Creating an online course is no doubt a great way to not only engage with your target audience or nurture communication with different communities, but a good source of income to make money off your ideas and expertise.
In the last 5 years, and most the especially last year 2020, we saw a rapt growth of online teaching which has both benefited the students, course creators, and of course the software/platforms used in creating these online training courses that make consistent six & seven figures.
Take for instance, based on the Online Learning Growth Statistics, Chart, and Rate by SaaSprout, it was disclosed that “One-third of the learners that ever registered on a MOOC platform joined in 2020 which majorly was due to the pandemic. MOOC providers, in particular, benefited immensely by attracting many learners with their free online courses from top universities”.
Going on, we also saw that “Based on findings from a pair of Pew Research Center surveys conducted in spring 2011, nearly two-thirds of college presidents (62%) anticipate that 10 years from now, more than half of the textbooks used by their undergraduate students will be entirely digital – SaaSprout.
The thing with online teaching is that, as far as you have value to offer to your audiences, then you are good at monetizing it.
Therefore, to help you today, in this article, we will review the best software for creating online courses both as a beginner and expert tutor.
And be rest assured that these top software for creating online courses covers tutors who want to focus on digital downloads, physical products, services, hosting webinars, online courses, memberships, affiliate marketing integrations, and more.
However, before discussing each entry on the list, we need to learn what you should be looking for in software for creating online courses.
What makes a great Software for Creating Online Training Courses? 5 Requirements
First off, most online course platforms allow creators to register an account, create courses, choose the type and formats of content, and post in response to students’ questions.
For educational creators and institutions, online training hosts include user-role systems, so you can have multiple administrators and moderators managing the online school with you, and invoicing.
Aside from the above functionalities, here are some basic and additional features to look out for when you are choosing an industry software for creating online courses:
1. Customer Support
I hardly work with a company and business that does not provide “excellent customer support” for my readers, why? Because, no matter how simple a platform may claim to be, there would always be users (mostly beginners) who would need help with the basic things & functions.
(Side note: it might surprise you that people still pay personnel at cyber cafes to open email accounts for them).
So, customer support is 100% important. That is why I have created a different session to help you see which of the online training platform offers you this.
2. Private messaging/Comment options
Most online course platforms allow community discussions, but going further to enable private messaging is an excellent way to advance interpersonal relationships.
A private messaging, this option can help you increase engagements and give subscribers and students the chance to have more fun – a factor that shows that a creator cares about the interests of his or her audiences.
3. Performance Reports
Industry software for creating online courses must be able to strategically report the course progress and performances of both the activities in terms of engagements with the online school and that of the students/users – most especially for educational authorities.
4. Educational Functions
Some online school sites set up certain functions, for instance, “user levels” that can be unlocked after a certain level of activity or amount of time.
For other Educational functions, we are considering options to create quizzes, question banks, assignment banks, certificate issuance, and more necessary for building a reputable online school.
(Side note: Educational Functions are mostly for learning institutions and not solo creators).
5. Platform Customization
Be it optional or not, a good piece of equipment and software for creating online courses should give creators express infrastructures to customize their online courses to taste.
All in all, whichever software for creating online training courses you choose doesn’t need to offer all of these features. What you need the most depends on the kind of customization and experience you want to provide.
For example, if your goal is to set up an online course that focuses on digital downloads, webinars, and memberships, then you do not need all the educational functions for quizzes, grading, and all of that. With that in view, you will be able to save costs and make more money as a creator.
Disclosure: kindly note that this article is over 6,000 words. If you want to check out your best options before reading them up in detail, see below or go down to the summary.
Also, we’re a reader-supported website. Purchases made through the recommended tools may bring us a small income at NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. Thank you for supporting us.
Best Recommended Software to Create Online Training Courses Summary
GO FOR THINKIFIC – Best for individuals, teachers, and enterprises who want to create online schools and sell courses with more than enough advanced infrastructures for customizations and multi-marketing strategies.
GO FOR PODIA – Best for solo creators and bloggers who want to focus on selling online courses, membership, digital downloads, and webinars.
GO FOR LEARNDASH – if you want the cheapest and most versatile WordPress LMS advanced tool to build and manage online school/course from your website – for solo creators, agencies, and educational authorities.
GO FOR SAMCART – if you want a simple but advanced digital e-commerce Platform for creators who want to start their online business such as selling digital products, sell physical products and services.
Best Software to Create Online Training Courses
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to explore some of the best online course-building software options.
Here is the list of the best equipment and software for creating your online courses we recommend for those who want to both create their own online course and learning institutions.
