Would you like to share your expertise through an online course and earn money at the same time?
Online course platforms have become incredibly popular, leading the eLearning industry to grow by over 900% since 2000.
This article will compare and review the top online learning platforms based on features, pricing, certifications, course topics, student engagement, and more.
Let’s dive into the list.
Which Are The Top Online Learning Platforms?
Here are some of the best platforms to consider for your online education needs.
Udemy provides an extensive range of courses covering topics from programming and data science to design, illustration, and personal growth.
No matter what skill you want to develop, Udemy has a course for it.
Hosting over 185,000 online video courses taught by industry experts, Udemy allows learners to study at their own pace on flexible schedules. New courses are continually added, ensuring a fresh selection. The variety of instructors leads to a variety of teaching styles, so students can choose the approach that suits them best. If you’re an expert in a particular field, you also have the opportunity to create and sell your course on Udemy, earning income by sharing your knowledge. However, a drawback is that Udemy frequently offers discounts on courses, which might reduce your potential earnings from course sales. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent platform for learners seeking quality content.
Key Features:
Lifetime access to courses lets you revisit material whenever you need to.
Study flexibly and at your own speed.
Receive a certificate of completion to showcase your achievement.
Engage with instructors by asking questions and receiving feedback to enhance your understanding.
Student Experience:
Finding courses is straightforward, and the platform’s design makes learning engaging and enjoyable. Whatever topic you want to explore, Udemy likely has a course for it.
Pricing:
Course prices differ depending on the content, but Udemy often provides discounts throughout the year, making courses more affordable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Udemy
Like:
The platform offers an extremely wide selection of topics.
Both web and mobile apps enable easy access for Udemy Business courses.
Dislike:
Some courses might benefit from improved or up-to-date content quality.
Recent Product Updates:
Udemy now supports Apple TV, allowing students to access courses on various devices beyond just browsers or mobile apps.
Skillshare is an online platform focused on courses about creativity and design.
If you’re looking to boost your creative skills or refine your artistic talents, Skillshare offers a compelling choice. With a mobile app, various online classes, and even offline meetups, the platform makes it convenient to learn and network with fellow creatives anywhere. Courses often include practical projects, and the community aspect allows users to connect with like-minded learners, making it a strong option for artistic skill development across different domains.
Highlights of Skillshare:
Offers a valuable membership that promotes a more creative lifestyle.
Designed for practical, real-world learning, providing flexibility and support to reach personal goals.
Access courses conveniently on the go with a user-friendly mobile app.
User Experience:
The platform offers accurate and relevant recommendations, presenting a selection of options that you might not have thought of otherwise.
Pricing Options:
There are different subscription plans available. Skillshare also offers a group plan called Skillshare for Teams, perfect for organizations or groups wishing to access curated content together. Corporate gift cards encourage employee development. Additionally, some courses are available free of charge for those just starting out or exploring new skills.
Pros and Cons of Skillshare
Like:
Compared to other platforms, Skillshare’s lessons tend to be more visual and demonstration-based.
The site is especially beneficial for graphic designers, painters, and lifestyle artists, more than for traditional career paths.
Dislike:
Some courses may lack in-depth information or comprehensive coverage of certain topics.
3. EdX
Best for Academic and Formal Education
EdX is a leading online education platform that partners with top universities and institutions worldwide to provide high-quality courses across many subjects. It offers an excellent opportunity for learners to explore various fields and enhance their skills from the comfort of their own homes. One of EdX’s main goals is to foster personal transformation through its educational programs, utilizing modern insights from cognitive science to help students learn more efficiently and reach their goals.
Key Features:
Access to world-class courses led by top instructors
Flexible learning schedules to accommodate your lifestyle
Earn certificates of achievement to showcase your skills
Offers courses ranging from computer science and engineering to business and management, providing diverse options for learners
Student Experience:
On EdX, tracking your course progress and comparing your performance with peers is made simple through features like a timeline and leaderboards. These tools help keep you motivated as you see your development over time and stay engaged with your learning journey.
Pricing Structure:
The cost varies depending on the specific course you choose to enroll in. Many courses are free to audit, but obtaining a certificate often requires payment. Details differ from course to course, so it’s best to review individual offerings for exact pricing.
Pros and Cons of EdX:
Like:
It’s a useful platform for lifelong learners aiming to improve skills or switch careers.
Offers customization options in project work for more personalized learning.
Dislike:
Some users find the authoring tools on EdX complex, especially for beginners.
Recent Updates:
EdX has partnered with Meta to introduce immersive learning experiences, including virtual courses, enhancing the way learners engage with content.
4. LinkedIn Learning
Ideal for Business Professionals
While many utilize LinkedIn primarily for networking, LinkedIn Learning is a valuable platform for professionals seeking to develop their skills and learn new ones. It offers courses tailored to your specific role, industry, and skill level, making learning highly personalized. The platform also leverages LinkedIn’s social features to suggest relevant content based on your profile, helping you identify areas for improvement and growth. Additionally, you can search for popular skills and find courses focused on those topics, making it straightforward to acquire new competencies.
