Top 9 Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024
In addition to professional skills, you also need personal development opportunities that can help you achieve your goals and live a well-rounded life. Fortunately, online learning platforms make it easy to access personal and professional development opportunities. These platforms offer a wide range of resources to help you stay competitive.
So, if you’re looking to learn new skills or improve existing ones, this post will introduce you to nine essential online course platforms for you to check out.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Do you want to create courses and sell them online? Here you can find out how to do it and what the best platforms are for teachers !
The 9 best online learning platforms
Note!: This comparison is current as of Sep 12, 2024. We do our best to keep it as accurate as possible and we review it regularly. However, if you want to familiarize yourself with the offer of the mentioned providers, you should check it on their official website or contact their representatives.
Here are some of the best platforms for high-quality online courses:
1. SkillShare
SkillShare is an online course platform with an extensive library of courses taught by industry experts on a variety of creative topics. It’s not as formal as other learning platforms, but you’ll love the practical nature of Skillshare’s courses.
Skillshare homepage highlighting best online learning platform with thousands of classes from beginner to pro
Whether you dream of mastering animation or brushing up on your photography skills, Skillshare has something for you to help you get started. All you need to do is browse through different categories like illustration, marketing, or even crafts. Most courses also offer downloadable resources so you can learn on the go.
What makes Skillshare special is its focus on project-based learning. You’ll find online courses from instructors who are ready to guide you through your own creative process while you improve your skills.
Advantages:
- User-friendly platform
- Wide selection of courses for creative people
- The content is determined by the community
- The courses are affordable
- The courses are short and manageable
Disadvantages:
- Not many technical or academic courses
- Some lecturers are not trained professionals
- Not all courses have the best quality
Skillshare Pricing:
While there is a free trial, you’ll need a premium membership to access the full library and enticing features like digital downloads and community discussions. However, you can access some introductory courses without a subscription.
Prices depend mainly on your country of residence. On average, you’ll pay up to $168 per year or $14 per month.
Overall, Skillshare is a platform worth trying out if you want to improve your creativity or develop skills that match your passion.
2. Coursera
Coursera Gives a great access to the courses created by the instructors of top universities. The learning platform partners with top universities and industry leaders such as Yale, the University of Michigan, Cambridge, Google and IBM.
Coursera homepage featuring collaborations with leading universities and companies, positioning it as the best online learning platform
Coursera also offers over 5,000 programs that you can complete in one day.
Coursera offers a wide range of online courses. You can choose between specialized programs (with multiple courses), courses with professional certificates, and even full-fledged degree programs.
Whether you’re looking for a computer science degree at a top university or a data analytics course at a technology company, there’s a course for you.
Courses on Coursera include interactive elements like quizzes, video lectures, and graded assignments, so you can be confident that your learning experience will be engaging.
Coursera is very user-friendly. You can search for courses by subject area, skill level, or even by the university/company offering the course. There is also a mobile app so you can access the courses on the go.
Advantages:
- Extensive library with a wide range of topics
- Collaboration with top universities and industry leaders
- Offers a variety of learning options. There are short, subject-specific courses and more in-depth certification programs
Disadvantages:
- It can be time-consuming to complete longer courses
- Certificates of completion are quite expensive
- Free courses are not offered with certificates
- Some courses have time limits that are not realistic for everyone
Coursera Pricing:
Pricing of coursera depends on the program type you choose. Individual courses often have a subscription fee. There are three subscription plans
- The individual learning program for $48-$79 per month
- Coursera plus monthly subscription for $59 per month, and Coursera plus annual subscription for $399 annually with a money-back guarantee.
- Companies can use the Coursera for Teams subscription for 5 to 125 users for $399 per user per year.
Coursera degrees tend to be more expensive if you’re looking for a more comprehensive qualification, but they can help you advance your career. Coursera also offers financial support (often in the form of discounts) to help you access certification programs
3. 360Training
360Training is another great option on this list of the best online learning platforms. 360Training focuses on industry-specific training and certification programs.
The e-learning platform specializes in compliance training and professional development courses, so if you’re looking to upskill for a new career or meet licensing requirements, 360Training has the right courses for you.
360Training offering best online learning platform for regulatory training in food, environmental safety, healthcare, and real estate
360Training sets itself apart by focusing on industry-recognized credentials and regulatory compliance, and its course library offers a comprehensive selection of features on topics such as OSHA safety standards, real estate licensing, and other professional development programs for various industries.
360Training also offers a Learning Management System (LMS) that helps companies optimize employee training. The LMS provides a central platform for registering for courses, tracking progress, learning achievements and generating statistics.
Advantages:
- The platform is easy to navigate
- It enables self-determined learning
- It is rich in certification programs
- The certificates are widely recognized
Disadvantages
- There are Limited Varity of topics.
