools | No built-in email marketing, needs third-party integrations |
| Kajabi | High-end course businesses & memberships | All-in-one platform, marketing automation, podcast hosting | $71/month | Everything in one place, strong automation tools | Expensive, might be overkill for beginners |
| Udemy | Instructors who want access to a massive student base | Large marketplace, built-in marketing, instructor support | Free to join (revenue share model) | Huge audience, easy setup | Strict pricing rules, high commission fees |
| Coursera | Universities & professional instructors | Accredited courses, corporate training, professional certificates | Revenue share model | Highly respected, access to enterprise learners | Competitive approval process, limited control for instructors |
| Podia | Course creators looking for an affordable all-in-one platform | Memberships, built-in email & marketing, webinars | $33/month | No transaction fees, built-in marketing tools | Fewer integrations compared to bigger platforms |
| LearnWorlds | Instructors who want highly interactive courses | Interactive video player, white-label branding, student engagement tools | $24/month | Advanced customization & white-labeling | Higher pricing for premium features |
| Skillshare | Creative professionals teaching design, art, and business | Royalty payment model, project-based learning, class recommendations | Free to join (subscription-based) | Great for creatives & hobbyists | No control over pricing, earnings depend on watch time |
| Mighty Networks | Community-driven courses & memberships | Full-scale community features, membership subscriptions, event hosting | $41/month | Great for community-based learning | Not ideal for standalone courses |
| Xperiencify | Gamified learning & high student engagement | Experience points system, behavior-based triggers, customizable sound effects | $99/month | Unique gamification features boost engagement | More expensive than Teachable & Thinkific |
| Ruzuku | Coaches & educators who want structured live courses | Live webinars, simple setup, built-in email notifications | Free plan for up to 5 students | Easy to use, live teaching tools included | Limited design customization |
| LearnDash | WordPress users who want full control | Full customization, advanced quizzing, certificates & gamification | $199/year | No revenue sharing, highly customizable | Requires WordPress & web hosting |
| Heights Platform | Creators & entrepreneurs focused on mobile-friendly courses | Built-in community tools, progress tracking, AI-powered course assistant | $19/month | Strong focus on mobile-friendly learning | More expensive than similar platforms |
| Teachery | Budget-conscious creators looking for a simple course setup | Zero transaction fees, unlimited courses & students, custom branding | $49/month | No transaction fees, very beginner-friendly | Fewer advanced features than competitors |
| Uscreen | Video-based course creators & educators | Video monetization, custom streaming apps, live streaming | $149/month | Strong video monetization tools, branded apps | High pricing, limited integrations |
The Top 15 online course platforms (according to us)
Before getting into the details, let’s clarify how we picked these platforms:
- User reviews & reputation: We analyzed reviews on sites like Trustpilot, G2, and Reddit discussions to find platforms that users actually love.
- Features & flexibility: A good platform should offer a balance of ease of use, customization, and strong learning management features.
- Pricing & value for money: We compared plans to make sure they offer fair pricing for the features included.
- Scalability: It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or scaling to thousands of students, the platform should support your growth.
Now, let’s break down the top 15 course platforms, one by one.
1. Teachable
Best for: Solopreneurs & new course creators
Teachable is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for launching an online course. With a simple setup, built-in payment processing, and flexible pricing models, it’s a great choice for anyone just getting started.
Key features:
- Drip content: Release lessons on a schedule to keep students engaged.
- Built-in payment processing: Accept payments directly without external tools.
- Integrations: Connect with Zapier, ConvertKit, and more for marketing automation.
- AI features: Create content like quizzes in minutes with built-in AI capabilities
Pricing (annual):
- Basic plan: $49/month (5% transaction fee)
- Pro plan: $119/month (no transaction fee)
- Pro+ plan: $299/month (no transaction fee)
- Enterprise plan: Contact for pricing
| Pros | Cons |
| Very easy to use for beginners | Limited design customization |
| No coding required | Transaction fees on lower-tier plans |
| Good marketing & sales integrations | Not ideal for advanced users who need full control |
2. Thinkific
Best for: Entrepreneurs & small businesses
Thinkific is an excellent choice for those who want more control over branding and course design without technical headaches. It’s popular among entrepreneurs, business owners, and educators looking for a scalable and professional online course setup.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop course builder: No coding required to create and customize courses.
