7 Best Online Course Platforms in 2023

By Alex • Updated July 14, 2023

Want to share your expertise? An online course platform is key.

Finding the right one can be tough with so many options.

In this post, we analyze the top seven online course platforms of 2023 to help you excel in the digital learning world.

Best Online Course Platforms

1. Teachable
2. Thinkific
3. Kajabi
4. Podia
5. LearnWorlds
6. Udemy
7. Skillshare

What Makes a Great Online Course Platform?

Before we delve into the specifics of each platform, it's crucial to understand the key features that set the best online course platforms apart:

• Customizability: A top-notch platform offers flexibility in course design, allowing you to tailor the learning experience to your students' needs.
• Ease of Use: An intuitive interface is vital, both for course creators and users. A steep learning curve can be a significant deterrent.
• Course Delivery Options: The platform should support various content formats and offer features such as quizzes, assignments, and interactive discussions.
• Marketing Tools: In-built marketing and SEO tools can significantly enhance your course's visibility and reach.
• Payment Processing: An ideal platform should offer easy payment options and handle transactions smoothly.
• Customer Support: Exceptional customer service can make the difference when troubleshooting issues or seeking advice.

1. Teachable

Teachable is a robust, easy-to-use platform that allows course creators to build and market engaging online courses.

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface with a flexible curriculum builder
• Customizable checkout with testimonials and benefits
• Seamless integration with popular marketing tools
• Handles EU taxes and offers affiliate marketing options

Our Take: Teachable stands out for its excellent customizability and user experience. Its cloud upload feature saves time, and the single-page checkout enhances conversions. Although its sales pages could be improved, Teachable's overall package makes it our top recommendation.

2. Thinkific

Thinkific is a versatile online course platform that provides a broad array of features for course creation and marketing.

Key Features:

• Interactive features such as quizzes and assignments
• Flexible pricing plans catering to various needs
• Third-party integration capabilities for enhanced functionality

Our Take: Thinkific and Teachable are quite similar, but Thinkific's assignment collection and rating features give it an edge. However, its two-step checkout process can potentially deter some customers. Overall, if interactivity is crucial for your courses, Thinkific is a solid choice.

3. Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that offers extensive tools for creating, marketing, and selling online courses.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive suite includes website and email campaign builders
• Automation tools and pipeline features for efficient sales funnels
• Customizable landing pages and a wide range of templates

Our Take: Kajabi provides a comprehensive set of features in one platform, making it a compelling choice. However, its interface could be more user-friendly. If you're seeking an all-in-one solution and willing to navigate a slightly steeper learning curve, Kajabi is worth considering.

4. Podia

Podia is an all-in-one platform that supports the creation and selling of online courses, memberships, and digital downloads.

Key Features:

• Simplistic interface with limited customization options
• No transaction fees, regardless of the selected pricing plan
• Email marketing tools and live chat option

Our Take: Podia stands out for its simplicity and all-in-one approach, making it ideal for creators offering more than just courses. However, its limited customization options and two-step checkout process may be downsides for some users.

5. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds offers a unique interactive video functionality that enhances student engagement.

Key Features:

• Interactive video functionality for an engaging learning experience
• Students can highlight text in their version of the course
• Offers a wide range of online course creation tools

Our Take: LearnWorlds sets itself apart with its interactive video functionality. Although it's slightly pricier than some other platforms, its unique features may justify the additional cost for some course creators.

6. Udemy

Udemy is a global marketplace for learning and instruction. By connecting students all over the world to the best instructors, Udemy is helping individuals reach their goals and pursue their dreams.

Key Features:

• Massive marketplace with a vast user base
• Course creators can offer both free and paid courses
• Provides tools for course creation and student interaction

Our Take: Udemy's strength lies in its massive reach. While it may not be the most profitable platform for course creators, it can provide significant exposure, especially for those new to the field.

7. Skillshare

Skillshare is an American online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos.

Key Features:

• Offers free, premium, and team memberships
• Courses are not accredited and there are no certificates of completion
• Provides tools for course creation and student interaction

Our Take: Like Udemy, Skillshare is a course marketplace with a large user base. It's an excellent platform for gaining exposure, but it may not be the most profitable option for course creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's address some common queries about online course platforms:

Can I try an online course platform before purchasing a plan?

Most online course platforms offer free trials that allow you to explore their features before purchasing a plan.

Can I switch platforms later if I'm not satisfied with my choice?

Yes, but migrating course content to a different platform can be time-consuming. It's best to thoroughly research and test a platform before committing.

Do I need technical skills to use an online course platform?

Most online course platforms are designed to be user-friendly and do not require extensive technical skills. However, some platforms may have a steeper learning curve than others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of an online course platform largely depends on your specific needs and goals. Whether it's Teachable's user-friendly interface, Thinkific's interactive features, Kajabi's all-in-one solution, Podia's simplicity, LearnWorlds' interactive video functionality, Udemy's vast reach or Skillshare's large user base, each platform offers unique advantages.

So, evaluate your requirements carefully, take advantage of free trials, and make an informed choice. After all, your online course platform is where your knowledge and expertise will shine and transform lives.

All Online Course Platforms