11 Best Online Learning Platforms of 2024

In 2024, many of us see online learning platforms as the go-to choice for personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore a new field, or advance your career, online learning platforms offer unmatched flexibility and access to high-quality courses.

From affordable options to premium offerings, each platform provides unique benefits — from acquiring practical knowledge to earning industry-recognized certifications.

While well-known platforms like Coursera and Udemy dominate the space, the landscape is vast, with countless options to explore.

But navigating through these choices can be overwhelming, which is why I wrote this guide to help you find the best platforms to suit your learning needs.

Let's dive in.

Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024

• Coursera - Best Subscription-Based Platform for Online Classes
• Udemy - Best for Casual Learning and Niche Topics
• Udacity - Best for Career Growth
• edX - Best Free Online Learning Platform
• Skillshare - Best for Courses on Creative Skills
• Khan Academy - Best Free Platform for Learning Math
• CodeAcademy - Best Online Platform for Learning to Code
• LinkedIn Learning - Best for Certification Prep and Earning CEUs
• PluralSight - Best Learning Platform for Working Professionals
• Thinkful - Best for Bootcamps
• Simplilearn - Best for Flexible Learning

What Are the Essential Features of an Online Learning Platform?

Now, when it comes to choosing the right online learning platform, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and evaluate key features that can significantly impact your learning experience.

I'd recommend you keep these critical factors in mind:

• Budget-Friendly Options: One of the biggest draws of online learning is its affordability compared to traditional education. While some platforms offer free or low-cost courses, others come with a higher price tag. Ensure the platform you choose aligns with your budget and offers good value for the cost.

• Course Quality: A great platform provides courses that deliver tangible value. Whether you're pursuing personal interests or career advancement, the courses should be well-structured, easy to follow, and rich with accurate, up-to-date content. Some platforms cater more to casual learners, while others are geared toward professional growth — choose based on your goals.

• Expert Instructors: The quality of a course often hinges on the expertise of its instructors. Look for platforms that maintain high standards for their educators, ensuring that you’re learning from knowledgeable professionals in their fields.

• User-Friendly Design: Whether it's a web-based platform or one that offers an app, ease of use is crucial. A smooth, intuitive interface enhances the learning experience, allowing you to focus on the content rather than struggling with navigation.

• Convenience & Flexibility: The ability to learn on your terms is a hallmark of online education. Look for platforms that offer mobile apps, offline access, or downloadable materials, giving you the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere.

• Customer Support: Good customer support is a must, especially if you encounter issues with the platform or courses. Ensure the platform you choose provides reliable assistance to help resolve any problems quickly.

• Accessibility Features: Learning should be accessible to everyone. Check if the platform offers features like captions, transcripts, or multi-language support to accommodate diverse learning needs.

Many platforms offer free trials or free tiers, allowing you to test the waters before making a financial commitment.

If these options aren’t available, review their refund policies or look for money-back guarantees to ensure you can get a refund if the platform doesn’t meet your expectations.

The Best eLearning Platforms of 2024

1. Coursera: Best Subscription-Based Platform for Online Classes

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing:

• Coursera offers some free content such as guided projects or individual courses
• Coursera Plus subscription: $59/month or $399/year (14-day money-back guarantee)
• Guided Projects: $9.99+
• Professional Certificates and Specializations: $39.99+
• MasterTrack Certificate: $2,000+
• Degrees from $9,000+

Number of Courses: 5,000+

Topics Covered: Coursera offers courses on IT, computer science, and data science. You can also find full degrees in such fields. This platform also offers content on other subjects such as business, health, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more.

Who Is Coursera For?

As we covered in our Coursera review, this platform caters to a broad audience, making it challenging to define a specific target group.

Whether you're an individual looking to earn industry-recognized certifications or a business aiming to upskill your employees, Coursera offers something for everyone. While its selection of degree programs is still growing, the platform is ideal for learners seeking accredited credentials from prestigious universities and organizations.