- No transaction fees: Unlike Teachable, Thinkific doesn’t take a cut of your revenue.
- Student engagement tools: Quizzes, surveys, and certificates to boost learning.
- Email automation features: Take control of your email marketing and recapture sales within the Thinkific platform.
Pricing (annual):
- Basic plan: €36/month
- Start Plan: €73/month
- Grow Plan: €146/month
| Pros | Cons |
| No transaction fees | |
| Highly customizable course design | |
| Can be pricey for advanced features |
3. Kajabi
Best for: High-end course businesses & membership sites
Kajabi is an all-in-one course platform that includes course hosting, marketing automation, website building, membership features, and many different ways to capture and engage your audience. It’s a powerful tool, but its price makes it better suited for serious course creators and businesses rather than casual instructors.
Key features:
- Built-in sales funnels: Automate your marketing with email sequences and pipelines.
- Website builder: Create a branded website without needing extra tools. No coding knowledge required!
- Membership & subscription features: Offer recurring revenue models.
- Podcast hosting: Enables creators to host and distribute podcasts, providing an additional medium to engage with their audience.
Pricing (annual):
- Kickstarter plan: $71/month
- Basic plan: $119/month
- Growth plan: $159/month
- Pro Plan: $319/month
| Pros | Cons |
| Everything is included (hosting, marketing, automation) | Expensive compared to other platforms |
| No need for third-party tools | Steep learning curve for beginners |
| Great for memberships and premium courses | Overkill if you don’t need all features |
4. Udemy
Best for: Instructors who want access to a massive student base
Udemy is one of the most well-known online course marketplaces, offering thousands of courses across countless topics. Unlike standalone platforms, Udemy helps instructors reach a large audience without needing to market their courses extensively. However, the tradeoff is limited pricing control and high commission fees.
Key features:
- Built-in audience: Instructors can tap into Udemy’s 60+ million students.
- Marketing & discounts: Udemy frequently runs promotions that boost sales.
- User-friendly course creation: No tech skills required to start a course.
- Instructor support and resources: Extensive resources and support for instructors, including course creation tools and best practice guides, to help them succeed on the platform.
Pricing:
- Free to join with no upfront costs; instructors can publish unlimited free or paid courses
- Instructors earn 97% of the revenue when students purchase using their referral link or coupon
- For sales made through Udemy’s marketplace or ads, instructors earn 37% of the revenue
- Purchases made through Udemy’s mobile app have an additional 30% platform fee before revenue is split
- Instructors can also earn revenue through Udemy Business, based on course engagement and watch time
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge audience, built-in marketplace | Instructors have no pricing control |
| Free to start selling courses | High commission fees (Udemy takes a big cut) |
| Great for beginners with no audience | Competitive – many courses on similar topics |
5. Coursera
Best for: Universities, corporations, and professional instructors
Coursera is a prestigious course platform known for offering courses from top universities and organizations like Google, Yale, and Stanford. Unlike Udemy, Coursera is geared toward accredited learning, with many courses offering certificates or even full degrees.
Key features:
- Accredited certificates & degrees: Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer courses that provide accredited certifications upon completion
- Enterprise training: Companies can use Coursera for employee learning.
- Strong brand recognition: Courses have a higher perceived value and the brand is already widely known, providing a built-in audience.
- Advertising and hosting: Coursera does not retain any rights to your content, but will host and advertise it for you.
Pricing:
- Instructors must partner with Coursera (not open to independent creators).
- Pricing varies for students, with some courses free and others costing $39-$79/month.
| Pros | Cons |
| Courses carry real credentials | Must get approval from Coursera to join |
| Great for enterprise & university partnerships | Higher competition to get courses approved |
| Respected platform with global reach | Revenue share model limits earning potential |
6. Podia
Best for: Course creators who want an affordable, all-in-one solution
Podia is an affordable alternative to Kajabi, offering online courses, memberships, and digital downloads. It’s an easy-to-use, no-code platform that’s great for solopreneurs and small businesses.
