The 6 Best Online Course Platforms For Learning: Which One Fits Your Goals?
My honest take on Skillshare, MasterClass, Coursera, Udemy, edX, and LinkedIn Learning — each has its own personality
Here’s an overview if you are screaming ‘just tell me already’!
- Masterclass — Learn from world experts
- Skillshare — Creative, project-based courses
- Coursera — Industry recognized certificates
- Udemy — Affordable, flexible skill learning
- edX — University-level online education
- LinkedIn Learning — Career-focused professional development
Not sure which platform is worth your $200/year?
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I hope you’ve seen the World Economic Forum’s report on the future of jobs. 90+ million jobs will die but 170+ million new jobs will be created. Most of the jobs will need some sort of upskilling if you want a short at it — guessing that’s why you are here.
Whichever platform you pick from the list below, the most important part is starting. Learning is the single best investment you can make in yourself.
Here’s a video version of this blog — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsrU2KK4CWQ
I’ve tested dozens of online learning platforms over the years, taking courses ranging from essential skills to pure curiosity. Some were game-changers that shifted my career trajectory. Others? Not so much.
Here’s what I’ve learned: each platform has its own personality. The right choice depends entirely on your goals, available time, and learning style.
This guide gives you a practical comparison of the top learning platforms, followed by detailed breakdowns of each one.
Important note: This post is focused on platforms for learning via online courses. If you’re looking to sell online courses, that’s a different conversation (think Skool, Kajabi, etc.) — I’ll cover that in a separate post.
I’m skipping surface-level features and app comparisons. In my experience, your decision on an online learning platform comes down to five core factors:
1- Course depth and quality
2- Instructor credibility and expertise
3- Subject alignment with your interests
4- Pricing structure & plans
5- Market validation of the certifications
Let’s dive in.
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Disclosure: My affiliate links often include special discounts or extended trials you won’t find elsewhere. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps fund more honest reviews.
Quick Comparison: Top Platforms at a Glance
Let’s do some details.
1- Skillshare: Learn by Doing
If you want to learn a skill today that helps you earn tomorrow, Skillshare is the platform for you!
Here’s my detailed Skillshare review, and a video version here!
Try Skillshare for FREE (30 days)
Skillshare’s philosophy seems to be ‘learning by doing’. Most courses on the platform focus heavily on learning through practice. Unlike more traditional platforms that follow a lecture-based style, Skillshare encourages learners to create as they go.
Every class is designed around a project, whether that’s designing a logo, shooting a short film, writing a blog post, or experimenting with watercolors. The intention here seems to be that you’re not just passively consuming knowledge — you’re building something tangible that you can use, share, or showcase.
Personality & Audience
Skillshare naturally appeals to creative professionals, hobbyists, and people who thrive on experimentation. If you’re someone who learns best by doing, this platform feels like home. It’s especially popular among designers, illustrators, photographers, writers, and entrepreneurs who want to pick up skills quickly and start applying them immediately.
That said, it’s not limited to the “arts.” Business, productivity, and even tech courses are available, though the creative edge is what truly defines the platform.
Course Style & Quality
Most classes are crispy, and highly engaging. The courses are broken down into 5–10 minute video segments. But what really sets them apart are the hands-on projects.
For example, when I explored a course on SEO, I could feel the author’s experience doing it before coming to teach me on it. By the end of the class, I had a small but complete design project to show for it. That immediate application of knowledge is both motivating and rewarding.
But the threshold to become a trainer is also not as high as Masterclass. You might end up taking a course that doesn’t meet the expectations — but usually there’s always one course on any given topic that is good enough.
Community & Feedback
Each course has a discussion board where learners share their projects, ask questions, and give feedback to one another. It’s not as formal as mentorship, but it provides some accountability and encouragement. Seeing others’ projects can spark inspiration, and posting your own work adds a layer of commitment — you’re more likely to finish when you know others might see your progress.
Pricing
Skillshare runs on a subscription model, giving you unlimited access to thousands of courses. Compared to paying per course on other platforms, this can be cost-effective if you like to explore multiple subjects or continuously learn new skills.
The subscription also pushes you to experiment — since you’ve already paid, it’s easier to dip into new topics without hesitation.
