Online course platforms have become indispensable tools for professional development. They offer businesses flexible, efficient, and scalable solutions for employee training. Digital learning helps companies ensure their teams remain competitive and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and skills.
If you’re looking to transform your workforce skills, you’ve come to the right place. We will explore the leading online course platforms that can help you implement your employee development plan and enhance professional skills.
What is an Online Course Platform?
An online course platform is software that enables organisations to create, host, and deliver training content to learners digitally. Courses are typically self-paced rather than instructor-led, meaning learners can complete them without scheduling constraints.
For professional development, this flexibility allows employees to fit learning around their work schedules without disrupting day-to-day operations . Organisations can build their own training materials or enrol employees in existing courses from the platform’s library. Some platforms also support course sales, making them a potential revenue stream for organisations with unique training content to offer.
Online Course Platform vs Online Training Platform
Online course platforms focus on content availability and delivery. Courses are typically open to anyone who enrols, rather than being restricted to a specific organisation’s workforce. Learners enrol, the platform records results, and the company gains visibility into who has completed training.
Online training platforms have a broader, more operational scope. They include tools for managing learners, assigning training, tracking compliance, and reporting on outcomes. The audience is typically an organisation’s employees or a registered cohort, not the general public.
Online course platforms suit companies that want to encourage self-directed learning and employee development. Online training platforms suit organisations running targeted training programs with specific compliance or performance goals in mind.
The Best Online Course Platforms
Cloud Assess is a training and assessment platform for vocational education and training (VET) professionals, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and businesses. It offers features from learning management systems and robust tools for creating, managing, and delivering effective employee training programs for professional development.
Cloud Assess sits at the intersection of online course platform and online training platform. Its extensive free course library makes it easy for employees to enrol in self-paced courses from day one, supporting self-directed upskilling. Organisations can also use Cloud Assess to develop targeted training programs of their own. The platform provides deeper insights into learner progress and training impact than most standalone course platforms. This gives companies the advantages of both platform types in a single system.
It supports various assessment types, including modular questions, job-based assessments, and video elements, ensuring a versatile learner experience. The platform’s automation capabilities streamline learner journeys, assignments, and evaluations. All of these highlighted tools and features make Cloud Assess the best online course platform for employee development.
Key Features
- Course and assessment management
- Comprehensive library of free online courses
- Workflow automation
- Custom branding and integration
- Offline access and mobile learning
- Real-time analytics and reporting
- Support and security
Pros
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop course and assessment builder.
- Supports blended learning, providing flexibility in training delivery.
- Robust tools to ensure compliance with training standards.
- Streamlines administrative tasks with workflow automation.
Pricing
Cloud Assess offers an all-inclusive solution for employee training in high-risk, high-compliance industries. Every feature is included from day one, including mobile offline assessment, verification of competency, skills matrix and automated compliance tracking. There are no upgrade paths or feature gates. Visit our pricing page for an accurate quote.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp, Software Advice)
#2 Coursera
Coursera offers high-quality online courses, specialisations, and degrees from top universities and companies worldwide. It provides professionals with various subjects, from business and technology to data science and workplace skills, such as strategic leadership courses.
This makes it a good online course platform to consider for employee development. However, user reviews report forum moderation and support issues, where peer reviews are sometimes incorrect, and instructors may be unavailable for guidance.
Key Features
- Professional course completion certificates
- Flexible learning schedules
- Integration with business platforms
Pros
- Access to legitimate and recognised certifications.
- Wide range of learning programs, from individual courses to full degrees.
- Control and insights into course enrollment and progress.
Cons
- Pricing complexity
- Limited interaction with instructors
- Prior knowledge requirement
Pricing
Coursera offers two business plans: the Team Plan and the Enterprise Plan. The Team Plan costs $399 per user annually and the Enterprise Plan provides customised solutions. Contact Coursera directly for precise pricing.
User Volume
Coursera serves the higher education, enterprise, and government sectors and offers tailored plans for businesses of all sizes.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#3 Udemy
Udemy is one of the popular online course marketplaces for learning and teaching. It hosts courses on various subjects and caters to professionals seeking to improve their skills or learn something new from expert instructors.
However, this platform might disappoint you if you want your employees to experience in-depth learning of complex subjects. Reviews reveal a lack of depth and advanced content for some courses.
Searching For Udemy Alternatives?
