Choosing the right platform for hosting and selling an online course is crucial for student experience, course management, and sales success. With so many options available, it’s important to find one that aligns with your goals, budget, and technical expertise.
This article explores the best online course platforms, comparing features, pricing, and ease of use to help you choose the right one for your business.
What to Consider When Choosing a Course Platform
Before selecting a platform, consider the following factors:
- Ease of Use – Can you easily upload content and manage students?
- Customization Options – Can you brand your course as your own?
- Payment & Pricing – Does it support one-time payments, subscriptions, or payment plans?
- Marketing & Sales Features – Does it have email marketing, sales funnels, and affiliate programs?
- Student Engagement Tools – Are quizzes, certificates, and discussion forums available?
Now, let’s explore the top platforms for hosting and selling online courses.
1. Teachable – Best for Beginners & Solo Creators
Pros
- Easy to use, even for non-tech users
- Built-in sales pages and checkout system
- Supports one-time payments, subscriptions, and bundles
- Offers student engagement tools (quizzes, certificates, discussions)
Cons
- Limited website customization
- Higher transaction fees on the free and basic plans
Pricing: Starts at $39/month (Basic plan) + transaction fees.
Best for: Beginners who want an easy-to-use platform with built-in sales tools.
2. Thinkific – Best for Customization Without Transaction Fees
Pros
- No transaction fees on paid plans
- Drag-and-drop course builder with flexible design
- Supports memberships, payment plans, and coupons
- Advanced student engagement tools (quizzes, certificates, discussions)
Cons
- Fewer built-in marketing tools compared to Teachable
- Limited third-party integrations on lower plans
Pricing: Starts at $36/month (Basic plan).
Best for: Creators who want a fully customizable course experience without transaction fees.
3. Kajabi – Best All-in-One Business Solution
Pros
- Combines course hosting, marketing, email automation, and sales funnels
- Professional, customizable website and branding options
- Supports memberships, coaching programs, and digital products
- No need for third-party tools like email marketing software
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to other platforms
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Pricing: Starts at $149/month (Basic plan).
Best for: Business owners who want an all-in-one solution without needing multiple tools.
4. Podia – Best for Simplicity & Unlimited Courses
Pros
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Unlimited courses, memberships, and digital downloads
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate program
- Simple and beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- Fewer advanced customization options
- Limited student engagement tools compared to competitors
Pricing: Starts at $39/month (Mover plan).
Best for: Creators looking for a budget-friendly, simple course platform with unlimited uploads.
5. LearnWorlds – Best for Interactive Learning
Pros
- Supports highly interactive courses with quizzes, gamification, and certificates
- Built-in video editing and interactive PDFs
- Custom-branded course websites and mobile apps
- Advanced analytics for tracking student performance
Cons
- Requires a learning curve to use advanced features
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans
Pricing: Starts at $29/month + $5 per course sale (Starter plan).
Best for: Creators focused on interactive and immersive student experiences.
6. Udemy – Best for Marketplace Exposure (but Less Control)
Pros
- Large marketplace with built-in student traffic
- No upfront costs—earn money per sale
- Easy setup with no need for a personal website
- Great for beginner course creators
Cons
- Limited pricing control (Udemy often discounts courses heavily)
- Revenue share model (Udemy takes a percentage of sales)
- No access to student email list for direct marketing
Pricing: Free to host, revenue split 50% with Udemy (if they generate the sale).
Best for: Beginners who want built-in traffic without marketing their own course.
Final Thoughts
The best course platform depends on your needs, budget, and business goals:
- For beginners: Teachable or Podia
- For customization: Thinkific or LearnWorlds
- For all-in-one business tools: Kajabi
- For marketplace exposure: Udemy
By choosing the right platform, you can create a smooth learning experience, optimize sales, and scale your course business with ease.