Why I Like It
- Subscription model: Pay monthly to access ALL the courses
- Pricing is affordable (at less than 8 USD a month)
- Very hands-on style of teaching on most courses
Best For
Skillshare is best for learners who enjoy learning by doing. If you’re creative, curious, or simply want to learn a new skill that helps you run a side-hustle, this is the platform where you’ll feel most at home.
Try Skillshare for FREE (30 days)
2- MasterClass: Learn from the Best
Here’s my full review of Masterclass
If Skillshare is about learning by doing, MasterClass is about learning from people who’ve already reached the top of their fields. The platform is known for its star-studded roster of instructors — actors, authors, chefs, athletes, business leaders, and more.
Instead of traditional “how-to” lessons, MasterClass delivers inspiration and insider perspectives you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Personality & Audience
MasterClass speaks to curious professionals, lifelong learners, and anyone who wants to understand the mindset of world-class performers. If you’ve ever wondered how Gordon Ramsay approaches cooking, or how Chris Voss (former FBI negotiator) handles high-stakes conversations, this is the place.
It’s less about technical upskilling for your job, and more about broadening your thinking, creativity, and leadership style. Many professionals use it as a way to sharpen their “soft skills” and mindset rather than hard technical abilities.
Course Style
Every class is highly produced, almost like a Netflix documentary. Expect cinematic quality, carefully edited episodes, and a storytelling approach. Lessons are usually 2–4 hours total, broken down into short chapters. There are downloadable workbooks, but most of the value comes from absorbing how masters think, not from completing exercises.
This makes MasterClass great for evenings or weekends when you want to learn but don’t feel like taking notes or doing assignments. It’s “lean back learning” rather than “grind it out” learning.
Community
There is a community forum, but it’s not as active or accountability-driven as platforms like Skillshare or Udemy. The emphasis is on personal reflection rather than peer-to-peer interaction.
Pricing
MasterClass runs on an annual subscription model. You pay once for unlimited access to all courses, with plans that allow either individual or family sharing. Compared to platforms like Udemy, it feels pricey — but if you actually watch several courses in a year, the value is undeniable.
There is also an alternative plan which is half the price, but only for one course — this feels like a creative idea to sell the annual subscription — not sure if I have met anyone who will just one course at 90 USD rather than hundreds of courses for 180 USD.
Why I Like It
- Access to the minds of super successful people — you can watch their YouTube videos, but Masterclass feels different
- High-quality production: You get videos that stop you from mindless scrolling
Best for
Professionals who want inspiration, mindset shifts, and world-class insights rather than technical drills. If you enjoy learning from stories, and if you’re the kind of person who values wisdom and perspective over checklists, MasterClass is an excellent investment.
3- Coursera: Academic Rigor Meets Real-World Skills
Here’s my full review of Coursera
Coursera has partnered with world-class universities and companies, bringing structured education to anyone with an internet connection. If Skillshare feels like a workshop and MasterClass like a peek into the minds of icons, Coursera feels closest to a (online) traditional university — but with the flexibility and affordability.
Try Coursera for FREE (7 days)
Personality & Audience
Coursera would appeal to professionals who want credentials that carry weight on platforms like LinkedIn. The platform seems rich in content on business, data science, technology. Unlike other platforms that focus mainly on hobbies or creativity, Coursera is built for learners who want skills that can advance careers or open doors to new industries.
Course Style
The platform hosts everything from short, one-off courses to professional certificates and even fully accredited online degrees. Courses are structured like university modules — video lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes.
Many also include peer-reviewed projects, so you’re not just absorbing knowledge passively but applying it in a way that mirrors academic standards.
Community
While Coursera doesn’t have the same “creative community” vibe as Skillshare, it does offer peer discussion forums. The peer-review system, where other learners evaluate your work, adds accountability and exposes you to different ways of thinking.
Pricing
Coursera offers individual courses for free (if you just want to audit), but you pay if you want the certificate. The Coursera Plus subscription gives unlimited access to thousands of courses and certificates, which is great if you’re serious about consistent upskilling. Full degrees, of course, cost significantly more but are still cheaper than attending on-campus equivalents.
Why I Like It
- University & Industry Credibility: Courses from top universities (Stanford, Yale, MIT) and companies (Google, Microsoft, Meta).
- Certificates & Degrees: You can boast them on LinkedIn & your CV
- Practical & Career-Focused: In many cases, you can apply the knowledge in your job, today!