Explore other online course platforms that can take your staff’s professional development to the next level.Key Features
- On-demand learning
- Professional development paths
- Certifications and practice tests
- Advanced analytics and insights
- Hands-on labs and workspaces
- Customisable content and recommendations
- Platform to sell online courses
- Marketing automation tools
Pros
- Extensive library of courses covering a wide range of topics
- Competitive pricing with frequent discounts
- Tailored plans for organisations to upskill employees
Cons
- Course quality can vary as content is user-generated
- Direct support for individual course issues is limited
- Certificates may not be widely recognised by employers
Pricing
Udemy offers custom prices designed to meet a business’s needs. To get an accurate quote, book a demo with their sales team.
User Volume
Udemy Business has plans suited for small teams starting from five users to large enterprises. It is also aimed at educators who want to sell online courses for additional revenue.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#4 Skillshare
Skillshare is an online course platform that offers creative, business, and technology online courses. It focuses on innovative and practical skills, making it a great online course platform. It also supports project-based learning, where professionals can develop practical skills through hands-on experience.
It’s one of the learning portals that help professionals enhance their skills by connecting with like-minded individuals, fostering creativity and innovation within their teams. However, user reviews mention that Skillshare’s course offerings can be limited in certain areas, particularly advanced professional subjects.
Key Features
- Project-based learning
- Creative and professional skills
- Community engagement
- Microlearning features
- Subscription-based access
Pros
- Focuses on creative and entrepreneurial skills with a community-driven approach.
- Has a subscription model that offers unlimited courses.
- Encourages hands-on learning through projects, enhancing practical skill.
Cons
- Most courses are entry-level and aimed at beginners
- Less emphasis on professional certifications and advanced technical skills
- Courses tend to be shorter and less comprehensive
- Certificates are not accredited or widely recognised
Pricing
Skillshare offers custom pricing, you’d have to contact them directly to get an accurate quote suitable for your business needs.
User Volume
Skillshare focuses on creative professionals and entrepreneurs, catering primarily to individuals and small businesses seeking flexible learning plans.
Rating
4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#5 edX For Business
edX For Business is an online course platform known for its high-quality content from top universities. It offers a range of individual courses and professional certificates, providing businesses with tools to create, deliver, and manage employee training programs effectively.
edX For Business is a great online course platform for workplace learning goals. However, some users have expressed frustration with certain courses only being available at specific times, which limits flexibility.
Key Features
- Micromasters and professional certificates
- Flexible learning options
- Interactive quizzes and labs
- Free courses available
Pros
- Offers accredited certificates and degrees
- Extensive range of subjects
- Simplified learner enrollment and management
Cons
- Some courses are rigorous and time-consuming
- Less personal interaction with instructors
- Users find the learning experience and interface to be confusing
Pricing
edX For Business doesn’t have pricing readily available on their website. Contact their sales team to get a custom quote.
User Volume
edX For Business serves higher education and corporate sectors, with custom solutions for small to large enterprises.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#6 LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning combines industry expertise with professional networking, offering an easy-to-use platform for online course creation.
Professionals can learn at their own pace and earn certificates to showcase their skills on their LinkedIn profiles. LinkedIn Learning is an example of a digital learning platform offering tailored approaches to help professionals stay competitive and achieve their career aspirations. However, one of the challenges that users have admitted to experiencing is the lack of interactive elements and hands-on projects.
Key Features
- Personalised course recommendations
- Wide range of professional skills
- Completion certificates
- Corporate training solutions
Pros
- Emphasis on courses relevant to professional development
- Integrates with LinkedIn profiles, showcasing skills to future employers
- Courses taught by industry experts
- Self-paced with options for offline access
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially for individuals
- Certificates are not accredited
- May not cover niche topics in depth
Pricing
LinkedIn offers two business plans: a Team Plan, which costs $379.88 per seat per year, and an Enterprise Plan for organisations with 21 or more members, with pricing tailored to the organisation’s needs. To get a quote for the Enterprise Plan, you need to contact LinkedIn directly.
User Volume
LinkedIn Learning is designed for businesses of all sizes, providing scalable solutions for teams and large enterprises.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#7 FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers an online course platform that emphasises social learning and collaboration. Businesses can create and deliver online courses, micro-credentials, and degrees from leading universities and organisations.
With courses focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, FutureLearn is a great online course platform for fostering collaborative elearning environments and supporting career advancement. However, according to reviews, the structure of some courses can be too slow or too fast for different users, making it hard to find a pace that works for everyone.
Key Features
- Collaborative learning experience
- Free course options with paid upgrades
- Professional and academic credentials
- Social learning through discussions
Pros
- Encourages interaction with peers and instructors
- Courses from reputable universities and organisations
Cons
- Free courses do not include certificates
- Some courses have set start and end dates
- Some courses may be less comprehensive
Pricing
FutureLearn offers a free limited access plan with over 1,400 courses. It also offers an Unlimited Annual Plan for $14.58/month ($174.99 billed annually) and an Unlimited Monthly Plan for $19.99.
