Top 16 Best Online Course Platforms in 2025 | Free And Paid

Are you an educator? You are surely looking for an online platform to sell your courses to a wider audience? How do you achieve that? What are the platforms available, and how much would it cost you? How are they useful for learning, teaching and to skill up or make a living while teaching remotely.

In 2025, with digital platforms, any online business is not limited to your location. You can reach from India to Australia, New Zealand or even Chile. What do you need to do that? You need one of the best online course platforms. So, here in this article, we will be sharing a list of the best online course platforms. Free and Paid. Let’s get going.

What is online learning and how is it growing?

Online learning, also known as e-learning or digital learning, is a method of education where instruction and learning take place over the internet using digital tools and platforms.

It allows students to access educational content remotely, without the need for physical presence in a classroom.

This form of education supports both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning environments, enabling students to engage with instructors and peers through various technologies like video conferencing, discussion forums, and learning management systems (LMS).

Growth of Online Learning

The online learning industry is experiencing rapid growth due to several factors:

• Increased Accessibility: Online learning provides education to people across different geographical locations, making it accessible to a broader audience.
• Flexibility: It offers flexibility in terms of time and pace, allowing students to balance education with other responsibilities.
• Technological Advancements: Advances in technology have improved the quality and interactivity of online courses, enhancing the learning experience.
• Post-Pandemic Trends: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, and this trend is expected to continue as institutions and learners recognize its benefits.

Key Growth Statistics:

• Market Size: The global eLearning market is projected to reach over $545.3 billion by 2030, reflecting a significant increase from its current value.
• Adoption Rate: Nearly all organizations now use eLearning for employee training, and a substantial portion of students worldwide have participated in online courses.
• Growth Rate: The industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 20% from 2022 to 2028, driven by increasing demand for flexible and accessible education.

What is an Online Course Platform?

An Online Course Platform is a digital system that enables individuals or organizations to create, host, and deliver educational courses over the internet. These platforms provide tools for instructors to build courses, manage content, interact with students, track progress, and sometimes even monetize their courses.

Key Features of an Online Course Platform:

1. Course Creation Tools – Upload videos, PDFs, quizzes, assignments, and interactive content.
2. User Management – Enroll students, track their progress, and manage communication.
3. Assessment & Certification – Offer quizzes, tests, and certificates upon completion.
4. Payment & Monetization – Support for one-time purchases, subscriptions, or memberships.
5. Community & Engagement – Discussion forums, live Q&A, and student interactions.
6. Integration & Scalability – Connect with third-party tools like Zoom, Google Drive, or payment gateways.
7. Analytics & Reporting – Monitor student performance and course effectiveness.

Examples of Online Course Platforms:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas
• Hosted Course Platforms: Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning
• Self-Hosted Solutions: WordPress (with plugins like LearnDash or Tutor LMS), Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi

Best online course platforms [Free & Paid]

Here’s the updated table with revised features and pricing details:

Platform	Best For	Standout Feature	Pricing
Udemy	Launching your first course	Guided, prescriptive course creation flow	Udemy doesn’t charge a monthly fee, but it takes a significant percentage of course sales, up to 63%.
Skillshare	Teaching creative skills	Quick, easy course setup	Skillshare operates on a subscription model. There is no upfront cost for creators
Teachable	Creating an online school with marketing	Wide-ranging AI features in beta	Basic: $39/month billed annually Pro: $119/month billed annually Pro+: $199/month billed annually
Podia	Selling digital products and memberships	Simple course outline builder	Free Plan: Available with 8% transaction fees. Paid Plan: Starts at $33/month with no transaction fees
Kajabi	Marketing a course on autopilot	Loads of built-in marketing features	Offers a 14-day free trial. Kickstarter: $71 /month billed annually Basic: $119 /month billed annually Growth: $159 /month billed annually Pro: $319 /month billed annually
Mighty Networks	Building a paid community	Strong community-building focus	Offers a 14-day free trial. Community Plan: $41/month Courses Plan: $99/month Business Plan: $179/month Path-to-Pro Plan: $360/month
Simplero	Managing your business	All-in-one CRM, marketing automation, and online courses	Simplero offers a free trial. Starter: $71/month Scale: $179/month Skyrocket: $299/month
LearnWorlds	Granular customizability	Extensive visual customization options	From $29/Offers a free trial Paid plans start at around $29/month. There’s also a custom plan for larger businesses plus $5 per sale.
Pathwright	Action-oriented courses	Actionable lessons and curriculum design	Starter: $89 Per month, billed annually Essentials: $179 Per month, billed annually Complete: $449 Per month, billed annually
Thinkific	Customizable add-ons	Course templates, pre-populated with sample content	Free Plan: Available, but details not specified in the search results. Basic Plan: Around $49/month, includes basic features. Pro Plan: Around $99/month, includes more advanced features. Grow Plan: Around $199/month, includes comprehensive features
PayHip	Selling digital products and memberships	Integrated e-commerce tools	Free Forever: $0/mo Plus: $29/mo Pro: $99 /mo
FreshLearn	Creating and selling online courses	AI-powered course creation tools	Pro: $29 per month No Brainer: $49 per month No Brainer+: $119 per month
EdApp	Mobile-first microlearning platform	Extensive template library for rapid course creation	Free; premium plans starting at $2.95 per active user/month
Ruzuku	Easy-to-use course creation	Step-by-step course creation wizard	Offers a free trial. pricing starts at around $25/month for basic features.
Talent LMS	Corporate training	Customizable learning paths and assessments	Offers a free plan with limited features Paid plans start at around $59/month.
TrainerCentral	Comprehensive training solutions	Live virtual classrooms and interactive tools	Free: Unlimited learners- Up to 3 free courses Single trainer plan: ₹1,166.67 3 trainers licenses:₹2,916.67

