{
  "canary": "5daf986a142354fc",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Tarif",
        "key": "pricing_average",
        "label": "Average Price (USD)",
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tarif",
        "key": "pricing_model",
        "label": "Pricing Model",
        "options": [
          "Subscription",
          "One-time purchase",
          "Free",
          "Freemium"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "neutre",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tarif",
        "key": "free_trial",
        "label": "Free Trial Available",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      },
      {
        "group": "Contenu",
        "key": "course_variety",
        "label": "Course Variety",
        "options": [
          "Limited",
          "Moderate",
          "Extensive",
          "Specialized"
        ],
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Contenu",
        "key": "instructor_quality",
        "label": "Instructor Quality",
        "options": [
          "Mixed",
          "Good",
          "Excellent",
          "Vetted Professionals"
        ],
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Expérience Utilisateur",
        "key": "user_interface",
        "label": "User Interface",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Good",
          "Intuitive",
          "Excellent"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "enum"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fonctionnalités",
        "key": "features",
        "label": "Features",
        "options": [
          "Certificates",
          "Offline Access",
          "Mobile App",
          "Community Forum",
          "Live Sessions",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "set"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fonctionnalités",
        "key": "business_focus",
        "label": "Business/Enterprise Focus",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fonctionnalités",
        "key": "creator_tools",
        "label": "Course Creator Tools",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "boolean"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "In 2026, Coursera leads our comparison with a score of 79/100, closely followed by Pluralsight, based on criteria like price, course variety, and instructor quality.",
        "q": "What are the best online course platforms in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Coursera and Pluralsight offer different pricing models, with average prices varying. We detail these differences, including free trial availability, in our comparison table.",
        "q": "How do Coursera and Pluralsight compare on price?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Our analysis shows that platforms like Coursera offer a vast range of courses across many subjects, while others may specialize. Instructor quality is also a key factor we evaluate.",
        "q": "Which online course platform has the most course variety?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Yes, our ranking is completely neutral. We do not accept payment for placement, and every data point used in our comparison is sourced and verifiable.",
        "q": "Is your ranking of online course platforms unbiased?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 2093,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "education",
      "online-learning",
      "course-platforms"
    ],
    "price_key": "pricing_average",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "Learn a new skill",
          "Advance career",
          "Hobby/Personal interest",
          "Start a business"
        ],
        "q": "What is your primary goal?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "best platforms for selling courses",
      "online course creation tools",
      "compare online course pricing",
      "top e-learning platforms for businesses"
    ],
    "tier": "silver",
    "title": "Best Online Course Platforms",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "US",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 46.2,
    "stale": true,
    "ttl_days": 30
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall"
      ],
      "best_for": "Academic courses and career-focused learning, with access to university-level content and certifications.",
      "cons": [
        "Can be expensive for certificates",
        "Pacing may be too slow for some"
      ],
      "description": "Best for Academic courses.",
      "logo_dom": "coursera.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/coursera.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Coursera",
      "pros": [
        "University content",
        "Certifications",
        "Career-focused learning"
      ],
      "provider": "Coursera",
      "review_summary": "Coursera is noted for its academic courses, offering university content and certifications for career-focused learning. While valuable for upskilling, the cost of certificates and course pacing can be considerations.",
      "score": 79.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.emailvendorselection.com/best-online-course-platforms/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 100.0,
        "course_variety": 67.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 100.0,
        "instructor_quality": 100.0,
        "pricing_average": 94.0,
        "user_interface": 67.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": true,
        "course_variety": "Extensive",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Assignments",
          "Live Sessions"
        ],
        "free_trial": true,
        "instructor_quality": "Vetted Professionals",
        "pricing_average": 59.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Intuitive"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Focuses on technology and creative skills for professionals, offering a vast library of courses and learning paths.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.pluralsight.com/",
      "logo_dom": "pluralsight.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/pluralsight.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Pluralsight",
      "provider": "Pluralsight",
      "score": 75.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.pluralsight.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 100.0,
        "course_variety": 67.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 100.0,
        "instructor_quality": 100.0,
        "pricing_average": 96.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": true,
        "course_variety": "Extensive",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Mobile App",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": true,
        "instructor_quality": "Vetted Professionals",
        "pricing_average": 39.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Offers professional development courses focused on business, technology, and creative skills, integrated with LinkedIn profiles.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/learning/",
      "logo_dom": "linkedin.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/linkedin.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "LinkedIn Learning",
      "provider": "LinkedIn Learning",
      "score": 69.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/learning/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 100.0,
        "course_variety": 33.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 100.0,
        "instructor_quality": 100.0,
        "pricing_average": 97.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": true,
        "course_variety": "Moderate",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Offline Access",
          "Mobile App",
          "Quizzes"
        ],
        "free_trial": true,
        "instructor_quality": "Vetted Professionals",
        "pricing_average": 30.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "best_for": "Creative courses and teaching, with a focus on project-based and hands-on learning.",
      "cons": [
        "Focus on creative skills may not suit all learners",
        "Less emphasis on formal academic or business courses"
      ],
      "description": "Best for creative courses and teaching.",
      "link_url": "https://skillshare.com/",
      "logo_dom": "skillshare.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/skillshare.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Skillshare",
      "pros": [
        "Project-based learning",
        "Hands-on learning"
      ],
      "provider": "Skillshare",