Pros

• Provides accredited certificates recognized by employers
• Courses developed in collaboration with top universities and companies
• Large selection of free courses available
• Offers content in multiple languages for greater accessibility
• User-friendly platform and intuitive website

Cons

• Course quality and value can be inconsistent at times
• Not all courses are fully self-paced, requiring adherence to schedules
• Applying for a degree program involves a separate, more detailed application process

Try it out

2. Udemy - Best for Casual Learning and Niche Topics

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.4/5

Pricing:

• Instructors choose the prices for their Udemy courses
• Free courses are available, but you cannot earn a certificate
• Courses start at <$10 and go up to $300+, but Udemy often offers sales of up to 70-90% off
• Udemy Personal Plan: $29.99/mo for access to 6,000+ curated courses 

Number of Courses: 200,000+

Topics Covered: Udemy offers a course on practically any topic you can think of. Here, you’ll also find a ton of courses related to computer science, web development, software development, data science, data visualization, machine learning, and more.

Who Is Udemy For?

As covered in our Udemy review, this platform is best suited for casual learners or individuals looking to gain new skills quickly without the need for formal accreditation.

Since anyone can create courses on the platform, it’s often perceived as a place for hobbyists and those wanting to explore various topics. While Udemy can provide practical knowledge to enhance your skillset, its certificates are typically not recognized by employers.

Pros

• 30-day money-back guarantee on individual course purchases
• Fully self-paced learning
• Lifetime access to purchased courses
• Engaging content with multimedia lectures, quizzes, and projects
• Over 200,000 courses available
• Affordable pricing
• Many courses offered in multiple languages

Cons

• Certificates may not be widely recognized by employers
• The Q&A section of courses can be inactive; some instructors don’t engage with students
• Course quality can vary significantly across the platform

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3. Udacity - Best for Career Growth

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing: 

• $399/month for single courses and Nanodegrees
• Enrolling in a Nanodegree and choosing the value package (paying upfront for multiple months) can get you a 15% discount off your total

Number of Courses: 200+ free courses, 70+ Nanodegrees

Topics Covered: Udacity offers courses and Nanodegrees on a variety of topics, including cloud computing, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, programming, project management, and more.

Who Is Udacity For?

As detailed in our Udacity review, this choice is ideal for learners who are committed to advancing their careers through in-depth, industry-aligned programs.

While casual learners and hobbyists can still gain valuable knowledge, the higher cost may be a barrier for those not looking to pursue a full-fledged career path.

Pros

• Nanodegree programs are rigorous and designed to prepare learners for career readiness
• Certificates are widely recognized by employers due to the platform’s high-quality standards
• Courses are often developed in partnership with leading companies and industry experts
• Nanodegree students receive resume-building and portfolio support
• Scholarships are available for eligible students

Cons

• More expensive than many other platforms
• Some courses have fixed enrollment deadlines
• Nanodegree programs require a significant time commitment

Try it out

4. edX - Best Free Online Learning Platform

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Pricing:

• You can audit all the regular classes for free, but you cannot earn a certificate
• For access to assignments and certificates, prices range from $50-$300
• Costs for Bootcamps, MicroMasters programs, Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, and Professional Certificate Programs vary and can be in the thousands (these classes/courses cannot be audited for free)

Number of Courses: 5,100+

Topics Covered: edX offers courses on a variety of topics, including coding and development, data science, computer science, and more. edX is also the best online training platform for STEM-related subjects.

Who Is edX For?

While creating our edX review, it became clear that it caters to a wide range of learners, from hobbyists to working professionals.

With a user base of over 40 million, edX offers courses for learners of all ages. As the platform expands its offerings with more bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, it’s positioning itself to target a university-level audience more in the future.