Key features:
- No transaction fees: Keep 100% of your course sales.
- Built-in email & marketing tools: Sell courses without needing extra software.
- Membership & community features: Engage students beyond one-time purchases and connect with your audience.
- Webinar hosting: Podia allows creators to host live webinars, facilitating real-time interaction with students and enhancing the learning experience.
Pricing (annual):
- Mover plan: $33/month (5% transaction fees)
- Shaker Plan: $75/month (no transaction fee, adds memberships & affiliates)
| Pros | Cons |
| Both plans include email features with no extra cost | Limited advanced customization |
| Built-in marketing tools | No advanced automation |
| Very affordable for beginners | Fewer integrations compared to bigger platforms |
7. LearnWorlds
Best for: Instructors who want highly interactive courses
LearnWorlds is a feature-rich platform that lets instructors create video-based and interactive courses with quizzes, gamification, and certificates. It’s great for educators who want a visually engaging course experience.
Key features:
- Interactive video player: Add quizzes and buttons inside videos, giving more value to students
- White-label branding: Fully customize your branding for a more personal feel.
- Built-in social learning features: Course forums & discussions.
- Interactive e-books and diaries: LearnWorlds enables the creation of interactive e-books, allowing learners to engage with content through embedded videos, quizzes, and links.
Pricing:
- Starter Plan: $24/month ($5 per course enrollment fee)
- Pro Trainer: $79/month (no transaction fee)
- Learning Center: $249/month (no transaction fee)
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced customization & white-labeling | Learning curve – more complex than Teachable |
| Unique interactive course elements | Limited integrations |
| No transaction fees on higher paid plans | Higher pricing for premium features |
8. Skillshare
Best for: Creative professionals teaching design, art, and business
Skillshare is a subscription-based learning platform focused on creative skills like design, illustration, and photography. Instead of selling courses individually, instructors earn money based on student watch time.
Key features:
- Royalty payment model: Instructors earn based on the number of minutes their courses are watched.
- Project-based learning: Students complete hands-on projects to apply what they learn.
- Class recommendations: Skillshare suggests related courses, helping instructors gain more exposure.
- Built-in class community: Students can engage with instructors and peers through discussions and feedback
Pricing:
- Instructors must apply to teach.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for creatives & hobbyists | No control over pricing |
| Subscription model creates passive income | Only profitable with lots of views |
| Built-in audience and brand trust | Limited to creative/business topics |
9. Mighty Networks
Best for: Community-driven courses & memberships
Mighty Networks is a course platform + community tool, excellent for those who want to build a learning-based membership site. Unlike standalone course platforms, Mighty Networks focuses on engagement and networking.
Key features:
- Full-scale community features: Incorporate forums, chat, and live events to drive engagement
- Memberships & subscriptions: Offer recurring revenue options for dedicated members
- Branded mobile apps: Course creators can launch custom apps for a seamless learning experience
- Event & webinar hosting: Run live virtual events directly within the platform to keep members engaged
Pricing (annual):
- The Community Plan: $41/month
- The Courses Plan: $99/month
- The Business Plan: $179/month
- The Path-to-Pro Plan: $360/month
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for community-based learning | Not ideal for standalone courses |
| Custom branding & mobile apps | Limited course design flexibility |
| Strong engagement tools | Higher pricing for premium features |
10. Xperiencify
Best for: Gamified learning and high student engagement
Xperiencify is a unique gamified course platform that boosts engagement through points, levels, badges, and rewards. It’s ideal for coaches, educators, and businesses that want to make their courses more interactive and addictive.
Key features:
- Gamification engine: Add points, badges, and streaks to keep students engaged and coming back for more.
- Behavior-based triggers: Automate emails and rewards based on student actions.
- Urgency & scarcity tools: Create limited-time offers and challenges to boost conversions.
- Customizable sound effects & animations: Make the learning experience more unique with dynamic visual and audio feedback.
