Looking to create and sell online courses? You're in luck! In today's digital landscape, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become essential tools for course creators and educators. These platforms provide a seamless experience for designing, managing, and selling online courses to eager learners worldwide.
Whether you're an individual instructor, a business, a coach, an affiliate marketer or an educational institution, finding the right LMS is crucial for your success in the online education market. In this article, we'll explore 20 top-notch course platforms that can empower you to create, market, and sell your online courses effectively.
1. Thinkific
Features:
- Easy course creation with drag-and-drop interface
- Customizable course website and branding
- Drip content and scheduled lessons
- Multiple multimedia support (videos, quizzes, surveys, etc.)
- Built-in student engagement and community features
- Marketing and sales tools, including upsells and promotions
Pricing:
- Free plan available (limited features)
- Paid plans starting at $39/month
- Advanced plans with additional features available
Pros:
- User-friendly course creation interface
- Robust marketing and sales tools
- Extensive customization options
- Integrated student engagement features
- Reliable customer support
- Related: See Thinkific Review
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
2. Teachable
Features:
- Intuitive course builder with customizable templates
- Multimedia support and content hosting
- Quizzes, discussions, and assignments
- Integrated payment processing and sales tools
- Student analytics and progress tracking
- Affiliate marketing program
Pricing:
- Basic plan starting at $29/month + transaction fees
- Professional plan starting at $99/month (no transaction fees)
- Business plan with advanced features available
Pros:
- Easy-to-use course creation tools
- Built-in sales and marketing features
- Reliable payment processing
- Robust analytics and reporting
- Affiliate marketing program for additional revenue
Cons:
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans
- Limited customization options for course websites
3. Kajabi
Features:
- All-in-one platform for course creation, marketing, and sales
- Customizable course websites and landing pages
- Interactive course content (videos, quizzes, assessments)
- Email marketing and automation tools
- Membership site creation
- Affiliate program management
Pricing:
- Basic plan starting at $149/month
- Growth plan starting at $199/month
- Pro plan with advanced features available
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of tools for course creation and marketing
- Beautifully designed course websites and landing pages
- Email marketing and automation capabilities
- Robust membership site features
- Dedicated customer support
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to other platforms
- Learning curve for beginners
4. Udemy
Features:
- Large marketplace for course distribution
- Video-based course content
- Robust course discovery and student base
- Built-in promotional tools and discounts
- Option to price courses individually or participate in Udemy deals
Pricing:
- Udemy revenue share model (50% revenue share on organic sales, 25% on instructor-driven sales)
- Pricing of courses set by the instructor
Pros:
- Extensive reach and visibility through the Udemy marketplace
- Established student base
- Built-in promotional tools and discounts
- Flexible pricing options
Cons:
- Limited control over pricing and revenue share
- Highly competitive marketplace
- Less focus on personalized branding
5. Podia
Learning Management System Features:
- Course creation with multimedia support
- Customizable storefront for selling courses, digital downloads, and memberships
- Drip content and pre-launch courses
- Email marketing and automation tools
- Built-in affiliate program
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- Mover plan starting at $39/month
- Shaker plan starting at $79/month
- No transaction fees on any plan
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for course creation and sales
- All-in-one platform for courses, memberships, and digital products
- Powerful email marketing and automation features
- No transaction fees
- Dedicated customer support
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Advanced customization options may be limited
6. LearnWorlds
Features:
- Interactive course creation with multimedia elements
- Gamification and interactive video features
- Community and social learning tools
- Course assessments and certifications
- White-labeling and branding options
- Integrated sales and marketing tools
Pricing:
- Starter plan starting at $24/month
- Pro trainer plan starting at $79/month
- Learning center plan with advanced features available
Pros:
- Engaging and interactive course creation tools
- Gamification and social learning features
- Advanced branding and white-labeling options
- Integrated sales and marketing tools
- Excellent customer support
- Related: See LearnWorlds Review
Cons:
- Higher pricing for advanced plans
- Some features may require technical expertise
7. Ruzuku
Features:
- Simple course creation and management
- Multimedia support for videos, audios, and PDFs