      "review_summary": "Skillshare is recommended for creative courses and teaching, emphasizing project-based and hands-on learning. It's ideal for those interested in creative fields but may be less suitable for formal academic or business training.",
      "score": 62.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.emailvendorselection.com/best-online-course-platforms/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 0.0,
        "course_variety": 33.0,
        "creator_tools": 100.0,
        "free_trial": 100.0,
        "instructor_quality": 33.0,
        "pricing_average": 99.0,
        "user_interface": 67.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": false,
        "course_variety": "Moderate",
        "creator_tools": true,
        "features": [],
        "free_trial": true,
        "instructor_quality": "Good",
        "pricing_average": 15.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Intuitive"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Provides university-level courses from top institutions worldwide, with a focus on STEM and humanities.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.edx.org/",
      "logo_dom": "edx.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/edx.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "edX",
      "provider": "edX",
      "score": 59.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.edx.org/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 100.0,
        "course_variety": 67.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 0.0,
        "instructor_quality": 67.0,
        "pricing_average": 93.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": true,
        "course_variety": "Extensive",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Mobile App",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": false,
        "instructor_quality": "Excellent",
        "pricing_average": 75.0,
        "pricing_model": "One-time purchase",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Focuses on tech-related skills with Nanodegree programs developed in partnership with industry leaders.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.udacity.com/",
      "logo_dom": "udacity.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/udacity.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Udacity",
      "provider": "Udacity",
      "score": 50.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.udacity.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 100.0,
        "course_variety": 100.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 0.0,
        "instructor_quality": 100.0,
        "pricing_average": 0.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": true,
        "course_variety": "Specialized",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Mobile App",
          "Community Forum",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": false,
        "instructor_quality": "Vetted Professionals",
        "pricing_average": 1000.0,
        "pricing_model": "One-time purchase",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "General knowledge learning and for trainers who want to sell their courses on a large marketplace.",
      "cons": [
        "Can be overwhelming with the sheer number of courses",
        "Quality can vary significantly"
      ],
      "description": "Best for general knowledge learning and trainers.",
      "link_url": "https://udemy.com/",
      "logo_dom": "udemy.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/udemy.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Udemy",
      "pros": [
        "Large course catalog",
        "Accessible pricing for learners"
      ],
      "provider": "Udemy",
      "review_summary": "Udemy is recognized as a marketplace for a wide variety of courses, suitable for both general knowledge learning and for trainers looking to sell their courses. However, the vast selection can be overwhelming, and course quality is inconsistent.",
      "score": 48.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.emailvendorselection.com/best-online-course-platforms/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 0.0,
        "course_variety": 67.0,
        "creator_tools": 100.0,
        "free_trial": 0.0,
        "instructor_quality": 0.0,
        "pricing_average": 99.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": false,
        "course_variety": "Extensive",
        "creator_tools": true,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Offline Access",
          "Mobile App",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": false,
        "instructor_quality": "Mixed",
        "pricing_average": 15.0,
        "pricing_model": "One-time purchase",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Offers online courses from universities and specialist organizations, with a social learning experience.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://futurelearn.com/",
      "logo_dom": "futurelearn.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/futurelearn.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "FutureLearn",
      "provider": "FutureLearn",
      "score": 47.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.futurelearn.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 0.0,
        "course_variety": 33.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 100.0,
        "instructor_quality": 33.0,
        "pricing_average": 94.0,
        "user_interface": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": false,
        "course_variety": "Moderate",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Certificates",
          "Mobile App",
          "Community Forum",
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": true,
        "instructor_quality": "Good",
        "pricing_average": 60.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Learning from top leaders and gaining insights into strategy from industry experts.",
      "cons": [
        "Limited depth on practical application",
        "Focus on inspiration rather than skill-building"
      ],
      "description": "Expert-led insights.",
      "link_url": "https://www.walkme.com/",
      "logo_dom": "masterclass.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/masterclass.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "MasterClass",
      "pros": [
        "Learn from top leaders",
        "Strategy tips"
      ],
      "provider": "MasterClass",
      "review_summary": "MasterClass provides expert-led insights from top leaders, focusing on strategy and inspiration. While offering unique perspectives, it may lack the practical, in-depth skill-building found in other platforms.",
      "score": 44.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.walkme.com/blog/online-learning-platforms/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 0.0,
        "course_variety": 0.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 0.0,
        "instructor_quality": 67.0,
        "pricing_average": 82.0,
        "user_interface": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": false,
        "course_variety": "Limited",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [],
        "free_trial": false,
        "instructor_quality": "Excellent",
        "pricing_average": 180.0,
        "pricing_model": "Subscription",
        "user_interface": "Excellent"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "description": "Provides free educational resources for all ages, covering a wide range of subjects from math to arts.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.khanacademy.org/",
      "logo_dom": "khan.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/khan.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Khan Academy",
      "provider": "Khan Academy",
      "score": 41.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.khanacademy.org/",
      "subscores": {
        "business_focus": 0.0,
        "course_variety": 67.0,
        "creator_tools": 0.0,
        "free_trial": 0.0,
        "instructor_quality": 33.0,
        "pricing_average": 100.0,
        "user_interface": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "business_focus": false,
        "course_variety": "Extensive",
        "creator_tools": false,
        "features": [
          "Quizzes",
          "Assignments"
        ],
        "free_trial": false,
        "instructor_quality": "Good",
        "pricing_average": 0.0,
        "pricing_model": "Free",
        "user_interface": "Basic"
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-online-course-platforms.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "best online course platforms",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Best Online Course Platforms",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-online-course-platforms"
}