Crafting and selling online courses has become a powerful way for individuals and businesses to share knowledge, build authority, and generate income in today’s digital-first world. It is one of the best ways to make passive income online. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, having the right online course platform can make or break your success. With countless course creation platforms available, finding the one that aligns with your needs, technical skills, and target audience can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve curated this detailed guide to the 10 Best Platforms to Create and Sell Online Courses in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner with no technical experience or a seasoned marketer aiming to scale your business, this guide breaks down the top platforms with insights on their standout features, pricing, earning potential, and what makes them shine in 2025.
By exploring these platforms, you’ll discover the perfect match for your teaching vision, helping you engage learners, build a brand, and maximize your earnings. Let’s dive into these leading platforms and what they offer for your journey into the world of online course creation.
1. Udemy: A Gateway to Global Exposure
Udemy has long stood as a beacon for aspiring course creators, offering a robust marketplace with a global reach. In 2025, it continues to attract instructors and learners alike with its intuitive setup and extensive audience base. Let’s delve deeper into its offerings and examine why it remains a popular choice for educators and marketers.
Udemy Overview and Purpose
Udemy is widely regarded as an online course marketplace rather than a standalone platform for hosting courses. This distinction is important because it means Udemy connects course creators with its existing, massive user base. As of 2025, the online course platform boasts 60+ million active learners and thousands of new courses added monthly, covering a vast range of topics—from technical skills like coding and data analysis to creative pursuits like art and music.
For many creators, Udemy serves as an entry point into the online course world due to its low barrier to entry and built-in audience. However, with great visibility come certain tradeoffs, which we’ll explore in this review.
Udemy Key Features
Massive User Base: Udemy’s biggest strength lies in its global community. With learners from over 180 countries, the platform offers unparalleled exposure, making it an attractive choice for reaching diverse audiences.
Ease of Use: The interface is simple and beginner-friendly, enabling instructors to create and upload courses without needing technical expertise. Tools like video hosting, course templates, and drag-and-drop editors simplify the process.
Marketing and Promotions: Udemy actively promotes courses through its platform wide discounts, email campaigns, and affiliate program. This means creators don’t need to invest heavily in external advertising to attract students.
Data and Analytics: Instructors have access to comprehensive analytics, including student engagement, course completion rates, and revenue trends. These insights can guide content updates and optimize the learning experience.
Mobile Accessibility: With a highly rated mobile app, Udemy allows learners to access courses on the go, broadening the reach of creators even further.
Udemy Pricing and Revenue Model
While listing a course on Udemy is free, the revenue-sharing model has been a point of contention among instructors:
Revenue Split:
If a student discovers your course organically via Udemy’s marketplace, the platform takes 50% of the course price.
For sales driven through Udemy’s promotions or ads, creators may retain as little as 37% of the revenue.
Instructors keep 97% of the revenue for students enrolled via their own marketing efforts using instructor coupons.
Course Pricing: Udemy caps course prices at $199.99. Frequent platform-wide discounts often drop course prices to as low as $10–$15, significantly affecting profit margins.
Udemy Earning Potential
Udemy’s revenue model means that volume is key to earning substantial income. Some top instructors reportedly earn six-figure incomes annually, leveraging their ability to create high-demand courses with significant reach. However, for many creators, the platform’s reliance on discounts can translate to modest earnings unless they achieve massive enrollments.
For niche topics or specialized audiences, Udemy might not be the best choice for maximizing income. However, if your goal is to gain visibility or establish yourself as an authority in a broad field, Udemy is an excellent launchpad.
What Sets Udemy Apart
Udemy’s global audience and built-in marketing tools make it a standout choice for exposure. Unlike standalone platforms where creators are responsible for audience building, Udemy eliminates this hurdle. It’s a particularly strong option for beginners who lack an established following but wish to test the waters with online teaching.
Udemy Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Many marketers commend Udemy’s ease of use and extensive learner base. It’s often described as a “readymade marketplace” where creators can focus on content rather than marketing.
Constructive Feedback:
The revenue-sharing model remains a significant drawback for some, with complaints about how aggressive discounts impact earnings. Additionally, the sheer number of courses on the platform makes competition fierce, requiring instructors to work on differentiation.
Udemy Updates for 2025
Expansion of Udemy Business: The platform has doubled down on corporate training, offering tailored content to companies through its Udemy Business subscription service. This presents an additional avenue for instructors to target enterprises rather than individual learners.
Emphasis on AI and Emerging Topics: Udemy is rapidly expanding its course offerings on cutting-edge topics like AI-driven tools, blockchain, and Web 3.0. Instructors creating content in these areas are likely to see strong demand.
Enhanced Analytics: New analytics tools provide even deeper insights into learner behavior, allowing creators to finetune their courses for higher engagement and completion rates.
