Best Online Learning Platforms

Best Online Learning Platforms

Do you want to improve your leadership skills? Or maybe you’ve decided now is the time to master the art of homemade pasta. You’re in luck because we’ve compiled a list of the best online learning platforms to make it all happen. These platforms offer on-demand classes, full course loads, and even degrees led by world-renowned instructors, available on your schedule and at your own pace.

It’s like having a virtual classroom at your fingertips to help you acquire new certifications or expand your professional skill set. And if you’re gunning for a higher salary or a leg up in the job market, these platforms are your secret weapon.

Are you ready to expand your horizons and discover what online learning can do for you? Here’s our guide to the best online learning platforms available today.

Best Online Learning Platforms Overall

We’re kicking this off by highlighting some of the best online learning platforms that stand out for their quality, flexibility, and unique offerings. There’s something for everyone, from free university courses at Coursera to celebrity-led masterclasses at MasterClass (picture Kris Jenner as your professor).

Free college courses

Coursera

Coursera is unique because it makes courses from top universities accessible for free! Users can access recorded lectures and reading materials from classes at prestigious universities—like Yale—without paying a cent [1]. Other courses and certifications are also offered, but the university material sets Coursera apart.

With over 7,000+ programs, Coursera offers flexible learning options from quick, one-day courses to master’s degrees. Whether you’re interested in acquiring stand-out skills in AI from Google or want to kick-start a new career (in as little as six months), Coursera has something for everyone [2]. Coursera’s widespread student success has attracted over 148 million users.

Pros:

• Actual courses from universities for free
• Partnerships with private corporations for job-specific skills and certifications
• Lower-priced certificate courses

Cons:

• No live interaction with instructors
• Limited personalization to learning style

Learn from A-list celebrities

MasterClass

MasterClass is a premier online education platform that allows learners to gain insights and skills from some of the world’s most accomplished professionals [3]. The instructors are top names in their fields, and each class is meticulously designed to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

MasterClass covers a wide array of interests. Learn the fundamentals of gymnastics with Simone Biles, or explore humor as a tool for success with comedy icon Kevin Hart [4]. With new classes added monthly and a subscription model starting at just $10 per month, MasterClass ensures you have ongoing access to top-tier content and inspiration.

Pros:

• Industry expert and A-list celebrity instruction
• Wide range of topics
• Strong course structure
• High-quality production
• Affordable subscription

Cons:

• Video run times and the year the course is filmed should be clearer
• No live interaction

Over 11,000 courses to choose from

Udemy

Udemy is a premier online learning platform offering many courses designed to help you keep up with fast-paced technological changes and the job market[5]. This is an excellent platform for those looking to take a one-off course because you can pay for courses one by one. With over 11,000 courses available to individuals and over 25,000 for organizations, Udemy provides flexible, affordable learning solutions that you can tailor to your personal and professional development needs.

Pros:

• Over 11,000 courses
• Affordable courses available for hard and soft professional skills
• Flexible learning style
• Accounts can be created for entire teams or organizations to learn together
• Trusted by major companies

Cons:

• Inconsistent course standards
• Need a minimum of five people for a business account
• High subscription prices

Best Online Learning Platforms for Kids

Kids thrive when you foster their curiosity and encourage them to explore their interests. Below are our choices for the best online learning platforms for kids to help you and your child achieve these goals.

Please note—our definition of “kids" includes everyone from preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) to early college students (up to 18 years).

The #1 online learning program for children

ABCmouse

ABCmouse is the #1 online learning program for children ages 2 to 8. Created by childhood education experts, ABCmouse provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music [6] . The platform’s 10,000+ engaging activities and games help ignite a love of learning in young children and support their academic growth. From solving math equations in “Lester’s Math Lights" to improving language skills with “Nutly’s Sight Word Fun," the program is designed to make learning educational and entertaining.

Pros:

• Wide range of subjects
• Interactive learning
• Developed by childhood education experts to ensure high-quality content
• Affordable
• Parent tools

Cons:

• Subscription-based

Courses on AI, Python, JavaScript, Minecraft, Roblox

CodaKid

CodaKid  is an innovative learning platform that teaches children and teens the skills needed for tomorrow’s technology-driven world [7]. With a focus on coding, game development, and AI, CodaKid provides a range of interactive and engaging educational programs. Students can dive into subjects like Python, JavaScript, AI, Minecraft, Roblox, and more through self-paced courses, private lessons, or virtual camps.

CodaKid offers 85+ courses and a supportive community of over 100,000 students. The program caters to various learning styles, providing flexibility and personalized support. New students can explore the offerings with a free trial, and ongoing access is available at competitive rates.

Pros:

• Free trial for new students
• Courses on AI, Python, JavaScript, Minecraft, Roblox, and more
• Flexible learning options
• Expert instruction
• Strong support system

Cons:

• Subscription-based access

TED-Ed

TED-Ed, launched in 2012, is TED’s education initiative to inspire and support teachers and students globally [8]. Rooted in TED’s belief that ideas can change the world, TED-Ed provides a platform for innovative learning through a vast library of animated videos, interactive lessons, and resources. It empowers educators to create engaging content and helps students develop presentation skills and curiosity. TED-Ed has evolved into a widely recognized online learning platform for kids, serving millions with its diverse content and fostering a global network of over 650,000 teachers.