- Financial Aid & Discounts: While many courses might look expensive, there are options for discounts & scholarships
Best for
Professionals looking to strengthen their resumes with industry recognized certificates
Try Coursera for FREE (7 days)
4. Udemy: Learn Anything, Anytime
With over 200,000+ courses, Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world. Its biggest strength is variety. Want to learn coding, photography, project management, or even how to bake sourdough bread? Chances are, someone has created a course for it. Udemy is essentially a marketplace for learning, which means anyone with expertise can publish a course. That’s both its magic and its Achilles’ heel.
Personality & Audience
Udemy is ideal for self-starters and professionals who know exactly what they want to learn. It caters to students, career changers, hobbyists, and working professionals who want practical skills like Excel, SQL, Python, or Tableau. Unlike MasterClass or Coursera, there’s less emphasis on prestige or credentials — Udemy is about skills on demand.
Course Style
Course quality ranges from absolute gems to snooze fests. Some courses are short, two-hour overviews, while others are 30+ hour deep dives. Most include pre-recorded lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources. You learn at your own pace, with lifetime access to everything you purchase. That’s a big plus — you can pause, revisit, and refresh whenever you want.
That said, don’t expect the strong project-based approach of Skillshare or the polished inspiration of MasterClass. Udemy is more about independent learning with limited peer interaction.
Community
The community aspect is minimal. Some instructors build active Q&A boards, but it varies greatly. You’ll need to choose your instructor wisely — Google their credentials before hitting “pay.” The best instructors often treat Udemy like their full-time job, updating content and answering questions.
Pricing
Udemy works on a pay-per-course model. Prices range from $10–$200, but heavy discounts mean you can often grab excellent courses for under $20. Unlike subscription models, you get lifetime access once you buy a course. That makes it a solid investment if you want to build a personal library of skills.
Why I Like It
- Variety of courses
- Affordable pricing on most courses
- Course quality is good (but do check the reviews throughly before buying the course)
Best For
Anyone who wants flexibility, affordability, and lifetime access to specific, skills-based courses. Udemy shines for professionals who want to learn on-demand without being tied to a subscription.
Here’s my full Udemy review
5 — edX: University-Grade Learning Online
edX is for learners who want university-style courses without the full degree program. Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX partners with top universities and institutions around the world to offer professional, academic and technical courses. It’s for professionals and students who want credentials that matter in the job market.
Personality & Audience
edX is for serious learners — professionals looking to upskill, students looking for additional learning or anyone who wants a structured, academically robust approach. Unlike Skillshare or Udemy, edX feels like being in a real classroom: courses are structured, deadlines exist and some have graded assignments.
Course Style
Courses are longer than Skillshare or Udemy, often several weeks. You’ll find video lectures, reading materials, quizzes and peer-graded assignments. Many courses are modular so you can focus on specific areas but the learning pace is more structured than Udemy. edX also offers MicroMasters and Professional Certificates for those who want more comprehensive credentials.
Community
edX has discussion forums where students can interact, ask questions and get feedback. Not as hands-on or creative as Skillshare’s project community but useful for academic discussions and networking with other serious learners. In professional certificate programs, instructors sometimes engage directly and offer guidance and insights which adds value for those who want to go deeper.
Pricing
Many edX courses are free to audit so you can access video lectures and reading materials. If you want certification, graded assignments or professional credentials, paid options range from $50–$300 per course and MicroMasters or Professional Certificate programs $600–$1,500 depending on the subject. More expensive than Skillshare or Udemy but edX offers formal recognition that can be added to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Why I like it
- Free access to course material if you don’t want the certification
- Industry recognized certifications
Best For
Professionals who want a serious addition on their CV / LinkedIn profiles
6. LinkedIn Learning: Professional Skills with Career Impact
LinkedIn Learning is for professionals who want to grow their careers and gain industry-recognized skills. It uses the LinkedIn network to offer personalized course recommendations so it’s perfect for learners who want practical, career-focused knowledge.
Personality & Audience
LinkedIn Learning talks directly to professionals, entrepreneurs and students preparing for the workforce. Its courses are on business, technology, leadership and creative skills — everything you need to advance your career. Some courses are included in LinkedIn Premium so it also offers free access to a selection of content for premium subscribers — so it’s good for casual learners and serious upskillers.
Course Style
Courses are concise and professionally produced with clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes. Many are short (30–60 minutes) but come in series or learning paths for deeper exploration. The platform emphasizes real-world applicability, often with case studies, exercises and assessments. Unlike Masterclass which is more inspirational, LinkedIn Learning is actionable — you complete the course with skills you can apply immediately.