User Experience:
The platform provides detailed and personalized course recommendations, which help users find relevant material without much effort. Sometimes, it even suggests skills you hadn’t considered that could be valuable in your current role, making your learning experience more targeted and effective. The interface includes user-friendly admin tools that simplify managing courses and progress tracking, allowing you to save where you left off and continue seamlessly. Additionally, you can create or follow curated learning paths, whether custom or pre-designed, to organize your educational journey efficiently.
Pricing:
You’re offered a free trial month to explore the platform’s features and courses. After that, you can choose to purchase individual courses based on your interests, making it flexible to customize your learning experience according to your needs.
What I Like/Dislike About LinkedIn Learning
Like:
The platform offers a diverse selection of training options across various topics, catering to different learning goals.
Instructors are generally highly skilled and effective at explaining concepts, making complex subjects easier to understand.
Dislike:
The platform sends frequent updates and notifications, which some users might find overwhelming or too persistent.
Product Updates:
The platform continues to grow by adding new content and features that enhance the learning experience, keeping it engaging and dynamic.
5. Mindvalley
Best For Self-Development Courses
Mindvalley is an online platform focused on personal growth, offering courses in areas like health, wellness, lifestyle, business, entrepreneurship, and spirituality. Its programs are designed to help you unlock your full potential. With full access to all available courses, users can easily find content suited to their interests. Daily live classes led by top instructors provide an interactive learning experience, and a private social network connects like-minded individuals who can support each other’s journeys.
Key Features:
Enhance your life by developing skills in various areas.
Become part of a community that values your goals and supports your growth.
Achieve long-lasting results with programs designed to unlock your full potential.
Engage in events that help you connect with top instructors and like-minded individuals worldwide.
User Experience:
You can pick up any course and continue from where you left off, thanks to automatic progress saving. New courses are added every week to keep the platform current and engaging.
Pricing:
There are two subscription options: a monthly plan at $99 per month, or an annual plan priced at $41.60 per month, saving you 58% when paid yearly.
Pros and Cons of Mindvalley
Like:
The platform offers concise, easy-to-understand video lessons, ideal for people with limited attention span.
The community is friendly and motivating, making it simple to connect with like-minded individuals.
Dislike:
The price is relatively high compared to other educational platforms; however, the value lies in the quality of content offered.
Product Updates:
The platform features a self-assessment tool that helps identify areas for personal growth and suggests suitable Mindvalley courses to support your success.
DataCamp
Ideal For Data Science Professionals
DataCamp is an online platform specializing in courses related to data science, programming, and analytics. It aims to equip users with skills necessary for careers in the tech industry, offering courses in Python, R, SQL, and more. Certification programs are available to help you stand out in job applications. The platform regularly updates its content, making it a reliable resource for staying current with industry developments. Covering a broad range of topics from basic essentials to advanced data science, DataCamp provides tailored learning paths designed by experts. You can learn at your own pace, practicing and applying your skills with interactive exercises and short videos.
Key Features:
Create data expertise online by utilizing the latest tools and technologies.
Leverage enterprise solutions for large-scale skill development with DataCamp.
Engage in hands-on learning through interactive exercises and brief video lessons.
Practice and reinforce your skills by coding directly within the courses.
There are four main pricing options available on the platform:
– Basic plan: Free to use.
– Premium plan for one person: $12.42 per month, billed annually.
– Teams plan for two or more users: $12.42 per user per month, billed annually.
– Enterprise plan: Pricing details available upon request from the sales team.
MasterClass is tailored for those seeking advanced learning experiences. It features courses led by highly influential experts across various fields. Users can access engaging video lessons, behind-the-scenes content, and insights from top athletes, chefs, writers, and business leaders. The collection covers a broad array of topics, making it ideal for learners eager to develop new skills or refine existing ones. New courses are added every month, ensuring the content remains fresh and diverse. Whether you’re interested in arts, entertainment, business, music, or culinary arts, MasterClass offers something for everyone.
Key features include courses that typically last between two to five hours, allowing for quick completion. Individual lessons are concise, usually taking only 2 to 5 minutes, which makes learning manageable and enjoyable. Each course provides a workbook with essential materials to help follow along, and interactive assignments enable you to practice and reinforce your skills. Additionally, members gain access to a supportive community and exclusive events, enriching the learning experience.
The pricing plans are straightforward with options including free access and subscription-based memberships. The monthly individual subscription costs $15, granting full access to all courses, making it an affordable way to learn from top-tier experts in various domains.
Billed annually
Duo: $20/month billed annually
Family: $23/month billed annually
Other online education platforms not discussed here include Coursera, MOOCS, Lynda, Udacity, among others.
Understanding Online Learning Platforms
An online learning platform is a website or software program designed to facilitate education by helping users acquire new skills or knowledge. These platforms can feature a wide range of content such as courses, articles, videos, and more, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and convenience. They offer a flexible and accessible way to gain new competencies without the need to travel to a physical classroom.