Final Thoughts
Udemy is a double-edged sword: a platform with unmatched reach but a pricing and revenue model that requires careful consideration. It’s best suited for creators looking to establish their presence in the online course market or test new course ideas with minimal investment. For those seeking to retain more control over their brand and profits, a standalone platform might be a better choice.
In the end, Udemy offers a powerful gateway to the world of online teaching, provided you approach it with realistic expectations about earnings and competition.
Skillshare has carved out a niche as a subscription-based course marketplace, catering primarily to creative professionals and learners. With its focus on fostering creativity and skill building, it remains a go-to platform for instructors looking to share their expertise with a global audience.
Overview and Purpose
Skillshare is an online learning community that emphasizes creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal development. As of 2025, the platform hosts over 35,000 courses across categories like design, photography, writing, and business. Unlike traditional course platforms, Skillshare operates on a subscription model, allowing learners to access an unlimited number of courses for a flat fee.
For instructors, Skillshare is one of the best online course websites and offers a unique opportunity to reach a niche audience of motivated learners. The platform’s focus on project-based learning and community engagement sets it apart from competitors.
Subscription-Based Model: Learners pay a monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to all courses, creating a steady stream of potential students for instructors.
Project-Based Learning: Courses are designed to include hands-on projects, encouraging students to apply what they’ve learned and share their work with the community.
Royalty-Based Earnings: Instructors earn royalties based on the total watch time of their courses, incentivizing the creation of engaging and high-quality content.
Community Engagement: Skillshare fosters a sense of community through class discussions, peer feedback, and collaborative projects.
Skillshare Originals: The platform produces its own high-quality courses, often featuring industry leaders and well-known creators.
For Learners: Subscription plans start at $29/month or $99/year (approximately $8.25/month when billed annually), making it an affordable option for continuous learning.
For Instructors: Listing a course is free, but earnings are tied to the platform’s royalty pool. Instructors receive a share of the monthly subscription revenue based on the watch time their courses generate.
Skillshare’s royalty-based model means that earnings depend on course engagement. Instructors with popular courses and high watch times can earn a steady income, while those with niche topics may see more modest returns. The platform also offers a referral program, allowing instructors to earn bonuses for bringing in new premium members.
Skillshare’s focus on creativity and community makes it a standout choice for instructors in fields like design, illustration, and writing. The subscription model ensures a consistent flow of learners, while the emphasis on project based learning enhances student engagement.
Positive:
Many marketers praise Skillshare for its supportive community and the opportunity to reach a dedicated audience of creative learners. The platform’s affordability and accessibility are also frequently highlighted.
Constructive Feedback:
Some instructors express concerns about the royalty-based earnings model, noting that it can be challenging to achieve significant income without high engagement. Additionally, the platform’s focus on creative topics may limit its appeal to instructors in other fields.
Expanded Course Catalog: Skillshare continues to grow its library, with a focus on emerging topics like AI-driven design tools, NFT art, and sustainable business practices.
Enhanced Analytics: New tools provide instructors with deeper insights into student engagement and course performance, helping them optimize their content.
Corporate Partnerships: Skillshare has partnered with companies to offer its courses as part of employee training programs, creating new opportunities for instructors.
Final Thoughts
Skillshare is an excellent platform for creative professionals looking to share their expertise and connect with a like-minded community. While the royalty-based earnings model may not suit everyone, those who create engaging, high-quality courses can find success on the platform. Its affordability and focus on project-based learning make it a favorite among learners and instructors alike.
3. LearnDash: The Go-To Course Platform for WordPress Users
LearnDash is renowned for its seamless integration with WordPress, making it a top choice for website owners looking to monetize their expertise through online courses. In 2025, it continues to deliver robust tools and unparalleled customization, catering to educators, businesses, and entrepreneurs who prefer managing their courses within their WordPress ecosystem.
LearnDash Overview and Purpose
LearnDash is a Learning Management System (LMS) plugin for WordPress. It transforms WordPress websites into powerful learning platforms, offering creators full control over course content, design, and student engagement. For those already familiar with WordPress, LearnDash is an intuitive and efficient way to create, host, and sell online courses without relying on external platforms.
LearnDash Key Features
Gutenberg Style Editor: LearnDash’s drag-and-drop course builder integrates seamlessly with WordPress’s Gutenberg block editor, allowing creators to design courses with a familiar interface. This includes lessons, topics, quizzes, and assignments.
Interactive Quizzes and Certificates: The platform offers advanced quiz options like multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and timed quizzes. Certificates are autogenerated upon course completion, enhancing the learning experience.
Membership and Subscription Models: LearnDash supports various monetization methods, including one-time payments, subscriptions, bundles, and memberships. This flexibility allows creators to cater to diverse pricing strategies.
Gamification Elements: Tools like leaderboards, course points, and badges incentivize student engagement and make learning more enjoyable.