Pros:

• High-quality animations
• Free access
• Interactive lessons
• Large educator network
• Engaging format

Cons:

• Limited subject range
• No formal lesson plans or courses

Best Online Learning Platforms for Adults

Finding the right resources for online learning for adults can be a game-changer in achieving your personal and professional goals. Do you aim to climb the corporate ladder? Are you doing a full career switch? Or do you want to finally start the hobby you keep putting off? These platforms offer diverse courses tailored to adult learners, from technical training to creative exploration.

Data-backed courses for career advancement

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a premier skill development platform uniquely powered by LinkedIn’s extensive career and skill data [9] . It helps individuals and organizations stay ahead in the rapidly evolving professional landscape by providing targeted, expert-led content tailored to real-time trends and career goals.

With over 22,000 courses in 24 languages, LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive library covering a broad spectrum of subjects. Its resources align with current market demands, whether you’re looking to enhance your technical skills, boost your leadership capabilities, or prepare for certification exams. The platform’s integration with LinkedIn Recruiter ensures employees can connect with internal opportunities and enhance their career mobility.

LinkedIn Learning users experience a remarkable 695% return on investment over three years, and companies using its tools see a 22% increase in employee tenure!

Pros:

• Data-driven approach
• Extensive course selection
• Multi-lingual courses
• Integration with LinkedIn Recruiter
• Proven ROI
• Focus on in-demand skills

Cons:

• Cost considerations
• Dependency on LinkedIn’s ecosystem

Ramp up, reroute, or restart your career

EdX

EdX provides access to over 4,000 online courses and programs from more than 260 top universities and companies worldwide, including Harvard, Berkeley, Boston University, etc. [10] . Whether you’re looking to start a new career, advance in your current field, or enhance your skills, EdX has flexible learning options to help you succeed.

The platform helps you level up as the industry evolves. Whether you need to ramp up, reroute, or completely restart, edX has boot camps, courses, and degrees to help you achieve your goals. Popular topics edX users take courses in include artificial intelligence, leadership, supply chain, computer programming, Python, machine learning, writing, and statistics.

Pros:

• 4,000+ courses.
• Courses from elite universities
• Online and hybrid options
• Professional certificates and career coaching
• Some courses are available for free

Cons:

• Some programs can be pricey
• Course quality varies

Turn your passion into a paycheck

Skillshare

Skillshare offers many creative classes to transform your passion into a paycheck [11] . It is one of the best online learning platforms for creatives looking to develop practical skills. Are you interested in mastering Procreate on your iPad so you can start selling your designs on Etsy? Maybe you want to learn how to tell engaging stories in under 60 seconds so you can master marketing on Instagram Reels. These are the types of goals that Skillshare will help you tackle.

Pros:

• Thousands of classes
• Free 30-day trial
• Wide range of creative fields
• Flexible learning style
• Courses designed for all skill levels

Cons:

• Subscription Model: Recurring billing
• Inconsistent course depth
• Focus primarily on creative fields

Best Free Online Learning Platforms

Countless organizations offer free courses and resources, making education more accessible than ever. However, below are two of the best free online learning platforms that provide a wealth of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds to expand their knowledge and skills without spending a single cent. That’s right, these are 100% free!

Free education for everyone

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides free, top-quality education to learners of all ages everywhere [12] . Its mission is to make learning accessible and effective through a range of resources tailored to various educational needs. With a comprehensive selection of subjects ranging from math and science to arts and humanities, Khan Academy supports both students—from early childhood through college—and educators.

Trusted by educators and loved by learners worldwide, Khan Academy has been recognized for its effectiveness and impact on education.

Pros:

• Free online learning for adults and kids
• No account necessary
• Personalized learning
• Uses video lectures, readings, and quizzes
• Test-prep and college-prep resources

Cons:

• Subjects such as foreign languages and music are not included
• Catered primarily to the US education system and curriculum

Access to over 2,500 MIT courses

MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)  has pioneered the global Open Educational Resources (OER) movement since 2001 [13]. It offers free access to various educational materials, including lecture notes, exams, and videos from over 2,500 MIT courses. With no registration required, OCW provides the opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading institutions at no cost, making high-quality education accessible to everyone.

Pros:

• Free
• Includes lecture notes, exams, and videos
• Over 2,500 courses available
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Cons:

• No certifications
• No interactive components

Whether you’re enhancing your career, diving into new hobbies, or satisfying your curiosity, there’s a wealth of opportunities just a click away—so why wait? Start exploring and turn your goals into reality today.

What Internet Speed Do I Need for Online Learning?

Your internet speed needs will always depend on how many other people in your household are using your internet connection.

A good rule of thumb is that you want at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed for each person or active device in the house. That’s why the FCC now defines high-speed internet as 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload speed.

Need to know your actual internet speed? Use our speed test.

You can explore your best local internet options by entering your zip code to get full details on providers, plans, and pricing.

Learn everything you need to know about internet speed with our complete speed guide.

Sources

[1] Coursera.org

[2] Coursera.org. “Generative AI Courses"

[3] MasterClass.com

[4] MasterClass.com. “Simone Biles Teaches Gymnastics Fundamentals" & MasterClass.com. “Kevin Hart Using Humor to Make Your Mark"

[5] Udemy.com

[6] ABCmouse.com

[7] CodaKid.com

[8] Ted-Ed.com

[9] LinkedIn Learning

[10] Edx.org

[11] Skillshare.com

[12] Khanacademy.org

[13] OCW.MIT.edu