On a global scale, learning new skills online has become super popular. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, pick up a new hobby, or just learn something fun, there are plenty of online learning sites to choose from. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 online learning platforms that can help you achieve your goals.
- Coursera offers courses from top universities and companies.
- LinkedIn Learning provides personalized course recommendations based on your job title.
- Skillshare focuses on creative skills like design, photography, and writing.
- edX features courses from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT.
- Udemy has a wide variety of courses, often at discounted prices amongst other notable platforms.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Online Learning Sites
1. Coursera
Coursera is one of the largest online education platforms today. It offers over 5,000 courses from leading universities and companies, making education more accessible to everyone. If you want to take college-level courses without the hefty cost of college tuition, this is the site for you. Coursera allows you to try out a variety of classes for free before paying $29 to complete the entire course and obtain a certificate. You can also get one of their specializations or professional credentials for less than $50 each month. The platform has helped over 3,600 universities and colleges make the switch to online learning. Courses cover a wide range of fields, including business, computer science, health, and data science. Coursera collaborates with top colleges and organizations like Stanford University, IBM, and Google to develop diverse courses. Whether you’re looking for hands-on projects, courses, or degree programs, Coursera has something for everyone.
>>Sign up to Coursera for free
2. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a fantastic platform for anyone looking to boost their skills in business, design, art, education, and tech. By subscribing, you get access to thousands of courses that can help you grow both personally and professionally. One of the coolest features is that you can display completed certificates right on your LinkedIn profile, making it easy for others to see what you’ve accomplished.
The platform offers a free one-month trial, so you can test the waters before committing. LinkedIn Learning is great at teaching you how to do complex things, simply. It breaks down big, technical topics into bite-sized components, making it easier to understand. For example, you can learn the ins and outs of Adobe apps like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, as well as rendering in Blender, SketchUp, and Maya.
You can either buy courses individually or get a recurring subscription. The subscription starts at $19.99 per month and includes LinkedIn’s Premium Career features, which can be super useful for growing your career. If you’re already a professional or have some knowledge of the subject, this platform is perfect for you. It might work for beginners too, but I recommend starting with entry-level courses on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy first.
Overall, LinkedIn Learning is a great tool for anyone looking to upskill and advance their career. It offers a wide range of courses, but it’s best known for its web and software development, business, leadership, and marketing courses.
Explore LinkedIn Leaning today.
3. Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning community for creative and curious people. It offers a variety of training in fields like drawing, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Skillshare members work together to gain inspiration and advance their creative careers.
One of the coolest things about Skillshare is that it provides “bite-sized” classes. You can learn something new even if you only have 15 minutes a day. With more than 27,000 free and premium classes, there’s always something to explore. Topics range from film, writing, tech, visual arts, productivity, and entrepreneurship.
Skillshare believes in a project-based approach to learning. This means you get to apply new skills in real-life projects. All courses consist of two parts: a video presentation and a class project. The video usually lasts around 20–60 minutes.
If you’re curious, you can start with a free seven-day trial. After that, it costs about $14 a month. It’s a great way to see if Skillshare is right for you.
Start a 7 day free trial with Skillshare.
4. edX
edX is a fantastic online learning platform that was started by Harvard and MIT. It’s a nonprofit that offers over 2,000 high-quality courses from top schools like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley. You can find classes in subjects like computer science, languages, and engineering. Most of the courses are free to audit, but if you want a certificate, you’ll need to pay a fee. The platform is based on cognitive science principles, which means it focuses on experience, practice, and application. This makes learning more effective and engaging. If you’re looking to take university-level courses from the comfort of your home, edX is a great choice.
Sign up for edX for free
5. Udemy
Udemy is a fantastic platform for anyone looking to upskill or learn something new. With over 213,000 courses available, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in tech, business, design, or even personal development, Udemy has you covered. The platform boasts 60,000 instructors and 62 million students, making it one of the largest online learning communities out there.
One of the best things about Udemy is its flexibility. You can find courses ranging from $9 to $200, and they often have discounts and specials. If you’re really committed, you might consider their Personal Plan at $30 per month, which gives you access to over 7,000 courses.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Udemy offers:
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Courses | 213,000+ |
| Instructors | 60,000 |
| Students | 62 million |
| Price Range | $9 – $200 per course |
| Personal Plan | $30/month |
Udemy is perfect for those who want to learn at their own pace. The courses often include videos, quizzes, and other multimedia to keep you engaged. So, if you’re looking to dive into a new subject or enhance your skills, Udemy is a great choice.