SCORM and Tin Can API Support: This makes LearnDash suitable for corporate training programs, ensuring compatibility with other LMS platforms.
Drip-Feed Content: Instructors can schedule the release of course content, promoting consistent engagement and preventing students from rushing through material.
Integration Capabilities: LearnDash integrates with WooCommerce, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, and other tools for extended functionality.
Pricing and Plans
LearnDash offers a straightforward pricing structure with a one-time annual fee:
Basic Plan: $199/year for one site.
Plus Package: $399/year for up to 10 sites.
Pro Package: $799/year for up to 25 sites.
All plans include core features, updates, and priority support. The tiered pricing ensures that LearnDash remains accessible to solopreneurs while also catering to larger businesses managing multiple sites.
LearnDash Earning Potential
LearnDash offers high earning potential for users with an existing WordPress audience. By leveraging WordPress’s robust SEO capabilities and LearnDash’s advanced monetization tools, creators can maximize their earnings. Whether through individual course sales, subscriptions, or upselling with bundled content, LearnDash provides a variety of revenue streams. Success often depends on the creator’s ability to market their courses effectively within their niche.
What Sets LearnDash Apart
LearnDash stands out for its deep integration with WordPress, making it a natural fit for users already familiar with the platform. Unlike standalone course platforms, LearnDash gives creators complete control over their website’s design and functionality. Its support for SCORM and Tin Can API also broadens its appeal to corporate trainers and educational institutions.
LearnDash Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Marketers often highlight LearnDash’s customization options and WordPress compatibility as its strongest attributes. Many appreciate the flexibility it offers in terms of course structure, design, and monetization.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users find the initial setup process challenging, especially if they’re not familiar with WordPress. Additionally, while LearnDash offers powerful features, leveraging its full potential may require technical know-how or hiring a developer.
LearnDash Updates for 2025
AI-Powered Insights: LearnDash now includes AI tools to analyze student engagement and recommend improvements to course content and structure.
Enhanced Gamification: New gamification features, including dynamic badges and real-time leaderboards, have been added to boost student motivation and retention.
Improved Mobile Experience: The platform’s mobile optimization has been upgraded to ensure a seamless experience for students accessing courses on smartphones and tablets.
Final Thoughts
LearnDash is an exceptional choice for creators who are already invested in the WordPress ecosystem. Its powerful customization tools, diverse monetization options, and compatibility with corporate training standards make it a versatile and scalable solution. While it may require a steeper learning curve for WordPress beginners, its extensive capabilities ensure a strong return on investment for those willing to master the platform.
4. Systeme.io: Affordable, Versatile, and UserFriendly
Systeme.io has emerged as a top choice for small-scale entrepreneurs and creators in 2025, thanks to its unbeatable pricing and wide array of features. As an all-in-one platform, it seamlessly integrates tools for course creation, sales funnels, email marketing, and more, making it a fantastic option for those on a budget.
Systeme.io Overview and Purpose
Systeme.io is positioned as an affordable solution for online business owners who need multiple tools in one place. Its simplicity and functionality make it ideal for newcomers who may not have the technical expertise or resources to juggle multiple platforms. By providing robust functionality at a fraction of the cost of competitors, Systeme.io is tailor-made for small businesses and entrepreneurs aiming to scale their operations effectively.
Systeme.io Key Features
Course Hosting: Systeme.io lets creators build and host online courses effortlessly, providing tools for designing lessons, uploading content, and engaging students.
Sales Funnels: The platform includes predesigned funnel templates that help users generate leads and convert them into paying customers. Drag and drop functionality makes customization simple.
Email Marketing: Built-in email automation tools allow users to run campaigns directly from the platform. Features include segmentation, scheduling, and autoresponders.
Affiliate Program: Users can set up and manage affiliate programs to drive additional sales with minimal effort.
Integrations: Systeme.io integrates with popular payment gateways and other software tools, enhancing its utility as an all-in-one solution.
Systeme.io Pricing and Plans
Systeme.io is known for its budget-friendly pricing and provides excellent value at every tier:
Free Plan: Includes basic features like course hosting, funnels, and email marketing for up to 2,000 contacts.
Paid Plans: Range from $27–$97/month, offering increasing levels of functionality, including unlimited courses, advanced automation, and affiliate management tools.
Compared to competitors, Systeme.io offers one of the most affordable entry points for course creators, making it accessible to users with minimal upfront investment.
Systeme.io Earning Potential
While Systeme.io is designed for small-scale creators, its earning potential depends on how effectively users leverage its tools. By creating engaging courses, building high-converting sales funnels, and managing strong email campaigns, users can generate consistent revenue streams.
Creators with well-designed offerings and active marketing strategies report earning anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000/month, depending on their niche and audience size.
What Sets Systeme.io Apart
Systeme.io’s standout feature is its affordability, which does not come at the expense of functionality. It provides tools that rival those of higher-priced platforms, enabling users to run their entire business without needing external software. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it a favorite among those new to online course creation.