Learning Management Systems Versus Online Course Platforms
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding the difference between a learning management system (LMS) and an online course platform is essential when choosing the best solution. An LMS is primarily built for managing, organizing, and controlling courses, often used in formal educational settings. Conversely, an online course platform focuses on creating and delivering lessons with less emphasis on managing the backend infrastructure. Although their functions can overlap, LMSs tend to support structured, formal learning environments, whereas course platforms are more suited for informal, flexible learning.
Using an LMS usually involves a steeper learning curve because of its complexity and the need to manage various course elements. Additionally, LMSs typically entail higher costs due to greater maintenance and operational demands. On the other hand, online course platforms often operate on affordable monthly subscription plans, with fewer overhead costs, making them more accessible for individual educators and small-scale institutions.
Key Features of a Top-tier Online Learning Platform
A quality online learning system should support various educational needs, from self-guided study to real-time interaction with instructors. When selecting a platform, there are certain features to look for to ensure it meets your learning goals.
Unlimited Access to Course Content
Having unrestricted access to course materials is crucial, especially for beginners or those revisiting content for review. This allows students to study at their own pace and revisit lessons or resources whenever needed, which is especially helpful when preparing for exams or professional certifications.
Multiple Media Formats for Learning
Effective online courses utilize diverse media types to accommodate different learning styles. Some students may prefer watching videos, while others might favor reading articles or listening to audio materials. Offering a variety of formats ensures broader accessibility and helps maintain engagement across all learners.The top online learning platforms provide a wide range of content types designed to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Professional Certifications from Recognized Institutions
Historically, earning an online degree from prestigious universities like MIT, Harvard, or Berkeley was a prime method for advancing your career.
However, not everyone has the time or financial means to attend these elite institutions in person.
Whether pursuing a higher education, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or just a professional certification, choosing an online learning platform that offers accredited certificates is an excellent way to enhance your career prospects from anywhere without physical attendance.
A Library of Courses Covering the Latest Trends
The scope of essential professional development topics is always evolving. Having awareness of current developments across fields such as humanities, cybersecurity, web development, and more can provide a significant advantage.
In light of the pandemic’s impact on workplaces, it’s important that online courses cover up-to-date topics to ensure learners stay current with the latest skills and knowledge.
All available courses should mirror contemporary trends, equipping participants with relevant expertise and cutting-edge insights.
Flexible, Self-Paced Learning
Courses designed for self-paced learning emphasize quality and flexibility. An ideal online learning platform allows students to progress at their own speed, whether fast or slow.
Being able to control the pace of your learning experience helps maximize understanding and retention, making this an essential feature for effective online education.
Methods for Self-Assessment
For effective online learning, platforms often incorporate quizzes, tutorials following videos, and end-of-chapter tests. These features provide opportunities to evaluate your understanding, helping you learn and remember the material accurately. This approach ensures you’re ready to use what you learn in real-world situations, boosting your confidence and skillset.
Having the chance to try a platform before committing financially is valuable. A free trial of at least seven days allows you to explore the interface, course content, and overall user experience to see if it matches your learning style and goals. This firsthand experience is the best way to determine if an online system suits your needs before making a purchase.
Many top platforms offer various pricing models, including monthly subscriptions or one-time payments for individual courses. This flexibility makes it easier to choose a plan that fits your budget and learning commitments. Additionally, having access to a dedicated mobile app can be beneficial, especially if you prefer learning on the go via iOS or Android devices. This way, you can study anytime and anywhere, fitting education into your busy schedule.
A supportive community can greatly enhance your online learning experience. Forums and discussion groups allow students to exchange ideas, ask questions, and motivate each other. From aspiring entrepreneurs to social media enthusiasts, active online communities foster a sense of belonging and collective growth, helping you stay engaged and encouraged throughout your learning journey.
Finding the right students for your online learning platform is essential for success. Reaching the right audience—those genuinely interested in your content and willing to invest in their education—can significantly impact your growth. Effective strategies to attract students include targeted digital advertising, creating engaging content, and actively participating on social media.
Digital advertising, such as Google Ads or social media campaigns, enables you to reach specific audiences who are already looking for related courses. This targeted approach increases visibility among potential learners and enhances engagement. Producing high-quality content like blog posts, tutorials, or videos also attracts interest, builds trust, and raises awareness about your offerings, encouraging potential students to choose your platform when they’re ready to learn. Engaging actively on social media helps you build relationships with current and prospective learners, showing that you care about their interests and questions, and converting followers into students over time.
Today, numerous online learning platforms exist, but those that truly understand student needs and incorporate features that support effective learning will remain relevant. With global demand for flexible and affordable education rising, platforms that deliver on these aspects will always find a market. The top options include Udemy, renowned for its extensive course selection; Skillshare, popular for creative courses; and EdX, known for institutional-quality education. Have you enrolled in any courses from these platforms? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Further insights on online education can be found on StepThroughThePortal.com. Understanding the pros and cons of online classes helps tailor your learning experience to suit your personal needs. For reviews of specific platforms like Thinkific, Podia, Kajabi, and Teachable, check out the recommended articles. If you’re interested in building a strong community, consider exploring my comprehensive Skool review, which highlights a simple yet powerful platform designed for online communities.
