The Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024
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The global online education market is projected to reach $375 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust growth driven by the increasing digitization of education and a shift toward online and hybrid learning models. This market is expected to continue expanding, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% projected from 2024 to 2031, potentially reaching nearly $976 billion by 2031.
With this in mind, it’s no wonder that online learning platforms have become so essential for students, educators, and businesses seeking flexible and accessible eLearning. This article highlights the best platforms of 2024, helping you choose the right one for your needs, whether it’s a marketplace for selling courses, a learning hub, or a learning management system (LMS).
Best online learning platforms
What is an Online Learning Platform?
An online learning platform is a digital space where learners can access educational content, participate in classes or trainings, and complete assignments via the internet. It allows learners to study wherever they are and often includes tools like videos, quizzes, and discussion forums.
Does this sound similar to a learning management system or an online course platform? Well, that’s because they are similar, although there are some crucial differences. Let’s see what they are.
Online Learning Platforms vs. Online Course Platforms vs. LMSs
It’s common to confuse online learning platforms, online course platforms, and learning management systems (LMSs). However, it’s important to distinguish between them.
- Online learning platforms are more like marketplaces that center around the viewpoint of the learners, or “buyers.” They are also known as online course marketplaces. That’s because they take on the bulk of the work of promoting your courses, expanding your audience, and developing your sales funnel. Therefore, the focus here is on the front-end aspect of your business – the marketplace and the products it offers.
- Online course platforms place a greater emphasis on back-end operations. They typically offer cloud-based software centered around instructors, allowing for the creation not just of courses, but also engaging learning environments. For example, you can upload diverse online educational contents and organize them into learning paths. Moreover, you gain control over critical user analytics, branding, and marketing techniques, all designed to amplify your business’s expansion.
- Learning management systems (LMSs) shift their emphasis away from sales and marketing toward the efficient delivery of training to large groups of learners, employees, or partners, for example.
In contrast to online learning platforms, many LMSs come equipped with built-in course creation tools, facilitating the development of new online courses. Besides, LMSs allow you to manage users, assign content to them, and track learner progress, all from a single interface.
Also read → LMS Benefits
Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024 (Team Picks)
Platform Name | Short Description |
Udemy Business | Offers over 14,000 courses for businesses, focusing on skill development and providing completion certificates. |
LinkedIn Learning | Provides over 16,000 courses with certificates of completion that can be showcased on LinkedIn profiles. |
Skillshare | Focuses on creative fields with over 35,000 courses, emphasizing collaboration and social learning. |
Coursera | Partners with universities to offer accredited degrees and certificates of completion for a variety of business and scientific disciplines. |
edX | Collaborates with prestigious universities to offer a wide range of courses and online degree programs with certificates of completion. |
Khan Academy | Provides free courses and high-quality online education on diverse subjects with powerful analytical tools for tracking progress. |
iSpring Market | Offers a robust platform for marketing, selling, and hosting interactive courses with detailed analytics. |
Kajabi | Emphasizes selling online courses with strong sales and marketing features, including sales pipelines. |
Podia | An all-in-one tool for course creation, marketing, and sales with no transaction fees and a simple design. |
iSpring Learn | An intuitive online learning platform offers different user management features, and it comes with an advanced desktop authoring tool. |
LearnUpon | Combines LMS features with custom-branded storefronts for selling courses and supports SCORM and xAPI content. |
Canvas | A versatile LMS that’s popular in academia, offering tools for quizzes, grading, reporting, and social learning. |
Blackboard Learn | A robust eLearning solution for the education and business sectors with tools for course management and interaction. |
Here are our team’s picks of the top online learning platforms, carefully selected to meet diverse educational needs:
- Best online learning platform for businesses: LinkedIn. LearningIt has excellent quality control to ensure instructors are subject matter experts with excellent teaching skills.
- Best online educational learning platform: edX. This one partners with the world’s top universities and organizations to offer learners programs of the highest quality.