- The quality of the courses may vary.
360Training Prices:
360Training sells online courses as individual courses or as subscriptions. The prices of individual courses also depend on the subject and duration. You can find courses starting from $8 up to $180. You can also buy courses in bulk and get discounts.
4. GetResponse
GetResponse is not only your preferred email marketing tool, but also offers a dedicated knowledge base with a few digital marketing certification courses . With 14 renowned digital marketing experts, you get access to extensive courses to improve your online marketing.
You will learn from Andrew Davis, Kath Paym, Michael Brenner and Jamie Turner, among others.
The main courses on GetResponse include Marketing Automation, Content Marketing, Landing Pages and Conversion Optimization, Email Marketing and Inbound Marketing.
These detailed online courses offer a hands-on learning experience. You’ll learn through real-world case studies and best practices. At the end of each course, you’ll take an exam to test your knowledge of the topic.
In addition to these certification courses, GetResponse also offers a pool of resources to deepen your knowledge of email marketing. You will find ebooks, webinars and free video tutorials there.
Advantages:
- In each course you will learn from experienced trainers
- The courses are thorough
Captivating learning experience
Disadvantages:
- GetResponse courses focus only on digital marketing
GetResponse Prices:
At the moment, the online courses on GetResponse are completely free.
However, GetResponse is not just a learning platform, it is also a digital marketing and content monetization platform. This means that it not only gives you the opportunity to learn new things, but also to create and market your own courses.
5. edX
edX is a free, nonprofit online learning platform founded as a joint venture between industry leaders and nongovernmental organizations, as well as several prestigious universities such as MIT, Wharton, Boston, and Harvard.
edX homepage promoting ambition with courses from top institutions, making it one of the best online learning platforms
Today, edX has over 260 content partners and offers more than 4,000 courses. edX’s library offers a wide selection of courses that will expand your knowledge and teach you valuable skills.
The platform focuses on high-quality academic content. It offers a rich mix of courses ranging from introductory lectures to advanced programs in various disciplines. You’ll find courses on topics like marketing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. You can rest assured that the courses you access on edX are well-rounded and thorough.
In addition, edX offers MicroMasters programs, a series of intensive courses that provide a specific qualification. There are also complete degree programs from partner universities.
Similar to other platforms, edX focuses on ease of use. The search bar on the website allows users to find specific courses by subject, institution, or skill level.
Advantages:
- The courses are supported by renowned institutions
- Micromaster and professional certificates are available
- Partnerships with top institutions and industry leaders
- Offers world-class learning resources
Disadvantages:
- Some courses may be too complex to understand
- You won’t find many courses for creatives
- Tested certificates can be too expensive
edX Prices:
edX offers many open courses that you can take for free. These courses don’t offer certificates. However, the prices for the certificates depend on the course.
Additionally, prices may be higher for courses in categories such as professional development, boot camps, and executive education.
edX also offers a subscription plan for enterprises. This plan is designed for 30 learners or less and is offered at $349 per learner. There is also an individual plan for larger organizations.
6. Mind Valley
Unlike most online course platforms, Mindvalley primarily serves a unique niche. It focuses on wellness and personal development rather than the traditional academic topics found on most learning platforms.
Mindvalley homepage emphasizing personal transformation, promoting itself as the best online learning platform
Here you will find a wide selection of mindfulness, meditation, self-improvement and stress management courses designed to improve your quality of life.
Mindvalley is notable for its focus on practical knowledge and transformation. The programs (called “Quests”) are based on the science of behavioral design, so they aim to make learning engaging and ensure participants can see real results.
The platform also relies on a strong sense of community (mutual support, collaborative learning and discussions) to motivate you throughout your learning journey.
In addition to the video lectures, you will also find guided meditations and other downloadable resources that will provide you with a rich experience. In some cases, you can also attend live coaching sessions.
Advantages:
- Strong focus on personal development
- Thorough learning content and resources
- Courses by well-known lecturers in the field of personal development
Disadvantages:
- The content is not academic
- The membership-based model may not be the best choice for learners looking for one-off courses
Mindvalley Pricing:
Unlike other learning platforms, Mindvalley works with a membership model. The subscription costs $29 monthly and $199 annually.
7. Master Class
Masterclass focuses on interactive learning experiences delivered by renowned experts who share their insights on a variety of topics.
MasterClass homepage offering lessons from the best in various fields, representing a premier online learning platform
With Masterclass, you can learn directly from famous people whose work has captured the hearts of many. Imagine learning how to do business from a top business person like Mark Cuban, or learning how to write from famous author Michael Lewis – that’s the kind of access you get with Masterclass.