Systeme.io Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Many marketers praise Systeme.io for its all-in-one approach, allowing them to focus on content creation instead of juggling multiple tools. The affordability is often highlighted as a major advantage, especially for those starting out.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users have noted limitations in advanced customizations and design options compared to higher-priced competitors. However, these drawbacks are often overshadowed by the platform’s cost-effectiveness.
Systeme.io Updates for 2025
Enhanced Features: Systeme.io has rolled out updates to improve automation workflows and add more customization options for sales funnels and course designs.
Growing Community: The platform’s user base has expanded, providing more robust support and community-driven resources, including shared funnel templates and course ideas.
Scaling Focus: While still catering to small-scale entrepreneurs, Systeme.io now offers advanced features targeted at growing businesses, ensuring scalability for users with expanding operations.
Final Thoughts
Systeme.io continues to be a top choice for entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective yet powerful solution for creating and selling online courses. Its affordability, versatility, and ease of use make it an excellent option for newcomers and seasoned marketers alike. For those with modest budgets who value simplicity and functionality, Systeme.io is tough to beat.
5. Kajabi: A Premium All-in-one Platform for Knowledge Entrepreneurs
Kajabi has cemented its status as a go-to platform for creators looking to build, market, and sell online courses. In 2025, it continues to offer an all-inclusive ecosystem for knowledge entrepreneurs, combining course creation, marketing, and sales tools into one seamless experience.
Kajabi Overview and Purpose
Kajabi is more than just a course hosting platform; it’s an all-in-one business solution tailored for creators who want to turn their expertise into profitable ventures. From building stunning courses to managing email campaigns, Kajabi empowers users to run their entire online business without needing external software.
With a focus on scalability, Kajabi is ideal for instructors who are serious about growing their brands and earning significant income. Its robust tools make it a favorite among experienced marketers, while its user-friendly design ensures newcomers can hit the ground running.
Kajabi Key Features
Intuitive Course Builder: Kajabi’s course creation tools allow users to easily build and structure their lessons. Features include native video hosting, customizable themes, and student engagement tools.
Email Marketing: The platform includes an advanced email marketing suite with automation capabilities, segmentation, and analytics, helping users nurture leads and drive conversions.
Sales Funnels: Kajabi provides prebuilt marketing funnels designed to attract, convert, and retain customers. The funnels are highly customizable to fit individual business models.
Live Session Hosting: Creators can host webinars and live events directly through Kajabi, providing opportunities for interaction and upselling.
Analytics and Reporting: Detailed metrics on sales, customer behavior, and marketing performance enable users to make data-driven decisions and optimize their strategies.
Memberships and Subscriptions: Kajabi supports recurring revenue models, including memberships and subscription-based content, giving creators additional earning opportunities.
Kajabi Pricing and Plans
Kajabi is positioned as a premium platform, with pricing tiers designed to scale with users’ businesses:
Basic Plan: $89/month, includes essential tools for course creation and marketing.
Growth Plan: $159/month, adds features like affiliate management and advanced automation.
Pro Plan: $399/month, offers comprehensive features like code editing and custom branding options.
While the pricing may seem steep compared to other platforms, Kajabi’s all-in-one approach eliminates the need for additional software subscriptions, offering significant value for serious entrepreneurs.
Kajabi Earning Potential
Kajabi’s robust marketing tools and analytics provide high earning potential for users who actively leverage them. Top creators on the platform reportedly earn six-figure incomes annually, combining course sales, memberships, and upsells. The ability to host live events and webinars also opens opportunities for premium offerings, further boosting revenue.
What Sets Kajabi Apart
Kajabi stands out for its seamless integration of course creation with marketing and sales tools. Unlike platforms that focus solely on hosting content, Kajabi empowers users to run their entire business from one centralized dashboard. Its scalability makes it particularly appealing for instructors looking to expand their operations or diversify their revenue streams.
Kajabi Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Many marketers praise Kajabi for its professional-grade tools and ease of use. The platform is often described as a “business in a box,” allowing users to focus on content creation while Kajabi handles the logistics.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users note that Kajabi’s pricing may be prohibitive for beginners or those with limited budgets. Additionally, while its tools are comprehensive, experienced marketers may find certain features less customizable compared to standalone software.
Kajabi Updates for 2025
AI-Powered Features: Kajabi has introduced AI tools for content personalization, email campaign optimization, and predictive analytics, helping users make smarter business decisions.
Enhanced Mobile Experience: Updates to the mobile app allow students to access courses seamlessly, while creators can manage their businesses on the go.
Increased Scalability: Kajabi now supports advanced integrations with third-party apps and platforms, catering to growing businesses and complex workflows.