- Best LMS for businesses: iSpring Learn. This one ticks all the LMS boxes, providing automatic grading, learner tracking, insightful analytics, and more.
- Best online course platform: iSpring Market. It provides a perfect balance between offering amazing flexibility and customization in course creation and having great digital marketing features.
- Best learning platform for schools and colleges: Canvas. It has a variety of features that encourage students to take part in online learning, such as communication tools and interactive course content.
Best Online Learning Platforms for Businesses in 2024
The best online learning platforms for businesses can help your employees gain new skills or enhance existing ones to serve your business better. Moreover, they can be more cost-effective than traditional training methods.
Here are the best eLearning solutions for businesses:
Udemy Business provides access to over 14,000 training programs for more than 9,500 companies, covering a broad spectrum of subjects.
As a training platform for business, it excels in offering courses focused on skill development. Experts can upload their video courses — including screencasts, talking-head videos, and video presentations — and monitor the progress of trainees, analyze data, and extract valuable insights. Unfortunately, the platform does not have built-in features for creating content; all content must be developed externally.
Udemy Business stands out as an excellent option if you aim to connect with a broad audience as an instructor. Its extensive user base simplifies the process of marketing and earning from your courses. For training managers or businesses seeking to enhance their team’s practical skills, Udemy Business fits the bill.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Quality control measures
- Issuance of completion certificates
- Compatibility with various LMSs
Cons
- Absence of built-in tools for course creation
- Limited to video-based course content
- Primarily passive online learning experience due to minimal interactivity
- Certificates may not be recognized by employers
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Udemy Business provides instructors with a massive marketplace, allowing them to reach a global audience. It’s ideal for experts who want to monetize their knowledge by creating video-based courses. The platform offers tools for managing your course portfolio and tracking the performance of your content. - Those who are buying online courses:
As a business, Udemy Business offers access to a vast library of courses that can enhance your team’s skills in various domains. Employees can choose from a wide range of topics, from technical skills and project management to personal development, making it easy to find and complete courses that fit their needs.
However, if your employees require highly specialized skills specific to your business, there’s no assurance that the available courses will meet these unique needs adequately. Overall, it’s a top online learning platform for business teams seeking more general skills.
Why we picked it
Udemy ranks among the most expensive online learning platforms, branding itself as “the leading global marketplace for learning and instruction.” And since it offers over 213,000 courses to a community exceeding 59 million learners, we think that’s a pretty fair assessment.
Pricing
Udemy Business offers three pricing plans:
- Team (5-20 users): $360 per user/year
- Enterprise (21+ users) and Leadership Academy (groups of 25 or more):
Contact sales for a custom quote
Offers a 7-day free trial.
Also read: 5 Udemy Alternatives: What Else is Out There?
The merger of Lynda.com with LinkedIn in 2017 gave birth to LinkedIn Learning. Catering to fields of creativity, business, and technology, this platform provides access to over 16,000 paid and free online courses and professional development programs to its massive user base of over 700 million individuals. Learners can enhance their abilities in almost any field, whether it’s marketing, course development, or time management skills.
Unlike many other learning platforms, this one stands out as one of the best training tools that offer certification. Upon course completion, learners receive a certificate, which they can prominently display on their LinkedIn profile. Even though LinkedIn Learning courses lack formal accreditation, the certificate of completion can significantly enhance your profile and open up new business opportunities.
Pros
- Expertly vetted instructors
- Caters to different learning styles
- Enhanced engagement through interactive practice exercises and quizzes
- Certificates of completion that can be showcased on your LinkedIn profile
Cons
- Lack of direct interaction with instructors or peers
- Narrow range of course subjects
- No LMS, marketing, or analytics integrations
- Learning does not carry formal accreditation
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
LinkedIn Learning allows instructors to reach professionals and businesses seeking to improve their skills. The platform is ideal for those who want to showcase their expertise and leverage LinkedIn’s network to market their courses. Certification upon course completion is a significant draw for potential learners. - Those who are buying online courses:
Professionals who want to advance in their careers can benefit from LinkedIn Learning’s vast course catalog. The platform offers courses on business, technology, soft skills, and creative skills, with the added advantage of integrating course completions into your LinkedIn profile, enhancing your professional prestige.
