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Education is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the rise of online platforms. Whether you’re a student seeking to expand your knowledge or a professional aiming to acquire new skills, online learning platforms offer a convenient and flexible way to achieve your goals.
With so many options available, it’s essential to find an online learning platform that offers the best value for your investment. This guide explores the twenty-three best eLearning platforms, detailing their cost and price plans to help you make an informed choice.
From popular online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy to niche providers catering to specific fields, there’s something for everyone. These platforms not only provide a wide range of courses but also come with various features designed to enhance your learning experience.
Let’s delve into the details and find out which of these best providers suits your needs and budget.
Online Learning Platforms: Transforming Learning in the Digital Age Learning Management Systems (LMS) have revolutionized the way we acquire knowledge and skills. An eLearning platform is essentially a software application that enables learners and instructors to connect virtually, making education accessible beyond the traditional classroom setting.
These platforms offer a range of features, from creating and delivering online courses to tracking progress, administering quizzes, and issuing certifications.
Comparing Pricing and Plans: Your Guide to Choosing the Right LMS When considering an eLearning platform , one of the critical factors to evaluate is the pricing structure. The cost-effectiveness of these platforms can significantly impact individuals, educational institutions, and businesses alike.
Below is a detailed comparison of twenty-three best eLearning platforms and their price plans, empowering you to make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
LearnWorlds stands out with its focus on interactive and engaging learning experiences. While pricing tiers vary, the platform’s emphasis on gamification and multimedia integration adds value to the eLearning process.
Plan Starter Pro Trainer Learning Center Pricing $24/Month $79/Month $249/Month $5 per course sale No transaction fees No transaction fees Features – Create CoursesPayment gateways – Increase engagement – Boost the learning experience
LearnWorlds
The best online course platform for creating, selling and promoting your online courses. Start monetizing your skills, experiences and your audience.
iSpring Learn LMS offers cloud-based eLearning software with pricing plans designed to accommodate various user requirements. With a focus on ease of use and integration, iSpring Learn LMS provides a robust solution for organizations aiming to deliver engaging learning experiences.
500 Users: $3.72/per user/month/billed annually300 Users : $4.11/per user/month/billed annually100 Users : $5.27/per user/month/billed annually
iSpring
Top industry analysts such as Brandon Hall Group, Capterra, eLearning Industry, and G2 Crowd recognize iSpring tools as the best on the market.
Teachable , similar to Thinkific, empowers course creators to build and market their online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it provides a platform for sharing knowledge and generating income.
Plan Price (Monthly) Price (Annually) Features and Benefits Free $0 – – No credit card is requiredteachable : pay with integrated payment processing Basic $39 $468 – All Free plan features plus: Pro $119 $1,428 – All Free plan features plus: Pro+ $199 $2,388 – All Free plan features plus:
Teachable
Join Teachable for everything you need to grow your course business—from meaningful support to creator-focused features.
4. Google Classroom Google Classroom, a part of Google Workspace for Education, revolutionizes the eLearning landscape with its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Google tools. The platform offers collaborative learning opportunities , making it an attractive option for educators and learners alike.
Google Classroom is available as a complimentary offering for individuals who possess a personal Google account. Moreover, it is provided at no cost to institutions utilizing either Google Workspace for Education or Google Workspace for nonprofits.
Typically, educators and students can avail themselves of Google Classroom through the employment of a Google account bestowed upon them by their educational institution.
5. Docebo Docebo stands out as a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS), distinguished by its focus on tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences across various languages.
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise aiming to elevate employee training and growth, Docebo’s versatile pricing plans are designed to accommodate organizations of all sizes.
To gain a comprehensive grasp of Docebo’s pricing models, simply fill out the inquiry form available on their official website and proceed by selecting the “Submit” option. Following this step, the adept Docebo team will promptly connect with you through the provided Business Email to furnish you with additional insights and details.
6. iSpring Suite iSpring Suite complements the iSpring Learn LMS by providing authoring capabilities. It’s an all-in-one toolkit for creating interactive eLearning content with PowerPoint integration, offering value for educators and businesses aiming to create engaging courses. Businesses, Freelancers, and Academics have different prices and plans. The pricing for Academic is listed below.
