Want to boost your skills or your team’s caliber but can’t find the time? Don’t let that stop you from upskilling yourself. Online learning platforms are your pocket-sized business school, accessible 24/7.
From marketing to leadership, these platforms are your go-to for skill-building anytime, anywhere. Whether starting or aiming to grow, online learning platforms will help you level up.
In this blog, we cover the 10 best online learning platforms that offer top-notch courses to propel you to the next stage. So grab your notepad; class is about to begin!
What is an Online Learning Platform?
An online learning platform is your 24/7 classroom, with courses that teach everything from marketing automation to coding, management, and more. Think of it as an on-demand university that promotes self-paced learning through your phone or laptop.
It’s the go-to solution for busy people, small business owners, students, or anyone looking to level up their skills.
These platforms offer video lessons, quizzes, and sometimes a community forum for extra help. Because you choose when and where to learn, it offers the freedom to upskill without the restrictions of committing to a school or college.
Online learning platforms work best for:
- Busy people who need flexible learning hours.
- Small business owners who want to train their teams.
- Students seeking extra academic help.
- Professionals shooting for a career boost.
How to Choose the Best Online Learning Platform?
Remember the time when you wanted to apply to the best universities? You used to spend hours daily carefully shortlisting the programs you wanted to apply to and researching the campus, faculty, and prospects.
An online learning platform is less intimidating but still needs careful consideration. Choosing one isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Your needs, goals, and learning style all play a part. So, how do you sift through the sea of options to find your perfect fit? Keep these key points in mind.
- Course variety. Does the platform offer the subjects or skills you’re after? Some platforms specialize in tech courses, while others offer a broader range. Ensure that the platform aligns with your learning goals.
- Quality of content. Look for platforms that offer courses taught by credible experts or institutions. Read reviews and maybe even preview a few courses. You want high-quality, reliable info.
- Flexibility. Check how the courses are structured. Can you learn at your own pace, or is there a set schedule? Your choice should match your lifestyle and availability.
- Price. Platforms can range from free to pricey monthly subscriptions. Figure out your budget and see if the platform offers value for the investment you’re willing to make.
- Additional features. Think beyond just the course. Do you get a verifiable certificate? Are there interactive forums? Some platforms offer perks like career services or advanced tracking analytics.
Online Learning Platform’s Comparison Criteria
When you’re comparing the top online learning platforms, keep these key factors in mind:
- Course library. Does the platform offer a diverse mix of courses relevant to your goals?
- Quality. Look at who’s teaching and what institutions are involved. Are they legit? Do they offer peer-reviewed assignments?
- User experience. Is the platform easy to use? Does it have interactive features that help you learn or just distract you?
- Cost. Some platforms charge per course; others offer subscriptions. What fits your budget?
- Credibility. Will you earn a certificate or some sort of recognition?
- Flexibility. Can you learn at your own pace? Does the platform work on mobile?
- Extra resources. Think workbooks, quizzes, and forums. What more does the platform offer to enrich your learning?
- Support. A responsive support team can be a game-changer, especially if you encounter tech issues.
With this checklist of comparables, you’ll be well-prepared to find the right platform for you and your team.
Top 4 Online Learning Platforms
Let’s start this list with the best online platforms. These learning platforms will help you brush up your skills, learn new ones, and help you make the most of your time.
1. Skillshare – Offers 35,000+ Hands-on Courses & Classes
Are you looking to level up your skills without breaking the bank or schedule? Say hello to Skillshare.
With over 35,000 courses, it’s a treasure trove for creative minds, small business owners, and busy professionals. The coolest part? It’s all about hands-on learning. No yawn-inducing lectures here—you dive right into real-life learning scenarios and projects. Taught by real practitioners and industry pros, you can gather real-world insights without the fluff.
The courses are short and straightforward, ideal for squeezing into a lunch break or downtime. Plus, it has a membership plan that lets you take as many online classes as possible from various courses. So, learn anything for a fixed monthly fee.