Why we picked it
We appreciate the platform’s micro-learning approach and its interactive nature. But the best part is that instructors have to demonstrate expertise and exceptional presentation skills. On this platform, passion alone doesn’t suffice.
Pricing
LinkedIn Learning offers a monthly and annual plan as an all-access pass for individuals.
- Annual: $26.99/month
- Monthly: $39.99/month
If you’re interested in pricing for teams, you’ll need to contact them for a custom quote.
Offers a 1-month free trial.
Much like Udemy, Skillshare is a major online eLearning platform. It offers over 35,000 courses to more than 5 million learners, focusing on creative fields like graphic design, animation, photography, and videography. So, its learner base mainly consists of individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Another feature that sets it apart is its emphasis on collaboration and social learning. Learners can share their assignments, allowing others to like, comment, and ask questions. This helps foster inspiration and elevate creative skills.
Pros
- Active learner community with social interaction
- Extensive selection of training programs
- Detailed engagement and analytics insights
- Broad range of marketing integrations
Cons
- Limited to video-based content only
- No LMS integration
- Doesn’t offer professional certificates
- Quality assurance can be difficult due to the open instructor policy
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Skillshare is perfect for creators who want to share their expertise in creative fields like design, photography, and video production. The platform’s community-driven approach encourages instructors to engage with learners and build a following, making it easier to promote and sell courses. - Those who are buying online courses:
Creative professionals and hobbyists can find a wealth of resources to enhance their soft skills, practical skills, and personal development. The platform offers a collaborative learning environment in which students can share their work, receive feedback, and interact with other learners.
Why we picked it
What stands out for us about Skillshare is its focus on community engagement. In contrast to other online learning platforms, it encourages learners to interact with each other, creating an experience that resembles an interactive classroom rather than solitary video viewing.
Pricing
Skillshare has a 3-tiered pricing plan:
- Starter (2-19 users): $159 per user/year.
- Enterprise (20-50 users): Contact sales for a custom quote.
- Revive (51+ users): Contact sales for a custom quote.
Offers a 1-month free trial.
Top Online Educational Learning Platforms in 2024
Whether you’re a student seeking to acquire a recognized degree or certification, or an educational institution representative looking for a platform for course delivery, one of the best online learning platforms below should fit your needs perfectly.
Coursera primarily serves as an online educational platform targeting academic institutions. It provides a wide range of online degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, specializations, and certificates, many of which are accredited by globally renowned universities.
Boasting over 5,000 university courses, partnerships with more than 200 businesses and universities, and a community of over 77 million learners, Coursera has significant influence in the eLearning domain. Its course catalog is particularly strong in business and scientific disciplines, including computer science, data science, health sciences, and physical sciences.
Pros
- Well-organized, high-quality university programs
- Accompanying transcripts for videos
- Certificates of completion valued by employers and institutions
- Financial assistance is available for learners with low incomes
- Adheres to a traditional academic approach to online learning
Cons
- Limited range of topics (mainly business and science)
- Some programs are time-bound with specific start and end dates
- Direct interaction with instructors for questions or feedback is often limited
- For assignments that require peer review, it could take a long time for the reviews to be made, which means you might have to wait longer for your certificate of completion while continuing to pay for your monthly subscription
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Coursera partners with top universities and other educational institutions, providing a platform for educators to deliver accredited courses and degree programs online. It’s ideal for academic institutions and professionals who want to offer formal online education and reach a global audience. - Those who are buying online courses:
Students and professionals looking for accredited courses and degrees will find Coursera to be a valuable resource. The platform offers a wide range of topics, and many courses provide certificates that are recognized by employers, making it an excellent choice for career advancement.
