Guide to Best Online Course Creation Software in 2025
Discover the best free online course creation software in 2025. Reviews, features, and top picks for creators like you!
Best Online Course Platforms (Ranked)
Finding the right online course platform can be a game-changer for web publishers, content creators, developers, and designers. Whether you’re looking for free online course creation software or a premium feature-rich platform, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best platforms ranked based on their features, pricing, and overall value.
Please consider the information provided is subject to change on the supplier of the services at any time. Also, almost all platforms, have annual plans with decent discounts available. Discounts could vary from 10 – to 25 %.
|
Platform |
Key Features |
Free Trial |
Pricing* |
|
No transaction fees, 50,000+ creators, $650 million+ earned, detailed analytics, customizable certificates, and various integrations. |
30-day free trial | Starts at $48/month | |
|
Marketing automation, built-in CRM, email marketing, webinars, and sales funnels. |
14-day free trial | Starts at $69/month | |
|
Interactive ebooks, social networks, automatic video transcripts, SCORM-compliant, and customizable site builder. |
30-day free trial | Starts at $29/month | |
|
Over 100,000 creators, $1 billion earned, payment processing, affiliate programs, and easy-to-use dashboard. |
Free plan available | Starts at $69/month | |
|
No transaction fees, memberships, webinars, digital downloads, email marketing, with an easy-to-use platform. |
14-day free trial |
Starts at $39/month | |
|
Community-building, course creation, real-time messaging, intuitive interface, and gamification features. |
Free trial unavailable | Starts at $99/month | |
|
Customizable community spaces, integrations with external tools, detailed analytics, live streaming, and member subscriptions. |
14-day free trial | Starts at $49/month | |
|
Large marketplace, extensive reach, marketing support, low upfront costs, limited ownership and student interaction, revenue split depends on the source of enrolment. |
Free to join as creator |
Revenue share model |
*Prices are subject to change.
For more in-depth comparisons and detailed reviews of these platforms, check out our articles on LearnWorlds Pricing and Features, Teachable Course Platform Review, and Udemy vs Teachable Features. Explore all of our best online course platforms reviews to find the perfect fit for your needs.
What Are Online Course Platforms?
Creating and selling online courses has become a great way for educators, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists to share knowledge and generate income. Let’s dive into some of the best online course platforms available in 2025 and see what each offers.
Thinkific
What need know about them
Thinkific is known for its user-friendly interface and robust set of features, making it a favorite among course creators.
Features and options
- Course Builder: Drag-and-drop course builder.
- Multimedia Support: Supports videos, quizzes, and downloadable content.
- Marketing Tools: Integration with email marketing, sales widgets, and affiliates.
- Community Building: Built-in community features for student interaction.
- Analytics: Detailed reporting on enrollment, progress, and completion.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
|
Free |
$0 |
|
Basic | $48 |
Start | $97 |
Grow |
$399 |
Overall summary
Thinkific provides a comprehensive suite of tools ideal for both beginners and experienced creators. It balances ease of use with powerful features, making it one of the best free online course creation software options available.
Kajabi
What need to know about them
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform geared towards serious course entrepreneurs looking to scale their business.
Features and options
- Website Builder: Customizable website themes.
- Automation: Advanced marketing automation features.
- Memberships: Easy setup for recurring subscription models.
- Mobile App: Support for learning on the go.
- Analytics: In-depth sales and marketing analytics.
Pricing
Plan Type | Price (Monthly) |
| Kickstarter | $69 |
|
Basic |
$149 |
|
Growth |
$199 |
|
Pro |
$399 |
Overall summary
Kajabi is robust and comes with a higher price tag but is worth it for those who want to sell courses, build a brand, and manage everything in one place.
LearnWorlds
What need to know about them
LearnWorlds is designed for interactive and engaging learning experiences, perfect for educators who want to make their courses more dynamic.
Features and options
- Interactive Videos: Quizzes, links, and other interactive elements.
- Course Player: Customizable and branded.
- Social Media Integration: Community building through discussions.
- Sales Tools: Coupons, subscriptions, and pricing options.
- Certificates: Automatic issuance of custom completion certificates.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
|
Starter |
$29 |
|
Pro Trainer |
$99 |
|
Learning Center |
$299 |
| Corporate | Custom pricing |
Overall summary
LearnWorlds stands out with its interactive and engaging content options, making it an excellent choice for learnworlds pricing and features.
Teachable
What need to know about them
Teachable is one of the most popular platforms due to its simplicity and powerful features.
Features and options
- Customization: No coding is required for course customization.
- Support: Email and live chat support.
- Sales Tools: Coupons, promotions, and affiliate programs.
- Student Management: Advanced student progress tracking.
- Payment Options: Flexible payout options.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
|
Free |
$0 |
|
Basic | $69 |
|
Pro | $159 |
| Pro+ | $249 |
Enterprise | Custom pricing |
Overall summary
Teachable offers a great balance of simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal platform for many creators. For more, see our teachable course platform review.
Podia
What need to know about them
Podia combines course creation with the power to sell digital products and memberships.
Features and options
- Webinars: Built-in webinar functionality.
- Memberships: Monthly or yearly subscription options.
- Email Marketing: Integrated with built-in email marketing tools.