Pros

• Access to regular courses for free, although without earning a certificate
• A wide range of certification courses, bachelor’s degree programs, and MicroMasters programs
• Financial assistance available for qualifying students, sometimes up to 90% off
• 14-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not all programs qualify for financial assistance
• Pricing models may evolve as edX continues to refine its monetization strategy

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5. Skillshare - Best for Courses on Creative Skills

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing: 

• Some free content available, though not much
• One-month free trial, then
• $32/mo paid monthly; $168/mo paid annually
• Accounts created with valid .edu email addresses get 50% off

Number of Courses: 40,000+

Topics Covered: Although Skillshare mostly offers classes related to creative skills, there are also courses on web development, business and entrepreneurship, productivity, and more.

Who Is Skillshare For?

Skillshare is ideal for individuals seeking to develop skills in creative fields. Whether you're interested in animation, photography, or graphic design, this platform offers a wide range of courses.

Our full Skillshare review also found that those looking to dive into web development can find lots of valuable content.

Pros

• Wide variety of course topics
• Instructors are generally skilled, with some being celebrities
• Excellent platform for creatives wanting to enhance their skillsets

Cons

• Limited free content
• Courses are only available in English
• Ads are present unless you subscribe to the premium plan

Try it out

6. Khan Academy - Best Free Platform for Learning Math

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing: Free — forever!

Topics Covered: Khan Academy has recently made a switch to offering free K-14-level education, so most of the subjects on this website cover such topics. However, there are also some college-level courses, life skill courses, and courses all about computing and computer programming.

Who Is Khan Academy For?

While primarily designed for K-14 learners, Khan Academy is open to anyone of any age.

To my mind, Khan Academy is probably best known for its comprehensive and free math courses, making it one of the best options for those seeking a strong foundation in math, which can later support studies in computer science and data-related fields.

Our Khan Academy review also showed that it's committed to offering all its courses for free, supported by donations from individuals and companies like Google.

Pros

• High-quality courses created by knowledgeable and vetted experts
• User-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate
• Excellent reputation as a free educational resource

Cons

• Content has shifted more toward K-14 learners, limiting its usefulness for some
• Limited offerings in tech-related subjects
• No certificates are provided for completing courses

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7. CodeAcademy - Best Online Platform for Learning to Code

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Pricing:

• CodeAcademy offers a free forever “Basic” tier that allows access to daily practice and interactive lessons
• Pro Lite: $14.99/mo paid monthly; $11.99/mo paid annually
• Pro: $19.99/mo paid monthly; $15.99/mo paid annually

Number of Courses: 60+

Topics Covered: CodeAcademy offers courses on topics like data science, web development, computer science, machine learning, web design, game development, mobile development, cybersecurity, data visualization, AI, and more. It offers various aspects of data science, programming and development, and information technology.

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8. LinkedIn Learning - Best for Certification Prep and Earning CEUs

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing:

• One-month free trial, then
• Individual courses available from $20 to $40
• Monthly subscription: $39.99/mo paid monthly; $323.88/year paid annually

Number of Courses: 17,000+

Topics Covered: LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, offers courses on a variety of topics, most of them related to professional growth. Here, you’ll find courses on three main topics: Business, Technology, and Creative. Computer Science-related topics are under Technology, and it is there you’ll find classes on programming and the like. LinkedIn Learning also offers a variety of courses meant to help with certification prep or to provide learners with continuing education units (CEUs) necessary to maintain their current certifications.

Who Is LinkedIn Learning For?

LinkedIn Learning is an excellent platform for professionals seeking to earn new certifications or maintain existing ones.

With affiliations to various certifying bodies, the platform offers courses that can help you prepare for certification exams. It’s particularly useful for those looking to enhance their professional credentials.

Something I really like is that they offer lots of short courses (think 4 hours or less), which makes it easy to level up in little time. Plus, as we show in our full LinkedIn Learning review, they always include helpful and entertaining quizzes to reinforce your learning.

Pros

• More affordable compared to many other learning platforms
• Provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certification prep
• One-month free trial gives access to the entire course library
• High-quality, well-produced courses
• Completion certificates can be shared directly on your LinkedIn profile

Cons

• Certificates are not accredited
• Limited course topics compared to some other platforms
• The user interface could use an update
• Some courses are outdated and need refreshing

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9. PluralSight - Best Learning Platform for Working Professionals

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.75/5

Pricing: (for individuals)

• Standard: $29/mo paid monthly; $299/year paid annually
• Pro: $45/mo paid monthly; $449/year paid annually
• Five free courses rotating every week

Number of Courses: 7,500+ courses and a few hundred paths

Topics Covered: PluralSight offers courses and paths related to subjects such as software development, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, and more.