Why we picked it
We consider Coursera to be one of the most prestigious educational platforms. By collaborating with leading universities and organizations, it offers online learning programs taught by top experts in various fields.
Pricing
Coursera Plus Annual (access to all courses): $399/year
Offers a 7-day free trial.
If you are seeking formal education opportunities, edX is a worthwhile online learning platform for you. As a mission-driven provider of massive open online courses (MOOCs), edX collaborates with renowned universities and organizations worldwide, such as Harvard, Berkeley, and IBM, to offer exceptional online courses to learners globally.
Just like at a university, you have access to a wide range of course topics, including architecture, art and humanities, computer science, linguistics, medicine, business, and economics.
Pros
- Certificates of completion from highly recognized accredited institutions of higher education
- Programs from prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT
- Flexible, self-paced learning options available for most courses
- A diverse selection of course topics and online learning programs
- A partially free platform that lets you audit courses
- Financial aid options are available for low-income learners
Cons
- A lack of consistency in course structure because partners can create online learning content as they see fit
- A relatively small selection of courses compared to other online learning platforms
- The interface may be perceived as cumbersome by some users
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
edX collaborates with leading universities and institutions to offer high-quality courses and degree programs. It’s an excellent platform for educators who want to reach a broad audience while providing formal education with certificates that hold significant value in the job market. - Those who are buying online courses:
Learners seeking high-quality, university-level education will benefit from edX’s offerings. The platform provides access to courses from prestigious institutions, many of which come with certification upon completion, making it a strong option for those looking to gain formal qualifications.
Why we picked it
Similar to Coursera, edX is a reputable online platform for education and online learning. Its courses are developed and instructed by prestigious universities and renowned companies globally, ensuring exceptional quality, so the quality speaks for itself.
Pricing
- edX: While edX offers free courses, the “Verified Track” route (with paid courses) can range from $50 to $300, depending on the course(s) you enroll in. If you’re pursuing a master’s degree, this can go as high as $10,000–$25,000.
- edX for Business: For groups (small teams or businesses): $349 per learner/year. For enterprises (large organizations): Contact sales for a custom quote.
Khan Academy is an eLearning platform that provides students with a free, world-class education. Backed by some of the largest foundations and businesses in the world, Khan Academy has taken the world by storm since its fairly recent inception.
Pros
- Absolutely free to use
- Offers a variety of subjects
- Allows learners to study at their own pace
Cons
- Its video tutorials are less interactive than face-to-face tutoring
- Uses a fairly formal interface that won’t get anyone excited
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Khan Academy is not a platform for selling courses but rather for providing free educational content. It’s best suited for educators or course creators who want to contribute to accessible education by offering their knowledge and resources on any topic, including computer science, data science, time management skills, professional development, and business management, at no cost. - Those who are buying online courses:
Students and learners of all ages looking for free educational resources can rely on the Khan Academy for a broad range of subjects. The platform is ideal for those who need supplementary online learning materials or want to study independently at their own pace.
Why we picked it
Khan Academy’s educational content is organized by grade level, making it easy to target students at a particular skill level. The platform also has powerful analytical features that enable you to track students’ progress.
Pricing
Khan Academy is absolutely free.
Best Online Course Platforms in 2024
With online course platforms, you can make money by selling your courses. Here are some of the top options:
If you need a comprehensive eLearning solution for marketing, selling, and hosting your online courses, iSpring Market is the way to go. With its intuitive interface and high-converting marketplace, it’s the perfect choice for quickly getting your courses to market.
iSpring Market stands out as a flexible online learning platform due to its ability to deliver engaging content in various formats, including audio, video, PowerPoint presentations, and SCORM packages. So, one key aspect of this platform that sets it apart is that it doesn’t limit you to passive online learning through video content as many others do.
And what’s even better is that it offers robust analytics and integrates seamlessly with Google Analytics. Detailed reports offer insights on customer acquisition, your earnings, your top traffic sources, and which courses are in demand.
