According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of companies expect their employees to upskill and reskill by 2025.
Beyond career skills, you require personal development opportunities that can help you crush your goals and live a well-rounded life. Thankfully, online learning platforms have made personal and professional development easily accessible. These platforms offer a diverse range of resources to help you stay competitive.
So, if you wish to gain new skills or improve existing ones, this post will reveal nine major online course platforms you can explore.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
9 best online learning platforms
Here are some of the best platforms for taking high-quality online courses:
1. GetResponse
Beyond being your go-to email marketing tool, GetResponse offers a dedicated knowledge base with a few digital marketing certification courses. With 14 renowned digital marketing experts, you’ll access rich courses to improve your online marketing game.
You’ll learn from the likes of Andrew Davis, Kath Paym, Michael Brenner, and Jamie Turner.
Some major courses on GetResponse include marketing automation, content marketing, landing page and conversion optimization, email marketing, and inbound marketing.
These in-depth courses provide a hands-on learning experience. You’ll learn based on real-life case studies and best practices. At the end of each course, you’ll be required to take an exam to assess your understanding of the topic.
Apart from these certification courses, GetResponse also offers a pool of resources to solidify your knowledge of email marketing. You’ll find ebooks, webinars, and free video tutorials.
Pros
- Learn from expert instructors in each course
- Courses are thorough
- Engaging learning experience
Cons
- GetResponse courses focus on digital marketing alone
GetResponse Prices
GetResponse courses go for $199
GetResponse, however, isn’t only a learning platform but also a digital marketing and content monetization platform. This means that besides giving you the opportunity to learn new things, it enables you to create and market your own courses.
2. SkillShare
SkillShare is an online course platform with a rich library of classes taught by industry experts on a wide range of creative topics. It’s not as formal as other learning platforms, but you’re likely to enjoy the practicality of Skillshare courses.
Whether you dream of mastering animation or brushing up your photography skills, Skillshare has something to help you get started. You only need to browse various categories like illustrations, marketing, or even crafts. Most classes also offer downloadable resources so you can learn on the go.
One thing that makes Skillshare remarkable is its focus on project-based learning. You’ll find courses by instructors who are willing to guide you through your own creative process as you hone your skills.
Pros
- User-friendly platform
- Wide range of courses for creatives
- Content is community-driven
- Courses are affordable
- Courses are short and straightforward
Cons
- Not a lot of technical or academic courses
- Some instructors may not be trained professionals
- Not all courses have the best quality
Skillshare pricing
While there’s a free trial, you may need a premium membership to access the entire library and enticing features like digital downloads and community discussions. However, you can access a few introductory courses without a subscription.
The pricing mostly depends on your country of residence. On average, you may pay up to $168 yearly or $14 monthly.
Overall, Skillshare is a platform worth trying if you want to improve your creativity or develop skills that align with your passion.
3. 360Training
360Training is another incredible option on this list of the best online learning platforms. 360Training focuses on providing 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 fulfill licensing requirements, 360Training has the right courses for you.
360Training stands out because it focuses on industry-recognized credentials and regulatory compliance. Their course library features a comprehensive selection covering topics like OSHA safety standards, real estate licensing, and other professional development programs for various sectors.
360Training also offers a Learning Management System (LMS) that companies can use to streamline employee training. The LMS provides a centralized platform for course enrolment, progress tracking, and reporting.
Pros
- The platform is straightforward to navigate
- Offers self-paced learning
- It’s rich with certification programs
- Credentials are widely recognized
Cons
- Limited variety of topics, unlike other online course platforms
- The quality of courses may vary
360Training pricing
360Training sell online courses as individual course purchases or subscription plans. You can go for either, depending on your needs. Individual course prices also depend on the topic and duration. You’ll find courses from as low as $8 to up to $180. You can also purchase courses in bulk and get discounts.
4. Coursera
Coursera provides access to learning programs and courses created and presented by instructors from over 300 world-class universities and companies. The learning platform partners with top universities and industry leaders like Yale, University of Michigan, Cambridge, Google, and IBM.
Coursera also offers over 5,000 programs that you can complete within a day.
Coursera offers a diverse range of courses. You can choose from specialized (multi-course) programs, courses with professional certificates, and even full-fledged degree programs.
So, whether you’re looking for a degree in computer science from a top university or a data analysis course with a tech company, there’s a course for you.
Courses on Coursera incorporate interactive elements like quizzes, video lectures, and graded assignments. So, you can trust your learning experience to be engaging.
