Updated Nov 14, 2022

7 Best Online Course Platforms (Ranked and Reviewed)

Our Top 3 Best Online Course Platforms Picks

These are our top 3 picks for the best Online Course Platforms for 2022.

Thinkific

Best Features
$99/ month

Skool

Best Community
$99/ month

Why Choosing the Right Online Course Platform is so Important

Choosing the right online course platform for your business may not seem like a big deal at first. You just need a place to host your courses, right? Wrong. Choosing a platform is actually much more important than it may seem. First of all, you want to make sure that the platform offers all the features and tools that you need now and in the future as your business grows. But beyond that, committing to a platform means committing to a long-term relationship. It can be difficult and time-consuming to switch platforms once you've already built up your courses on one. So make sure to do your research and choose wisely – your business will thank you in the long run.

7 Best Online Course Platforms Available

Think you have to be a techie or an expert in education to create and sell online courses? Think again. These 7 are our top picks for the best online course platforms, and they make it easy to get started with your own online learning business. Plus, they’re all affordable—or even free! Check out the best options for getting your course content online.

Whether you're looking to teach a new skill, share your expertise, or build a passive income stream, creating and selling online courses is a great way to do it. But with so many different online course platforms available, which one should you choose? Check out our list of the 7 best options for getting your course content online.

1) Thinkific

online course platforms reviewed - Thinkific is a great choice

When it comes to online course creation, Thinkific is one of the most popular and easy-to-use online course platforms available. With its user-friendly interface, creating and launching a course can be done in a matter of minutes. You have the option to offer your courses for free or at a set price, and you can even add a membership feature for recurring payments. Thinkific also offers integrations with third-party tools such as email marketing services, payment processors, and webinar platforms. Plus, their support team is readily available to assist with any questions or technical issues that may arise. In short, Thinkific is the go-to platform for those looking to share their knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. It's our top pick for best online course platform.

Price: $0 to $499 a month (we recommend the Start level at $99/month)

Ease of Use: Easy

Trial: Yes. Free forever for 1 course.

Thinkific – Solid Option

thinkific logo
Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

SamCart is on the pricey side but still a solid choice for any service-based business.

4.5

2) ThriveCart – Most Affordable

If you're looking for an easy-to-use online course platform, ThriveCart just might be your answer. With a lifetime deal available, unlimited courses, unlimited students, built-in landing pages, and other marketing tools, it's a great option for those on a budget. Plus, the platform has enhanced sales and marketing features like one-click upsells and integrations with major payment processors, which means they don't take a cut of your course profit like some of the others.

It also includes built-in affiliates so you can easily recruit and manage others to help promote and sell your products. While there are certainly other options out there, as an all-in-one platform, ThriveCart offers a solid value that is worth checking out. Give it a try and see if it's the right fit for your online business needs.

Price: $690 for ThriveCart lifetime (upgrade to Learn+ lifetime is $195)

Ease of Use: Easy

Trial: No. 100% money-back guarantee in 30 days.

ThriveCart – Most Affordable

Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

ThriveCart is not only my top pick because of how easy it is to use, and how well it handles course creation, but it's also the least expensive on the list.

5

3) Skool

If you're looking for an online course platform with a built-in community that's better than your average Facebook group, look no further than Skool by Sam Ovens. The best feature? It's all about action and accountability. Your students can't just lurk and scroll through discussions – they have to actually complete tasks and show proof of their progress.

Plus, you can fill your community with high-achieving go-getter students who are ready to inspire and push each other to reach their goals. So ditch the procrastination-inducing Facebook groups and let Skool become the new hub of your online courses – trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Price: $97/month

Ease of Use: Super easy.

Trial: Yes. 14 Days.

Skool – Best Built-in Community Feature

best online course platform skool logo
Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

Skool is our top pick for the best all-in-one solution.

4.3

4) Kajabi

If you've been in online business circles for more than a minute, you've heard of Kajabi. It's pretty popular in the online business world. It's an all-in-one platform that allows you to create and sell online courses, host webinars, build websites, and send email marketing campaigns. Not only does it streamline your processes and make things easier for you, but it also has killer design templates and a customer support team that goes above and beyond. If you're looking to expand your online presence and start selling online courses, Kajabi is definitely worth checking out. Plus, they offer a 28-day free trial so you can test it out before committing. Give it a try – I know you won't be disappointed.

Price: $79 to $269 per year

Ease of Use: There is a bit of a learning curve because there are so many features.

Trial: No

Kajabi – Best All-in-One

best online course platform kajabi
Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

Kajabi is a good pick if you're just getting started and want to run your entire business from one place.

3.8

5) Teachable

Looking for a user-friendly platform to start offering online courses? Look no further than Teachable. Whether you want to start a business or just share your skills with the world, Teachable makes it easy to create and manage your course content.

The platform offers great customization options, allowing you to brand your course and make it unique to your audience. Plus, their customer service team is always available to help with any problems or technical difficulties. One of my favorite features is the ability to offer free trials or discounts for promotions – it's a great way to attract new students and build excitement about your offerings. Overall, Teachable is a great option for beginners looking to get started in the world of online courses.

Price: $99 to $499 per month

Ease of Use: Easy

Trial: Yes. $1 for a 14 day trial

Teachable – Most Simple

best online learning platform - teachable
Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

Teachable is our top pick for the most simple online course solution.

4.2

6) LearnDash for WordPress

Are you looking for a feature-rich learning management system for your WordPress website? Look no further than LearnDash.

This platform makes it easy to create dynamic courses with multimedia materials, track student progress, and facilitate discussion forums. It also integrates seamlessly with popular membership plugins, making it a breeze to manage your online community and charge for access to premium content.