Pros
- Maximum flexibility with course content types
- Can deliver courses with sophisticated interactions
- Gamified training environment with points, badges, and leaderboards
- Drives sales by incentivizing with limited-time offers and coupons
- Issues certificates of completion
- Accepts various payment methods and currencies
- Detailed analytics to monitor learner engagement and progress
Cons
- Limited marketing options are available
- Admin features are basic in functionality
- Courses are not accredited
Who is it for?
- Those who sell online courses:
iSpring Market is designed for course creators who want a powerful platform that allows them to market, sell, and manage their online courses. It supports various content formats and offers detailed analytics, making it a great choice for those seeking to optimize their course sales and learner engagement. - Those who buy online courses:
Buyers can enjoy a diverse range of interactive and engaging courses on iSpring Market. The platform supports multiple payment methods and provides certificates upon course completion, making it a convenient option for those who want to enhance their practical skills with accredited content.
Why we picked it
iSpring Market is one of the few course platforms that supports SCORM. It enables instructors to deliver rich and interactive content, enhancing the overall online learning experience. Besides, the platform offers strong user and content management functionalities, coupled with a comprehensive reporting system. iSpring Market essentially combines the benefits of both an LMS and a marketplace.
Pricing
iSpring Market offers 4 pricing plans:
- 500 users (25 GB): $77/month
- 1,000 users (50 GB): $147/month
- 2,000 users (100 GB): $277/month
- Custom: Contact sales for a custom quote.
Offers a 14-day free trial.
Kajabi places a stronger emphasis on selling online courses rather than content creation. Like similar learning platforms, its sales and marketing features are notably more robust than its course creation tools.
As for the course authoring tools it provides, you can upload video lectures and additional resources, such as worksheets and assessments, to complement each lesson. Furthermore, these tools enable you to create learning pathways with automation capabilities.
But Kajabi’s most notable feature is its “sales pipelines,” which are also referred to as sales funnels. These pipelines direct users through the purchasing process efficiently, allowing you to monitor multiple buyers in a structured, visual, and strategic approach.
Pros
- Well-designed user interface and exceptional user experience
- A comprehensive solution from course development to sales
- Extensive customization options for branding and marketing
- Superb video streaming capabilities
- Beautifully crafted landing pages
Cons
- Lacks interactivity and student engagement features
- Doesn’t provide completion certificates
- Steep learning curve, particularly during setup
- Priced higher compared to many other competitors
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Kajabi is ideal for creators focused on the sales and marketing of online courses. Its robust tools for creating sales funnels and marketing automation make it a top choice for those who want to market their courses effectively and increase revenue. - Those who are buying online courses:
Learners who purchase courses on Kajabi can expect a seamless buying experience, with well-designed courses that often come with supplementary course materials to enhance the online learning process. The platform’s emphasis on user experience makes it an appealing choice for those who are looking to invest in their education.
However, given its relatively steep learning curve, Kajabi can be challenging for those less familiar with technology.
Why we picked it
There are three things we most like about Kajabi. First, its robust sales funnel builder empowers you to create diverse marketing funnels. Second, the platform’s advanced marketing automation functionalities enable you to trigger personalized emails. Finallly, Kajabi stands out due to its exceptional customization options.
Pricing
Kajabi has a 3-tier pricing model:
- Basic: $149/month
- Growth: $199/month
- Pro: $399/month
Offers a 14-day free trial.
Podia is another all-in-one tool for course creation, marketing, and sales. It offers cost-effective online learning solutions that are incredibly user-friendly. One of the reasons it’s made this list of the best online learning platforms is its creator-focused approach.
With Podia, your memberships are seamlessly integrated within your digital storefront. This helps simplify the subscription process for customers and increase conversion rates.
However, Podia comes with no built-in course authoring tool. To create courses, you need to upload existing content, which can be in the form of eLearning modules, digital downloads like PDFs and audio files, or product bundles.
Podia primarily focuses on the sales and marketing aspects of business.