Best For
- Small business owners looking for quick, practical lessons;
- Creatives wanting to enhance their talents;
- Busy folks craving flexible learning schedules.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Tons of course options | No official accreditation or certificates |
| Real-world, project-based learning | Instructor quality can vary from course to course |
| Quick lessons for busy schedules | Limited range of deep-dive courses |
SkillShare Pricing
The platform works on a membership model where you pay an annual charge (approximately $165 per year) for access to all the courses on Skillshare.
2. LearnWorlds – Online Course Platform
LearnWorlds is an eLearning management solution for people who want to create, market, and sell interactive online learning experiences.
This cloud-based platform offers valuable features like course authoring, website building with advanced customization, ecommerce capabilities, white labeling, in-depth course analytics, and mobile learning, allowing you to build your own fully branded mobile app.
If you want to get the most out of course creation, try this platform. It offers a great collection of eLearning tools for delivering interactive learning and building practical assessments.
Best For
- Individual creators, solopreneurs, and edupreneurs;
- Coaches, mentors, hiring and training managers;
- SMEs, small businesses, and enterprises.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| An intuitive builder that’s easy to set up | Doesn’t support TinCan, which limits tracking and analytics |
| Comes with a powerful no-code Website Builder | No pre-built sales funnels |
| Fully customizable mobile app builder for iOS and Android | Limited gamification options |
Pricing
LearnWorlds offers a free 30-day trial. Paid plans start at $24/month.
3. IIDE – Online Learning and Certification Platform
IIDE offers practical training and industry-recognized certifications, ACDM and PCDMS. Tailored for various learners, from beginners to professionals, it equips you with the vital skills needed to excel in digital marketing.
Designed by professionals, the courses at IIDE are all about hands-on learning and real-world projects. It covers key marketing concepts and tools you need to know to succeed as a digital marketer.
Best For
- Fresh graduates looking to enter the digital marketing industry;
- Working professionals and entrepreneurs planning to upskill.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Industry-relevant training with practical learning and live projects | Limited theoretical resources in the ACDM program |
| AI-based mock interviews and personalized mentoring sessions | ACDM certification may not be suitable for advanced learners |
| Access to a wide range of digital marketing and AI tools. |
Pricing
- Advanced Certification in Digital Marketing (ACDM): $1,500 approx;
- Professional Certification in Digital Marketing & Strategy (PCDMS): $2,000 approx.
4. LinkedIn Learning – Online Learning Platform with Social Proof
Want to climb the corporate ladder or skyrocket your small business? LinkedIn Learning is your secret weapon. Think of it as the professional’s playground for skill-building, with real social proof in the form of badges and certificates.
With over 16,000 courses, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether it’s coding, marketing, or leadership, they’ve got a course for it. The best part? Flexibility — Start any course anytime and learn at your own pace on any device. No need to wait for enrollment dates or sessions.
Plus, the courses often have downloadable resources and hands-on practice exercises.
Your learning syncs with your professional identity – your LinkedIn profile so that you can flaunt your new skills with your network. Also, you get course recommendations tailored for you based on your profile.
Best for
- Professionals looking to climb the corporate ladder;
- Small business owners seeking relevant, up-to-date courses;
- Job seekers wanting to enhance their skill set;
- Team leaders aiming for professional development.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Courses designed and taught by industry leaders | Requires a LinkedIn account for optimal experience |
| Dedicated learning paths for comprehensive skill development | Not all courses offer certification |
| Seamless integration with LinkedIn profile | Can be pricier than other online learning platforms |
LinkedIn Learning Pricing
Each course is paid individually, which depends on the course curriculum and other factors. Basically, it works on a pay-as-per-choose model where learners pay separately for each course.
Top 4 Online Course Platforms
Fancy taking an online course at your own pace for a particular subject? Check out these four online course platforms with the largest library of online courses available online.