Final Thoughts
Kajabi continues to be a premium choice for creators who are serious about building and scaling their online businesses. Its comprehensive suite of tools, combined with a focus on user experience and innovation, makes it a powerful ally for knowledge entrepreneurs. While the pricing may not suit everyone, those willing to invest in a long-term business strategy will find Kajabi to be an invaluable partner.
6. Thinkific: A Versatile Platform for Course Hosting and Student Engagement
Thinkific stands out as one of the most versatile course hosting platforms in 2025. Known for its flexibility and user-friendly design, it empowers creators to develop professional courses while fostering community and student engagement. Let’s dive into its offerings and what makes it a solid choice for both newcomers and experienced marketers.
Overview and Purpose
Thinkific focuses entirely on enabling creators to design, market, and sell their courses with ease. Whether you’re launching a single course or building an entire catalog of offerings, Thinkific provides the tools you need to customize the learning experience. Its emphasis on live lessons, community-building features, and customization makes it a popular choice for creators aiming to provide value to their students.
Thinkific Key Features
Drag and Drop Course Builder: The platform’s intuitive course editor allows creators to structure lessons with ease. You can include video, text, quizzes, and multimedia, making the learning experience interactive.
Live Lessons and Interaction: Thinkific supports real-time instruction through live sessions, which is especially valuable for creators looking to engage students directly and build rapport.
Community Building Tools: The platform includes discussion boards and group features, encouraging interaction between students and fostering a sense of community.
Customizable Templates: Thinkific offers a variety of pre-built templates for different course styles, from minicourses to comprehensive programs. These templates can be further personalized to reflect your brand.
Integrated Payment Options: The platform supports multiple payment methods, including subscriptions, one-time payments, and payment plans, giving creators flexibility in monetizing their courses.
Marketing Features: Basic marketing tools like landing pages and email campaigns are built into Thinkific, but integrations with advanced software can enhance your reach.
Thinkific Pricing and Plans
Thinkific’s pricing is competitive, with plans that scale as your business grows:
Free Plan: Includes basic features for hosting one course.
Basic Plan: $49/month, offering unlimited courses and students.
Pro Plan: $99/month, adding advanced customizations and priority support.
Premier Plan: $199/month, designed for large-scale operations and offering tools like bulk enrollments and advanced analytics.
While the free plan is an excellent entry point for beginners, most instructors eventually move to paid plans to unlock more features and scale their operations.
Thinkific Earning Potential
Thinkific offers moderate to high earning potential, largely dependent on your ability to market your courses and build an audience. Creators who price their courses competitively and leverage community features to engage students often see better retention and repeat sales. The platform’s support for payment plans and subscriptions further boosts revenue opportunities for those offering premium or ongoing content.
What Sets Thinkific Apart
Thinkific shines because of its flexibility and customization options. It gives creators complete control over the look and feel of their courses, allowing them to deliver unique experiences tailored to their audience. Additionally, the inclusion of live lessons and community-building tools adds significant value, particularly for creators seeking to foster deep engagement.
Thinkific Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Marketers appreciate Thinkific’s drag-and-drop interface and wide range of templates, which simplify course creation. Many highlight its strong focus on student interaction as a key differentiator.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users note that Thinkific’s built-in marketing tools are basic compared to dedicated platforms like Kajabi. For creators heavily reliant on marketing automation, third-party integrations may be necessary.
Thinkific Updates for 2025
Enhanced Community Features: Thinkific has introduced advanced tools for community interaction, such as live chats and group messaging, making it easier for creators to engage with students.
Improved Mobile Accessibility: The updated mobile interface provides seamless learning experiences for students and allows instructors to manage their courses on the go.
AI-Powered Insights: New analytics tools leverage AI to provide actionable insights into student behavior, helping creators optimize their content and teaching strategies.
Final Thoughts
Thinkific remains a strong contender in the online course platform landscape, offering a balance of affordability, customization, and engagement tools. It’s particularly well suited for creators focused on fostering strong connections with their students. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your course offerings, Thinkific is a platform worth considering.
7. Teachable: Simple and Effective for Non-Technical Creators
Teachable has remained a staple in the online course industry for its beginner-friendly approach and robust tools. As of 2025, it continues to empower creators of all experience levels, particularly those without technical expertise, to build, market, and sell online courses with ease.
Teachable Overview and Purpose
Teachable is a course creation platform designed to simplify the process of sharing knowledge online. It offers a straightforward interface and essential tools for creating polished courses without requiring coding or advanced technical skills. From its intuitive setup to its scalability, Teachable bridges the gap for creators who want to focus on their content rather than the complexities of technology.
Teachable Key Features
Simple Course Builder: Teachable’s drag-and-drop course builder makes it easy for users to structure content with video, text, and quizzes.
Integrated Affiliate Program: Creators can incentivize others to promote their courses by managing an affiliate program directly through the platform, driving more traffic and sales.