Pros
- Instant payouts
- No transaction fees
- User-friendly, simple design
- Membership site integrated with your digital storefront
- Unlimited use of resources (such as bandwidth and courses)
- Comprehensive email marketing tools
- Capabilities to track learner progress
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Lacks important educational features (such as graded quizzes and certificates of completion)
- Basic reporting and analytics abilities
- Limited selection of design templates for storefront pages
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Podia is perfect for course creators who want a simple, all-in-one solution for creating, marketing, and selling their content. With its user-friendly interface and no transaction fees, it’s an attractive option for those who are new to online course creation. Those who are buying online courses:
Buyers on Podia benefit from a straightforward purchasing process and access to a variety of digital products, including courses and memberships. The platform’s simplicity makes it easy for learners to engage with the content and track their progress.
However, don’t expect much when it comes to sophisticated marketing tools, branding, and customization options. At its core, Podia is best suited for individuals with simple online course creation and marketing needs.
Why we picked it
Podia has earned its spot on our list as the top choice for people who want to get started with their course selling process. It’s a perfect solution for those who have no coding or design background and want to get the basic marketing tools needed to sell digital products.
Pricing
Podia has 3 pricing plans:
- Mover: $39/month
- Shaker: $89/month
- Earthquaker: $199/month
Offers a free 14-day trial.
Also read → 5 Podia Alternatives
Best Learning Management Systems (LMSs) for Businesses
A learning management system (LMS) is a comprehensive online platform that empowers you to create and deliver training, track results, and automate the entire remote learning process by streamlining administrative tasks. Here are the leading LMS options for businesses:
iSpring Learn is a comprehensive platform, loaded with both basic and advanced functionalities, all wrapped up in a user-friendly interface. Course creators and administrators can upload a wide array of training materials, including videos, audio, reference documents, and interactive SCORM content, making them accessible to learners.
This online training platform has an impressive array of user management features. iSpring Learn offers a “Rules” feature, which streamlines the assignment of content to learners based on their group, progress, or professional roles and allows you to automate what would otherwise be a labor-intensive process.
Perhaps the most distinctive offering of iSpring Learn is the inclusion of iSpring Suite, an advanced authoring tool. Integrated directly into PowerPoint, iSpring Suite empowers users to create courses using a wide variety of content types, from screencasts and talking head videos to slide-based courses and interactive role-plays.
Besides, the LMS has a built-in course builder that allows you to create page-like courses and quizzes in no time.
Pros
- Comes with an advanced desktop authoring tool (iSpring Suite) as well as an online tool for simpler courses
- Well-designed, intuitive user interface suitable for users of all tech skill levels
- Integration with video conferencing software such as Zoom and MS Teams
- Mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS devices
- 24/7 live support
Cons
- Lacks support for multi-tenancy
- Gamification features are pretty standard
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
iSpring Learn is designed for training professionals and organizations that need a robust LMS to manage, deliver, and track corporate training programs. It’s especially useful for those who want to create interactive content with tools like iSpring Suite and provide a complete training cycle with self-paced learning programs. - Those who are buying online courses:
Learners using iSpring Learn can have a highly engaging learning experience that includes various content types, from video courses and scenarios to SCORM packages, all within a user-friendly interface. The platform’s mobile compatibility and detailed progress tracking make it a great choice for business teams and individual learners alike.
Why we picked it
iSpring Learn stands out by combining advanced functionality with ease of use. Plus, it offers a unique training solution that powers the full cycle of remote learning, including training content development, so you don’t need any extra tools.
Pricing
iSpring Learn has two types of subscription: Start and Business, with Business coming with a set of advanced features and a tiered pricing model:
- 100 users (Start): $2.87 per user/month
- 300 users (Start): $2.29 per user/month
- 300 users (Business): $3.14 per user/month
- 500 users (Business): $2.83 per user/month
- 1,000 users (Business): $2.55 per user/month
- Custom: Contact sales for a custom quote.
Offers a 30-day free trial.
LearnUpon is a renowned player in the LMS industry. It boasts an array of powerful features typically not available in a single training software.