1. Thinkific
An online course platform with flexible course building options plus top marketing strategies with mobile applications.
Thinkific is an excellent online course software that enables you to build almost any type of online course, website, and membership site you can imagine, including online communities.
Just like with LearnWorlds, it features powerful customization and marketing options to promote your online course and make money. The difference between Thinkific and LearnWorlds is that the latter provides you with more facilities.
Mostly, Thinkific is aimed at creators and educators who do not care much about advanced customization, but with great facilities, marketing options, and versatile app integrations.
Popular Thinkific Features and Pros
- Free plan – new users have the option to use her free plan – although highly limited.
- Strategic Marketing Options – Thinkific offers creators both advanced and versatile marketing routes to promote their online courses and school.
- They do not charge transaction fees
- Instructors can easily send course updates and announcements.
- Instructors can make recurring income via upselling courses and bundling to students.
- Thinkific allows for instant payouts for creators.
- Unlimited Options – instructors get to add unlimited students to their school, unlimited courses, videos, and other add-on course contents, and ultimate send unlimited emails if you want.
- Premium Uptime Guarantee – its cloud-based foundation has enhanced up to 99.9% uptime and responsiveness for instructors.
- Multiple Currencies – creators can accept international payment in 99+ currencies.
Thinkific Cons
- Limited payment system — Thinkific offers a few payment options which are Stripe and PayPal.
- Data reporting for creators is not so in-depth and detailed – needs some improvement.
- They do not offer live instant chat – although they have a good customer support history.
Customer Support with Thinkific
Online chat with a “BOT”, Email, Community Support, and Help Center.
Thinkific Pricing and Plans
Thinkific paid plan starts at $49 per month for the Basic package if paid monthly or $39 if paid annually.
The Professional pricing package starts at $99 per month or $79 if paid yearly, and the Premier plan at $499 per month or $399 if paid per year.
Here’s the pricing summary:
- Basic Plan: $49 per month or $39 if paid yearly.
- Professional Plan: $99 per month or $79 if paid yearly.
- Premier Plan: $499 per month or $399 if paid yearly.
The decision in terms of the best plan on Thinkific.
If you’re looking to use Thinkific to power your online course, you’ll need to choose the right pricing plan for you, which an all-inclusive option is from its “Pro plan”.
For instance, with the Pro plan, you have the ability to create a membership or subscription site, get priority customer support, add multiple administrators, create bundles for passive income, make use of live lessons, and of course, issue certificates for your school, and build a community.
Free Trial & Getting started with Thinkific
Thinkific offers a 30-day Free Trial. For a choice of the best plan, I recommend “the Pro plan” for instructors to get the best results while sending less at the same time.
➡ Click here to Try Thinkific for Free
Also see – How to use: Building your Online Course on Thinkific
2. Podia
Podia is best for solo creators and bloggers who want to sell an online course, membership, digital downloads, and webinars.
When I first got to use Podia, the user base was around 25,000, but with the integration of advanced features to build a reputable online school, they have grown to a user base of over 50,000 as of the time of writing.
What Podia software offers is a simple but intuitive (feminine–like) online platform with a focus on 4-core service delivery. I mean, they are not popular for an all-round function, but just a few which include:
Facilities to build and sell your Online courses, versatile one-off facility to build Digital downloads, recurring revenue facility for a Membership site, and facilities for one-on-one Coaching sessions and Webinars.
If your needs fall within the above, then Podia is the perfect tool for you.
Popular Podia Features and Pros
Here are some popular abilities of Podia (excluding other basic functions).
- Intuitive platform – By usage, you get an intuitive interfaced platform to design your online course, and simple for both beginners and advanced instructors.
- Pre-launch course easily – Course instructors are allowed to easily collect leads to pre-launch their products and as well as selling one-off digital products or membership sites.
- Free Course Migration – Whether you’re moving from Thinkific, Teachable, or another online course tool, Podia will migrate your online school to theirs, all for FREE – on paid plans.
- Unlimited Options – all creators get to add unlimited students to their school, unlimited courses, videos, and other add-on course contents, and ultimate send unlimited emails if you want.
- Transaction fees – as a creator, Podia says, “You don’t have to pay transaction fees”, instead, save and earn more.
- Affiliate Marketing – as a solo creator, let’s just say you want to earn more by leveraging efforts. As in, maybe, you want to turn your fans into sales reps by launching your own affiliate program to earn passive income, Podia has made this possible.
- Cloud-based – a 99% uptime is guaranteed.
- Instant online chat support.
Podia Cons
- Doesn’t offer multifaceted advanced facilities such as SCORM, Gamification, and multiple admins which may be needed for educational online schools or institutions.
