6 Best Online Course Platform: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

Are you considering creating an online course or looking to enroll in one? With the growing popularity of online education, there are various platforms available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive guide, we will rank these online course platforms from Number 1 (the best) to Number 6 (the worst), considering both the perspective of course creators and course takers.

Number 1: School — Where Simplicity Meets Engagement

Sam Evans, the creator of the renowned Consulting Accelerator course, ventured into the world of software by launching School. School stands out for three key reasons:

1. Simplicity: School’s user interface is so intuitive that you won’t need a manual. It’s user-friendly for both creators and learners, making the entire experience hassle-free.
2. Group Focus: Studies show that courses with a community attached yield better results. Unlike other platforms that require separate software for group interaction, School seamlessly integrates course hosting and group engagement in one place.
3. Gamification: School gamifies interactions within groups, allowing you to reward participants for their engagement. These rewards can be anything from templates to exclusive Master Classes or even one-on-one sessions with you. This engagement not only boosts customer satisfaction but also reduces refund requests and enhances upsell opportunities.
4. School is a clear choice for those seeking a platform that simplifies course creation and fosters a thriving learning community. Pricing starts at $99 per month.

Number 2 : Teachable — A User-Friendly, Legitimate Option

Teachable distinguishes itself by offering a platform with a more professional vibe, making it an attractive choice for both course creators and students. Its pricing ranges from free to $199 per month, depending on the features you need.

Teachable’s strengths include simplicity, making it more user-friendly than complex alternatives like ClickFunnels or Kajabi. However, some users have reported minor glitches when managing multiple accounts.

For those looking for a reliable platform with a genuine feel, Teachable is a solid A-tier choice.

Number 3: Thinkific and Podia — Affordable and Versatile

Thinkific and Podia offer flexibility and affordability. Thinkific allows you to start for free and offers plans up to $149 per month, making it a preferred choice for beginner course creators. It’s user-friendly, and many experts recommend it.

Podia, on the other hand, competes directly with School, focusing on community building and engagement. Its pricing ranges from $39 to $79 per month. However, Podia has a steeper learning curve, which may not be ideal for beginners.

Both platforms have their merits, with Thinkific being a better choice for beginners and Podia offering robust community-building features.

Number 4: Udemy and Skillshare — Lower-Priced Options

Udemy and Skillshare cater to learners on a budget. These platforms typically offer courses ranging from $19 to $100. However, as a course creator, you have limited control over pricing and may find it challenging to scale your business effectively.

Udemy does marketing on your behalf, potentially attracting more students to your course, but at the cost of pricing control.

Skillshare offers a subscription model at $32 per month (or $168 per year). As a viewer, it’s great for accessing a wide range of classes. However, as a course creator, you might not earn as much since you only receive a portion of the subscription revenue.

These platforms are suitable for those who want to provide affordable courses or have limited marketing resources but may not be the best choice for scaling your online course business.

Number 5: Kajabi — All-in-One Complexity

Kajabi positions itself as an all-in-one platform, similar to ClickFunnels but at a lower price point, starting at $149 per month. It offers a wide range of features but can be complex and overwhelming for beginners. While it can be powerful for those who master it, the learning curve might hinder course creation and delivery.

Number 6: ClickFunnels — Complexity at a High Cost

ClickFunnels, while a versatile platform, comes with a steep initial investment, starting at $97 per month. It’s often marketed as a more affordable alternative to Kajabi, but its complexity and cost make it less appealing for most online course creators.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online course platform is crucial for your success as a creator or learner. School, Teachable, Thinkific, and Podia offer excellent options, depending on your needs and experience level. Udemy and Skillshare are budget-friendly but come with limitations. Kajabi is powerful but complex, while ClickFunnels is costly and challenging to navigate.

Consider your goals, budget, and technical proficiency when selecting the platform that aligns with your vision for online education.