AI-Powered Evaluations: The inclusion of AI tools helps evaluate student performance and suggest areas for improvement, adding an extra layer of engagement.
Customizable Branding: While the platform is beginner-friendly, it allows for some branding customization, enabling creators to maintain a professional appearance.
Built-in Payment Gateway: Teachable supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and subscriptions, ensuring a seamless experience for students and instructors alike.
Mobile Learning: Students can access courses on the go through Teachable’s mobile-friendly interface, broadening reach and improving accessibility.
Teachable Pricing and Plans
Teachable offers tiered pricing plans to suit different needs:
Basic Plan: $59/month, includes course-building essentials and an affiliate marketing feature.
Pro Plan: $149/month, adds advanced customization, priority support, and no transaction fees.
Business Plan: $249/month, designed for scaling businesses with additional team management and reporting tools.
Teachable charges a 5% transaction fee on the Basic Plan, which is waived for higher-tier plans. This fee structure can influence profit margins, particularly for smaller creators on entry-level plans.
Teachable Earning Potential
Teachable offers moderate earning potential, depending on how creators price and market their courses. The affiliate program can significantly boost sales by leveraging external promoters. Additionally, features like subscriptions and upselling opportunities can help maximize revenue. That said, the transaction fees on lower plans might be a hurdle for smaller creators starting out.
What Sets Teachable Apart
Teachable’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility for nontechnical creators. The platform eliminates much of the learning curve typically associated with course creation, allowing users to focus on delivering value to their students. The built-in affiliate program is another standout feature, providing a straightforward way to expand reach and drive sales.
Teachable Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Many marketers praise Teachable for its ease of use and strong customer support. It’s often highlighted as a top choice for first-time creators or those transitioning from traditional teaching to online education.
Constructive Feedback:
The transaction fees on the Basic Plan are frequently cited as a downside, particularly for beginners with limited budgets. Some users also note that while Teachable’s tools are reliable, they may lack the advanced customization options found on more premium platforms like Kajabi.
Teachable Updates for 2025
AI-Powered Marketing Suggestions: Teachable now incorporates AI to help users optimize course titles, descriptions, and pricing for better performance.
Enhanced Reporting Tools: New analytics features provide deeper insights into student engagement and sales trends, allowing creators to make more informed decisions.
Improved Integrations: Teachable now supports seamless integrations with advanced third-party tools like HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and Zapier, making it easier for creators to expand their marketing efforts.
Final Thoughts
Teachable continues to be a top choice for course creators looking for a no-fuss platform that gets the job done. Its beginner-friendly interface, combined with robust features like affiliate marketing and AI-driven tools, makes it a versatile option for smaller-scale creators and those just entering the online education market.
While it may not offer the depth of customization or marketing automation available on higher-priced platforms, its affordability and ease of use ensure it remains a strong contender in the course creation space.
8. LearnWorlds: An Innovative Platform for Interactive Learning
LearnWorlds has solidified its place as a top choice for course creators, especially those targeting corporate clients or prioritizing immersive learning experiences. With its focus on interactivity, gamification, and SCORM compliance, it stands out as a platform designed to elevate the online learning experience in 2025.
LearnWorlds Overview and Purpose
LearnWorlds is specifically geared toward creators who want to deliver engaging, interactive courses that prioritize the learner’s experience. The platform is a favorite among educators and corporate trainers looking to offer professional development programs or compliance training. Its combination of advanced learning tools and branding options makes it a standout choice for creators serious about crafting impactful courses.
LearnWorlds Key Features
SCORM Compliance: LearnWorlds supports SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model), making it ideal for corporate eLearning and training programs. SCORM compliance ensures compatibility with Learning Management Systems (LMS), allowing creators to cater to businesses and organizations.
Branded Mobile Apps: One of LearnWorlds’ standout features is its ability to create fully branded mobile apps. This provides creators with a unique opportunity to offer seamless, on-the-go learning experiences while strengthening their brand identity.
Interactive Elements: The platform includes tools for building quizzes, surveys, gamification, and even interactive videos. These features enhance student engagement and retention.
Advanced Customization: Creators can use LearnWorlds’ website builder to design visually appealing course pages that align with their branding. The platform also offers advanced options for curriculum structuring and student certifications.
Social Learning: Discussion forums and community features encourage collaboration and interaction among learners, fostering deeper engagement.
LearnWorlds Pricing and Plans
LearnWorlds offers flexible pricing to suit different needs:
Starter Plan: $29/month, includes basic features for course creation.
Pro Trainer Plan: $99/month, adds interactive features and integrations.
Learning Center Plan: $299/month, ideal for largescale operations and corporate clients, with support for branded apps and SCORM compliance.
LearnWorlds does not charge transaction fees, giving creators full control over their revenue.