- There is a need for more integrations for advanced users in terms of customizations.
- Limited Payment options – Stripe basically. And others with third-party tools. (Fund withdrawals can be sent to your PayPal account).
Customer Support with Podia
Podia offers instant online support chat. Others – Email support, daily lessons, and Help Center resources.
Podia pricing and Plans
- Podia pricing starts at $39 per month for “the Mover Plan” or save up to $78 when you pay yearly.
- The next hosting plan is “the Shaker plan” which is $89/mo, or you get to save up to $158 when you pay annually.
- And the last plan is “the Earthquaker plan” which starts at $199/mo or save $358/yr when you pay annually.
Decision on the best plan.
To get access to all features so you can decide which plan is right for you to build and sell an online course, digital downloads, webinar, and membership site, I recommend the “Shaker Plan” since it encompasses great functions to build authority and profitable course.
Free Trial & Getting started with Podia
Yes, Podia offers 14 days Free Trial.
➡ Click here to Try Podia free for 14 days – no credit card required.
Also, see – How to use: Building your Course on Podia
3. LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds is recommended for individuals, teachers, and enterprises who want to create online schools and sell courses with top-notch advanced infrastructures and multi-marketing strategies.
LearnWorlds is a cloud-based e-learning platform with a clean and intuitive interface with tons of instructional manuals, integrations, and templates that align with your needs to create an online course, school website, subscription site, digital downloads, and a standalone brand.
From experience, if you are going with LearnWorlds then you will need to take some time out to test the endless widgets, integrations, and facilities available to you as an instructor.
Popular LearnWorlds Features and Pros
- Flexible Course building tools – LearnWorlds offers a clean and loaded interface for both beginners and advanced instructors to craft their online courses to taste.
- Advanced Facilities – LearnWorlds has a highly customizable facility to tweak your online school. Some of the advanced options include SCORM, multiple Admins, and Gamification, advanced reporting, educational gadgets.
- Multi-Admins – it offers sizable infrastructures to scale your online school with multi-administrators.
- Premium Uptime Guarantee – its cloud-based foundation has enhanced up to 99.9% uptime and responsiveness for instructors.
- Unlimited Options – instructors get to add unlimited students to their school, unlimited courses, video, and other add-on course contents, and ultimate send unlimited emails if you want.
- Robust Marketing Options – LearnWorlds offers a range of marketing tools to get more leads, revenue, and general sales growth.
- Multiple Payment Options – as an instructor you have up to 4 payment options to use. Additionally, you get instant fund withdrawals.
- Instant support for users.
LearnWorlds Cons
- Exclusive Options – You will need to upgrade to a higher plan before using its advanced facilities.
- Inbuilt sales funnel systems and marketing strategies are not so excellent unless with third-party integrations.
- Transaction fees – LearnWorlds charges transaction fees on its first plan ONLY.
Customer Support with LearnWorlds
LearnWorlds offers onsite instant online support chat and a toll-free phone number to call. Others – Email priority support, Weekly Live Q&A with LearnWorlds Support Team, and Help Center resources.
LearnWorlds Pricing and Plans
- LearnWorlds pricing starts at $24 per month for “the Starter Plan” or save up to $60 when you pay yearly.
- The next hosting plan is “the Pro Trainer plan” which is $79/mo, or you get to save up to $240 when you pay annually.
- The third plan is “the Learning Center plan” which starts at $249/mo or save up to $1,790/yr (Save $358/yr) when you pay annually.
You can also check out a detaild LearnWorlds Pricing summary.
Decision on the best plan.
When I tried out LearnWorlds, I used the “Pro Trainer” – which literally was enough for the basic and medium-advanced functions I needed.
What stands out with it is the ability to provide all-round functions. For instance, just like with Podia, with LearnWorlds, you can build a membership site, sell digital downloads, and host webinars with lots of streaming options.
Going forward, they make these options even better and with strategic advanced facilities.
The thing is, (like me) you won’t be wrong to say that LearnWorlds software offers the most advanced infrastructures to build an online course and school. That’s why it’s a bit pricy as well.
So, unless you are a core educational educator from Harvard, Cambridge, and the likes, the “Learn Center” plan is perfect for you, else, as a regular tutor, I recommend the “Pro Trainer” plan – it saves you money, yet with premium facilities.
Free Trial & Getting started with LearnWorlds
As an instructor, you get the chance to try the LearnWorlds “Pro Trainer” plan for 30 days, all for free. Then after that, you go ahead and choose a plan that suits your best-fit needs.