Sign up here
6. MasterClass
MasterClass is a unique online learning platform where you can learn from the best in the world. With over 200+ classes taught by renowned instructors, you get valuable insights and skills that you can download and enjoy offline. It’s perfect for learning on the go. What makes MasterClass stand out is the quality of its instructors. You can learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, science from Bill Nye, and basketball skills from Stephen Curry. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including business, writing, home and lifestyle, food, and wellness.
MasterClass offers a subscription model that gives you access to all its courses. Prices start at $10 per month for a single account and device, and family plans are also available. The classes are divided into nine categories: Film & TV, Culinary Arts, Writing, Music & Entertainment, Sports & Games, Business, Photography & Fashion, Politics & Society, Lifestyle, and Science & Technology. However, keep in mind that MasterClass doesn’t offer certificates of completion.
7. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit online platform that offers a free library of educational “micro-lectures.” It focuses on traditional academic subjects like math, science, economics, humanities, and even a bit of computer programming. Since Khan Academy is free, it’s a great way to get a taste for a subject before moving on to a more advanced course elsewhere.
Over 999 million lessons have been delivered on the platform, helping people of all ages and levels of study with their homework! There are streaks and other gamification features built-in to motivate students to learn more, and there are clear progressions for most tracks, sometimes enough for years of study.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Khan Academy Pricing
Absolutely free! Khan Academy is a non-profit.
Pros
- Free courses
- A variety of topics
Cons
- More focused on K-12 students
8. Udacity
Udacity is a game-changer in the world of online education. If you’re looking to start learning with Udacity, check out this in-depth review to know what to expect from this digital skills platform. They offer a range of courses focused on tech fields like programming, data science, and web development. One of the standout features is their Nanodegree programs. These programs can significantly boost your chances of landing a job after you complete the course.
Udacity collaborates with industry giants like Google and Microsoft to create project-based learning experiences. This means you get to work on real-world projects that are highly valued by employers. While the courses can be pricey, the investment is often worth it for those serious about a tech career.
Key Features:
- Interactive feedback
- Collaborations with industry leaders
- Expert instructors in technology fields
9. FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a fantastic platform that offers a wide range of online courses from over 260 top universities and organizations, including the University of Glasgow and King’s College London. You can earn certificates at your own pace, making it super flexible for anyone with a busy schedule. FutureLearn is known for its high-quality courses and interactive learning experience. They use design, technology, and partnerships to create enjoyable, credible, and flexible short online courses. You can find classes on various subjects like copywriting for content marketing, generative AI, biochemistry, and personal development. Most courses can be audited for free, but if you want access to tests and certificates, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid course. They also offer an unlimited subscription for $279.99 per year, which gives you access to over 600 short courses. If you’re looking for a platform that combines quality education with flexibility, FutureLearn is a great choice.
10. Thinkific
Thinkific is a fantastic platform for creating and selling online courses. It’s not just a gallery of courses; it’s a tool to build your own learning products and customize the experience for your audience. Thinkific is a quality online course platform with a strong set of core features and a simple user interface. If you’re just starting out selling courses, this is a great place to begin.
One of the best things about Thinkific is its flexibility. You can use it to educate students, train employees, or even build product education programs. The platform is intuitive and easy to use, with no coding skills required. Just pick a professionally designed template and customize it using a drag-and-drop editor. You can create a course in an hour and monetize it for years to come.
Thinkific also offers a free plan to get you started right away. Paid plans, starting at $149 per month, give you access to more engagement, tracking, and monetization features. If you’re unsure where to start, Thinkific Academy can teach you how to build, price, and market your courses effectively.
Final Thoughts
Learning new skills online has never been easier or more important. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, pick up a new hobby, or simply expand your knowledge, the top 10 online learning sites we’ve discussed offer something for everyone. From comprehensive courses on platforms like Coursera and edX to creative classes on Skillshare and MasterClass, there’s a wealth of resources available at your fingertips. So, take the plunge and start your learning journey today. The skills you gain could open up new opportunities and help you achieve your goals.
