Course platforms host your lessons, take payment and keep students logged in. The real choice is between an all-in-one platform that also runs your emails and site, and a focused one that does courses and stays out of the way.
Thinkific focuses on the learning side: structured courses, quizzes, certificates and communities, with an app store for extras.
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | How it charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kajabi | Established creators who want one platform for the whole business. | No | Monthly or yearly plans (free trial) |
| Teachable | Creators selling their first or second course. | Check site | Monthly plans; transaction fees vary by plan |
| Thinkific | Structured courses with quizzes and certificates. | Check site | Monthly or yearly plans |
| Podia | Solo creators who sell a mix of small products. | Check site | Monthly plans; fees vary by plan |
| Skool | Paid communities where the course is part of membership. | No | Flat monthly fee per group |
| Circle | Paid communities with a polished, branded feel. | Check site | Monthly or yearly plans |
| Mighty Networks | Membership businesses that want their own app. | Check site | Monthly or yearly plans |
| LearnWorlds | Serious course businesses with structured learning. | Check site | Monthly or yearly plans |
| Whop | Creators selling memberships to an online audience. | Check site | No monthly fee; percentage per sale |
| systeme.io | Creators launching a first funnel and course on a small budget. | Yes | Free plan, then monthly plans |
Kajabi runs courses, coaching, communities, a website, email marketing and checkout in one platform, so you can sell without stitching tools together.
Teachable hosts courses, coaching and digital downloads with a straightforward student experience and built-in checkout.
Thinkific focuses on the learning side: structured courses, quizzes, certificates and communities, with an app store for extras.
Podia sells courses, downloads, webinars and coaching from one storefront, with email and a website included. It aims to be simple rather than exhaustive.
Skool combines a community feed, courses, a calendar and gamification in one simple product, priced as a flat monthly fee per group.
Circle hosts branded communities with discussions, courses, live events and paid memberships, on web and mobile apps.
Mighty Networks combines community, courses, events and memberships, with the option of a fully branded mobile app.
LearnWorlds is a course platform with interactive video, assessments, certificates and a built-in website builder for your school.
Whop lets you sell digital products, courses, communities and software access, with checkout and a marketplace that can send you buyers.
systeme.io is an all-in-one platform for sales funnels, email marketing, online courses, memberships and checkout, with a free plan to start.
