The Top 8 Online Learning Platforms to Transform Your Education

Today more than ever, we are moving some of our essential activities online from working from the comfort of our homes to shopping and also education. We will cover the best online learning platforms you can join today to gain new skills and change your life.

This phenomenon accelerated after we were confined in our homes for months and had to figure out what to do with our time besides watching entertainment. How to stay up-to-date and relevant in this fast-changing world?

These platforms have two sides, the learning side, and the teaching backend. In this article, we will focus on the online learning platforms best suited to learning new skills.

Before we start, let’s address what an online learning platform is.

What is an Online Learning Platform?

It is a website with an organized interface that provides a safe learning environment for students to take online courses on various topics.

The best platforms are so excellent that students get a custom and professional learning experience and keep coming back for more.

In this overview, we ranked the best online learning websites based on the user interface, the pricing, the features offered, learning management, support, and more.

Let’s begin!

• Traditional online course platforms offer a wide range of courses with video lectures and assignments
  
• Interactive learning platforms focus on hands-on learning for technical skills
  
• Subscription-based models offer a library of courses and resources for an affordable monthly or annual fee

The 8 Best Online Learning Platforms Of 2023

Here is a list of the best E-Learning platforms to use in 2023.

Udacity

Udacity.com teaches relevant, in-demand skills that employers are actively looking for today.
Udacity is most known for its Nanodegree Programs, where you learn a skill with its project-based learning programs.

Most Nanodegree Programs can last from 3 to 6 months, with topics like Data Science, Programming, Business, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, etc.

Their curriculum is designed with top-tier industry partners, so you acquire skills that the best companies in your industry want.

Because their programs are project-based, you get to learn by doing practical, real-world projects and applying what you know right away.

Like most online learning platforms, you learn on your schedule. Pace yourself by taking the courses whenever and wherever you want.

If you have any questions, you can contact a mentor available to you 24/7.

Who is Udacity for?

Udacity is not an accredited university; however, the programs they offer are most relevant and up-to-date in demand in very competitive industries for three types of students.

Udacity is excellent for people who want to change careers or just learn the skills and techniques used in high-profile projects in their industry. Students can learn from a curriculum designed by people that work for top-tier companies for better careers, businesses, and the workforce.

Pricing

Single courses: 188 Free courses available as of today.

Nanodegree Programs: 68 programs starting at $200/month each, all the way to $800/month.

It is important to note that, on average, a Nanodegree Program lasts from 3 to 6 months, for some even up to one year.

This can quickly add up. However, the platform offers scholarships. 

You can find an exemplary scholarship for you here.

Cons

Udacity has no free trial but offers some single courses for free. Some reviews on Udacity free courses claim to have experienced a lack of customer support or poor ones in general.
Though it is not uncommon for free courses on online learning platforms to be neglected, it is worth keeping in mind if you decide to enroll.

Additionally, the community of students on the platform can hardly interact with each other. The course pages do not give signs of other students taking the courses as well. Therefore, it lacks the feeling of inclusiveness and belonging to a community with a common goal.

Udemy

Udemy is one of the most popular platforms on this list. This online learning platform has more than 35 million students and 130000 courses.

The main goal of Udemy since its founding in 2009 is to disrupt and democratize the educational system.
Udemy lets you curate your education at your pace. You can expand your knowledge and learn new skills in Development, IT & Software, Marketing, Lifestyle, Photography & Video, etc.

With its vast library of courses, Udemy is still easy to use and navigate. You can directly search for what you want to learn by entering a keyword. You can then browse through the courses available on the platform.

The courses are offered for three levels, namely:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Expert

One thing to note is that Udemy supports languages other than English, like French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Russian, and many more, depending on the topic.

Each course is structured as a collection of video tutorials, including additional resources like exercises, tests, quizzes, and assignments. The average course length is around five hours, but some courses can be as short as 30 minutes. You can download the lessons you purchased and watch them offline at your convenience.

Who is Udemy For?

Based on Udemy’s initial purpose, is to disrupt the status quo and democratize education. Udemy services are aimed at the masses. From total beginners to intermediate levels, there are courses for them up to experts.
If you have any subject of interest, chances are you can probably find a course on it by searching on the platform.

Udemy offers affordable courses on various topics for students of all origins to learn on the platform.

Pricing

No Free Trial

Free courses are occasionally offered for promotional purposes.

Prices may vary, mainly because the instructors themselves determine the costs of their courses. However, Udemy offers a one-time offer for its new students. The top courses’ pricing in your category of choice is set at $19.99 for your first visit.

Regularly, prices vary from $9 to $200.

Cons

Pricing

One of the things some Udemy users don’t like is inconsistent pricing.

This is because the platform itself takes no part in the pricing of individual courses. The sheer number of courses available on the platform would make it very difficult to do.

Udemy offers its users occasional promotions, and if by any chance you do not like the course you purchased, you can get a refund within 30 days.

Additionally, Udemy, unlike some other mainstream online learning platforms, does not offer subscription plans. You have to buy each course individually.

LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)

LinkedIn Learning, previously Lynda.com until a few years ago offers a very professional learning platform for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

LinkedIn Learning is a comprehensive platform with an extensive library of courses taught by industry experts. The courses cover a wide range of topics, from business to design, making it easy to find something that fits your needs.

Who is LinkedIn Learning for?

LinkedIn Learning is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to stay ahead of the competition and learn the latest skills. It is also great for anyone looking to brush up on existing topics or learn something new.

However, due to the cost, it may not be suitable for those who are on a tight budget.

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on the course you choose, but most courses range from $20 to $200. LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of payment options, from subscription-based plans that range from $20-50 per month to individual courses.

Cons

One of the main drawbacks of LinkedIn Learning is indeed the cost. While some courses are free, most require a premium subscription, which can be out of most new entrepreneurs’ reach.

Furthermore, it can be difficult to find the exact course you’re looking for due to the sheer amount of content available. Finally, some courses may be outdated or irrelevant to your needs.

In conclusion, LinkedIn Learning is a great online learning platform for entrepreneurs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and skills. While it can be costly, it offers a huge selection of courses and instructors. So if you’re looking to stay ahead of the competition, LinkedIn Learning is a great option.

Skillshare

Skillshare is a great platform for entrepreneurs looking to learn a specific skill quickly. With its library of over 25,000 courses, you can find something to suit your needs.

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers thousands of classes in topics such as business, design, technology, and more. It allows users to access classes from top industry professionals, as well as their peers.

The classes are interactive and engaging, with videos and quizzes that keep users interested. The platform also offers a variety of tools and resources to help you learn and stay motivated.

Who is Skillshare for?

Skillshare is a great platform for busy entrepreneurs who value speed and watch to learn a new skill quickly. The classes are organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, and the pricing is quite affordable.

The only downside is that it can be overwhelming with so many classes and topics, so go in with a clear objective in mind to help you stay focused.

Pricing

The pricing for Skillshare is quite reasonable. You can get started with a free trial, and then pay a low monthly fee of $19.99 per month. You can also purchase individual classes, which range from $10 to $30. Additionally, the platform offers discounts for bulk purchases.

Cons

The only con of Skillshare is that it can be overwhelming. With so many classes and topics, it can be hard to decide which one to take. Additionally, the platform does not offer any certifications or accreditations for the classes.

Overall, Skillshare is a great platform for entrepreneurs who want to gain new skills quickly, and in a fun and engaging way to keep up with the rapidly changing times. The platform offers a variety of classes in topics such as marketing, business management, new technologies, and more.

The classes are organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, and the pricing is quite affordable. With the platform, you can easily find the classes you are looking for and get started right away.

Coursera

Coursera is a great online learning platform for those looking to upgrade their skills. The platform offers courses from top universities and provides certificates upon completion.

Entrepreneurs can learn from leading experts and gain skills to help them become better business leaders.

You can learn at your own pace, with courses ranging from a few hours to several weeks in length. The courses are also highly interactive, with quizzes, assignments, and discussion boards to help you engage with the material.

You can also audit courses for free, which is a great way to get a preview of the content before you decide to purchase the course.

Another advantage of Coursera is that it’s available on any device. You can access the courses and materials anytime, anywhere.

Who is Coursera for?

Coursera is best suited for those who are looking for an easy and convenient way to learn new skills. It’s also a great option for those who don’t have the time or money to invest in more traditional learning methods.

The platform is also well-suited for entrepreneurs who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. The courses are taught by experts in their fields and can give you an edge in the competitive business world.

Pricing

Most of the courses are free, but there are some that require a fee to access. The admission fees vary depending on the course and length of the course, but they typically range from $30 to $100.

Cons

One potential drawback is that it can be difficult to find the right course for you. Due to the large selection of courses available on the platform, it can be overwhelming to search through them all. Additionally, not all of the courses are of the same quality, so it can be difficult to determine which ones are most worth your time.

Another issue is that some of the courses require you to pay for a certificate or other credentials. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can be off-putting if you’re just starting out and are looking to learn without investing too much money.

To sum it up, Coursera is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to learn new skills from industry leaders without the hassle of traditional learning methods. It’s affordable with many free courses and available on multiple devices which makes it convenient to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies.

edX

EdX is an online learning platform that offers courses from some of the world’s leading universities and educational organizations. It was founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012, and today provides more than 2,500 courses in a variety of subjects.

With edX, you can learn anything from computer science and business to art and history.

The biggest benefit of taking an edX course is the quality of the content. edX courses are created and taught by industry-leading professionals, meaning you can be sure you’re getting the best possible education.

Additionally, edX courses are often more affordable than traditional college courses and can be taken from the comfort of your own home.

Who is edX for?

EdX is best suited for entrepreneurs who want to learn a new skill or brush up on an existing one. It’s also great for those who are looking for an affordable way to get a high-quality education and can commit time to learn.