LearnWorlds Earning Potential
LearnWorlds offers high earning potential, particularly for creators targeting corporate clients or offering premium courses. Features like branded apps and certification programs allow creators to justify higher price points, while SCORM compliance opens up opportunities to work with businesses and institutions. Success on LearnWorlds often comes from leveraging these tools to create engaging, valuable experiences.
What Sets LearnWorlds Apart
LearnWorlds differentiates itself by focusing on enhancing the learning experience through interactivity, gamification, and social engagement. Unlike many other platforms, its SCORM compliance makes it particularly appealing for corporate eLearning providers, giving creators access to a lucrative market. The branded mobile app feature is another unique offering that sets it apart.
LearnWorlds Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Many marketers commend LearnWorlds for its innovative features and ability to create truly immersive courses. Corporate trainers often praise its SCORM compliance and interactive tools, citing strong student engagement and retention.
Constructive Feedback:
Some creators mention that the platform’s advanced features can have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with eLearning design. Additionally, the pricing for higher-tier plans may be prohibitive for smaller-scale entrepreneurs.
LearnWorlds Updates for 2025
AI-Driven Personalization: LearnWorlds has introduced AI-powered tools that adapt courses to individual learner needs, enhancing engagement and outcomes.
Corporate Integration Enhancements: Updates have made it easier to integrate LearnWorlds with corporate Learning Management Systems, further expanding opportunities for creators.
Expanded Gamification Tools: The platform now supports advanced gamification features, including leaderboards and progress tracking, making courses more engaging.
Final Thoughts
LearnWorlds continues to push boundaries with its innovative approach to online learning. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its features—particularly SCORM compliance and branded apps—make it a top choice for creators looking to deliver professional, interactive, and engaging courses. If your goal is to target corporate clients or offer high value learning experiences, LearnWorlds deserves serious consideration.
9. Podia: Simplicity and Affordability for Small Businesses
Podia has firmly established itself as a favorite among creators looking for a no-frills platform to sell courses, memberships, and digital products. With a focus on simplicity and affordability, Podia provides a user-friendly experience that’s ideal for small businesses and creators on a budget.
Podia Overview and Purpose
Podia aims to empower creators by offering an all-in-one platform that combines course hosting, email marketing, and a website builder. Its clean interface and lack of transaction fees make it particularly appealing for those new to the online course industry. Whether you’re selling a single course or running a membership program, Podia offers the essential tools you need without unnecessary complexity.
Podia Key Features
Website Builder: Podia includes a built-in website builder that allows creators to set up a professional-looking site without any coding. The builder supports customizable themes and layouts, ensuring your brand identity shines through.
Email Marketing Tools: With built-in email marketing capabilities, creators can communicate with their audience through newsletters, campaigns, and drip sequences—all from within the platform.
Membership Options: Podia makes it easy to build and manage memberships, enabling creators to offer exclusive content to their subscribers on a recurring basis.
Digital Product Sales: In addition to courses, Podia supports the sale of other digital products like eBooks, templates, and downloadable guides, giving creators additional revenue streams.
No Transaction Fees: Unlike some competitors, Podia does not take a cut of your sales, allowing creators to retain 100% of their revenue (aside from standard payment gateway fees like PayPal or Stripe).
Live Chat Support: Podia offers live customer support, ensuring creators have access to help when they need it.
Podia Pricing and Plans
Podia’s pricing remains one of its most attractive features:
Mover Plan: $39/month, includes basic tools for course creation, digital product sales, and email marketing.
Shaker Plan: $89/month, adds features like affiliate marketing, memberships, and third-party code integrations.
Both plans include unlimited courses, students, and email sends, making Podia a cost-effective option for small-scale creators.
Podia Earning Potential
Podia offers moderate earning potential, especially for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs. With its support for memberships and digital products, creators can generate multiple revenue streams. While Podia’s built-in marketing tools are basic, they’re sufficient for creators with smaller audiences. However, creators aiming for higher earnings may need to invest in external tools for advanced marketing and audience growth.
What Sets Podia Apart
Podia’s main selling points are its affordability and simplicity. The platform eliminates transaction fees, which is a significant advantage for small-scale creators. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even nontechnical users can navigate course creation and sales with ease. Additionally, the inclusion of membership features and digital product sales adds versatility to the platform.
Podia Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Marketers often praise Podia for its clean, minimalist interface and straightforward pricing structure. It’s especially appreciated by those looking for a low-maintenance solution that still delivers solid results.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users note that Podia’s features, while reliable, lack the depth and sophistication of higher-priced platforms like Kajabi or LearnWorlds. This makes it better suited for creators with simpler needs rather than those looking for advanced customization or marketing capabilities.
Podia Updates for 2025
Improved Email Marketing Features: Podia has enhanced its email marketing tools with AI-driven campaign recommendations and improved segmentation, making it easier to target specific audience segments.
Expanded Membership Capabilities: The platform now supports tiered membership levels, allowing creators to offer different benefits and pricing tiers to their subscribers.