- Support: 24/7 customer support.
- Digital Products: Sell courses, downloads, and memberships.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
|
Mover | $39 |
|
Shaker | $89 |
Overall summary
Podia is a versatile platform that provides excellent value with its broad range of features, especially for creators selling multiple types of digital products.
Skool
What need to know about them
Skool focuses on community-driven course creation, blending social and educational experiences.
Features and options
- Community: Built-in forums and groups.
- Gamification: Badges and rewards for student engagement.
- Multimedia Support: Videos, texts, and quizzes.
- Custom Domain: Ability to use your own domain.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
Simple |
$99 |
Overall summary
Skool is ideal for creators looking to foster a tight-knit community around their courses.
Mighty Networks
What need to know about them
Mighty Networks is a community-focused platform that also supports online course delivery.
Features and options
- Community Building: Highly interactive community spaces.
- Custom Branding: Full customization options.
- Event Hosting: Webinars, live streams, and events.
- Content Organization: Courses, community posts, and resources all in one place.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
Community | $49 |
The courses | $119 |
Bussiness | $219 |
Path-to-Pro | $430 |
Overall summary
Mighty Networks is perfect for those who value community engagement and want all their content in one spot.
Udemy
What need to know about them
Udemy is a well-known marketplace for online courses, suitable for reaching a wide audience.
Features and options
- Marketplace: Access to millions of users.
- Course Promotion: Robust marketing tools to boost visibility.
- Ratings and Reviews: Social proof to attract learners.
- Support: 24/7 instructor support.
- Certification: Completion certificates for students.
Pricing
|
Plan Type |
Price (Monthly) |
|
Free |
$0 |
|
Revenue Share |
On Royalties |
Overall summary
Udemy offers a massive audience and marketing tools but comes with revenue sharing. It’s ideal for those looking to expand reach quickly. Compare it with Teachable in our Udemy vs Teachable features.
For further details about each platform and more comparisons, you can check our full review of the best online course platforms.
Verdict and Top Picks
Having explored various online course platforms, I’ve compiled my top picks based on features, pricing, and overall usability for creators. Below is an overview of each platform’s strengths and my recommendations.
Top Picks Overview
|
Platform |
Best For |
Key Features |
Pricing |
|
Teachable |
Overall versatility |
Custom certificates, various payment methods | Free plan, starts at $69/month |
|
Podia |
Selling multiple digital products |
Unlimited video hosting, personalized landing pages | Starts at $39/month |
|
LearnWorlds |
Interactive and engaging courses |
Interactive ebooks, social networks integration | Starts at $29/month |
|
Kajabi |
Marketing tools |
CRM, pipelines, and email marketing |
Starts at $149/month |
|
Thinkific |
Customization |
Drag-and-drop editor, course compliance |
Free plan, starts at $39/month |
|
Skool |
Community building | Integrated membership, calendar, courses, free trial |
Starts at $99/month |
|
Mighty Networks |
Building online communities |
Direct messaging, topics, events |
Custom pricing |
|
Udemy |
Marketplace exposure |
Large audience, marketing support |
Revenue share model |
Teachable
Teachable stands out for its overall versatility, making it a great choice for many creators. With support for various payment methods, custom completion certificates, and robust marketing tools like email, affiliate, and referral marketing, Teachable offers a comprehensive solution. The platform also provides a Free plan for one course, with the Basic plan starting at $29/month and premium features available from $99/month.
Podia
Podia is ideal for creators looking to sell multiple digital products. This platform offers unlimited video hosting, personalized landing pages, drip courses, cohort-based courses, and the ability to pre-sell courses. Podia’s pricing starts at $33/month, allowing users to sell unlimited courses with no transaction fees.
LearnWorlds
For those who prioritize creating engaging and interactive courses, LearnWorlds is a standout option. It includes features such as interactive ebooks, integrated social networks, and automatic video transcript generation to keep users engaged. For detailed insights, visit our page on LearnWorlds pricing and features.
Kajabi
If marketing tools are a top priority, Kajabi should be your go-to platform. With an integrated CRM, pipelines, and email marketing capabilities, Kajabi allows you to manage and market your courses efficiently. It is a more premium option, starting at $149/month, but offers an extensive suite of tools to streamline your course creation and marketing efforts.
Thinkific
For those looking for customization, Thinkific is a strong contender. It boasts a drag-and-drop editor and course compliance features, making it easy to create and customize courses. Additionally, Thinkific offers a Free plan, with more advanced plans starting from $39/month. For more on how Thinkific compares to other platforms, check out our best online course platforms reviews.
Skool
Skool is excellent for community building, providing integrated membership options, calendar functionalities, and course creation features. It starts at $99/month and is geared towards individuals looking to create a sense of community within their courses.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks shines in building online communities, offering features such as direct messaging, topics, and events. This platform is suitable for creators focused on fostering strong community interactions within their online courses.
Udemy
Udemy is the best option for those seeking marketplace exposure. It provides access to a large audience and marketing support. However, it operates on a revenue share model. For a detailed comparison between Udemy and Teachable, visit our article on Udemy vs Teachable features.
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific needs and priorities. For more insights on various platforms, visit our course platform reviews page.