#1Coursera
Coursera Plus Annual
9.2/10 Editorial scoreFrom $59Subscription12 months of unlimited access.
Learners planning to complete several Coursera certificates within a year.
Course Platforms · Programs compared
Best Online Course Platforms (2026)
We compared 13 online online course platforms programs available to US learners. 13 of them have a full editorial score so far, built from five published criteria. Published prices range from $15 to $499.
Ranking by editorial score
Ordered by our editorial score, never by commission. Filters only hide programs; they don't change the order.
#2CreativeLive
CreativeLive Classes & Creator Pass
8.7/10 Editorial scoreHybrid2,300+ on-demand classes; 100+ live classes a year.
Photographers, designers and creative entrepreneurs who want expert-led classes with live Q&A.
#3edX
edX Verified Certificates & Programs
8.7/10 Editorial scoreSelf-pacedVaries by course or program.Verified offer
Learners who want university-branded verified certificates, with the option to audit first.
#4Outschool
Outschool Live Online Classes for Kids
8.7/10 Editorial scoreFrom $15Live onlineTypically 30-60 minute live sessions.Verified offer
Parents and homeschool families who want small live online classes for kids across academics and interests.
#5LinkedIn Learning
8.6/10 Editorial scoreSubscriptionSubscription; 26,400+ courses.
Professionals who want a broad business, tech and creative library with certificates that display on LinkedIn.
#6The Great Courses / Wondrium
The Great Courses / Wondrium (The Great Courses Plus)
8.6/10 Editorial scoreSubscriptionSubscription; new courses added monthly.
Adult lifelong learners who enjoy in-depth lecture series in history, science, philosophy and more.
#7Teachable
Teachable (Course Creator Platform)
8.5/10 Editorial scoreFrom $29SubscriptionSubscription.Verified offer
Creators who want to sell online courses, coaching and digital products with built-in checkout.
#8Thinkific
Thinkific (Course Creator Platform)
8.5/10 Editorial scoreFrom $40SubscriptionSubscription.
Creators and businesses who want to host courses with commerce tools, communities and payment plans.
#9Kajabi
Kajabi (Creator Business Platform)
8.4/10 Editorial scoreFrom $143SubscriptionSubscription.
Established creators who want courses, email marketing, website and community in one premium platform.
#10Skillshare
Skillshare Membership
8.4/10 Editorial scoreSubscriptionAnnual membership.
Creatives who want short, project-based classes in illustration, design, video and more.
#11Study.com
Study.com Membership & College Credit
8.3/10 Editorial scoreSubscription
Students looking for test prep, homework help or low-cost transferable college credit courses.
#12MasterClass
MasterClass Annual Membership
8.2/10 Editorial scoreSubscriptionAnnual membership.
Curious learners who enjoy high-production video lessons from celebrities and top experts.
#13Udemy
Udemy Certification Prep Courses
8.2/10 Editorial scoreSelf-pacedVaries by course; lifetime access to purchased courses.
Learners who want inexpensive, single-topic exam prep (CompTIA, AWS, PMP) from independent instructors.
Comparison table
Swipe sideways to see every column →
| Program | Score | Price | Duration | Format | Accreditation | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2 | $59 – $399 | 12 months of unlimited access. | Subscription | — | 7-day free trial. | |
| 8.7 | — | 2,300+ on-demand classes; 100+ live classes a year. | Hybrid | — | — | |
| 8.7 | — | Varies by course or program. | Self-paced | — | Many courses can be audited for free. | |
| 8.7 | $15 | Typically 30-60 minute live sessions. | Live online | — | — | |
| 8.6 | — | Subscription; 26,400+ courses. | Subscription | — | One free month. | |
| 8.6 | — | Subscription; new courses added monthly. | Subscription | — | Free trial available. | |
| 8.5 | $29 – $189 | Subscription. | Subscription | — | 7-day free trial. | |
| 8.5 | $40 – $219 | Subscription. | Subscription | — | Free trial. | |
| 8.4 | $143 – $499 | Subscription. | Subscription | — | Free trial. | |
| 8.4 | — | Annual membership. | Subscription | — | Free trial for eligible new subscribers; cancel before it ends to avoid charges. | |
| 8.3 | — | — | Subscription | — | — | |
| 8.2 | — | Annual membership. | Subscription | — | — | |
| 8.2 | — | Varies by course; lifetime access to purchased courses. | Self-paced | — | — |
“—” means the information was not published or not yet checked. Data from official program pages, last checked October 5, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best online online course platforms program in 2026?
Based on our editorial score, Coursera (Coursera Plus Annual) ranks first at 9.2/10. Best for: Learners planning to complete several Coursera certificates within a year.
How much does an online online course platforms program cost?
Among the programs we checked that publish a price, prices run from $15 to $499. Prices change often, so check the official site before you enroll.
How are these programs ranked?
We rank programs by an editorial score built from five criteria (curriculum, credibility, value, flexibility and support). Affiliate commissions never influence the order. Programs we have not scored yet are listed after scored ones.