User Volume
FutureLearn targets higher education institutions and professional training sectors, offering plans suitable for small businesses and large organisations.
Rating
4.4/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#8 Pluralsight Flow
Pluralsight Flow is an online course software tailored for tech and creative professionals. It offers in-depth content on software development, IT operations, data, and security. Pluralsight Flow’s interactive learning experiences include video courses, hands-on labs, and real-world projects, helping professionals stay current with the latest technologies and trends.
This makes it a top online course creator for businesses aiming to upskill their technical teams. However, users have reported some technical issues with the platform, including video playback problems and bugs in the mobile app.
Key Features
- Tech and creative skills focus
- Skill assessments and paths
- Real-time mentoring
- Analytics for tracking progress
Pros
- Provides assessments to identify skill gaps
- High-quality, industry-relevant courses
- Self-paced learning with a comprehensive course library
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially for premium features
- Courses may be too advanced for beginners
- Certificates are not accredited
Pricing
Pluralsight Flow offers two pricing plans: Core at $38 and Plus at $50. Both are billed annually, per contributor.
User Volume
Pluralsight Flow caters to technology and creative industries, offering flexible plans for small teams and large enterprises. Its focus is on upskilling and reskilling employees.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#9 Udacity
Udacity offers online courses in technology, business, and career development. As an online course platform, it offers businesses nanodegree programs, video lectures, hands-on projects, project-based learning and mentorship.
Udacity’s tailored corporate training solutions make it a great online course platform for professional development. However, the courses require a significant time commitment, which can be challenging for employees to balance other responsibilities.
Key Features
- Industry-recognised nanodegrees
- Project-based learning
- Mentorship and career services
- Partnerships with tech companies
- Focus on tech and business skills
Pros
- Emphasis on practical, hands-on projects
- Courses developed with leading companies
- Access to mentors and career support
Cons
- Programs can be demanding in terms of time and effort
- Focuses mainly on tech and business fields
Pricing
Udacity offers custom prices tailored according to business needs. Contact them directly to get a precise quote.
User Volume
Udacity provides tailored solutions for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises looking to advance their workforce skills.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#10 Simplilearn
Simplilearn offers a comprehensive online course platform for businesses looking to improve employee skills in digital and tech fields. It provides certification courses, a blended learning model combining online self-paced learning, a live virtual learning environment, and hands-on projects.
However, user reviews report that the scheduled classes and fixed deadlines can be challenging to manage, particularly for working professionals.
Key Features
- Bootcamp-style courses
- Industry-recognised certifications
- Live instructor-led classes
- Corporate training programs
Pros
- Offers recognised certifications in various fields
- Collaborations with leading organisations and universities
- In-depth content with real-world applications
- Provides learning support and mentoring
Cons
- Some courses may be too advanced for beginners
- Some programs have fixed schedules limiting flexibility
Pricing
Simplilearn doesn’t make pricing readily available on their website. Contact their teams for a quote.
User Volume
Simplilearn offers plans for small teams to large enterprises seeking comprehensive learning paths.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#11 Docebo
Docebo is an all-in-one platform that helps create online courses and manage learning. It offers a robust suite of features, including content management, social learning, and AI-driven personalised learning paths. Docebo supports formal and informal training, making it an ideal platform for continuous professional development.
However, users have noted that the platform can be complex and isn’t user-friendly, hindering learning.
Key Features
- AI-powered learning platform
- Customisable and scalable
- Social and formal learning
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Integration with various tools
Pros
- Highly customisable with extensive integrations
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Includes gamification features to enhance engagement
- Supports multiple learning formats and robust analytics
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration can be challenging
- Could offer more robust customer support
Pricing
Docebo offers three pricing plans: Engage, starting at $25,000 per year; Elevate, starting at $40,000 per year; and Enterprise, with pricing tailored to business requirements.
User Volume
Docebo primarily targets mid-sized to large enterprises across various industries, providing them with scalable and customisable learning solutions to support diverse employee learning needs.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#12 OpenSesame
OpenSesame provides an extensive library of ready-to-use online courses. This makes it easy for businesses to adopt the online course platform. It covers various professional development topics, from leadership and compliance to technology and workforce skills crucial for today’s business operations and success.
It provides organisations with flexible and scalable solutions to meet their training needs, with courses that can be easily integrated into existing learning management systems. However, users find categorising content into custom categories challenging, making course organisation difficult.