With Masterclass, you can experience your favorite artist’s creative process first hand and learn from it. The learning experience promises to be fulfilling.
On Masterclass you’ll find a wide range of creative courses, including filmmaking, writing, music, photography and even business. Each course is designed to be comprehensive, with teachers breaking down their techniques into lessons that are easy to understand. A series of high-quality video lessons accompanied by workbooks will enhance your learning.
Masterclass is very accessible and it’s super easy to find courses by topic categories.
Advantages:
- Learn from renowned teachers
- High quality production and engaging lessons
- Wide selection of creative themes
Disadvantages:
- The membership model may not be ideal for those seeking individual courses
- No certifications
- Limited practical application
Masterclass Prices:
Masterclass operates on an annual membership model. The standard plan for $10 per month lets you access up to 200 courses on a single device. The Plus plan for $15 lets you access the courses from 2 devices and save them offline. The Premium plan for $20 per month lets you access the videos from 6 devices
8. Udemy
Last on our list of the best online course platforms is Udemy. Udemy is a large learning platform with over 210,000 courses for different niche interests – creative, professional or technical. At Udemy, you can access courses from a wide range of instructors.
Udemy homepage trusted by leading companies, showing it as the best online learning platform for diverse skills.
The platform is updated with new content every month, so you’ll never run out of choice. You’ll find everything from simple to technical to more complex topics. Some courses include assessments, quizzes or practical projects. There are also special forums where learners can discuss the course.
The courses on Udemy also have a short preview so you know what to expect before you purchase a course. Udemy also offer certificate after completion.
Advantages:
- Udemy courses are self-study, affordable and often straightforward.
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- User-friendly interface
Disadvantages:
- The quality of the courses often depends on the teacher
Udemy Pricing:
Udemy uses a pay-per-course model. You can buy courses starting at just EUR 14.99. There are often special offers where you can get the courses at a significant discount.
There are three subscription plans for businesses. The team plan for a group of 5 to 20 people costs $30 per user per month. Your team gets access to over 11,000 courses and can prepare for more than 200 exams.
Pricing for the other two plans – Enterprise Plan and Leadership Academy – is not public, but you can request a demo on the website.
9. Linkedin Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers courses that focus on professional development. The platform has over 16,000 courses to help you gain in-demand skills and knowledge relevant to your professional career.
You will find a variety of specialized courses there, such as copywriting, social media marketing, data analytics, web development, project management and so on.
LinkedIn Learning homepage with popular courses, featuring as the best online learning platform for professional skills
LinkedIn Learning’s courses are tailored to industry needs and current job market trends. You can also learn from a variety of industry experts, professionals, and thought leaders from different fields.
Advantages:
- Integrated with the social network LinkedIn
- Many courses for developing business and professional skills
- High-quality course content
- The courses are interactive
Disadvantages:
- There is not much free content
- You need a monthly subscription to get full access to the courses
- Without a LinkedIn profile you will not have access to the courses
LinkedIn Learning Pricing:
LinkedIn Learning is based on a subscription model with monthly fees of $39.99 and annual fees of $239.88. These plans give you access to LinkedIn Premium, increasing your chances of expanded networking opportunities.
You can also purchase individual courses. Prices range from $20 to $50. There is also a subscription for teams of 2 – 20 users for $379.88. LinkedIn Learning also gives you access to premium courses with a free trial.
How to Choose the Best Online Learning Platform?
You can learn and develop your skills on a variety of online platforms. While it’s tempting to jump between different platforms, it can be more effective to stick to one or two platforms that meet your specific learning goals.
As you saw above, the different educational platforms are geared towards specific contacts or programs.
When you decide to use an online learning platform, there are a few important points you should consider:
Course selection : Does the platform offer courses that are specifically tailored to the skills you want to learn?
Credibility and expertise : What caliber are the teachers and trainers on the platform? Opt for platforms that prefer trainers with sufficient experience and expertise in a particular niche.
Quality and delivery of content : Choose platforms that offer comprehensive and easy-to-understand content.
Also, choose platforms that allow you to interact with the course content and experience a community of other learners. You should also choose platforms that suit your learning style. Finally, you should choose a platform that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Online course platforms have made it easier to develop your skills and earn useful credentials, certificates, and even degrees.
These platforms are specifically designed to help learners improve. This post has highlighted nine top platforms that you can try for your online learning efforts. These include GetResponse, Skillshare, 360Training, Coursera, edX, Mindvalley, Masterclass, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy.
Each platform differs in the way it presents its courses, the niches it targets, and the teachers it works with.
Before choosing a platform, consider factors such as the type of courses offered, the depth of the materials, the level of interaction, and the relevance to your learning goals.
With the list above, you should be able to find a learning platform that meets all your needs. Good luck!
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