Pricing (monthly):
- Growth plan: $99/month
- Pro plan: $199/month
- Lifetime plan: $999/month
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique gamification features boost engagement | Steeper learning curve compared to simpler platforms |
| Great for online coaching & membership models | More expensive than Teachable & Thinkific |
| Course is completely free until you choose to publish it | Limited third-party integrations |
11. Ruzuku
Best for: Coaches & educators who want a simple but structured course platform
Ruzuku is a user-friendly online course platform designed for coaches, consultants, and educators who want to create a structured learning experience with live teaching options. It simplifies course creation while offering strong engagement tools to keep students actively learning.
Key features:
- Live course delivery: Run webinars, live lessons, and group coaching sessions directly on the platform.
- Simple course setup: No coding or design skills needed, with an intuitive step-by-step course builder.
- Student progress tracking: Monitor learner engagement and completion rates to optimize courses.
- Built-in email notifications: Automate reminders, announcements, and follow-ups to keep students engaged.
Pricing:
- Free plan for up to 5 students
- Core plan: $99/month
- Pro plan: $199/month
| Pros | Cons |
| Super simple to use | Basic design customization |
| Live webinar & coaching features included | More expensive than similar platforms |
| No transaction fees, and a free plan option | Limited integrations compared to Kajabi |
12. LearnDash
Best for: WordPress users who want full control over their course platform
LearnDash is a WordPress LMS plugin that gives course creators full control over their content, branding, and course experience. Unlike hosted platforms, it allows complete customization and scalability, making it an excellent choice for businesses, educators, and training providers who want to own their learning platform.
Key features:
- Drip content & quizzes: Schedule lessons, add interactive quizzes, and automate learning paths
- E-commerce integration: Works seamlessly with WooCommerce, Stripe, and PayPal for selling courses
- Advanced user management: Assign course prerequisites, group learners, and track student progress
- Certificates & gamification: Reward students with custom certificates, badges, and engagement-based achievements
Pricing:
- Starter plan: $199/year (1 site license)
- Plus package: $399/year (10 sites)
- Pro package: $799/year (unlimited sites)
| Pros | Cons |
| Full control & customization | Requires WordPress & web hosting |
| One-time payment (no monthly fees) | Steeper learning curve for beginners |
| No revenue sharing or transaction fees | Needs extra plugins for marketing features |
13. Heights Platform
Best for: Coaches & entrepreneurs looking for a mobile-friendly course platform
Heights Platform is an AI-powered platform designed for creators who want more than just a course platform – it’s built to help users grow their brand, business, and community in one place. With gamification, progress tracking, and built-in marketing tools, it provides an engaging learning experience while giving creators the tools to scale their impact.
Key features:
- Built-in community & engagement tools: Foster interaction with chat, challenges, and leaderboards.
- Progress tracking & gamification: Students earn milestones, badges, and achievements as they learn.
- Mobile-optimized course player: Fun learning experience on any device.
- Built-in affiliate program: incentivize students and influencers to promote your courses for passive growth.
- AI-powered course creation assistant: Get content recommendations and structure guidance to build courses faster.
Pricing:
- Challenge plan: $19/month
- Basic plan: $39/month
- Pro plan: $99/month
- Academy plan: $399/month
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong focus on mobile-friendly learning | Limited third-party integrations |
| Community & gamification features | More expensive than similar platforms |
| No transaction fees | Smaller user base compared to Thinkific & Kajabi |
14. Teachery
Best for: Budget-conscious creators looking for an easy course setup
Teachery is a budget-friendly course platform designed for creators who want to launch and sell courses without worrying about extra fees or complicated setups. With an intuitive, distraction-free interface, it focuses on simplicity and flexibility, which makes it perfect for first-time course creators or those who prefer a no-frills approach.
Key features:
- Simple & clean design: User-friendly interface with distraction-free course creation
- Payment plan & subscription support: Flexible pricing options for students
- Unlimited courses & students: No restrictions on how much you can create or sell
- Custom branding & page editor: Personalize your course site with built-in design tools
Pricing:
- Monthly plan: $49/month
- Annual plan: $470/year
| Pros | Cons |
| No transaction fees and no hidden cost | Very limited design customization |
| Affordable compared to Kajabi & Teachable | No built-in video hosting (uses third-party services) |
| Simple & easy for beginners | Fewer advanced features than competitors |
15. Uscreen
Best for: Video-based course creators, fitness instructors, and educators who want to monetize on-demand content
Uscreen is a versatile video monetization platform designed for creators who want to sell on-demand video courses, live streams, and memberships. It provides tools for building a dedicated audience, offering flexible payment models, and even launching branded streaming apps.