1. edX – Best Free Online Courses for Skill Development
Craving top-tier education without jaw-dropping tuition fees? edX has your back. Created in partnership with academic giants like MIT, Harvard, Berkeley, and others, it offers various courses on everything from coding to business strategy.
The kicker? Many of these courses are accredited. So, earn a certificate from a reputable institution without breaking the bank.
If you’re about to go deep into a subject, you should enroll in their MicroMasters program. Pick from coursework, set your own pace, and get on-demand virtual support from instructors if you’re stuck. You can juggle life and learn something without a hitch.
While many courses are free, this online course platform charges a small fee if you want an official certificate from the partner institutes to flash on your resume or LinkedIn.
Best for
- Anyone who values high-level academic learning without paying a hefty fee;
- Professionals aiming for that next big role;
- Small business owners looking for specialized expertise;
- Students who want to round out their academic journey.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Courses from leading universities | Certificates aren’t free |
| Accredited certificates available | Some courses demand a good chunk of your time |
| Broad range of topics and in-depth learning programs | Less user-friendly interface compared to others |
edX Pricing
Each course has its price tag that depends on quality, length and other factors.
2. Coursera – Educational Platform with 5,000+ Courses
Looking for a world-class education without stepping foot on campus? Meet Coursera. Coursera is your digital campus with courses from top-notch schools like Stanford and Yale. It offers a balanced buffet of courses, specializations, and even full-fledged degrees—all online.
You’ll find interactive features like video lectures, peer-reviewed assignments, and community forums. Plus, you get to set your own learning schedule.
So, if you want to up your career game, Coursera should be your pick. It offers legit certificates and degrees to take your LinkedIn profile or resume to the next level. And if you’re running a small business, Coursera’s courses for that too—think project management, digital marketing, and more. In short, it’s not just a course catalog; it’s a career and growth catalyst.
Best for
- Career climbers seeking recognized qualifications;
- Small business owners focusing on in-depth skill development ;
- Students looking for a budget-friendly educational supplement;
- Professionals aiming for career transitions.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Academic rigor from renowned institutions | High cost for some degree programs |
| Flexible learning schedules | Limited hands-on or interactive learning in some courses |
| Wide variety of courses and specializations | Course completion can demand a lot of time every week |
Coursera Pricing
The platform offers both free and paid courses. Basically, each course comes with its own price tag that varies between a few hundred dollars for a certification to thousands of dollars for a dedicated degree.
3. OpenLearning – Offers 1000+ Free Interactive Courses
Tired of the same old lecture-style online courses? Say hello to OpenLearning. It spices up e-learning with interactive, community-centered courses.
Designed to engage, its learning programs don’t feel like a chore. You get quizzes, hands-on projects, and group discussions. This online education platform believes that anyone who enrolls isn’t just a student; they’re a part of a learning community.
The menu includes everything from entrepreneurship to the arts. While most courses are free, you get an official course completion certificate for a fee. In a nutshell, OpenLearning makes learning more accessible and fun.
Best For
- Social learners who crave interaction;
- Small business owners looking for hands-on skills;
- Teachers searching for a more engaging classroom experience;
- Self-starters who want community support.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly interactive course format | Limited course variety compared to bigger platforms |
| Free access to a wide range of courses | Certificates aren’t free |
| Strong focus on community learning | Less focus on academic rigor |
OpenLearning Pricing
Taking courses is free (limited library). For a certificate or accreditation, you need to pay separately.
4. Khan Academy – Access Thousands of Online Lessons for Free
Wish you could unlock top-notch learning without emptying your wallet? Meet Khan Academy. It’s your free ticket to everything from basic math to complex finance.
All you gotta do is pick a subject, dive into video lessons, and do exercises to level up your knowledge. But how does it work? The platform tracks your real-time progress and offers an interactive dashboard to keep you engaged.