Who Is Pluralsight For?

Pluralsight is one of the top eLearning platforms for working professionals, especially those looking to deepen their knowledge in data science and technology.

As an authorized CEU provider, many of the certificates earned on this platform can count toward CEU or CPE credits for maintaining professional certifications. Check out our full Pluralsight review to dive deeper.

Pros

• Offers over 7,500 high-quality courses and hundreds of learning paths, with new content added regularly
• All courses include full transcripts, closed captioning, and translations into 50+ languages
• Instructors are vetted experts in their fields
• More affordable pricing compared to platforms like Udacity

Cons

• No refund policy, so you can't get your money back if dissatisfied with your subscription
• Beginner courses could be more accessible for novices
• All courses focus on tech subjects, which might not appeal to non-tech learners

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10. Thinkful - Best for Bootcamps

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Pricing:

• No free trial
• $4,500 for some part-time programs and up to $16,000 on full-time courses
• Because of the high cost related to enrolling in Thinkful’s bootcamps, the platform offers various payment methods, including deferred payments which require no upfront payment
• Thinkful also offers a tuition refund guarantee to qualifying graduates, which allows a full refund if certain conditions are met

Number of Courses: 6 intense bootcamps

Topics Covered: Thinkful offers full bootcamps on a few subjects, namely software engineering, data science, data analytics, UX / UI (user experience/user interface) design, digital marketing, and technical project management.

Who Is Thinkful For?

Thinkful is an excellent platform for those looking to dive into tech-related bootcamps. These programs are typically intensive and often require a full-time commitment, but Thinkful also offers part-time options for those balancing other responsibilities. Check out our full Thinkful review to dig deeper into the details here.

You'll also find that the cost of enrollment is higher with a bootcamp, but this also means that you gain access to one-on-one mentoring and career services, making it one of the best platforms for individuals looking to start or advance their careers in tech.

Pros

• Offers only six bootcamps, ensuring each is of extremely high quality
• One-on-one mentoring provides a personalized learning experience
• Full community support for students
• Full-time programs include preparatory courses to help you get ready
• Multiple payment options are available for bootcamp fees
• Tuition refund guarantee allows eligible students to recoup tuition costs if they don’t secure a job

Cons

• Some reviews report inconsistencies in mentor quality
• You must pass prep courses to qualify for full-time programs
• Expensive compared to other platforms
• Could benefit from offering programs in more subjects

Try it out

11. Simplilearn - Best for Flexible Learning

Key information:

Our Rating: 4.3/5

Pricing:

• Self-paced learning starts from $400
• Online bootcamp options start from $700
• All courses are offered as one-time purchases
• Simplilearn offers free courses through SkillUp

Number of Courses: 400+ courses

Topics Covered: Simplilearn offers courses in tech and business-related subjects, such as data science, AI/machine learning, cyber security, project management, software development, business and leadership, and more.

Who Is Simplilearn For?

Simplilearn is a top eLearning platform for those seeking a flexible and personalized approach to learning tech and business skills.

While writing our full Simplilearn review, it was clear that this platform recognizes that learners have different preferences, which is why they offer both self-paced courses for those who prefer independent study and online bootcamps for learners who thrive in live, interactive environments.

Pros

• Offers both self-paced and online bootcamp learning styles
• Courses are designed and taught by industry experts
• Some certificates qualify for CEUs and CPEs
• Excellent customer service
• Seven-day free trial available

Cons

• Limited payment options
• Courses are only available in English, with no subtitles
• Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of certain courses

Try it out

Why Trust Our Picks For The Best Online Learning Platforms?

Thanks to the sudden boom in online learning, there are now more platforms than most of us can keep track of.

