The e-learning industry is booming, and if you’ve got valuable knowledge to share, there’s never been a better time to monetize it. But with so many platforms available, choosing the right one to sell your online course can be overwhelming. The good news? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below, we explore the 10 best platforms to sell online courses, each offering unique features tailored to different needs. Let’s find out which one fits your course-selling ambitions best!
1. LearnDash
The Best for WordPress Users If you already have a WordPress website, LearnDash offers unparalleled flexibility. As a powerful LMS (Learning Management System) plugin, LearnDash lets you design structured courses, implement drip content, and use advanced quiz functionalities. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want full control over branding and course design.
Features:
- Full control over branding and pricing
- Drip content scheduling
- Advanced quizzes and assignments
- Multiple instructor roles
- WooCommerce and membership integration
- Course bundles and dynamic content display
2. Teachable
Best for Solopreneurs & Educators Teachable is a powerhouse when it comes to user-friendly course creation. With its intuitive drag-and-drop builder, you can create engaging courses without any technical skills. The platform also offers robust analytics, payment processing, and marketing tools. Plus, it allows unlimited students even on lower-tier plans, making it a fantastic choice for educators aiming for scalability. If you want a simple yet effective solution, Teachable is a go-to option.
Features:
- Unlimited courses and students
- Built-in payment processing (Stripe and PayPal)
- Drip content and course completion certificates
- Affiliate marketing tools
- Integrated email marketing and sales tracking
- Seamless integrations with Zapier, MailChimp, and ConvertKit
3. Thinkific
The Best All-in-One Platform Thinkific takes customization to the next level. You can design your website, structure your courses, and create a seamless student experience with full control over branding. Unlike some competitors, Thinkific doesn’t charge transaction fees on paid plans, which is a huge plus for course creators wanting to maximize profits. The platform is ideal for those who want a professional-looking course hub without the hassle of coding.
Features:
- Fully customizable course websites
- No transaction fees on paid plans
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Live lessons, quizzes, and assignments
- Membership and subscription models
- Integrations with Zapier, Zoom, and email marketing tools
4. Kajabi
A Business Empire in One Platform Kajabi isn’t just about selling online courses; it’s about building an entire business. It combines course creation, email marketing, funnels, and memberships into one seamless platform. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to automate and scale, Kajabi’s advanced features like automation triggers and built-in CRM can skyrocket your revenue. It’s more expensive than some alternatives, but the return on investment can be phenomenal.
Features:
- Website builder with customizable themes
- Marketing automation and sales funnels
- Built-in CRM and email marketing
- Podcast hosting and community building
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- Integrated payment processing
Also Read: Comparing Kajabi, Teachable, and WordPress
5. Udemy
A Marketplace with Built-in Traffic If marketing isn’t your strength, Udemy can be a great option. This massive online marketplace attracts millions of learners worldwide, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding students. However, Udemy’s pricing structure can be restrictive since they often run steep discounts on courses. If you’re looking to build brand recognition and attract a large audience quickly, this platform is a smart choice.
Features:
- Massive global student base
- Built-in promotional tools and discount campaigns
- Course certification issuing
- User-friendly course creation tools
- Revenue-sharing model
- Lifetime access for students
6. Podia
Best for Community-Driven Course Selling Podia is perfect if you want to integrate courses, memberships, and digital products all in one place. It provides an engaging storefront and built-in messaging features to create a community-driven learning experience. Unlike some platforms, Podia doesn’t take commissions, so you keep every dollar you earn. If you enjoy direct interaction with students and want an all-in-one creator-friendly platform, Podia is a fantastic pick.
Features:
- Unlimited courses and students
- No transaction fees
- Built-in live chat and community features
- Webinar hosting and pre-launch selling
- Digital downloads and memberships
- Affiliate marketing tools
7. Skillshare
Ideal for Creative Instructors If your expertise lies in creative fields like design, photography, or writing, Skillshare can be a goldmine. This subscription-based platform pays instructors based on watch time, so the more engaging your course, the higher your earnings. While you won’t have complete control over pricing, Skillshare offers great exposure and a ready-made audience for niche creators.
Features:
- Subscription-based revenue model
- A large community of creative learners
- High-quality production support
- Structured class projects for engagement
- Built-in student community
- Limited control over pricing and branding
8. LearnWorlds
Best for Interactive Learning For those looking to offer an immersive learning experience, LearnWorlds is a top contender. It enables video-based courses with interactive features like quizzes, certificates, and gamification elements. You can even create a mobile app for your school. If your focus is on student engagement and providing an enriched learning journey, LearnWorlds is worth considering.
Features:
- Interactive video-based learning
- Customizable course platform
- Drip-feed content and flexible monetization options
- Mobile app support
- Built-in assessments and certifications
- White-label branding for full customization
9. Ruzuku
The Simplest Course Creator Ruzuku is built for non-tech-savvy educators who want to launch their courses quickly. The platform’s guided setup makes it a breeze to upload content, organize lessons, and interact with students. While it doesn’t have the advanced automation of Kajabi, it’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use over complex features.
Features:
- One-click payment integration
- Unlimited video hosting
- Course discussion forums
- No transaction fees
- Easy-to-use course builder
- Automated email notifications for student engagement
10. Mighty Networks
For a Community-First Approach Mighty Networks is a game-changer if you want to build a thriving learning community alongside your courses. Unlike traditional platforms, it integrates social networking elements, allowing students to interact and network within the platform itself. This is great for creating an engaged audience and boosting long-term retention.
Features:
- Social networking and community engagement
- Course bundling and memberships
- Live streaming and event hosting
- Mobile app for student interaction
- Custom branding and monetization options
- Subscription-based revenue models
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Now that we’ve explored the best platforms to sell online courses, the choice depends on your specific needs. If you want an easy setup with built-in marketing, Teachable or Thinkific are excellent. For full-scale automation, Kajabi is unbeatable. If audience reach is your priority, Udemy or Skillshare can provide instant visibility. Meanwhile, platforms like LearnDash and Mighty Networks give you control over branding and community-building.
At the end of the day, the best platform is the one that aligns with your business model and teaching style. Which one speaks to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s get the discussion going!
Interesting Reads:
Teachable vs Kajabi vs LearnDash LMS Comparison
LearnDash vs. Skillshare vs. Teachable: Which LMS to choose?
