Summary
You may have seen lots of content on how to successfully launch a course and generate revenue. Much of this content is “sponsored” by platforms that sell the ability to do this. One of the most important decisions when you choose to follow this path is to choose where you will publish your learning content. You can choose from literally hundreds of tools on multiple different systems, this is why we believe you’ll find this post from Jonathan very informative. Here, Jonathan covers both SAAS and WordPress systems, but also the top-performing tools to use to reach your goals.
Guide for 2025: Top Online Course Platforms to Launch Your First Course
Online courses have become a popular way to learn new skills and share knowledge. In 2025, many platforms offer tools to create and sell courses. These platforms make it easy for anyone to start teaching online.
Choosing the right platform is key to success in online course creation. Each platform has different features and pricing. Some focus on ease of use, while others offer more advanced tools. It’s essential to pick a platform that fits your needs and goals.
The online course market is growing fast. More people are looking to learn online, and more experts are sharing their skills. This creates opportunities for both students and teachers. With the right platform, anyone can make a course and reach students worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Online course platforms offer tools for creating and selling courses
- Picking the right platform depends on individual needs and goals
- The growing market creates opportunities for both learners and teachers
The Main Differences Between Online Course Platforms
Online course platforms vary in features, pricing, and ease of use. Two main types are WordPress LMS plugins and SaaS platforms.
WordPress LMS Plugins
WordPress LMS plugins add learning management features to WordPress sites. They offer flexibility and control over course design and pricing. Popular options include LearnDash and LifterLMS.
These plugins work with existing WordPress themes and plugins. This allows for custom branding and added functionality. Users can host courses on their domains.
WordPress LMS plugins often have one-time fees rather than monthly subscriptions. This can save money for established course creators. But they require more technical skills to set up and maintain.
SaaS (Software As A Service)
SaaS platforms provide all-in-one solutions for creating and selling online courses. They handle hosting, payment processing, and student management. Examples include Teachable, Thinkific, and Kajabi.
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With drag-and-drop course builders and pre-designed templates, these platforms are easier to use. They often include marketing tools and analytics dashboards.
SaaS platforms charge monthly or annual fees based on features and number of students. This can be costly for new creators but scales well for growing businesses. They offer less customization than WordPress plugins but require less technical knowledge.
Which Online Course Platform to Choose in 2025
Picking the right online course platform can make or break your teaching success. Each option has unique features to fit different needs. Let’s look at some top choices for 2025.
LifterLMS
LifterLMS works well for WordPress users. It lets you make and sell courses right on your site. You can add quizzes, badges, and certificates to your lessons.
The platform offers many add-ons. These help you customize your courses. You can also link it with other tools you use.
LifterLMS has a free core plugin. Paid plans give you more features. It’s suitable for people who want control over their site.
Prices Core Free | Earth Bundle $299 | Universe Bundle $499 | Infinity Bundle $1,499 per year
Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform. It handles courses, websites, email, and sales. This makes it easy to run your whole business in one place.
The tool offers nice-looking themes. You can use these to make your site look good fast. It also has strong marketing features.
Kajabi costs more than some other options. But it may save you money on other tools. It’s great for people who want everything in one spot.
Prices Kickstarter $69 | Basic $149 | Growth $199 | Pro $399 per month
LearnDash
LearnDash is another WordPress plugin. It’s known for its strong quiz features. You can ask many types of questions and give detailed feedback.
The platform lets you drip content over time. This can keep students coming back. You can also add forums to your courses.
LearnDash works well with other WordPress plugins. This lets you add more features to your site. It’s good for people who want a lot of quiz options.
Prices $199 per year
Teachable
Teachable is easy to use. You don’t need tech skills to take courses here. It handles payments and taxes for you.
The platform lets you make lovely sales pages. These can help you sell more courses. You can also offer coupons and bundle deals.
Teachable has a free plan to start. Paid plans give you more features. It’s excellent for beginners who want a simple way to sell courses.
Prices Free* | Basic $59 | Pro $159 | Pro + $249
* $1 + 10% transaction fee
BuddyBoss
BuddyBoss turns WordPress into a social learning site. It adds forums, groups, and member profiles to your courses.
The platform works with many learning plugins. This lets you pick the course tools you like best. It also has a mobile app option.
BuddyBoss is suitable for building a learning community. It costs more than some choices. But it offers unique social features.