Pricing

As far as pricing goes, edX courses can vary in cost. Some courses are free, while others can cost up to several hundred dollars.

Moreover, edX also offers a subscription service that gives you access to all courses for a monthly fee.

Cons

edX courses can be time-consuming—they often require a lot of reading and studying to digest lectures’ content. Also, courses are not monitored by instructors, so you won’t get the same personalized feedback you would get in a traditional college course.

In summary, edX is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to stay up-to-date with new trends and technologies as quickly as they are made available. With a wide range of courses and prices, edX is a great tool that entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge and stay ahead of the competition can leverage.

Codecademy

Codecademy is an online interactive platform that offers coding classes in 12 different programming languages including HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby, as well as markup languages, SQL, and more.

Codecademy has some clear advantages for entrepreneurs. The biggest benefit is the convenience of being able to learn at your own pace and on your own time. With the Codecademy platform, you have access to a wide variety of courses and tutorials that can help you develop a skill set that can help your business succeed.

You also don’t have to worry about attending a physical class and can avoid the added costs associated with that.

Who is Codeacademy for?

Codecademy is a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to learn coding skills. You can hardly outsource tasks that you have no knowledge of whatsoever. That’s because you won’t be qualified to assess the quality you get back from freelancers working for you.

On Codecademy, you can learn coding in various programming languages or expand your expertise in a particular one at your pace so that you can confidently delegate repetitive and tedious tasks and focus on growing your business.

Pricing

Codecademy has Basic (free), Plus ($13.99/month), and Pro ($23.99/month) subscription plans.

The free Codecademy plan gives you access to the basics of coding, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as some more advanced courses. The Pro plan unlocks more advanced courses and offers personalized feedback from experts.

Cons

Like most online learning platforms, Codecademy has a few drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that the platform doesn’t offer any real-world application or experience. You may be able to learn the basics of coding, but the lack of real-world application means you won’t develop the skills you need to use the language in the workplace.

Secondly, Codecademy is a self-paced platform, so you don’t get the same level of feedback and guidance as you would in a traditional classroom setting.

Overall, Codecademy is a great platform for entrepreneurs like you looking to polish their coding skills. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to learn to code and develop a skill set that will be critical to your business’s success.

With its wide variety of courses and tutorials, you can learn the basics and start applying your new skills to your projects. Consider giving Codecademy a try if you’re looking to stay ahead of the times and stay competitive in the ever-evolving business world.

 Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an online learning platform that offers free courses on a variety of topics. It was founded in 2008 by Salman Khan, an Educator and Entrepreneur.

Khan Academy offers a variety of courses in math, science, history, economics, and more. The courses are designed to be self-paced and can be accessed from any computer or mobile device.

The courses are also interactive, with quizzes and exercises to help you understand the material.

Who is Khan Academy for?

Khan Academy is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to learn new skills or brush up on existing knowledge. The courses are free and self-paced, so you can take your time and pace yourself.

Pricing

Khan Academy is totally free to use.

Cons

Ironically, The cons of Khan Academy are that the courses are self-paced, so you need to invest time and effort, and be accountable to complete them.

Secondly, it might appear less valuable because it is totally free to use.

Lastly, Khan Academy does not provide tutoring services. However, there is a forum where you can interact with other students.

In conclusion, Khan Academy is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to learn new skills or polish up their existing skills. Khan Academy is a great way to learn the latest skills and knowledge you may use in your business.

Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Game with The Power of Online Learning Platforms

When it comes to online learning, there are different types of online learning platforms to choose from, each offering a unique approach to education.

Traditional online course platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare provide a wide array of courses in various subjects, complete with video lectures, assignments, and quizzes to help you learn effectively. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, or the arts, these platforms offer something for everyone, making it easy to expand your knowledge and skills.

If hands-on learning is more your style, interactive platforms like Codecademy and Khan Academy allow you to practice and apply new skills right away. These platforms focus on interactive activities and projects, giving you the opportunity to learn by doing rather than just listening. This works particularly well if you’re learning to code or studying math and science, these platforms make it fun and engaging to master new skills.

For those looking for more flexibility, subscription-based platforms like LinkedIn Learning and MasterClass offer a library of courses and resources for a monthly or annual fee, allowing you to explore a wide range of topics at your own pace. Whether you want to improve your skills or explore a new hobby, these platforms provide a convenient and affordable way to learn online.

Finally, specialized learning platforms like Udacity and Treehouse focus on specific skills such as digital marketing, web development, and data science. These platforms often provide personalized learning paths and mentorship, giving you the support and guidance you need to succeed in your chosen field. No matter what type of learner you are, there is an online platform that can help you achieve your educational goals.

Wrap up

With this list of the top 8 online learning platforms for entrepreneurs in 2023, you can easily find the right online learning platform that best fits your needs and budget. With the right platform and dedication, you can catch up to the competition and even get ahead using the latest trends.

These platforms can work for you even if you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or you are a little more advanced but still can use some polishing these eLearning platforms can help. So don’t wait any longer, start your journey and take your business to the next level!