Key Features
- Curated course lists
- Easy integration with LMS
- Course customisation options
- Focus on enterprise learning
Pros
- Integrates seamlessly with most LMS platforms
- Simple implementation and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Large course libraries are only available on higher pricing plans
- Quality can vary depending on course providers
- Few options for accredited certifications
Pricing
OpenSesame offers three pricing editions based on the number of courses available: Plus 25, Plus 100, and Complete. For precise pricing details, it’s best to contact their sales team directly.
User Volume
OpenSesame targets corporate training across multiple industries, offering flexible plans for small businesses and large enterprises seeking diverse course libraries.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
#13 eduMe
eduMe is a mobile-first online training platform for modern workforces, especially deskless workers, such as gig economy workers, remote teams and all others who need frontline training. It offers engaging, bite-sized microlearning content that is accessible anytime, anywhere. The platform provides multimedia support, personalised learning paths, and seamless integration with tools like Slack and Salesforce.
Its focus on accessibility, engagement, and data-driven insights makes eduMe a top choice for professional development across various industries and roles. However, user reviews mention that while eduMe is user-friendly, customising content to meet specific needs can be complex.
Looking for Better Learning Solutions Than EduMe?
We’ve compiled a list of platforms offering your business more tailored, effective online training solutions.Key Features
- Mobile-first design
- Microlearning
- Multimedia content
- Intuitive interface
- Tool integrations
- Detailed analytics
- Personalised learning paths
- Compliance training
- Multi-language support
Pros
- Accessible anytime, anywhere
- Engaging microlearning content
- Seamless tool integrations
- Personalised learning paths
- Robust analytics and reporting
- Supports compliance training
Cons
- Primarily mobile-focused (may not suit all learners)
- Limited in-depth course content
- Potential dependency on integrations
- May require initial setup and customisation
Pricing
eduMe doesn’t have pricing readily available on their website, it’s customised based on your business needs. You have to submit a pricing request to get a personalised quote.
User Volume
High-profile companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Deloitte use eduMe, which indicates that a substantial user base across various industries adopts the platform.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, GetApp and Software Advice)
Buyer’s Guide for Online Course Platforms
Selecting the best online course platform for professional development is not easy, however, consider these key factors:
- Content quality and variety. When searching for online educational platforms, it’s important to look for ones that provide a diverse selection of high-quality courses covering different subjects and skill levels.
- Flexibility and accessibility. Look for online course platforms that offer self-paced learning and are accessible on various devices.
- Interactive and engaging features. Platforms with interactive elements like live sessions, discussion forums, and gamification can enhance the learning experience and keep your employees engaged.
- Integration. Ensure the online course creation platform you select can integrate with other tools and systems your organisation uses.
- Customisation. Choosing an online course platform with customisation options ensures your content is engaging, relevant, and aligned with your organisation’s unique needs.
- Cost and value. Compare the pricing models and choose a platform that offers the best value for your investment. Consider subscription plans, free trials, and financial aid options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs for Online Course Platforms
What is the best platform for online course development?
The best platform for online course development depends on your goals. For businesses building training for employees, Cloud Assess is a strong choice. It includes a drag-and-drop course builder, support for multiple assessment types, and workflow automation to manage the full development process. Unlike general course marketplaces, it’s built specifically for workplace training and vocational education, where course quality and compliance matter.
What is the best online training platform that supports course creation?
Cloud Assess is one of the best online training platforms that also supports course creation. Most training platforms are strong on administration but limited on content tools. Cloud Assess covers both. It lets teams build courses and assessments from scratch, automate learner journeys, and track outcomes against competency frameworks. That makes it a practical choice for organisations that need to develop and deliver training in one system.
What is the difference between an LMS and an online course platform?
An online course platform focuses on creating and distributing course content. A learning management system (LMS) is broader software for managing, delivering, and tracking training across an organisation. It typically includes features for learner management, reporting, and compliance management.
How do we ensure course content stays current for our workforce?
Top platforms regularly update their content to reflect current industry standards and best practices. Cloud Assess maintains a free course library with accredited courses and practical assessments across various industries. This gives organisations the confidence that employees are accessing relevant, up-to-date training materials.
Can employees and managers interact within the platform?
Yes, interaction is a key feature of most modern platforms. Cloud Assess supports communication between employees and managers through messaging, course posts, and forums. This fosters a collaborative learning environment and enables continuous feedback at scale.
What support is available during and after implementation?
Most platforms provide dedicated support resources to help organisations get up and running. Cloud Assess offers customer support and extensive help resources, and platforms like Docebo provide similar assistance. This helps ensure your team has guidance throughout the implementation process and beyond.