Business
iSpring Suite: 770€/per author/yeariSpring Suite MAX: 970€/per author/yeariSpring Suite Premium: 1, 970€/per author/year Freelancers
iSpring Suite: 490€/single user/yeariSpring Suite MAX: 690€/single user/year 7. Lectora Lectora Inspire is an advanced authoring tool that empowers instructional designers to create interactive courses. Lectora’s features enable the development of immersive learning content that meets diverse learning needs.
Prospective purchasers can review the pricing details provided below for those who are prepared to make a purchase. Alternatively, individuals who aren’t yet prepared to make a purchase can take advantage of Lectora’s 30-day trial period, allowing them to explore the software’s features before committing.
Licensing Options Per Author per year Pricing $117 per month$1,398 USD billed annually Features Included – Lectora® Online: An online version of the authoring tool.
8. Moodle Moodle, an open-source learning platform, offers cost-effective solutions for educators. While the platform itself is free, there might be costs associated with hosting and customization, making it an attractive option for institutions seeking budget-friendly alternatives.
The option to contribute through one-time donations or monthly contributions is available, and you also have the opportunity to make purchases from the Moodle Shop. These efforts aid in sustaining Moodle’s ongoing commitment to enhancing online learning experiences. Importantly, any profits generated from these purchases directly support the development of the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
Tier Starter Premium Price $180 AUD Annual Customized Pricing Users Up to 50 Hundreds to Millions Storage 250 MB Extra Storage Available Support Self-Service Knowledge Base 24/7 Real-Time Expert Support Hosting Type Standard Hosting Plans Premium Hosting Solutions Features – Personalized Site NameVideo Conferencing – Enhanced Security
Key Differentiators:
Starter Plan is perfect for smaller-scale deployments with a focus on affordability and ready-to-go features. Premium Plan caters to larger-scale needs, offering scalability, enhanced security, real-time expert support, and a wide range of advanced customization options. Both plans offer excellent value and are tailored to different user requirements, ensuring a comprehensive hosting solution for Moodle users at various scales.
9. Schoology Schoology provides a collaborative platform for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. While pricing details may vary, Schoology’s focus on engagement and communication contributes to enriching the eLearning experience. Arrange a discussion with a Schoology sales representative to request a personalized demonstration tailored to your specific preferences. This session will provide you with insights into how Schoology’s platform aligns with your individual needs and requirements.
Pricing Model Freemium One-time Purchased License License Free Paid Starting Price N/A Varies per Implementation Free Trial No No Included Free to educators in K-12 public and private schools, colleges and universities worldwide Additional Cost Cost per student: $10 (One-time fee)
10. TalentLMS TalentLMS caters to a wide range of users, from small businesses to enterprises, with its scalable pricing plans. Its user-friendly interface and features like gamification and SCORM support make it a versatile choice for creating engaging courses. Below are standard monthly plans.
Tier Starter Basic Plus Premium Monthly Price $89 $189 $369 $569 Users Up to 40 Up to 100 Up to 500 Up to 1000 Branches N/A 1 branch 3 branches 15 branches Courses Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Email Support Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Priority Custom Homepage Included Included Included Included Single Sign-On N/A Included Included Included Custom Domain N/A Custom domain + SSL Custom domain + SSL Custom domain + SSL Custom Reports N/A N/A Included Included Account Manager N/A N/A N/A Included Automation N/A N/A N/A Included Live Chat Support N/A N/A N/A Included
11. Canvas by Instructure Canvas is a widely used LMS that focuses on educational institutions, from K-12 schools to universities. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for instructors to create, manage, and deliver online courses. Canvas provides features such as discussion boards, assignments, quizzes, grading, and collaboration tools.
Canvas offers different pricing plans based on the size and needs of the institution. While some features might be tailored more towards educational institutions, Canvas has also been adopted by businesses and organizations for training purposes due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set.
Canvas LMS also offers a paid account with enhanced features, though specific pricing details are not publicly disclosed by Instructure. To obtain accurate pricing information tailored to your institution’s requirements, it’s recommended to directly contact Canvas LMS for a personalized price quote.
