Looking for the best online course platform to power your eLearning business in 2024? Look no further as we have compiled a comprehensive comparison of the top 16 online course platforms available. We have scoured the market to find the very best online platforms that can help you build, market, and sell online courses. In this in-depth comparison post, we have tried out each platform ourselves to provide you with all the key information you need to make an informed decision.
Below, you will find detailed information about our top picks, including their key features, pros and cons, and pricing systems. To make it easier to sort through your options, we have split this post into two sections:
In the first section, we will look at the best online course platforms that enable you to create and sell online courses through a website that you own. These platforms give you more control over your online business compared to selling on a course marketplace. You can keep 100% of your profits, with some platforms charging additional transaction fees.
In the second section, we will focus on online learning platforms. These are marketplaces where you can list your course alongside courses from other sellers, tapping into a larger audience. While you may not have as much control over your business on these platforms, they offer access to a wider customer base.
Stick around until the end of the article, and we will also provide you with tips on what to look for in a course platform, how to promote your online course, how to price your course, and more.
**Thinkific**
Thinkific is our top pick for the best online course platform overall in 2024. It is extremely popular and boasts a significant feature set. Thinkific is 100% focused on online courses, making it a go-to choice for most course creators. It offers cutting-edge features such as live lessons and community-building tools. Creating a course on Thinkific is straightforward, with pre-made templates for various course types. The platform also includes a Communities feature, allowing you to offer exclusive members-only content to complement your online course.
In addition to course creation and community-building features, Thinkific includes essential e-commerce tools such as a website builder, marketing tools, integrated payment processor, bookkeeping tools, student management, and analytics. The platform also offers an App Store for integrating third-party apps to enhance functionality. Thinkific provides excellent support through online, phone, and extensive knowledge base.
**LearnWorlds**
LearnWorlds is a powerful course platform with a focus on learning tools. It includes unique features like the ability to create a branded mobile app for your school and supports SCORM courses. The platform offers course creation tools, marketing tools, analytics, and customizable templates. LearnWorlds stands out for its interactive video player, allowing you to add hotspots, quizzes, links, overlay images, and more to videos for enhanced student engagement. Other features include custom user roles, hosted video content, in-depth analytics, customizable course player, note-taking features, assessments, and marketing tools.
**Payhip**
Payhip is an all-in-one platform that allows you to sell various products, including online courses. It offers strong course creation features and excellent value for money. Payhip has one of the best free plans with no transaction fees, making it an attractive option for beginners. The platform supports drip courses, course player with commenting system, course progress tracking, course certificates, flexible payment options, VAT and tax handling, marketing tools, and more. Payhip is user-friendly and offers easy course migration.
These are just a few of the top online course platforms available in 2024. Each platform offers unique features and benefits, so be sure to explore them further to find the best fit for your eLearning business. Remember to consider factors like supported media files, engagement features, student interaction, delivery options, marketing tools, pricing, integrations, and more when making your decision. With the right platform, you can create and sell successful online courses, reaching a wider audience and generating revenue.