With a variety of add-ons and customization options available, LearnDash has everything you need to deliver a successful online learning experience. If you want to host your course in WordPress, don't waste any more time searching for the perfect learning management system – the answer is right here with LearnDash for WordPress.

Price: $147 to 297 per month

Ease of Use: Easy

Integrations: While they do have the standard Stripe and PayPal integrations, they do lack some of the most common merchant processors like 1ShoppingCart and Authorize.net

Trial: Yes. 14 days free

LearnDash – Best for WordPress

learndash best online course platform for WordPress
Cost
Ease of Use
Integrations

Summary

LearnDash is hands down the best learning management system for WordPress.

3.8

7) Ontraport

Are you looking for an all-in-one marketing platform to host your online courses? Look no further than Ontraport. With ultra-customizable options (almost too customizable), you can easily create the exact unique experience you want for your students. No cookie cutter course websites here.

Ontraport also includes advanced automation, sales, and marketing features you need to help make your next course launch a success.

But don't let the countless features intimidate you – Ontraport offers top-notch support to ensure smooth sailing during setup and beyond. Whether it's selling courses or managing enrollment, their complex yet user-friendly system has got you covered. So why not give Ontraport a try for your next online course? Your students (and wallet) will thank you.

Price: Starts at $147 per month for the Pro level (which you need to build courses)

Ease of Use: Has a lot of bells and whistles, and a steeper learning curve than some of the others on our list

Ontraport – Best for Creating a Unique Experience

Cost
Ease of Use
Features

Summary

Ontraport is a complex all-in-one software with a learning curve. But master it and you'll be glad you did.

4

How to choose online course platforms for your business

Choosing the right online course platform for your business can be a crucial decision, as it can have a major impact on your conversions and overall success. One factor to consider is cost – ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and that any fees or subscriptions fit within your budget.

Ease of use is also important – make sure that the software is intuitive and user-friendly for both you and your online store customers.

Additionally, look at the Online Course Platform's track record in terms of how other course creators view them. See if other businesses have had success with it, and consider trying it out on a smaller scale before fully committing.

By taking cost, ease of use, and features into account, you can make an informed decision about the best online course platform for your business.

The Benefits of Using Online Course Platforms

As a small business owner, every decision you make has the potential to impact your bottom line. That's why it's important to stay on top of the latest innovations in technology, particularly when it comes to improving the customer experience during the checkout process. Shopping carts do just that.

Choosing the right Online Course Platform can be a huge benefit to your business. Not only does it streamline the transaction process of your online store, minimizing any potential errors, but it also creates a much better experience for your clients and customers.

This not only encourages repeat buyers but can also lead to increased sales and more revenue for your small business. In today's competitive market, providing a smooth and efficient checkout experience is more important than ever – investing in Online Course Platform is a smart decision that will benefit both your customers and your bottom line.

The Wrap Up

So, there you have it – six of the best online course platforms for you to consider. Each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important that you do your research before making a decision. Hopefully this article has given you a good starting point for your evaluation process.

If you're already processing payments online and are interested in testing a new Online Course Platform, I highly recommend checking out ThriveCart. I recently purchased the lifetime membership myself and I really like how simple it is to create new courses and bundles.

Have I missed any other major players in the online course platform? Let me know in the comments. Which platform are you leaning towards?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online course platform?

An online course platform is a digital system that enables educators to create, deliver, and manage online courses. It usually provides a course management system (CMS), chat functionality, video conferencing, and other tools for creating and managing course content.

What is the easiest online course platform?

Thrivecart is the easiest online course platform because it is rather simple in terms of features, it's easy to use, and it's affordable.

What is the cheapest online course platform?

Thrivecart is the cheapest online course platform on our list and is the only one that comes with a lifetime membership that is cheaper than a year with the other.

It depends on what features you need, but our favorites are Thinkific or ThriveCart.

Which online course platform is best?

Both platforms have their pros and cons, but we think that they're both the best options out there for online course creators. With Thinkific, you get a lot of powerful tools for creating and selling your courses, while ThriveCart is great for building custom sales funnels and automating your sales process. Choose the one that fits your needs best!

There is a lot of debate on what makes the best Online Course Platform. However, there are a few key factors that are generally agreed upon.

The first is the ease of use. The software should be easy to set up and use, without having to become a computer programmer.

The second factor features. Your online course platform should be able to grow with your business, offering features all the features you need both now and in the future.

The third factor is price. Obviously, you want to get the best value for your money. But beware of free or very cheap online course platforms – they may not offer the features and support you need as your business grows. It may also lack the financial backing it needs for the owners to continue updating it.

What is the best platform for an online live course?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as there are different ways to deliver a live course. But in our opinion, based on their robust communities feature, Skool by Sam Ovens is the best platform for an online live course. Skool offers a unique learning experience that is both engaging and effective.

How to Choose the Best Online Course Platform?

When choosing an online course platform, it's important to consider the features that are important to you. For example, if you need a platform that offers mobile access, then you'll want to make sure the platform you choose has a mobile app. Alternatively, if you need to create a large library of courses, then you'll want to make sure the platform allows you to create unlimited courses.

How Much Does Online Online Course Platform Cost?

The cost of an online Online Course Platform can vary depending on the features and functionality you need. As it is a software-as-a-service (SaaS), basic shopping cart solutions may cost as little as $97 per month, while more feature-rich options could cost upwards of $500 per month for enterprise level. When selecting your software, consider your personal course needs carefully to ensure you're getting a good value. The free version is rarely a good idea when it comes to SaaS solutions as it may not come with the same technical support as one with a monthly fee.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Need Help Automating Your Business?
Book Your FREE 6-Figure Breakthrough Call Today --->

Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
WhatsApp