Community
LinkedIn Learning doesn’t have a strong peer community like Skillshare but it integrates with LinkedIn itself. You can showcase completed courses on your profile, get endorsements and even get noticed by recruiters for completed certificates. Discussion sections are available to ask questions but engagement is more professional than social.
Pricing
LinkedIn Learning is $39.99/month or $299.88/year with a free 1-month trial. For professionals who already use LinkedIn Premium, many courses are included at no extra cost. Slightly more expensive than Skillshare or Udemy but the value comes from industry-recognized certificates and career-focused learning paths.
Why I like it
- Recommendations are hyper-personlized as your LinkedIn profile is connected
- It’s practically free if you are a LinkedIn premium member
- Certifications do add some credibility to your CV, though not the same as edX or Coursera
Best for
Professionals who want to improve business, leadership and tech skills, gain certificates that showcase progress on their professional profile.
Other Platforms Worth Mentioning
While I focused on the top six, several other platforms are worth exploring:
- Pluralsight: Tech & IT-focused, structured paths for developers.
- Khan Academy: Free, foundational learning for students and parents.
- FutureLearn: European universities, short courses, practical skill-building.
I’ll be doing deep-dive reviews of these platforms & more soon — so subscribe to stay updated
How to Choose the Right Platform
I use a simple framework to balance my goals, learning style and professional needs.
Hands-on Projects — Skillshare: If you want to practice what you learn and build tangible skills, Skillshare is the way to go. Project-based courses let you create as you go, perfect for creative skills like design, writing and photography. You leave each course with something to show for your effort.
Inspiration & Perspective — Masterclass: If you want inspiration from world-class experts, Masterclass is the place. These courses are less about granular skill-building and more about learning the mindset, philosophy and approach of top professionals. Ideal if you want to broaden your perspective or try a new field.
Career Credentials — Coursera: For industry-recognized credentials, Coursera is unbeatable. University-backed programs and professional certificates can be added to your CV or LinkedIn profile. Great if career advancement or formal certification is your goal.
Affordable, Flexible Learning — Udemy: If budget and flexibility are key, Udemy is the way to go. One-off course purchases let you learn at your own pace. Huge catalog covering everything from coding to soft skills, so you can dip into multiple topics without committing to a subscription.
Professional Niche Learning — LinkedIn Learning / edX/ Pluralsight: For professionals looking to develop skills in business, tech or leadership, platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Pluralsight are perfect. Structured courses, learning paths and certificates that align with workplace expectations.
The real secret is this — it doesn’t have to be one platform. Assess what you want, and pick one or more platform — you are the best investment you’ll ever make!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sell my own courses on these platforms?
Yes! Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning allow you to create and sell your own course. Using their creation tools and learning management system (LMS) features, you can design a course and reach a global audience. Some platforms also let you integrate email marketing tools to nurture your students.
The threshold for accepting you as a trainer is different on each platform. Skillshare might be the easiest to get into, Masterclass needs you to be a celebrity.
2. Do any platforms offer unlimited courses?
Platforms like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning offer subscription models where you get almost complete access to all the courses once you’re a member. edX, Coursera, Udemy etc., offer some free courses, but mostly work with ‘pay per course’ model
3. What are massive open online courses (MOOCs)?
MOOCs are free or paid online courses accessible to anyone around the world. Platforms like Coursera and edX specialize in massive open online courses, offering course curriculum designed by universities and experts.
4. Is there a free plan available?
Most platforms, including Skillshare, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning, offer a free plan or a free trial. Some platforms like Masterclass do not offer a free trial, but offer a 30 day money back guarantee instead.
5. Can I build a community around my course?
Yes! Platforms like Skillshare emphasize community building through discussion boards and peer feedback. Students are encouraged to share projects, ask questions, and engage with each other
6. Why would I pay for any platform when YouTube is Free?
YouTube is free indeed — you can get a million videos on any topic you like — there in lies the pitfall. How many times do you go to a social media platform and stay on the topic?
You PAY with your time and focus when you are on YouTube — and the videos are not structured nor assessed for quality. You can get lucky and save 20 bucks, or you might end up with nothing and lost focus. With important decisions, you should prioritize your time and focus over money, especially for learning and up skilling yourself.
