Best Online Course Platforms for Course Creators in 2025
Want to turn your expertise into passive income? Choosing the right online course platform is the first step. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, this guide breaks down the top platforms of 2025—with key features, pros, cons, and who each platform suits best.
Quick Links:
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Quick Comparison Table (Jump to overview)
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Online Course Platform
Online courses are one of the most scalable ways to monetize your knowledge. But the right platform can make or break your success. It should:
✔ Simplify course creation (templates, drag-and-drop tools).
✔ Handle payments and marketing (email automation, upsells).
✔ Deliver a seamless student experience (community features, mobile access).
Read more about passive income with courses here.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Pricing (2025) | Transaction Fees | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teachable | Beginners | $29–$299/month | 5%–0% | Simplicity |
| Thinkific | Customization & Communities | $0–$499/month | 0% | Brand control |
| Kajabi | All-in-one marketing | $119–$319/month | 0% | Sales funnels |
| Udemy | Marketplace exposure | Free (rev. share) | 50%–75% | Built-in audience |
Need video editing tools for your course? Check our top picks here.
Best Online Course Platforms (In-Depth Review)
1. Teachable: Best for Beginners & Simplicity
Why Choose Teachable?
Teachable remains the go-to for new creators who want a user-friendly interface without technical headaches.
Key Features:
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One-click upsells & bundles.
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Built-in email marketing.
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AI-powered quiz generator (new in 2025).
Pros:
✅ Intuitive drag-and-drop builder.
✅ No coding skills needed.
✅ Affordable starter plan ($29/month).
Cons:
❌ Limited design flexibility.
❌ 5% transaction fee on free plan.
2. Thinkific: Best for Course Customization & Communities
Why Choose Thinkific?
Thinkific shines for creators who want full branding control and community-building tools (e.g., forums, live lessons).
Key Features:
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100% white-label courses.
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AI-driven engagement analytics.
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Membership site options.
Pros:
✅ Zero transaction fees.
✅ Advanced customization (CSS/HTML access).
✅ Free plan available.
Cons:
❌ Higher learning curve than Teachable.
❌ Expensive premium plans ($499/month).
3. Kajabi: Best All-in-One Solution for Marketing & Sales
Why Choose Kajabi?
Kajabi is the Tesla of course platforms—packed with marketing automation, landing pages, and CRM tools.
Key Features:
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Automated sales pipelines.
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Podcast & newsletter hosting.
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AI copywriting for emails.
Pros:
✅ All tools in one place (no integrations needed).
✅ High-converting templates.
✅ 24/7 live chat support.
Cons:
❌ Pricey ($119+/month).
❌ Overkill for simple courses.
Compare Kajabi to other marketing tools here.
4. Udemy: Best for Marketplace Exposure & Passive Income
Why Choose Udemy?
Udemy gives you access to 13 million+ students, but at a cost (high revenue share).
Key Features:
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Built-in audience.
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AI course suggestions (new in 2025).
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Free to publish.
Pros:
✅ Hands-off marketing (Udemy drives traffic).
✅ Global payment processing.
Cons:
❌ 50%–75% revenue share.
❌ Limited branding (you’re a Udemy instructor, not a standalone brand).
Final Thoughts: Which Platform is Right for You?
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Just starting? → Teachable.
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Want full branding? → Thinkific.
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Need marketing tools? → Kajabi.
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Prioritize exposure over profit? → Udemy.
Pro Tip: Many creators use Thinkific/Kajabi for their flagship course and Udemy as a lead gen tool (e.g., offer a free mini-course to attract buyers to their main site).
Ready to build your course? Learn how to create a passive income stream here.