And here’s a little extra: It’s not just for students. If you’re running a small business, polish up on finance, marketing, and more. So, khan Academy is your free, self-paced classroom for life.
Best for
- Students aiming for academic improvement;
- Small business owners needing quick skill upgrades;
- Parents looking for supplemental education for kids;
- Self-learners seeking to broaden their knowledge.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive and diverse subject coverage | Lacks the interactivity of some paid platforms |
| Entirely free, no hidden costs | No accredited certificates |
| Real-time progress tracking | Content can be highly U.S.-centric |
Khan Academy Pricing
100% free courses available to everyone without any limit or restriction.
Best Learning Management Software
Now you’ve got some understanding of the online learning ecosystem, let’s look at some learning management software that helps manage online course platforms. Who knows? You might be inspired to share your wisdom with the world (and monetize in return) after reading about these. So, let’s begin.
1. Payhip – Online Course Platform
Payhip is an all-in-one platform to sell digital products, including online courses, memberships, coaching services, digital downloads, and even physical merchandise. With flexible pricing plans ranging from a free option to more advanced tiers, it caters to businesses of all sizes.
Payhip has various features, such as in-house video hosting, customizable branding, drip courses, and multiple lesson types – videos, text, quizzes, downloads, surveys, assignments, etc.
Unlike many online course platforms, Payhip is free forever. You can access every single feature on Payhip without paying a dime. Payhip charges a 5% transaction fee when you make a sale. This is great, especially when you’re just starting.
Best For
- Online course creators and digital product sellers;
- Coaches and consultants with lots of training material and digital downloads;
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Start for free and pay only when you make a sale | Limited design options for landing pages |
| Offers video hosting, quizzes, and multiple lesson types | No in-built community feature |
| Supports product bundling to sell your course with ebooks, printables, etc. |
Pricing
Payhip gives you all the tools to create, manage, and market your online business, all while offering three pricing tiers:
- Forever free. No monthly fees, 5% per sale;
- Plus plan. $29/month + 2% per sale;
- Pro plan. $99/month, no percentage fees per sale.
2. eduMe – Mobile-first Enterprise LMS Platform
eduMe is a useful frontline training tool for businesses with large, on-the-go workforces like retail or logistics. What sets eduMe apart is how it fits into day-to-day tasks, making training available exactly when your team needs it.
Thanks to smooth integrations with platforms like Workday and Microsoft Teams, access to training is a breeze. That means more people complete the training, giving you more bang for your buck.
Creating training content? It’s quick and easy with eduMe’s intuitive builder. The platform even uses AI to help you whip up high-quality lessons or break down existing content into easy-to-digest bits.
Best For
- Businesses with a large workforce wanting on-the-go-training solutions;
- Companies that need a fast and easy way to train their frontline staff on mobile devices.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Robust third-party integrations with all major platforms like Workday Microsoft Teams for easy training delivery | Unsuitable for long-form training content |
| Embeds into your existing architecture for contextual delivery | Doesn’t support SCORM |
| Optimized for mobile delivery |
Pricing
Pricing available on request.
Key Takeaways
Navigating online learning options doesn’t have to feel like a maze. Now that you know the best platform, remember the following to find the right platform or course for your team quickly:
- Match courses to goals and pick a platform that offers courses directly related to what your business needs;
- Choose platforms that offer courses led by industry pros or top institutions for credible learning graph;
- Choose a platform that offers self-learning or works with your schedule, letting you learn without disturbing your workday.
Also read:
- 17 Best Marketing Automation Tools (Free & Paid Software)
- What is Email Automation? Definition, Flows
- 7 Best Client & Customer Onboarding Software in 2023
- Email Marketing for Small Business: Essential Tips for Effective Campaigns
Author Bio
Anmol Ratan Sachdeva is a content marketer and small business consultant who has a strong grip on topics like marketing automation, email marketing, and content marketing. He loves to write about building, improving, and growing a business.