Beyond the basics of tracking, managing, and delivering training to employees and customers, it enables the creation of custom-branded digital storefronts for marketing and selling online courses. Moreover, it supports a range of content types including text, images, audio, videos, and slides, and complies with both SCORM and xAPI standards.
Pros
- Tailored training through learning portals
- Completion certificates
- Ability to create custom-branded digital storefronts
- Supports numerous integrations (Salesforce, Zapier, HubSpot, etc.)
- Compatible with a wide range of content types, including xAPI and SCORM
Cons
- Limited administrative flexibility
- Incompatibility with direct HTML5 course integration
- High cost
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
LearnUpon is ideal for organizations looking to create custom-branded learning portals. It’s suited for those who need to offer tailored training experiences to different learner groups while maintaining a cohesive brand presence. - Those who are buying online courses:
Buyers benefit from LearnUpon’s flexible learning options and the ability to access content that’s tailored specifically to their needs. The platform’s support for multiple content types and integrations ensures a comprehensive online learning experience.
Why we picked it
LearnUpon made our list for its straightforward design paired with robust LMS capabilities. It’s a fairly easy-to-use training platform without too many bells and whistles that could hinder the user experience. Still, it allows you to customize your training program.
Pricing
LearnUpon’s pricing plan has 3 levels:
- Essential (150 active users, 2 portals): $1,249/month
- Premium (500 active users, 3 portals): $1,999/month
- Enterprise (500+ active users, 3+ portals): Contact sales for a custom quote.
Best Learning Management Systems for Schools and Colleges
LMSs for schools provide a centralized place for student-teacher interaction and help instructors track students’ learning progress in the interest of obtaining better outcomes. Here are our top picks:
Canvas is an online learning software with a strong emphasis on academic use. Yet, it’s also popular among online educators for building standalone courses not tied to any institution or company.
One of the best features is its exceptional versatility in accommodating various online learning formats. Canvas offers the ability to create websites to host your courses. This gives you considerable freedom to customize your site according to your needs. Moreover, Canvas comes equipped with all the essentials — from quizzes and grade books to reporting tools and integrations — to ensure that users remain on the right track.
Pros
- Everything you need in a single software solution
- Extensive range of integrations
- Robust social learning and collaboration functionalities
- SpeedGrader for the efficient grading of assignments and submissions
Cons
- A steep learning curve to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities
- Little to no gamification features
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Canvas is a powerful tool for educators and institutions that want to offer structured, academic-style courses. Its wide range of integrations and tools for managing student engagement in distance learning, as well as classroom management, make it ideal for those who need a versatile platform for formal education. - Those who are buying online courses:
Both students and educators benefit from Canvas’s extensive set of features that are designed to enhance the remote learning experience. From customizable course sites to advanced grading tools, Canvas provides a complete online learning environment for schools and independent educators.
Why we picked it
We regard Canvas as an excellent LMS for schools, districts, and universities. We especially appreciate it for its built-in tools designed to enhance interactions and streamline communication with students. With a variety of communication tools available, each offering unique functionalities, Canvas stands out for its flexibility in facilitating dialogue and engagement.
Pricing
Canvas has both a paid and a free option.
- Free: The free account unlocks many essential features, including creating courses, quizzes, and video conferences, creating tailored online learning via Mastery Paths, access to the Canvas mobile app suite, and integration with third-party apps.
- Paid: Contact sales for a custom quote.
Blackboard Learn is a truly veteran eLearning company. Launched in ’99, it’s been going strong for decades now. During this period, it has attracted more than 100 million learners.
Despite its name, it serves not only for K–12 and higher education sectors but can also be leveraged by governments and businesses.
Blackboard Learn offers a broad selection of educational tools for distance learning but remains user-friendly. It enables educators to build and manage online courses, deliver assessments with automatic grading, and interact with students.
The learning management system supports both live and self-paced training. Similar to LearnUpon, it offers online learning portals that provide tailored training experiences for various learner groups.