12. LearnDash LearnDash is a WordPress-based LMS that enables the creation of online courses. With customizable pricing plans, it’s an excellent option for entrepreneurs, educators, and businesses looking to offer engaging online training.
LearnDash Pricing Plans Features Price Single Site Plan 1 WordPress site $199/year 10-Site Plan Up to 10 WordPress sites $399/year Unlimited Plan Unlimited WordPress sites $799/year
13. Schoox Schoox focuses on employee training and development with its comprehensive LMS. Pricing is customizable based on the organization’s needs, and the platform emphasizes creating a personalized learning experience.
Plan Light Professional Enterprise Price $6/User/Month $5/User/Month Custom Users Up to 300 employees Up to 300 employees Up to 1000 employees Features Learning Engagement Learning Engagements Includes features of Professional
14. Thinkific Thinkific offers a user-friendly platform for creating and selling online courses. Its pricing plans cater to a wide range of users, from individual entrepreneurs to businesses looking to monetize their expertise.
Plan Features Price Free – Test-drive Thinkific for free $0 USD/mo Basic – Gain access to core features and essential tools $36 USD/mo Start – Unlock additional features designed for student engagement $74 USD/mo Grow – Grow your online business with more advanced tools $149 USD/mo
15. Blackboard Blackboard, now part of Anthology, continues to offer a versatile online learning platform that supports educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies in delivering effective digital learning experiences.
It excels in providing robust tools for virtual classrooms, interactive whiteboarding, and real-time feedback, fostering an engaging and collaborative environment for students and educators alike.
For more information on Blackboard’s features and services, visit Anthology’s website at Anthology.com . 16. Adobe Captivate Adobe Captivate stands out as a robust authoring tool dedicated to facilitating eLearning development. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, Adobe Captivate empowers content creators to craft engaging and interactive learning experiences.
This software caters to a variety of requirements through its diverse pricing options, ensuring that individuals and organizations can find a plan that aligns seamlessly with their specific needs.
It stands out as a robust authoring tool dedicated to facilitating eLearning development. With its versatile features and user-friendly interface, Adobe Captivate empowers content creators to craft engaging and interactive learning experiences.
You can contact Adobe Captivate’s sales to get your custom pricing. 17. WizIQ WizIQ offers virtual classroom solutions and course creation tools. Its pricing plans cater to educators and organizations looking to deliver live online classes and self-paced courses. Feel free to reach out to them to gather more details regarding the pricing that aligns with your specific requirements. Additionally, you have the option to inquire about scheduling a demonstration.
LMS Pricing Tiers Starter Plan Elite Plan Infinite Plan Monthly Cost $1/user Custom Pricing Custom Pricing Features – Create and run online courses – Everything in the Starter plan and more features – Everything in the Elite plan and more features
By using this table, the information is presented in a structured manner, allowing readers to easily compare the features of each pricing tier and make an informed decision based on their requirements and budget.
18. Litmos Litmos, a SAP company, provides a scalable LMS solution for employee training and customer education. Pricing varies based on user requirements, making it suitable for businesses of different sizes.
Once you’re prepared to make a purchase, you can obtain the pricing information by completing and submitting the provided form. This process ensures that you receive accurate pricing tailored to your needs.
Foundation Suite Premier Suite Platinum Suite Features: Features: Features:
19. Skillshare Skillshare follows a subscription-based model, granting users access to a wide range of courses for a monthly fee. This platform is ideal for learners seeking to explore diverse topics and skills. Whether you’re keen on creative arts, practical crafts, technology, or personal development, Skillshare’s subscription approach offers a cost-effective means to quench your thirst for knowledge and growth.
Features Premium Plan Team Plan Classes 35,000+ 35,000+ Join the community Yes Yes Offline watching Yes Yes Supports the community Yes Yes Refunds 7 days No Free trial 1 month No Team management features No Yes Payment Plans Annual Billing $168 USD Skillshare for Teams $159 USD (working out at $14 a month) (per user/per year)
20. Coursera Coursera partners with universities and institutions to offer online courses and degrees. While it provides free courses, its pricing structure includes subscription plans for learners who wish to earn certifications and degrees.