And I get it, the sheer number of platforms available can be pretty overwhelming, which is why I've considered the following factors to help decide which ones to put on this list. 

• Target Audience: I focused on platforms that offer a wide range of courses in programming, IT, data science, and related fields. Whether you're just starting with coding or looking for advanced programs in data science, these platforms cater to all skill levels.

• Pricing: I made sure to include options at various price points, so whether you're seeking free resources or are ready to invest in premium content, you'll find a platform that fits your budget.

• Reviews and Reputation: I’ve only included platforms that I’ve personally reviewed and can stand behind for their quality. I also researched public opinions extensively to ensure these platforms are well-regarded by users.

• Learning Styles: While many of the platforms offer self-paced learning, I’ve also included options that provide different learning formats, recognizing that everyone learns differently. From independent study to live, interactive sessions, there’s a style for every learner.

• Course and Instructor Quality: Any platform that didn’t meet my high standards for course and instructor quality was left out.

I’ve also tried to include platforms that offer casual learning experiences and those designed to help you advance professionally, ensuring there’s something for every type of learner.

What’s the Difference Between Open Source, Free, and Paid Platforms?

Chances are you’ve come across three different types of online learning platforms: free, open-source, and paid.

Paid platforms are exactly what they sound like. They will require you to pay to purchase a course outright or to subscribe to their service to access their catalog. It’s worth mentioning that most of these paid platforms do offer a “free forever” tier with limited access. Otherwise, they may offer a free trial or a few free rotating courses from their catalog each week (or month).

Free platforms, on the other hand, offer all of their content for free. A great example of this is Khan Academy, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering free education to all — forever! Free online learning platforms will never ask you to pay for anything, though there may be donation links up that can allow you to support their website if you wish.

Open-source learning platforms are another free option. However, unlike free platforms, which are typically run by one individual or organization, open-source platforms are open to everyone’s contributions. One of the best examples of this is Wikipedia, which is run under a management style you can call open-source. After all, Wikipedia allows anyone to write or edit articles on the website.

Maximizing Your Learning Experience

When choosing the top online learning platforms, it's crucial to consider how they support interaction and student engagement.

Platforms that facilitate strong connections between students, course creators, and instructors offer a richer learning experience. Many platforms partner with educational institutions to provide high-quality course content from higher education professionals.

Additionally, look for platforms that allow you to give and receive feedback, ensuring that courses stay current and relevant. Whether you prefer video tutorials or video lectures, platforms with diverse digital products and well-designed training programs are ideal for skill development.

A robust marketplace of courses, combined with interactive features and valuable insights into your progress, will help you get the most out of your learning journey.

Ultimately, selecting the right course platform can enhance your educational experience and guide you toward success.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it — the best online learning platforms for 2024, offering a variety of options for every learner.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your field, I’ve included platforms to suit your goals, with both free and paid choices available. Happy learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which online learning platform is best?

The best platform for online training will be the one that suits your needs best. Consider factors such as your budget, the topics you’d like to learn, the length of time you are willing to commit to your learning, and whether you want a certificate at the end. Additionally, if you are taking a course to prepare for or maintain a professional certification, it’s important to ensure your platform of choice is recognized by the respective accrediting boards.

2. What are digital learning platforms?

Online learning platforms are websites or apps that allow anyone to study over the internet at their own pace. Many of these platforms are MOOC (massive open online course) providers.

3. Which is the largest online learning platform?

In our opinion, Udemy is the largest online learning platform if you look at the sheer number of courses available. Udemy currently boasts over 200,000 courses on its platform. However, many other platforms (such as edX) have users in the tens of millions.

4. How much do online learning platforms cost?

Online learning platforms can offer their courses at wildly varying prices — some offer everything for free, while others can charge over $10,000. One thing’s for sure, though: courses from these platforms are almost always more affordable than similar programs offered at traditional colleges and universities. Note that online learning platforms usually charge a monthly subscription or require you to pay for each course you’d like to access.

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