A standout aspect of Blackboard Learn is its comprehensive range of integrations.
Pros
- Provides seamless two-way communication between teachers and students
- User-friendly for both learners and educators
- Wide selection of plug-ins to enhance functionality
- Blackboard SafeAssign plagiarism detector
Cons
- No capability to market or sell courses
- Requires improvements in user experience and design
- Mobile app functions but is a bit ‘buggy’
- Initial setup is difficult and time-consuming
Who is it for?
- Those who are selling online courses:
Blackboard Learn is tailored for higher education, more specifically for educational institutions that require a comprehensive LMS for managing courses, assessments, and student interactions. It’s ideal for schools and universities that need a reliable platform for both live and self-paced distance learning. - Those who are buying online courses:
Both students and educators who use Blackboard Learn benefit from a centralized online learning hub that facilitates communication, course management, and assessment. Its wide range of integrations and user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for educational environments.
Why we picked it
We consider Blackboard to be a solid LMS for the academic sector. It’s a robust solution that offers a sturdy system to faculty members so they can share course materials in one spot, communicate with students easily, and give out grades online.
Pricing
Starts at $9,500 per year. Contact sales for a custom quote.
Has a free 30-day trial.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Online Learning Platforms, Course Platforms, and LMSs
In order to create this in-depth review of the best online learning platforms, we test-drove all the solutions that provide free trials.
We delved into their features and compared their capabilities, assessed the user interfaces for ease of use, and discovered how well each platform’s features align with the needs of their intended users.
Also read → The Top 9 Learning Management System Features Every LMS Must Have
For online learning platforms without free trials, we carefully reviewed their documentation and viewed demo videos to ensure a thorough evaluation.
How to Choose Online Learning Platforms
Choosing the best online learning platforms depends on your goals, whether you’re a course creator looking to sell courses or a learner seeking the best educational experience. We’ve created two step-by-step guides tailored to each scenario, so you can focus on the aspects most relevant to you and make the best choice.
For course creators who want to sell courses
- Define the goals of your course. Identify the content type (e.g., video courses, quizzes) and your target audience’s needs.
- Assess content creation tools. Ensure that the platform offers tools for multimedia content creation and integration with third-party tools.
- Consider customization and branding. Look for customization options to maintain your brand identity, such as adding your logo and custom domains.
- Evaluate marketing and sales features. Choose online learning platforms with strong marketing tools, such as email marketing, sales funnels, and multiple pricing models.
- Check payment and payout options. Ensure that the online learning platform you choose supports various payment gateways, international currencies, and favorable payout schedules.
- Review analytics and reporting. Opt for a platform that provides detailed analytics to track course performance and student engagement.
- Support and community. Check the availability of customer support and community forums to get help when you need it.
- Trial and feedback. Test your shortlist of online learning platforms with a free trial or demo and gather feedback from existing users or reviews.
For learners who want to buy courses
- Identify your learning goals. Define what you want to learn and whether you need certifications or only the knowledge that courses provide.
- Explore the course catalog. Choose online learning platforms that provide a broad range of courses from reputable instructors or organizations.
- Assess course quality. Review course previews, outlines, and ratings in order to gauge quality and effectiveness.
- Check flexibility and accessibility. Ensure that the platform offers mobile access, and offline learning, and supports multiple languages.
- Consider pricing and payment options. Compare prices, check for discounts, and make sure that your preferred payment methods are supported.
- Evaluate support and community. Look for student support services and active learner communities for interaction.
- Trial and feedback. Use free trials or introductory courses and read reviews to understand other students’ experiences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right online learning platform is crucial to achieve your educational or business goals. Whether you’re a course creator seeking to market your content, or a learner who’s looking for the best educational experience, understanding the distinctions between different online learning platforms — be it a marketplace, course platform, or LMS — can help you make an informed decision.
Follow the step-by-step guides and test-drive the solutions provided in this article to select the online learning platforms that fit your needs best.