When it comes to sharing knowledge in the digital age, simply uploading videos or PDFs isn’t enough. Online course platforms solve a key problem for creators, educators, and businesses: they provide an all-in-one solution to create engaging content, reach students globally, and earn revenue from your expertise. Instead of piecing together a website, payment processor, and forum, these e-learning platforms bundle everything you need to create and sell digital courses—video hosting, quizzes, student communities, analytics, and marketing tools—under one roof. The result is a smoother experience for both teacher and learner, reducing technical headaches so you can focus on teaching.
But with so many course builder tools out there, how do you choose the right one? Some platforms offer a ready-made marketplace of students to help newcomers start earning quickly, while others give you full control to build a branded online academy. Certain tools are free or low-cost with revenue sharing, and others are premium suites packed with advanced features for scaling a online learning business. In this guide, we spotlight seven of the best platforms to create and sell online courses. Each platform shines in a different way—from beginner-friendly marketplaces to powerful all-in-one solutions—so you can find the best fit to grow your online course venture.
Udemy
Best for: First-time course creators seeking a built-in audience and a quick, guided way to launch their first course.
Udemy’s massive marketplace gives you instant access to millions of potential students. It’s a great starting point for creators who want to focus on course content without worrying about technical setup or marketing infrastructure. Udemy’s revenue-share model means they handle much of the promotion for you.
Key Features:
- Large built-in student marketplace
- Guided course creation tools
- Revenue-sharing model with promotional support
- Quality checks and structured instructor dashboard
Pricing: Free to publish; Udemy takes a percentage of each course sale.
Skillshare
Best for: Creative instructors (e.g., artists, designers, photographers) teaching short, engaging, project-based lessons.
Skillshare is centered around community-driven creative learning. Instead of setting individual prices, instructors get paid through royalties based on class watch time by Skillshare’s members. Its emphasis on hands-on projects makes it popular for creatives wanting to build visibility and engagement.
Key Features:
- Subscription-based access for students
- Earnings based on monthly watch time
- Built-in project-based class format
- Large audience interested in creative skills
Pricing: Free to publish; instructors earn royalties from student subscriptions.
Teachable
Best for: Entrepreneurs and small businesses who want a branded course site without hiring a developer.
Teachable offers a drag-and-drop platform where you can build and brand your own course website. It handles payments, taxes, and student enrollment, while offering marketing features like coupons and affiliate programs. Ideal for monetizing knowledge with minimal technical hurdles.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Integrated payment and tax handling
- Sales pages, coupons, and email integrations
- Affiliate program management
Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at ~$39/month (some transaction fees on lower tiers).
Thinkific
Best for: Educators, coaches, and businesses that need flexibility and room to grow with customizable tools.
Thinkific gives you full control of your course experience, from curriculum layout to branding. You can start for free and expand using its app marketplace and integrations. Its scalability and no transaction fees on paid plans make it perfect for growing education businesses.
Key Features:
- Custom site builder with blog support
- No transaction fees on paid tiers
- Supports multimedia content and live events
- App marketplace for added functionality
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans from ~$49/month.
Kajabi
Best for: Established creators and businesses needing an all-in-one suite to run a full-scale online education business.
Kajabi is a premium, feature-packed platform for professionals ready to scale. It combines course building with automation, CRM, landing pages, and email marketing — eliminating the need for third-party tools. Its higher pricing matches its depth and business-building capabilities.
Key Features:
- All-in-one: website, email, CRM, and course builder
- Automation and sales funnel tools
- Membership and podcast hosting
- Mobile app access for learners
Pricing: 14-day free trial; plans start at ~$149/month.
Podia
Best for: Independent creators selling a mix of products: courses, ebooks, webinars, and memberships.
Podia is simple yet powerful. It offers an easy way to sell multiple content types from a clean storefront. With built-in email marketing and no transaction fees on paid plans, it’s an efficient choice for solo creators or freelancers managing a personal brand.
Key Features:
- Sell courses, digital downloads, webinars, and memberships
- Email marketing and sales page builder
- Community and live chat features
- 0% transaction fees on paid plans
Pricing: 30-day free trial; plans start at ~$39/month.
LearnWorlds
Best for: Professional trainers or educational organizations needing advanced learning tools and branding control.
LearnWorlds stands out for interactive features like quizzes, certificates, and in-video questions. Its branding tools allow complete visual customization, and it’s suited for academic-style courses or corporate training. Higher-tier plans even offer a custom-branded mobile app.
Key Features:
- Interactive video and learning elements
- Certificates, quizzes, and assessments
- Advanced site customization and app support
- Marketing automation and affiliate tools
Pricing: Free trial; plans start at ~$29/month (Starter plan has $5 sale fee).
In the past decade, the e-learning software market has exploded. According to Research and Markets, the global online learning industry is expected to hit $350 billion by 2025, driven by remote work, self-paced education, and digital entrepreneurship. More individuals and businesses than ever are monetizing knowledge — but to stand out, you need the right tools.
These seven course platforms represent the best of what today’s creators need: flexibility, professionalism, and pathways to grow income without coding or complicated tech. Whether you're a first-time instructor testing the waters or a seasoned brand building a course empire, there's an option that fits your needs, budget, and audience.
By investing in a platform that aligns with your goals — marketplace reach, branding freedom, or all-in-one automation — you’re not just uploading videos; you're building a sustainable online learning business. Choose wisely, and your next student could be just one click away.