Key Features of The Online Course Platforms

Udemy

Udemy is a great platform for first-time course creators looking for an easy way to launch their courses. It provides a guided, step-by-step course creation process, helping instructors design and publish their content efficiently. With Udemy handling marketing and student acquisition, creators can focus on teaching while earning revenue from course sales.

Udemy Pros:

• Step-by-step guided course creation
• Access to Udemy’s built-in audience
• Minimal need for editing or design

Udemy Cons:

• High revenue-sharing model reduces earnings
• Requires video content for all courses
• Must apply and get approved for paid courses

Skillshare

Skillshare is ideal for creative professionals who want to teach skills like design, photography, and writing. The platform offers a quick and simple setup process, allowing instructors to start teaching without hassle. Earnings are based on the watch time of premium users, making it a great choice for those who want passive income from engaging video lessons.

Skillshare Pros:

• Quick and hassle-free course setup
• Specifically designed for creatives
• Free to join and publish courses

Skillshare Cons:

• Video content is mandatory
• Lacks support for quizzes or assessments
• Limited customization options

Teachable

Teachable is designed for educators and entrepreneurs who want to build an online school and market their courses effectively. It offers AI-powered tools for content creation, student management, and sales automation. With flexible pricing plans and an intuitive interface, Teachable makes it easy to scale online learning businesses while maintaining full control over branding and pricing.

Teachable Pros:

• Powerful built-in marketing tools
• Advanced course editor with custom coding options
• AI-powered features (currently in beta)

Teachable Cons:

• Only three design templates available
• Pricing model can be less scalable compared to competitors

Podia

Podia is an all-in-one platform for selling online courses, digital downloads, and memberships. It features a straightforward course and product builder, making it simple for creators to organize and sell their content. With built-in email marketing and sales pages, Podia helps instructors grow their audience while offering affordable pricing plans.

Podia Pros:

• Simple and intuitive course outline builder
• Supports various digital products beyond courses
• Affordable pricing plans

Podia Cons:

• Limited visual customization options
• Additional transaction fees on top of payment processor charges

Kajabi

Kajabi is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to automate their course marketing and sales. The platform provides advanced marketing automation, funnel creation, and built-in email marketing tools. With features like customizable websites, memberships, and analytics, Kajabi helps course creators maximize revenue while streamlining their business operations.

Kajabi Pros:

• Comprehensive built-in marketing tools
• AI-powered content assistance
• Integrated email marketing features

Kajabi Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to alternatives
• Customization options are somewhat limited

Mighty Networks

Mighty Networks is ideal for those who want to build a thriving online community with integrated courses. It emphasizes engagement by providing interactive discussion forums, live streaming, and networking opportunities. The platform’s community-first approach makes it great for businesses and educators looking to foster meaningful connections while monetizing their content.

Mighty Networks Pros:

• Strong focus on community-driven learning
• AI-generated course outline capabilities
• Sleek and modern user interface

Mighty Networks Cons:

• Expensive entry-level pricing
• Lacks extensive built-in marketing tools

Simplero

Simplero is an all-in-one platform that combines CRM, email marketing, automation, and online courses. It’s designed for businesses looking to manage their entire digital operation in one place. With robust automation features and integrated payment processing, Simplero makes it easy for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses without relying on multiple software tools.

Simplero Pros:

• All-in-one platform for CRM, automation, and courses
• Built-in payment processing system
• Customizable course settings

Simplero Cons:

• Pricing structure may not be ideal for scalability

LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds offers highly customizable course creation tools, making it a great option for educators who want full control over the look and feel of their content. It includes interactive video features, built-in assessments, and branded course websites. With extensive customization options, LearnWorlds is perfect for those who want a professional and personalized learning experience.

LearnWorlds Pros:

• Extensive customization options
• User-friendly course-building interface
• AI-powered features that enhance course creation

LearnWorlds Cons:

• No support for text-only lesson content

Pathwright

Pathwright is designed for action-oriented courses that focus on hands-on learning. It allows educators to create structured learning paths with interactive assignments and real-time feedback. The platform is great for coaching, professional training, and educational institutions that want to provide students with an engaging, step-by-step learning experience.

