Demand for online courses is growing fast. Teaching what you know online can be a profitable way to reach others, but finding the best software for creating online courses is key to making them fun, useful, and simple to manage. Online course software includes tools that help you create, share, and manage educational content online. These tools can range from simple course-making software to the best online course platforms that handle creating, delivering, and managing your courses effectively. This guide will help you choose software that fits your needs and find the best platform to sell online courses!
Top 10 Best Software for Creating Online Courses
Here is the list of 10 best software for creating online courses, with a breakdown of their features and ideal use cases:
1. SmartTutor 360
SmartTutor 360 is a powerful e-learning authoring tool for creating interactive online courses.
Key Features:
- High-resolution screen recording.
- Advanced video editing with trimming, annotations, and effects.
- Interactive course creation with quizzes and multimedia integration.
- PowerPoint integration for quick course development.
- SCORM/xAPI compliance for LMS compatibility.
- Text-to-speech functionality supporting multiple languages.
- Adaptive player for responsiveness across devices.
Strengths:
- User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels.
- Comprehensive features in a single platform.
- Cost-effective compared to competitors.
Weaknesses:
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some tools.
Pricing:
- Standard License: $179
- Pro License: $359
2. Mighty Networks
- Strengths:
- Integrates community-building with course creation, fostering interaction among learners.
- Offers native live streaming, events, and memberships.
- Provides branded mobile apps for enhanced accessibility.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited advanced marketing and sales funnel features compared to platforms like Kajabi.
- May require additional tools for email marketing and automation.
- Pricing:
- Community Plan: $33/month.
- Business Plan: $99/month (includes course features).
- Mighty Pro: Custom pricing for branded apps.
3. Kajabi
- Strengths:
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform for course creation, marketing, and sales.
- Advanced marketing tools, including email campaigns and sales funnels.
- Supports various digital products like courses, memberships, and podcasts.
- Weaknesses:
- Higher price points may be prohibitive for beginners.
- Product limits on lower-tier plans.
- Pricing:
- Kickstarter: $69/month.
- Basic: $149/month.
- Growth: $199/month.
- Pro: $399/month.
4. Teachable
- Strengths:
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
- Unlimited courses and students on paid plans.
- Customizable sales pages and support for various content types.
- Weaknesses:
- Transaction fees on Free and Basic plans.
- Limited built-in community features; requires third-party integrations.
- Pricing:
- Free Plan: $1 + 10% transaction fee per sale.
- Basic: $39/month (5% transaction fee).
- Pro: $119/month.
- Business: $299/month.
5. Udemy
- Strengths:
- Access to a vast audience through its marketplace.
- No upfront costs for instructors.
- Handles marketing and technical aspects, allowing creators to focus on content.
- Weaknesses:
- Revenue-sharing model reduces earnings; instructors receive 37% of sales from Udemy promotions.
- Limited control over pricing and branding.
- Pricing:
- Free to create courses; revenue split with Udemy based on sales channel.
6. Thinkific
- Strengths:
- Robust course creation tools with customization options.
- No transaction fees on any plan.
- Offers a free plan with essential features.
- Weaknesses:
- Advanced marketing tools are less comprehensive compared to Kajabi.
- Some features, like live lessons, require third-party integrations.
- Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limited features.
- Basic: $49/month.
- Pro: $99/month.
- Premier: $499/month.
7. Podia
- Strengths:
- Simplified pricing with no transaction fees.
- Supports courses, memberships, digital downloads, and webinars.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate management.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited advanced course customization features.
- May require external tools for complex marketing needs.
- Pricing:
- Mover: $39/month.
- Shaker: $89/month.
8. Skillshare
- Strengths:
- Emphasizes project-based learning, ideal for creative subjects.
- Subscription model allows learners access to a wide range of courses.
- Encourages community interaction through class projects.
- Weaknesses:
- Instructors compensated based on watch time, leading to variable earnings.
- Less control over course pricing and student data.
- Pricing:
- Free to create courses; instructors earn royalties based on watch time.
9. LearnDash
- Strengths:
- Powerful WordPress plugin offering extensive course management features.
- One-time payment model, making it cost-effective over time.
- Supports quizzes, certificates, and drip-feed content.
- Weaknesses:
- Requires a WordPress site, adding complexity for non-technical users.
- Limited built-in marketing tools; relies on additional plugins.
- Pricing:
- Single Site License: $199/year.
- 10 Site License: $399/year.
- Unlimited Site License: $799/year.
10. WizIQ
- Strengths:
- Designed for live teaching with virtual classrooms.
- Offers mobile learning and detailed analytics.
- Suitable for educational institutions and corporate training.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited customization for self-paced courses.
- Pricing may be high for individual creators or small businesses.
Pricing:
- Starts at $25/month for the basic plan (up to 2 instructors).
- Enterprise pricing is available for larger organizations with customized needs.
Best Platforms for Specific Needs
| Best Platforms for Specific Needs | Platform | Description |
| For Beginners or Budget-Conscious Creators | Teachable | Offers a free plan, affordable paid tiers, and an intuitive interface. |
| Thinkific | A free plan with no transaction fees and good flexibility for creators. | |
| For All-in-One Functionality | Kajabi | Perfect for professionals looking to scale their business with a robust platform for courses, marketing, and sales. |
| SmartTutor360 | A standout e-learning tool that combines high-resolution screen recording, advanced video editing, and interactive course creation. With its intuitive interface, SCORM compliance, and text-to-speech features, it’s a cost-effective powerhouse for educators and professionals. | |
| For Community Building | Mighty Networks | Combines course creation with community engagement for fostering loyal audiences. |
| For Large Audience Reach | Udemy | Excellent for exposure, especially if you lack resources for marketing. |
| For Creative Professionals | Skillshare | Ideal for those teaching creative skills in a project-based learning format. |
| For Self-Hosting | LearnDash | Offers full control over your platform, branding, and features at a one-time cost. |
| For Live Teaching and Institutions | WizIQ | Best suited for educational institutions and corporate trainers requiring virtual classrooms and detailed analytics. |
* Final Recommendation
- SmartTutor 360 stands out as an exceptional all-in-one tool for course creators who value interactive and multimedia-rich content creation. Its affordability and robust features make it a top-tier choice for both educators and professionals.
- Kajabi is ideal for professionals with ambitious goals who need a comprehensive solution and can afford the higher cost.
- Teachable or Thinkific are excellent for individuals starting out or those looking for cost-effective yet powerful solutions.
- LearnDash is the best choice for those preferring full ownership and customization of their platform.
- Udemy works well if exposure is your primary goal, though earnings potential may be limited.
- Skillshare is perfect for creatives focused on teaching project-based skills
Conclusion
The best platform for online courses is an investment in your success as an online educator or entrepreneur. By understanding your needs and exploring the best software for creating online courses, such as Kajabi or Thinkific, you can find the perfect course online platform. Whether you’re creating courses for a global audience or a niche community, these tools can help you bring your vision to life. Start experimenting today, and take your online teaching to the next level!