Prices $399 per year
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks focuses on community. It lets you take courses, groups, and events in one place. Members can connect easily.
The platform has a mobile app. This lets learners join from anywhere. You can charge for access to or just parts of your whole network.
Mighty Networks is good for building engaged communities. It may not have as many course features as some options. But it’s great for social learning.
Prices The Courses Plan $119 | The Business Plan $219 | The Path-to-Pro Plan $360 per month
Tutor LMS
Tutor LMS is a WordPress plugin with a clean design. It’s easy to use and offers many features for free. You can take quizzes, assign homework, and give certificates.
The platform lets you add multiple teachers to your site. This is good if you want to run a school. It also works well with page builders like Elementor.
Tutor LMS has both free and paid versions. The free version offers a lot. It’s suitable for people who want a simple, low-cost option.
Prices Free | Individual $199 | Business $399 | Agency $799 per year
Podia
Podia lets you sell courses, downloads, and memberships. It’s known for being very user-friendly. You can set up your first product quickly.
The platform handles your sales pages and checkout. This saves you time. It also lets you offer payment plans and bundles.
Podia has no transaction fees on its paid plans. This can save you money as you grow. It’s suitable for people who want to sell different types of products.
Prices Mover $39* | Shaker $89
* 5% transaction fees
LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds offers strong tools for making courses. You can add quizzes, ebooks, and even your app. It also has good options for schools and training companies.
The platform lets you white-label your school. This means you can use your brand on everything. It also offers detailed reports on student progress.
LearnWorlds has a free trial to test it out. It’s a bit pricier than some options. But it’s suitable for people who want advanced course creation tools.
Prices $29* | Pro Trainer $99 | Learning Center $299 | Learning Center + Mobil App $598 per month
* $5 per course sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best online course platform for 2025?
A: The best online course platform for 2025 depends on your specific needs, but popular options include Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific, each offering unique features and capabilities for online learning.
Q: What types of online course platforms are available?
A: There are several online course platforms, including course marketplaces like Udemy, learning management systems (LMS) for schools, and course creation tools for individual instructors looking to build and sell their courses.
Q: How can I sell my course online?
A: To sell your course online, you can use platforms like Udemy or Teachable, which allow you to create and market your course. Alternatively, you can create your own online school using a self-hosted LMS.
Q: What is an online course builder?
A: An online course builder is a tool that allows you to create an online course with ease. It typically includes features for organizing course content, adding multimedia elements, and managing student enrollment.
Q: How do I choose the best online course platform for my needs?
A: To choose the best online course platform, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, support, features, and whether the platform allows you to create your course content and sell it effectively.
Q: What are the best online learning platforms for beginners?
A: Some of the best online learning platforms for beginners include Udemy and Coursera, as they offer a wide range of courses and user-friendly interfaces that simplify the online learning experience.
Q: What is the difference between a course marketplace and a learning management system?
A: A course marketplace, like Udemy, allows instructors to sell courses to a broad audience, while educational institutions typically use a learning management system (LMS) to manage course delivery and student progress.
Q: Can I create an online course for free?
A: Many platforms allow you to create an online course for free, though they may charge fees when you sell your course. Platforms like Teachable offer free plans with limited features to get started.
Q: What is a course creation platform?
A: A course creation platform is a tool that provides the necessary features and functionalities to create, manage, and sell online courses. These platforms often include templates, multimedia integration, and student management tools.
Q: How do I create a course on Udemy?
A: To create a course on Udemy, sign up for an instructor account, use their course creation tools to build your course content, upload your videos and materials, and then publish your course for students to enroll.
Final Thoughts
Online course platforms have changed education. They let anyone teach or learn from anywhere. Many options exist for creators and students. Some platforms focus on specific subjects. Others offer a wide range of topics.
Pricing and features vary between platforms. Course quality can differ. It’s essential to research before choosing a platform. Read reviews and try free courses when possible.
Technology keeps improving these platforms. New tools make creating and taking courses easier, with Video, quizzes, and discussion boards are standard features.
The online education market is growing fast. More people are turning to online learning for skills and knowledge. This trend will likely continue in 2025 and beyond.
Creators should pick a platform that fits their needs and goals. Students should find courses that match their learning style. With so many choices, there’s something for everyone in online education.
