Online Course Platforms: Fees, Features and Selling Options Compared
Compare online course platforms by free access, selling model, platform fees, and best use. Some provide a marketplace audience; others give you a branded school and direct customer ownership.
Last verified: September 7, 2026.
| Platform | Free | Selling Model | Fees | Best For | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle | Trial | Courses + community | Subscription | Community-led learning | ↗ |
| Kajabi | Trial | Hosted school + marketing | Subscription | All-in-one business | ↗ |
| LearnDash | No | WordPress LMS | License/subscription | WordPress course sites | ↗ |
| LearnUpon | Demo | LMS | Quote-based | Business training | ↗ |
| LearnWorlds | Trial | Hosted school | Subscription | Interactive courses | ↗ |
| Learnyst | Trial | Hosted course platform | Paid plans | Educators + test prep | ↗ |
| Maven | Apply | Cohort courses | Revenue share / platform terms | Live cohort courses | ↗ |
| Mighty Networks | Trial | Courses + community | Subscription | Community-led courses | ↗ |
| Podia | Trial | Courses + downloads | Plan-based | Simple creator business | ↗ |
| Ruzuku | Trial | Hosted courses | Paid plans | Simple online courses | ↗ |
| Skillshare | Creator access | Marketplace | Royalty model | Marketplace discovery | ↗ |
| Systeme.io | Free | Courses + funnels | Paid plans | Budget creator businesses | ↗ |
| Teachable | Trial / limited | Hosted school | Plan-based | Course-first creators | ↗ |
| Thinkific | Trial / limited | Hosted school | Subscription | Branded academies | ↗ |
| TrainerCentral | Free / trial | Courses + live classes | Paid plans | Independent trainers | ↗ |
| Udemy | Free to teach | Marketplace | Revenue share | Marketplace reach | ↗ |
Terms, pricing, eligibility and availability can change. Check the ↗ source for current details.
