Online course platforms are software platforms designed to help businesses and individuals create and deliver online courses to learners. These platforms offer a range of tools and features, including course creation tools, course hosting, and marketing and sales features. There are two main types of online course platforms: online course creation platforms and online platforms for learning. Online course creation platforms are designed for businesses and individuals to create and sell their own courses, while online platforms for learning are designed for learners to access and take courses created by others. While both types of platforms may offer similar features, they have different audiences and purposes.
Quickview:
Online Course Creation Platforms:
Memberspace
MemberSpace is a membership-focused platform that integrates with popular website builders like Squarespace and Webflow.
Masterstudy
Masterstudy Theme is a WordPress theme designed specifically for creating and managing online courses.
In today’s digital age, creating and selling your own online courses is a fantastic way to share your knowledge, connect with others, and earn money. With so many platforms out there, it can be tough to know which one is the best fit for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison and guide to help you make the right choice. Let’s dive in!
Criteria for Comparing Online Course Creation Platforms
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each platform, let’s talk about the criteria we used to evaluate them:
- Ease of use: How user-friendly is the platform?
- User interface and user experience: Are the design and navigation intuitive?
- Course creation and management features: How robust are the tools for building and managing your courses?
- Integration with external tools and services: Can you easily connect the platform with other tools you use?
- Pricing and value for money: Does the platform offer a good balance of features and cost?
- Customizability and design options: How much creative control do you have over the look and feel of your courses?
- Customer support: Can you count on the platform’s support team when you need help?
Top Online Course Creation Platforms in 2023
Teachable
Overview:
Teachable is a popular choice for course creators, thanks to its user-friendly interface and powerful features.
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Offers a variety of design and customization options
- Great marketing tools, including one-click upsells and course bundles
Cons:
- Limited built-in community features
- Higher transaction fees on the Basic plan
Standout features:
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Integrated payment processing
- Affiliate marketing capabilities
Thinkific
Overview:
Thinkific is another top choice for course creators, offering a great balance of ease of use and powerful features.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface and course builder
- Offers a free plan with basic features
- Excellent support and resources for course creators
Cons:
- Some limitations on design customization
- Advanced marketing features available only on higher-priced plans
Standout features:
- Built-in community tools
- Flexible course pricing options
- Integration with popular marketing tools like ConvertKit and Mailchimp
Kajabi
Overview:
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that combines course creation, marketing, and customer management tools.
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set, including email marketing and sales funnels
- Beautiful, customizable themes
- Excellent analytics and reporting
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other platforms
- May be overwhelming for beginners
Standout features:
- All-in-one solution for course creators
- Powerful automations and pipelines
- Built-in CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Podia
Overview:
Podia is a user-friendly platform for creating and selling online courses, memberships, and digital products.
Pros:
- No transaction fees
- Simple, straightforward interface
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Fewer customization options compared to other platforms
- Limited built-in analytics
Standout features:
- All-in-one sales platform for courses, memberships, and digital products
- Live chat and messaging features
- Unlimited hosting for video, audio, and files
LearnWorlds
Overview:
LearnWorlds is a powerful platform designed for creating interactive and engaging online courses.
Pros:
- Advanced interactive features, such as video quizzes and note-taking
- Customizable course certificates
- Built-in social network for course communities
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other platforms
- Some limitations on the free plan
Standout features:
- Interactive video tools
- Built-in course analytics and reporting
- SCORM and xAPI compatibility
MemberSpace
Overview:
MemberSpace is a membership-focused platform that integrates with popular website builders like Squarespace and Webflow.
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with your existing website
- Flexible membership options
- Customizable content protection
Cons:
- Limited course-building features compared to other platforms
- Requires an existing website to use
Standout features:
- Integration with popular website builders
- Unlimited membership levels and plans
- Zapier integration for connecting with other tools
Others worth mentioning:
- Ruzuku: A user-friendly platform with built-in community features.
- LearnDash: A powerful WordPress plugin for creating online courses.
Best Tools and Themes for Online Course Creation
Envato Market
Overview:
Envato Market is a marketplace for creative assets, including themes, templates, and plugins for various platforms.
Pros:
- Wide variety of themes and plugins for course creation
- One-time purchase for lifetime access
- Regularly updated products
Cons:
- Quality can vary depending on the product
- Limited support from individual authors
Standout features:
- Thousands of assets to choose from
- Affordable pricing
- Envato Elements subscription for unlimited downloads
Masterstudy Theme
Overview:
Masterstudy Theme is a WordPress theme designed specifically for creating and managing online courses.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Integration with popular LMS plugins
- Customizable design options
Cons:
- Requires WordPress and some technical knowledge
- Limited built-in marketing tools
Standout features:
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Integration with WooCommerce for selling courses
- Mobile app for course access on the go
C. Other popular themes and tools:
- Athemes: A WordPress theme set with beautiful designs for your online courses.
- LinkWhisper: A powerful WordPress SEO plugin to interlink all of your pages together
- Elegant Themes: Another WordPress theme bundle with incredible design options for your online courses.
Tips for Choosing the Right Course Creation Platform
- Identify your target audience: Consider who you want to reach with your courses and what their needs are.
- Consider your technical skills and resources: Some platforms may require more technical knowledge than others.
- Look for free trials or discounted offers: This allows you to test out the platform before committing.
- Research platform reputation and reviews: Look for testimonials from other course creators to learn about their experiences.
- Compare pricing plans and features: Make sure the platform offers the features you need at a price that works for your budget.
Best Practices for Creating Successful Online Courses
- Define clear learning objectives: Make sure your students know what they’ll gain from your course.
- Create engaging and high-quality content: Use a mix of content formats (video, audio, text, etc.) to keep things interesting.
- Encourage interaction and community building: Foster a sense of connection among your students by providing opportunities for discussion and collaboration.
- Provide consistent updates and support: Keep your content fresh and relevant, and be responsive to your students’ needs.
- Apply effective marketing strategies: Promote your courses through social media, email marketing, and other channels to reach your target audience.
Conclusion
With so many online course creation platforms available in 2023, there’s never been a better time to share your knowledge and expertise with the world. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find the perfect platform to bring your courses to life. Happy course creating.

I’m Brynton, creator, author, entrepreneur and digital strategist working with 6-8 figure creators and companies. I enjoy building sustainable businesses, streamlining workflow, SEO strategy, marketing automation & content creation, + helping others do the same. Tap into my Flow Method Course and i’ll teach you how to make a living from your laptop while embodying your authentic, higher self.