1. What is an online course?
Online learning has become a standard way for organizations, educators, and trainers to share knowledge. Today, online courses make learning accessible, flexible, and engaging for learners everywhere. Whether you’re onboarding new employees, educating clients, or offering professional development, online courses make learning more flexible, scalable, and accessible.
Last updated: Apr 2026
It is no secret that online courses are more popular than ever. The latest data shows the eLearning market will grow to $325 billion in 2026! Publishing your own course is a big opportunity with so many people eager to learn.
2. What is the Purpose of online courses?
Alison was founded in 2007 with the mission of improving equality and access to education and skills training. We believe that, through education, everyone has the power to change their lives—and ultimately the world—for the better.
Over the past 13 years, 17 million learners have taken our free online courses for a variety of reasons. Some want to jump-start a new career or upskill in their current job. Others are seeking supplemental academic training. And still others simply wish to learn valuable skills to enhance their daily life.
Whatever your goal, Alison’s online courses offer the freedom to learn and the tools to succeed
3. The Best Online Course Platforms: This Guide
These are the best platforms where you create and host your online courses:
Learnworlds – Create most engaging, professional online courses (free trial – $29/month)
Thinkific – Best overall online course platform (free or $74/month)
Teachable – Best platform for starters (free trial or $29/month)
FreshLearn – Best affordable online course platform (free or $49/month)
4. The Best All-in-One Course Platforms
These are the best tools to build your course, website, and marketing all from one platform:
Learnworlds – Create most engaging, professional online courses (free trial or $29 / month)
Thinkific – Best overall online course platform (free trial or $74 / month)
Kajabi – A complete, high-end online course platform with community ($119 / month)
Academy of Mine – High-end enterprise eLearning environment ($599 / month)
5. The Best WordPress LMS Plugins
Install and host your online courses on your own WordPress site:
LearnDash – Best overall WordPress LMS Plugin ($189)
LifterLMS – Modern WordPress LMS Plugin ($360 / year)
Masterstudy – WordPress LMS Theme with Plugins included (starts at $55 )
6. The Best Online Learning Marketplaces
Learning platforms to take courses, where you could also sell your course.
Udemy – Best for general knowledge learning and trainers
Skillshare – Best for creative courses and teaching
Coursera—Best for Academic courses
Code Academy – Best for programming
7. How to quickly launch your first course + tips
Selecting the best online course platform the quick way (and how I was dumb to “waste” 50+ hrs in research)
One thing you need to know upfront. Most e-learning tools aren’t made for selling your online course or marketing your business.
Nope, most online course software is made for corporate and internal training. An LMS (Learning Management System) like that is extremely customizable and can cost a fortune.
But if you are looking to sell or market your online course, it’s a lot easier. There are only 4 different types of online course software.
I was dumb, worked through all of the platforms, and listed all of their features. I got overwhelmed twice along the way. Don’t repeat my mistake, please.
Looking in the right category makes it super easy to pin down the best online course platform. So I divided this article up into the types:
If you want to… You’ll need an…
* Create and host your online course. Online Course platform
* Have your course, website, and course marketing together in one platform. All-in-One Course Platform
* Host your courses on your own WordPress site. (only for those technical enough to do it.) WordPress LMS Plugin
* Put your course on their site, so they try to sell your course for you. (also called online learning platforms). Course Selling Marketplace
You know, after hours and hours of researching, there are only a few top course platforms. Provided you first pick the right flavor. Know the type you want, and you are down to one or two good choices.
All of the listed online course platforms are good choices. That’s also what the online course reviews by new and longtime users tell. And with creating courses, don’t waste too much time on the platform selection: just get started. Getting started is the hard part.
Based on your preferences, any of these can be your ideal tool. Also, if a company has an affiliate program, we will usually join. It is no cost to you, and we can see how much new business we drive to them and get you some discounts because of that.
I have personally tried and vetted most of the online course software listed here, but STARTED WITH ZERO EXPERIENCE on online course tools, just like you. And we are building online courses on all of them now, to give the insider scoop.
Time to review which online course creation tools there are!
What is an online course platform? And how will it help me be successful?
best online course platforms review comparison
An online course platform is a tool that helps you build your online course, host it, and market it to your customers.
A virtual course can be much like an offline course in a lot of ways:
Students are enthusiastic about a new course they heard about and enroll
The teacher gives an inspiring class through video, slides, presentations, text, and downloadable course material.
The students follow the course through the learning management systems (LMS) software. They can take notes, watch videos, complete exercises, and test their knowledge in exams and assessments.
An online course platform gives you a clean framework for these steps, so you don’t have to worry about the technical side of it. And can focus on the content of your courses.
An online course platform gives students access to digital classes. The best online course platforms offer everything you need to create, market, and sell a successful online course.
You’d be surprised at how much functionality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an online course platform?
An online course platform is a tool that allows you to create, host, and sell digital courses with videos, quizzes, and learning materials.
2. Which is the best online course platform in 2026?
The best platform depends on your needs, but popular choices include LearnWorlds, Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi for all-in-one solutions.
3. Are online course platforms free?
Yes, some platforms offer free plans (like Thinkific and Teachable), but advanced features usually require paid subscriptions.
4. Can I sell my courses online without technical skills?
Yes, most modern platforms are beginner-friendly and don’t require coding or technical knowledge to create and sell courses.
5. What features should I look for in a course platform?
Look for features like:
- Video hosting
- Course builder
- Payment integration
- Marketing tools
- Analytics & reporting