- Live webinars and Q&A sessions
- Discussion forums and student engagement tools
- Integrated payment processing
- Customizable course branding
Pricing:
- Bootstrapper plan starting at $74/month
- Up-and-Comer plan starting at $125/month
- University plan with advanced features available
Pros:
- Easy-to-use course creation and management
- Reliable payment processing
- Live webinar and interaction capabilities
- Engaging discussion forums
- Good customer support
- Related: See Ruzuku Review
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Limited marketing and automation features
8. LearnDash
LMS Features:
- Course creation and management within WordPress
- Multimedia support and drip content
- Quizzes, assignments, and certificates
- Gamification and course points system
- Integration with popular WordPress plugins
- Developer-friendly with extensive customization options
Pricing:
- Basic plan starting at $199/year for one site
- Plus plan starting at $229/year for up to 10 sites
- Pro plan with additional features available
Pros:
- Seamless integration within WordPress ecosystem
- Flexible course creation and management
- Gamification and points system for engagement
- Extensive customization options
- Strong community and developer support
Cons:
- Requires WordPress installation and setup
- Limited built-in marketing and sales features
9. Learnyst
Features:
- Course creation with multimedia support
- Customizable course website and branding
- Assessments and quizzes
- Student progress tracking and analytics
- Integrated payment gateways
- Mobile learning support
Pricing of This LMS
- Basic plan starting at $15/month
- Business plan starting at $49/month
- Advanced plans with additional features available
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans
- Easy-to-use course creation interface
- Robust assessment and analytics features
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Integrated payment gateways
Cons:
- Limited customization options for course websites
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans
10. Academy of Mine
Features:
- Fully customizable course creation and branding
- Multimedia support with interactive elements
- Assessments, quizzes, and assignments
- Certifications and badges
- Built-in e-commerce and marketing tools
- API integrations for advanced functionality
Pricing:
- Custom pricing based on specific requirements
- Offers tailored enterprise solutions
Pros:
- Extensive customization options for course creation
- Powerful e-commerce and marketing tools
- API integrations for seamless workflow
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Dedicated customer support
Cons:
- Higher pricing for customized enterprise solutions
- Learning curve for beginners
11. WizIQ
Features:
- Virtual classroom for live teaching sessions
- Course creation with multimedia support
- Assessments, quizzes, and assignments
- Content library and shared resources
- Mobile learning and app support
- Integrated e-commerce and payment processing
Pricing:
- Custom pricing based on specific requirements
- Offers tailored enterprise solutions
Pros:
- Virtual classroom for live teaching sessions
- Easy course creation and multimedia support
- Integrated e-commerce and payment processing
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
- Pricing details not publicly available
- Customization options may be limited
12. Skillshare
LMS Features:
- Large online learning community
- Video-based course content
- Focus on creative and practical skills
- User-generated course content
- Subscription-based model for students
- Royalty-based revenue for instructors
Pricing:
- Free plan for limited access
- Premium plan for unlimited access at $15/month or $99/year
- Revenue share model for instructors
Pros:
- Wide student base and course marketplace
- Focus on creative and practical skills
- Passive income potential through royalty-based revenue
- Flexible pricing options for instructors
Cons:
- Limited control over pricing and revenue share
- Less emphasis on personalized branding
13. Coursera LMS
Features:
- Vast library of online courses from top universities and institutions
- Video lectures and interactive course content
- Assessments, quizzes, and assignments
- Verified certificates and specialization programs
- Peer-graded assignments and discussion forums
- Flexible learning options (self-paced or instructor-led)
Pricing:
- Free courses available
- Subscription-based Coursera Plus at $59/month or $499/year
- Specialization and professional certificate programs have individual pricing
Pros:
- Extensive catalog of courses from renowned institutions
- Flexible learning options
- Verified certificates for completion
- Peer interaction and discussion forums
- Wide range of subjects and disciplines
Cons:
- Some courses and features require payment
- Limited customization options for course creators
14. LinkedIn Learning
Features:
- Broad range of professional development courses
- Video-based course content and tutorials
- Personalized course recommendations
- Mobile learning support and offline access
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles and networks
- Certificates of completion
Pricing:
- Subscription-based model at $29.99/month (LinkedIn Premium) or $24.99/month (annual plan)