Coursera is quite user-friendly. You can browse courses by subject, skill level, or even the university/company that offers these courses. There’s also a mobile app you can use to access courses on the go.
Pros
- Extensive library with a wide range of topics
- Collaborates with top universities and industry leaders
- Offers various learning options. There are short skill-based courses and more in-depth certification programs
Cons
- Can be time-consuming to complete longer courses
- Degree certifications are quite expensive
- Free courses don’t come with certificates
- Some courses have time limits which may not be realistic for everyone
Coursera pricing
Prices vary depending on the type of program you choose. Individual courses often come with a subscription fee. You’ll have three subscription plans to choose from:
- The Single learning program at $48-$79 monthly
- Coursera plus monthly subscription at $59 monthly, and
- Coursera plus annual at $399 yearly with a money-back guarantee.
Companies can access the Coursera for Teams subscription for 5 to125 Users at $399 per user/year.
Specializations and professional certificates may require a one-time fee. Coursera degrees are usually more expensive if you’re seeking a more substantial qualification. However, they can be instrumental in advancing your career. Also, Coursera provides financial aid options (these often come in the form of discounts) to make certification programs more accessible.
5. edX
edX started as a free, non-profit online learning platform. It was created as a joint venture by industry leaders and NGOs, as well as various reputable universities like MIT, Wharton, Boston, and Harvard.
Today, edX has over 260 content partners and offers over 4,000 courses. edX’s library has a wide range of courses designed to expand your understanding and equip you with valuable skills.
The platform focuses on high-quality academic content. It offers a rich blend of courses ranging from introductory lectures to advanced programs across different disciplines. You’ll find classes like marketing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. You can bet that the courses you access on edX are well-rounded and thorough.
Additionally, edX offers MicroMasters programs, a series of intensive courses designed to provide a specialized qualification. There are also full degree programs from partner universities.
Similar to other platforms, edX prioritizes user-friendliness. The site’s search bar allows users to find specific courses based on subject, institution, or skill level.
Pros
- Courses are backed by renowned institutions
- Micromasters and professional certificates are available
- Partners with top institutions and industry leaders
- Offers top-notch learning resources
Cons
- Some courses may be too complex to follow
- You may not find a lot of courses for creatives
- Verified certificates may be too expensive
edX pricing
edX has loads of open courses which you can take at no cost. These courses do not offer certificates or give you access to graded assignments. However, the prices for certifications depend on the course. Expect to pay between $50 and $300 for individual courses.
Additionally, courses within categories like professional education, boot camps, and executive education may have higher prices.
edX also has a subscription plan for business. This plan is designed for 30 learners or less and is offered at $349 per learner. There is also a custom plan for larger organizations.
6. Mindvalley
Mindvalley primarily tackles a unique niche, unlike most online course platforms. It focuses on wellness and personal development rather than traditional academic subjects found on most learning platforms.
You’ll find a wide range of mindfulness, meditation, self-improvement, and stress management courses curated to strengthen your quality of life.
Mindvalley is quite remarkable because it focuses on practical knowledge and transformation. Its programs (called “quests”) are based on the science of behavior design. So, they aim to make learning engaging and ensure that participants can see real-life results.
The platform also leverages a strong sense of community (peer support, collaborative learning, and discussions) to motivate you throughout your learning journey.
Beyond video lectures, you’ll find guided meditations and other downloadable resources tailored to give you a rich experience. You may also be privy to live coaching sessions in some cases.
Pros
- Strong focus on personal development
- Thorough learning content and resources
- Offers courses from well-known instructors in the personal growth space
Cons
- Content is not academically focused
- The membership-based model might not be best for learners seeking one-off courses
Mindvalley pricing
Unlike other learning platforms, Mindvalley operates on a membership model. As a member, you can access quests, meditations, and other resources. The subscription is $29 monthly and $199 yearly.
7. MasterClass
Masterclass prioritizes interactive learning experiences provided by renowned experts who share their insights on a variety of subjects.
With Masterclass, you get to learn directly from iconic figures like celebrities who have captured the hearts of many with their work. Imagine learning business from a top businessman like Mark Cuban or writing from the famous author Micheal Lewis—that’s the type of access you get with Masterclass.
Masterclass gets you an up-close look into your fave’s creative process and learn from it. The learning experience promises to be fulfilling.
