The 5 Best Online Course Platforms (Reviewed and Compared)
The Best Online Course Platforms: My Honest Review
When I first started creating online courses, I felt completely overwhelmed by all the platforms out there. You search “best online course platform,” and suddenly, there are dozens of options. They all promise to be the one to make your life easier, boost your sales, and wow your students. But how do you know which one is actually right for you?
After testing quite a few (and spending way too much time figuring out what worked for my business), I’ve narrowed it down to five standout platforms. These are perfect if you’re a coach, healer, or solopreneur looking for something reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Thinkific: Best for Customization
Thinkific has been around for ages, and for good reason—it’s straightforward and easy to use, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. When I first started, this platform helped me get my courses online without too much hassle.
What I love:
- A drag-and-drop builder makes creating your course so much easier.
- Their 14 day trial on ALL tiers is great for beginners—no upfront costs to stress about, while you get it set up.
- They’ve got some awesome customization options, so your course site can actually look like it belongs to you.
What’s not so great:
- Whilst it does intergrate with some email marketing platforms, you may have to check that it links with your platform. It doesn’t handle email marketing perfectly. You’ll need another tool for that (which can feel like extra work).
- Some of their features—like advanced analytics—are locked behind higher-tier plans.
2. Systeme.io (My Personal Favorite!)
Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a Systeme.io fan. This platform is perfect if you’re like me and want everything in one place. Course hosting? Check. Email marketing? Check. Sales funnels? This website and our membership was set up with it. Yup, they’ve got that too.
What I love:
- It’s an all-in-one platform, which means fewer tools to juggle.
- The pricing is super affordable compared to other platforms.
- They make it really easy to set up lead magnets and email sequences—essential for growing your audience!
What's not so great:
- It’s not as “pretty” as Thinkific when it comes to design.
- If you’re looking for advanced reporting features, you might feel a bit limited.
Consider using Systeme.io if you are looking for a platform that can do everything from building your website (easily), to email marketing, funnel building, courses and your pipeline
3. Teachable
Ah, Teachable. This was one of the first platforms I tried, and it’s definitely a solid option for course creators. It’s user-friendly and has a bunch of features that make running a course-based business smoother.
What I Love:
- The course builder is super intuitive—no coding needed (hallelujah!).
- You can offer payment plans and upsells to maximize your revenue.
- Their community features (like course comments) are great for engaging with students
What's Not So Great:
- Teachable charges transaction fees on their lower plans, which can be frustrating.
- If you’re looking for email marketing tools, you’ll need to use something else alongside it.
4. Kajabi
Kajabi is like the Rolls-Royce of course platforms. If you’re looking for luxury—and have the budget to match—this might be the one for you.
What I Love:
- It’s a true all-in-one platform with everything from email marketing to website hosting.
- Their templates are stunning, which means your course site will look super polished.
- They’ve got a mobile app, so your students can access your content on the go.
What's Not So Great:
- It’s expensive. If you’re just starting out, this might not be the best fit.
- The learning curve can be steep—it’s powerful but not always intuitive.
5. Podia
Podia is a hidden gem for creators who want something simple and affordable. It’s especially great if you’re selling more than just courses (like memberships or digital downloads).
What I Love:
- No transaction fees—yay!
- It’s really easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- They have a solid affiliate marketing feature to help you grow your reach
What's Not So Great:
- The design options are pretty basic.
- If you need complex features like gamification or certifications, this might not be the best fit.
My Final Thoughts on these Platforms
So, which platform should you choose? Honestly, it depends on where you are in your business journey. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend Systeme.io or Thinkific—they’re budget-friendly and easy to use. If you’re scaling up and want an all-in-one luxury platform, Kajabi might be worth the investment.
The key is to pick something that feels right for you. After all, no platform is perfect, but the best one is the one that helps you get your course out into the world without driving yourself crazy.
Your Next Step:
Before you dive into building your course, don’t forget one thing: you need a lead magnet! It’s the easiest way to attract your ideal students and grow your email list.
Download my free guide: How to Create Your Must-Have Lead Magnet and start building your audience today.
p.s. If I had my time again, I would start doing this much earlier than I did.
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