Pathwright Pros:

• Designed for action-oriented, hands-on learning
• Built-in features for community engagement
• Highly intuitive course and lesson builder

Pathwright Cons:

• Outdated visual design and aesthetics
• Pricing scales up quickly with growth

Thinkific

Thinkific is a flexible course platform offering ready-made templates and customizable add-ons to simplify course creation. It allows creators to design professional-looking courses without technical skills. With built-in e-commerce, student engagement tools, and integrations with third-party apps, Thinkific is ideal for individuals and businesses looking to scale their online education ventures.

Thinkific Pros:

• Budget-friendly pricing compared to competitors
• Strong support for quizzes, exams, and assessments

Thinkific Cons:

• No free plan available

PayHip

PayHip is a versatile e-commerce platform designed for selling digital products, including online courses, memberships, and downloads. It provides built-in marketing tools, payment processing, and an intuitive interface, making it easy for creators to start monetizing their content. With no upfront costs, it’s a great choice for beginners. However, while PayHip is excellent for selling courses, it lacks advanced learning management system (LMS) features found in dedicated course platforms.

Pros:

• Integrated e-commerce tools for seamless product sales
• No upfront costs, making it beginner-friendly
• Supports various digital products, including memberships and courses

Cons:

• Transaction fees apply on the free plan
• Lacks advanced course customization and LMS features

FreshLearn

FreshLearn is an all-in-one course platform that allows creators to design, market, and sell their courses with ease. It features AI-powered tools, no-code course creation, and support for various digital products. The platform is beginner-friendly and offers a free plan, making it a cost-effective solution for new educators. However, while FreshLearn simplifies course building, its customization options are somewhat limited compared to competitors.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, no-coding-required course builder
• Affordable pricing with a free plan for up to three courses
• Supports multiple types of digital products

Cons:

• Limited design customization
• SEO optimization could be improved

EdApp

EdApp is a mobile-first learning platform that focuses on microlearning, making it ideal for corporate training and employee onboarding. It comes with a vast library of templates, gamification features, and AI-powered tools to enhance engagement. The platform offers a free plan with robust features, though it is best suited for bite-sized lessons rather than long-form content.

Pros:

• Optimized for mobile learning and microlearning
• Extensive template library for quick course creation
• Free plan with powerful features

Cons:

• Not ideal for long-form, in-depth courses
• Some advanced features require time to master

Ruzuku

Ruzuku is a simple and user-friendly online course platform that focuses on ease of use. It features a step-by-step course creation wizard, live webinar support, and built-in community engagement tools. Unlike other platforms, it offers unlimited students and courses on all plans. However, its pricing is on the higher side, and design customization options are somewhat limited.

Pros:

• Intuitive course creation wizard simplifies setup
• Supports live webinars and community discussions
• Unlimited courses and students on all plans

Cons:

• Higher starting price compared to some competitors
• Limited design customization options

Talent LMS

Talent LMS is a corporate training platform that helps businesses create, manage, and deliver online training courses. It offers customizable learning paths, support for SCORM and xAPI, and assessment tools to track learner progress. A free plan is available for small teams, but pricing increases with the number of users and courses.

Pros:

• Customizable learning paths and assessments
• Supports SCORM and Tin Can (xAPI) content
• Free plan available for small teams

Cons:

• User interface may feel outdated to some
• Pricing scales with the number of users and courses

TrainerCentral

TrainerCentral is an end-to-end training platform that combines live virtual classrooms, interactive learning tools, and e-commerce capabilities. It allows trainers to conduct live and recorded sessions while managing students with ease. With a free plan available, it is an affordable solution for trainers, though it lacks some advanced LMS features found in more established platforms.

Pros:

• Live virtual classrooms with interactive tools
• Built-in e-commerce for selling courses
• Affordable pricing with a free plan available

Cons:

• Newer platform with fewer advanced features
• Smaller user community for peer support

Conclusion: Navigating the Best Online Course Platforms in 2025

As we delve into the world of online learning in 2025, it’s clear that the landscape is more vibrant and diverse than ever. With numerous platforms available, both free and paid, educators and learners alike have a wealth of options to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor looking to expand your reach or a beginner eager to share your knowledge, platforms like Thinkific, Teachable, Kajabi, and Udemy offer robust tools to create and sell courses.

Each platform has its unique strengths, catering to different needs and preferences. For instance, Thinkific excels in course delivery and student engagement, while Kajabi provides an all-in-one solution for building a comprehensive online presence. Udemy, with its vast course catalog, is ideal for those seeking a broad audience without needing an existing following.

When selecting the best platform for your needs, consider factors such as ease of course creation, marketing capabilities, cost, and the type of content you wish to deliver. Whether you’re focusing on vocational skills, academic learning, or professional development, there’s a platform tailored to your goals.

In conclusion, the online course industry is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for flexible learning options. By leveraging these platforms effectively, educators can reach a global audience, and learners can access high-quality educational content from anywhere in the world. As we move forward in 2025, embracing these digital tools will be key to unlocking new opportunities in education and beyond.