Key features:
- Multiple revenue models: Sell videos through subscriptions, rentals, or one-time purchases
- Custom streaming apps: Offer courses on mobile and smart TV platforms like iOS, Android, and Roku
- Community engagement tools: Create member spaces, exclusive content, and interaction-driven experiences
- Advanced analytics: Gain insights into viewer behavior, retention rates, and sales performance
Pricing (annual):
- Growth plan: $149/month
- App Essentials plan: $449/month
- Build Your Own plan: Custom pricing
| Pros | Cons |
| Creators can fully personalize their platform and app experience | Fewer third-party tool connections compared to competitors |
| Includes live streaming, memberships, and marketing tools | More expensive than many competitors, especially with add-ons |
| Users praise the responsive and knowledgeable support team | Live streaming and scheduling tools could be more robust |
What to look for in an online course platform
Choosing the right course platform is about finding the best fit for your goals, audience, and teaching style. Here are the most important factors to consider:
- Ease of use: If you’re new to course creation, platforms like Teachable and Thinkific offer intuitive, no-code tools to help you get started quickly. If you need advanced customization and don’t mind a learning curve, LearnDash (WordPress-based) and Kajabi provide more flexibility but require more setup.
- Monetization & pricing control: Not all platforms let you set your own prices. Udemy and Skillshare operate on revenue-sharing models, meaning you don’t control course pricing. If you want full pricing flexibility, Teachable, Podia, and Kajabi allow you to set one-time payments, subscriptions, or payment plans.
- Customization & branding: If having full creative control over your course design is a priority, Thinkific, Kajabi, and LearnDash offer white-labeling, meaning you can fully brand your platform. Udemy and Skillshare, however, operate as marketplaces where branding is minimal, and courses must follow platform-wide guidelines.
- Marketing & sales tools: If you need built-in marketing automation, sales funnels, and email campaigns, Kajabi and Podia provide strong all-in-one solutions. If your platform lacks these features, you may need to integrate third-party tools (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit).
- Scalability: Solo creators looking for a simple, low-cost solution might start with Teachery or Teachable. Businesses and institutions needing enterprise-level scalability should consider Thinkific Plus or Coursera, which offer bulk course enrollments, corporate training features, and analytics dashboards.
Nearly all of the platforms we chose have free trials, so shop around and see what fits you best!
Common pitfalls & scams to avoid
Not all course platforms are created equal. These are some red flags to watch out for before committing:
- Hidden fees & revenue sharing: Some platforms take a massive cut of your sales. Udemy and Coursera, for example, keep a portion of revenue, meaning you might earn less per sale than expected. Always read the revenue terms carefully before choosing a platform.
- Locked content & migration issues: Some services don’t allow you to easily export your course materials. This can be a problem if you decide to switch platforms later. Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific offer export options, while marketplaces like Udemy keep content locked in their system.
- Fake reviews & misleading marketing: Some platforms inflate their reputation with paid or filtered reviews. Before deciding, check multiple review sources like Trustpilot, Reddit, G2, and Capterra for authentic user feedback.
Our top platform picks are reliable and have been vetted by thousands of real users, but it’s always a good practice to conduct your own, independent research from various sources.
Conclusion: Which platform is right for you?
The best online course platform depends on your business model and teaching goals:
- If you want full control over branding and pricing → Thinkific, Kajabi, or LearnDash
- If you want an easy, beginner-friendly all-in-one platform → Teachable or Podia
- If you prefer a marketplace model with built-in audiences → Udemy or Skillshare
- If you need enterprise-level scalability for corporate training or universities → Thinkific Plus or Coursera
Explore your top choices and test their features before committing to find the best fit for your course business.
Are you looking to market your course and create a sense of urgency to motivate your students? Deadline Funnel can help!