- Free trial available
Pros:
- Extensive library of professional courses
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles and networks
- Personalized recommendations based on skills and interests
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Certificates of completion
Cons:
- Focuses primarily on professional development
- Limited interactivity and assessments
15. Pluralsight
Features:
- Extensive library of technology-focused courses
- Video-based learning with expert instructors
- Skill assessments and learning paths
- Role IQ to measure skill proficiency
- Hands-on coding exercises and projects
- Mobile learning and offline access
LMS Pricing:
- Subscription-based model starting at $29/month (Personal plan)
- Business plans available for teams and enterprises
Pros:
- Vast library of technology courses and learning paths
- Skill assessments to measure proficiency
- Hands-on coding exercises and projects
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Robust support for teams and enterprises
Cons:
- Focuses primarily on technology and IT skills
- Limited course variety outside of technical subjects
16. Skillsoft LMS:
Features:
- Comprehensive library of business and IT courses
- Video-based content and interactive learning resources
- Microlearning modules for quick skill development
- Leadership and management training
- Skill assessments and learning paths
- Flexible learning options (self-paced or instructor-led)
Pricing:
- Custom pricing based on specific requirements
- Tailored solutions for businesses and enterprises
Pros:
- Wide range of business and IT courses
- Microlearning modules for quick skill development
- Leadership and management training
- Flexible learning options
- Customizable solutions for businesses
Cons:
- Pricing details not publicly available
- More suitable for businesses and enterprises
17. EdX
Features of This Learning Management System:
- Collaboration between top universities and institutions
- Diverse range of courses across various subjects
- Video lectures and interactive course content
- Assessments, quizzes, and assignments
- Verified certificates and MicroMasters programs
- Open-source platform with flexible learning options
Pricing:
- Free courses available
- Verified certificates and MicroMasters programs have individual pricing
- Subscription-based edX Plus at $240/year for unlimited access to certain courses
Pros:
- Collaboration between renowned institutions
- Diverse range of courses across various subjects
- Flexible learning options
- Verified certificates and MicroMasters programs
- Open-source platform with a strong community
Cons:
- Some courses and features require payment
- Limited customization options for course creators
18. OpenSesame LMS
Features:
- Wide selection of off-the-shelf courses from various providers
- Custom course curation and branding
- Employee training and compliance courses
- Reporting and analytics on learner progress
- Integration with existing Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Multi-language support
Pricing:
- Custom pricing based on specific requirements
- Offers tailored solutions for businesses
Pros:
- Vast library of off-the-shelf courses
- Custom course curation and branding options
- Employee training and compliance courses
- Integration with existing LMS
- Multi-language support
Cons:
- Pricing details not publicly available
- Limited customization options for individual courses
19. TalentLMS
Features:
- Course creation with multimedia support
- Customizable course website and branding
- Assessments, quizzes, and certifications
- Gamification and points system
- Integration with third-party tools and content
- Mobile learning and offline access
Pricing:
- Free plan available (limited features)
- Paid plans starting at $59/month
- Advanced plans with additional features available
Pros:
- Easy-to-use course creation interface
- Customizable course websites and branding
- Gamification features for engagement
- Mobile learning capabilities
- Integration with third-party tools
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- Higher pricing for advanced plans
20. Pathwright
Features:
- Interactive course creation with multimedia elements
- Customizable course structure and progression
- Discussion boards and student collaboration
- Progress tracking and analytics
- Integrated payment processing
- Mobile learning support
Pricing:
- Basic plan starting at $99/month
- Growth plan starting at $199/month
- Enterprise plan with additional features available
Pros:
- Interactive course creation tools
- Customizable course structure and progression
- Discussion boards and collaboration features
- Progress tracking and analytics
- Mobile learning capabilities
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans
In this blog post, we have explored 20 course platforms that offer various features, pricing models, and pros and cons. Each platform caters to different needs and preferences, so it's important to consider your specific requirements when selecting the right platform for creating and selling online courses. Whether you are an individual course creator, a business, or an institution, there is a platform out there that can help you deliver effective and engaging online learning experiences.