Mobile Friendly Updates: Podia has optimized its mobile interface, ensuring that both creators and students can access the platform seamlessly on any device.
Final Thoughts
Podia is an excellent choice for creators prioritizing simplicity, affordability, and ease of use. While it may not offer the advanced features or marketing power of some higher-priced competitors, it delivers everything small businesses and solo entrepreneurs need to build and grow their online course offerings. For those just starting out or managing a smaller audience, Podia strikes the perfect balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.
10. Mighty Networks: A Platform for Building Thriving Communities
Mighty Networks has become a leading choice for creators and entrepreneurs who want to combine online courses with vibrant, engaged communities. In 2025, it continues to offer powerful tools for fostering connections, hosting events, and monetizing knowledge, making it a standout platform for community-driven learning.
Mighty Networks Overview and Purpose
Mighty Networks is designed to help creators build branded online communities where members can interact, learn, and grow together. Unlike traditional course platforms, Mighty Networks emphasizes the importance of community as a central element of the learning experience. It’s particularly popular among influencers, educators, and businesses looking to create spaces for collaboration and engagement.
Mighty Networks Key Features
Interactive Elements: Mighty Networks includes features like discussion forums, polls, and live chats, encouraging members to actively participate and connect with one another.
Live Events: Creators can host live webinars, workshops, and Q&A sessions directly on the platform, adding value to their offerings and fostering real-time interaction.
Community Management Tools: The platform provides tools for managing memberships, moderating discussions, and organizing content into “Spaces” for different topics or groups.
Branded Mobile Apps: Mighty Networks allows creators to launch their own branded apps on iOS and Android, giving them complete control over their community’s look and feel.
Monetization Options: Creators can sell courses, memberships, and event tickets, as well as offer subscription-based access to exclusive content.
Analytics and Insights: Detailed analytics help creators understand member engagement and optimize their offerings.
Mighty Networks Pricing and Plans
Mighty Networks offers tiered pricing to accommodate different needs:
Community Plan: $99/month, includes basic community-building tools.
Business Plan: $399/month, adds advanced features like branded apps and integrations.
While the pricing may seem high compared to other platforms, Mighty Networks’ focus on community-driven sales and branding makes it a worthwhile investment for creators looking to build loyal audiences.
Mighty Networks Earning Potential
Mighty Networks offers high earning potential, particularly for creators who leverage its community-driven approach. By combining courses with memberships and live events, creators can generate multiple revenue streams. The ability to launch branded apps also allows creators to charge premium prices for exclusive access and content.
What Sets Mighty Networks Apart
Mighty Networks stands out for its emphasis on community building as a core feature. Unlike platforms that treat community as an addon, Mighty Networks integrates it seamlessly with courses and events. The branded app feature is another unique offering, giving creators full control over their community’s identity and user experience.
Mighty Networks Reviews from Other Marketers
Positive:
Marketers often praise Mighty Networks for its ability to foster loyal audiences and create meaningful connections. The platform’s interactive features and branded apps are frequently highlighted as major advantages.
Constructive Feedback:
Some users note that Mighty Networks’ course creation tools are less robust compared to dedicated platforms like Kajabi or Thinkific. Additionally, the pricing may be prohibitive for smaller-scale creators.
Mighty Networks Updates for 2025
AI-Powered Community Insights: Mighty Networks has introduced AI tools to help creators identify trends and optimize engagement within their communities.
Enhanced Event Features: The platform now supports hybrid events, allowing creators to combine in-person and virtual experiences.
Expanded Integrations: Mighty Networks has added integrations with popular tools like Zoom, Stripe, and HubSpot, making it easier to manage events and payments.
Final Thoughts
Mighty Networks is an excellent choice for creators who prioritize community building and engagement. Its interactive features, live events, and branded apps make it a powerful platform for fostering connections and monetizing knowledge. While it may not offer the most advanced course creation tools, its focus on community-driven sales ensures it remains a top contender for creators looking to build thriving online spaces.
Closing Thoughts: Scale Your Online Course Business Today.
This list is designed to help you find the platform that aligns with your goals, whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your online course business.
The world of online education is filled with opportunities, and choosing the right platform is a crucial step in turning your vision into reality. From platforms that prioritize simplicity for beginners to those offering advanced features for seasoned marketers, each solution opens the door to unique possibilities for sharing knowledge and scaling your business.
As you evaluate these platforms, keep in mind your goals, audience, and the experience you want to create for your learners. Whether you’re building a thriving community, offering corporate training, or sharing your expertise on a niche subject, the right platform can empower you to reach new heights.
With this guide in hand, you’re equipped to take the next step toward creating impactful courses and generating lasting success. So, dive in, explore your options, and let the platform you choose help you shape the future of online learning. Here’s to your journey in educating, inspiring, and earning!
