Choosing the right platform to host and sell your online course is one of the most critical decisions in course creation. The right platform ensures a smooth learning experience for students while providing powerful marketing, payment, and automation tools for course creators.
With so many options available, it’s essential to find a platform that meets your needs, whether you’re looking for ease of use, customization, or advanced sales features. In this article, we’ll explore the best platforms for hosting and selling online courses, their key features, pricing, and which type of course creator they are best suited for.
What to Look for in an Online Course Platform
Before choosing a platform, consider the following factors:
• Ease of Use – Is the platform beginner-friendly, or does it require technical knowledge?
• Customization – Can you personalize the course layout and branding?
• Pricing – Does it charge a one-time fee, monthly subscription, or commission per sale?
• Marketing Tools – Does it include sales pages, email marketing, and affiliate programs?
• Payment Options – Can you accept payments via credit cards, PayPal, or other gateways?
• Student Experience – Is the learning interface engaging and easy to navigate?
• Integration – Does it connect with other tools like CRM, email marketing, or automation software?
Now, let’s look at the top platforms and their features.
1. Teachable
Teachable is one of the most popular course platforms, known for its ease of use and built-in sales features.
Key Features
• Drag-and-drop course builder
• Customizable landing pages
• Supports video, quizzes, PDFs, and assignments
• Built-in payment processing with Stripe and PayPal
• Affiliate marketing and coupon codes
• Mobile app for students
Pricing
• Free plan (with transaction fees)
• Paid plans start at $39/month
Best For
• Beginners who want an all-in-one solution
• Creators looking for an easy-to-use interface with built-in payments
2. Thinkific
Thinkific is similar to Teachable but offers more customization and no transaction fees.
Key Features
• Customizable course website with drag-and-drop design
• No transaction fees on paid plans
• Built-in quizzes, surveys, and discussion forums
• Ability to create memberships and bundles
• Integration with marketing tools like Mailchimp and Zapier
Pricing
• Free plan available
• Paid plans start at $49/month
Best For
• Creators who want full control over their branding
• Those looking for a scalable, professional course business
3. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that includes course hosting, email marketing, and sales automation.
Key Features
• Website builder with customizable themes
• Built-in CRM and email marketing automation
• Podcast hosting and blogging capabilities
• Affiliate marketing system
• Advanced analytics and reporting
Pricing
• No free plan
• Paid plans start at $149/month
Best For
• Entrepreneurs and businesses looking for an all-in-one solution
• Course creators who want advanced marketing and automation tools
4. Podia
Podia is a simple, affordable platform that allows creators to sell courses, memberships, and digital downloads.
Key Features
• No transaction fees
• Built-in email marketing and live chat
• Ability to sell digital products and memberships
• Simple and user-friendly interface
Pricing
• No free plan
• Paid plans start at $39/month
Best For
• Beginners who want an easy and affordable solution
• Creators who also sell digital products like e-books and templates
5. Udemy
Udemy is a marketplace for online courses, meaning it already has a built-in audience. However, it has strict guidelines and takes a percentage of sales.
Key Features
• Huge marketplace with millions of students
• Easy course creation tools
• Handles marketing and payments for you
• Discounts and promotions drive more sales
Pricing
• Free to create a course
• Udemy takes a 50% revenue share if students don’t use your coupon codes
Best For
• Course creators who don’t want to handle marketing
• Beginners who want to reach a large audience quickly
6. Hotmart
Hotmart is a leading platform for course creators in Latin America and Europe, offering strong affiliate marketing features.
Key Features
• Affiliate system to help others promote your course
• Secure payment processing with multiple currencies
• Integrates with webinars and live sessions
• Membership area for exclusive content
Pricing
• Free to use
• Hotmart takes a small commission per sale
Best For
• Creators targeting Latin America and Europe
• Those who want a strong affiliate marketing system
7. LearnDash (for WordPress)
LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that turns your website into an online course platform. It’s highly customizable but requires technical knowledge.
Key Features
• Full control over branding and design
• Drip content and gamification features
• One-time payment instead of monthly fees
• Integration with WooCommerce for selling courses
Pricing
• Starts at $199/year (one-time fee)
Best For
• Course creators who already have a WordPress website
• Those who want full ownership and control over their content
Which Platform is Right for You?
Best for Beginners:
• Teachable (easy to use, built-in payments)
• Thinkific (customizable, no transaction fees)
• Podia (affordable, good for selling multiple products)
Best for Businesses and Advanced Creators:
• Kajabi (all-in-one with marketing automation)
• Hotmart (strong affiliate marketing system)
Best for Selling on Marketplaces:
• Udemy (built-in audience, handles marketing for you)
Best for Full Control:
• LearnDash (for WordPress users who want customization)
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Course Platform
The best platform depends on your needs, budget, and technical skills. If you’re just starting, platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Podia offer an easy way to launch your course quickly. If you want advanced marketing features, Kajabi or Hotmart may be the better option.
Take advantage of free trials to explore different platforms before making a final decision. A well-chosen platform will make course management easier, helping you focus on creating valuable content and growing your online education business.