The cost of the service is determined by the specific courses that a user chooses to pursue in order to obtain certificates. This personalized approach allows users to pay for courses that align with their individual preferences and goals.
Coursera Plans Features Pricing (Monthly) Subscription Plan – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses $59/month (Annual) Subscription Plan – Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses $399/year 14-day money-back guarantee
21. Udemy Udemy is a well-known platform that hosts a vast library of courses created by individual instructors. While some courses are free, others require payment, allowing learners to choose courses that align with their interests.
Whether you’re seeking to explore introductory subjects or delve deeply into advanced topics, the choice between free and paid courses provides the flexibility necessary to create a learning path that resonates with you.
Udemy Pricing
Typical Course Price Range $11.99 – $199.99 per course Personal Subscription Plan Starting at $16.58/month Pro Subscription Plan Starting at $16.58/month Discounts and Sales Events Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Course Creator Sales
22. LinkedIn Learning Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning offers a subscription-based model for accessing a vast collection of courses. With a focus on professional development, it’s an excellent resource for individuals seeking to enhance their skills. If you’re an individual looking to get started, you have the option to initiate a 1-month trial period absolutely free. This trial comes with the freedom to cancel at any point you wish.
Subscription Choices Annual Plan Monthly Plan Trial Period 1-month free trial 1-month free trial Followed by Charges $17.22/month* $34.45/month* Reminder Before Trial Ends Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion Reminder 7 days before the trial conclusion
23. edX edX, similar to Coursera, collaborates with universities to provide online courses and degrees. The platform caters to various learning preferences by offering both free audit options for courses, which provide access to course materials without certification and paid alternatives that grant learners the opportunity to earn verified certificates or even pursue full-fledged degrees.
This approach enables individuals to tailor their learning experience based on their aspirations, whether they’re looking for skill enhancement, career advancement, or academic achievement.
edX Course Access
Auditing Courses Free Verified Learning Pathway Requires Payment Verified Certificate Fee per Course $50 – $300
Making the Right Choice for Your eLearning Journey Choosing the right eLearning platform involves careful consideration of your learning needs, budget, and desired features. Whether you’re an educator aiming to deliver engaging online training or an individual seeking to acquire new skills, the landscape of eLearning platforms offers a solution tailored to your goals.
By comparing the cost and pricing plans of these 23 top platforms, you’re well-equipped to embark on a successful eLearning journey that aligns with your aspirations.
Conclusion Online learning platforms allow learners to keep track of their progress, ask questions, and engage in interactive sessions. Whether you want to learn new skills for personal enrichment or to advance your professional life, these eLearning platforms offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, catering to students’ diverse needs and schedules.
For those who prefer to learn through structured courses or self-paced modules, these platforms provide the best options to get the high-quality courses you seek.
Embracing these online education tools ensures that you can stay ahead in your career and continue learning, regardless of your busy schedule.
You can read our other blog if you want to learn more about online learning platforms and don’t forget to check out our hottest deals and discounts today!
FAQs What Are the Best Online Learning Platforms for Affordable Online Courses? Some of the best online learning platforms for affordable online courses include Coursera, MasterClass, and Skillshare.
What Topics Are Covered by Online Learning Platforms? Online learning platforms cover a wide range of topics such as personal development, technology, business, arts, language, and more.
Can I Enroll in Individual Courses on Online Learning Platforms? Yes, many online learning platforms allow students to enroll in individual courses based on their interests and needs.
Do Online Learning Platforms Offer Certificates Upon Course Completion? Yes, most online learning platforms offer certificates to students upon successful completion of courses to showcase their skills and knowledge.
Are Online Courses on Platforms Like Coursera Taught by Qualified Instructors? Yes, platforms like Coursera ensure that courses are taught by experienced and qualified instructors to provide high-quality education to students.
Can I Learn at My Own Pace on Online Learning Platforms? Yes, online learning platforms allow students to learn at their own pace, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
How Much Does It Cost to Access Premium Membership on Online Learning Platforms? The cost of premium membership on online learning platforms can vary widely, but some platforms offer affordable options starting at $99 per year.