On Masterclass, you’ll find a wide range of creative courses, such as filmmaking, writing, music, photography, and even business. Each course is designed to be comprehensive. The teachers break down their techniques into lessons that are easy to follow. A series of high-quality video lessons accompanied by workbooks enhance your learning.
Masterclass is quite accessible, and it’s super easy to find courses based on subject categories.
Pros
- Learn from iconic instructors
- High-quality production and engaging lessons
- Wide range of creative subjects
Cons
- Membership model may not be ideal for single-course seekers
- No certifications
- Limited practical application
Masterclass pricing
Masterclass operates with an annual membership model. At $10 monthly, the standard plan allows you to access courses on a single device and up to 200 courses. The Plus plan, at $15, will enable you to access courses from 2 devices and save them offline. At $20 monthly, the premium plan gets you access to videos from 6 devices.
8. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides courses that focus on professional development. The platform has over 16,000 courses to help you develop in-demand skills and knowledge relevant to your career path.
You’ll find a variety of specialized courses, such as copywriting, social media marketing, data analytics, web development, project management, and so on.
LinkedIn Learning courses align with industry needs and current job market trends. You’ll also be able to learn from various industry experts, professionals, and thought leaders in different fields.
Since the platform is integrated with LinkedIn, you can easily showcase your certifications on your LinkedIn profile.
Pro
- Integrates with LinkedIn social network
- Loaded with courses for business and professional skill development
- High-quality course delivery
- Courses are interactive
Cons
- Not a lot of free content
- You need a monthly subscription for full access to courses
- You can’t access courses without a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn Learning pricing
LinkedIn Learning runs on a subscription model, with monthly fees of $39.99 and yearly fees of $239.88. These plans give you access to LinkedIn Premium, which also boosts your chances of securing advanced networking opportunities.
You can also buy single courses. Prices range between $20 and $50. There’s also a subscription plan for teams with 2 – 20 users at $379.88. LinkedIn Learning also allows you to access premium courses with a free trial.
9. Udemy
Last on our list of best online course platforms is Udemy. Udemy is a large learning platform with over 210,000 courses catering to multiple niche interests— creative, professional, or technical. Udemy allows you to access courses from a wide range of instructors.
The platform is updated with new content every month, so you can’t run out of options. You’ll find anything from simple to technical and more complex topics. Some courses may include assessments, quizzes, or practical projects. It also has dedicated forums where learners can have course-related discussions.
Courses on Udemy also have a short preview so you know what to expect before buying a course. Upon completion, you may also get a certificate.
Pros
- Udemy courses are self-paced, affordable, and often straightforward
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- The quality of courses often depends on the instructor
- Not a lot of accredited courses
Udemy pricing
Udemy uses a pay-per-course model. You can buy courses for as low as $14. They frequently run sales where courses can be obtained at a significant discount.
There are three subscription plans for companies. The team plan, for a group of 5-20 people, costs $30 per user monthly. Your team will get access to over 11,000 courses and certification prep for more than 200 exams.
Prices for the other two plans—Enterprise Plan and Leadership Academy—are not public, but you can request a demo on their website.
How to choose the best online learning platform
You can learn and develop your skills through several online platforms. While it’s tempting to hop across various platforms, sticking to one or two platforms that align with your specific learning goals may be more effective.
As you’ve seen above, different education platforms are built with specific audiences or programs in mind.
That said, when choosing an online learning platform, here are a few vital things to consider:
- Course selection: does the platform offer courses that target the specific skill you want to learn?
- Credibility and expertise: what is the caliber of instructors and educators on the platform? Go for platforms that prioritize instructors with sufficient experience and expertise in a particular niche.
- Content quality and delivery: Go for platforms that offer rich and easily understood content.
- Accessibility: the platform you choose must be easy to navigate.
Additionally, choose platforms that let you interact with the course content and enjoy a community of other learners. Also, consider using platforms that appeal to your learning style. Finally, choose a platform that aligns with your budget.
In closing
Online course platforms have made it easier to develop your skills and earn viable credentials, certificates, and even degrees.
These platforms are specifically curated to help learners improve. This post explored nine top platforms you can try for your online learning endeavors. They include GetResponse, Skillshare, 360Training, Coursera, edX, Mindvalley, Masterclass, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy.
Each platform stands out in how it presents courses, the niches it caters to, and the type of instructors it partners with.
Before choosing a platform, consider factors such as the types of courses offered, depth of materials, level of interaction, and relevance to your learning goals.
Overall, with the above list, you should be able to find a learning platform that ticks all your boxes. Good luck!