The Best Online Course Platforms don’t just host your content and serve your customers —they make or break your online education business.
We learned that the hard way.
In 2019, just before we helped a client generate over $46.7M in online sales, we made several mistakes that literally cost us millions. How? We simply kept choosing the wrong online course platform.
The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, came in the form of a series of customer refunds we couldn’t save because the platform glitched—yet again. That was our third course platform in six months. We’d poured our hearts into building new courses teaching people how to turn their intellectual property into side hustles capable of generating six- and seven-figures per year… but students couldn’t even log in. Some never even got simple stuff like their welcome emails.
Our first launch literally cost us $1,204,323. Brutal.
Today? My team and I’ve have sold over $123 million in digital courses, we’ve built thriving communities, and our programs now have helped thousands of people while at the same time creating a predictable revenue stream we can count on—even in a down economy or recession.
So, what changed?
I finally stopped chasing so called “top rated” platforms, and instead started choosing platforms based on feedback from people like me who actually make millions online, who are passionate about serving students, and scaling—without losing sleep or paying for unnecessary platform features.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 8 BEST Online Course Platforms in 2025, complete with:
- Honest pros and cons
- Who each one is really designed for
- And how to choose the right one for your business without wasting time or money
Let’s jump in 👇
Why Choosing the Right Online Course Platform Matters
Before we dive in, let’s get real for a second.
Launching an online course in 2025 isn’t just about uploading videos and hoping for passive income. You need:
- Smooth student experience
- Reliable payment processing
- Flexible design & branding
- Marketing tools that actually work
- And support when (not if) something breaks
Choosing the wrong platform can cost you more than money—it can cost your reputation, your sanity, and your momentum.
Alright, let’s break down the top picks:
1. Kajabi
✅ Pros:
- All-in-one platform: courses, email marketing, landing pages, automation
- Gorgeous UI and seamless student experience
- Native podcast + coaching features
- Great community support
❌ Cons:
- Higher price point (starts at $149/month)
- Limited customization unless you’re tech-savvy
- No free plan (just a 14-day trial)
Bottom line: If you’re serious about turning your course into a business and want everything under one roof, Kajabi is a solid investment.
2. Thinkific
✅ Pros:
- Free plan available with decent features
- Excellent course structure and drip content tools
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder
- Strong support for quizzes and assignments
❌ Cons:
- Limited marketing tools compared to Kajabi
- Transaction fees on lower plans
- Less flexible for advanced automation
Bottom line: Great for beginners who want to test the waters without spending upfront.
3. Teachable
✅ Pros:
- Affordable pricing (starting at $0 with transaction fees)
- User-friendly for beginners
- Supports coaching, upsells, and email marketing
- Clean course player interface
❌ Cons:
- Limited design control
- Basic email tools—requires integration with ConvertKit or Mailchimp
- Higher transaction fees on free/low-tier plans
Bottom line: If you’re looking for simplicity, Teachable gets the job done—but you’ll likely need outside tools to scale.
4. Podia
✅ Pros:
- Flat monthly fee, no transaction fees
- Sell courses, webinars, digital downloads, and coaching
- Beautiful sales pages
- Includes email marketing & community features
❌ Cons:
- No mobile app
- Less robust automation than Kajabi
- Limited analytics
Bottom line: Podia is like Kajabi’s younger sibling—easier on the wallet but with slightly fewer features.
5. LearnWorlds
✅ Pros:
- Highly interactive: great for quizzes, certifications, & gamification
- Powerful video editing tools
- White-label branding options
- Excellent analytics
❌ Cons:
- Slightly steeper learning curve
- Email marketing tools are basic
- Templates aren’t as beginner-friendly
Bottom line: LearnWorlds is perfect for educators who want a feature-rich, interactive experience for students.
6. Skool
✅ Pros:
- Community-first design: perfect for cohort-based courses
- Incredibly simple UI
- High engagement and retention via gamified community
- One flat price: $99/month
❌ Cons:
- No built-in sales funnels or email tools
- Lacks flexibility for traditional course launches
- Less control over layout/customization
Bottom line: Skool is a hidden gem if your course is community-driven. Not ideal for evergreen funnels.
7. Systeme.io
✅ Pros:
- 100% free plan with funnels, email marketing, and course hosting
- Everything under one roof (and still improving)
- Great for budget-conscious beginners
- Built-in affiliate program tools
❌ Cons:
- Templates feel a bit dated
- Some features lack polish (yet)
- Less intuitive UI for total newbies
Bottom line: Systeme.io offers insane value if you’re starting with a tight budget but want a full-stack business builder.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Price Range | Free Plan | Email Tools | Community | Affiliate Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kajabi | All-in-one business builder | $$$ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thinkific | Beginners & educators | $$ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Teachable | Course creators on a budget | $$ | ✅ | Limited | ❌ | ✅ |
| Podia | Creators selling multiple types | $$ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| LearnWorlds | Interactive course designers | $$$ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ | ✅ |
| Skool | Community-driven courses | $$ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Systeme.io | Budget-friendly beginners | $ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Online Course Platform in 2025?
The best platform depends on your goals, budget, and how you want to run your business.
- Want an all-in-one solution? Kajabi
- Need to launch for free? Thinkific or Systeme.io
- Focused on community? Skool
- Teaching high-engagement material? LearnWorlds
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overthink the tech.
Your course content and your commitment to serving students matter far more than the platform. But choosing the right tool upfront can save you money, frustration, and missed revenue.
Next Steps: Launch with Confidence
Here’s how to get started:
- List your must-have features (email? upsells? quizzes?)
- Try a free plan or trial before committing
- Build your MVP course with 3–5 core lessons
- Focus on feedback, not perfection
If you’re serious about growing an online course business that actually makes money, take the time to build your foundation right. And remember:
👉 The platform is your stage—but you are the show.