➡ Start your FREE 30 days Trial
Don’t miss – How to Create an Online Course on LearnWorlds in 6 steps
4. Teachable
A simple online course platform for beginners, advanced users, and Corporate/Business.
Being the most popular online course software, Teachable sits a step above Thinkific and LearnWorlds in terms of simplicity but lower in terms of advanced options the former 2 offer.
When it comes to functionality, Teachable is one of the most powerful but simple online course builders available. However, its added advanced features also mean there’s a bit of a steep learning curve, most especially for beginners.
That said, the platform offers a solid collection of facilities and integrations to customize your experience both as a solo creator and as an educational tutor.
Popular Teachable Features and Pros
- Free plan – new users have the option to use her free plan – although highly limited.
- Unlimited Options – instructors get to add unlimited students to their school, unlimited courses, videos, and other add-on course contents, and ultimate send unlimited emails if you want.
- Simplicity at its best – teachable offers a simple online school for instructors with few but basic modern infrastructures.
- Premium Uptime Guarantee – its cloud-based foundation has enhanced up to 99.9% uptime and responsiveness for instructors.
- Instructors can easily send course updates and announcements.
- Instructors can make recurring income via upselling to students.
- Multiple Currencies – creators can accept international payment in 100+ currencies, plus instant payment.
- Course setup is simple with good sales pages.
Teachable Cons
- No instant support for Free and Basic plan instructors.
- Transaction fees – Teachable charges a transaction fee of 5-10% for its FIRST 2 PLANS.
- Not enough facilities to customize landing pages, limited templates, and core advanced options.
- Customer support history hasn’t been so good – most especially for the Free and Basic plan users.
Teachable Pricing and Plans
The Teachable plan starts at $39 per month for its Basic package paid monthly or $29 if paid yearly. The Professional package starts at $119 per month or $99 if paid yearly, and the Business plan at $299 per month or $249 if paid yearly.
Customer Support with Teachable
Live chat for “the Pro and Business” Plan users. Email Support and Knowledge Base Center.
Decision on the best plan.
If you think the simplicity Teachable offers creators fits you, then I recommend you go with “the Professional plan” to get the benefits of your money being that you get an instant online live chat in case you encounter any problem, get to add more administrators, zero transaction fees, SCORM, and other advanced integrations and templates.
Free Trial & Getting Started with Teachable
Teachable offers a 14-day FREE trial to use the online course platform.
➡ Click here to get started today
Also, see – How to use: Building your Course on Teachable
5. Udemy
Udemy is a ready-made online platform that gives you the opportunity to share knowledge with people (students) around the world with limited options for customization and no room for personal branding.
With over 40 million learners, over 50 thousand instructors, and other 100 online courses, Udemy gets better day after day with the advantages a creator has at hand to be found or get lost.
In summary, Udemy can be compared to a website like Aliexpress where sellers and buyers meet – but in this case, students and creators.
Below are the core factors with Udemy.
Popular Udemy Features and Pros
- Udemy offers a free plan and hosting for all users.
- Beginners with no audiences can build confidence via student reviews.
- No Language Barrier and Currencies – they offer multiple languages with multiple currency options.
- Organic Search and free traffic – Udemy is popular and it has the visibility to get your course seen. That is to say, you benefit from Udemy’s default traffic through searches, rankings, and promotions.
- Free Promotion – Udemy can promote your course for free – but it comes with a greater loss in revenue – they will take 50% commissions of sales your courses generate.
- Maximum commission – You can earn up to 97% for all sales you drive with your coupon codes – that is, you earn 97% commissions if you are good at marketing your course.
- Offers Educational facilities for creators such as certificates, quizzes, and more.
- Offers options to add multiple instructors.
- You can earn money going forward if your courses are not delisted or outranked by a competitor.
Udemy Cons
- Self-Branding – self-branding is limited as you are stuck in the shadows of Udemy.
- Competitions – there are a lot of competitions among creators – to stand out on a particular course topic.
- Getting Approved – most beginners have the issue and fear of getting rejected as instructors.
- Limited customization as rightly guessed. Apart from integration with Google Analytics, you only use the default options given without third-party add-ons or extensions for performance tracking and reporting.
- Course price limitation – Udemy limits your course pricing from being free or in the price range of $19.99-$199.99.
- You don’t own your students – your student email addresses are kept by Udemy.
- Delisting – just as you do not own the platform, your courses can be delisted (removed) if they think you went against the terms of usage.
Udemy Pricing and Plans
Udemy has a Business plan for companies of every size, but as a basic user, Udemy has a Revenue Share Policy of 50% when your course generates sales – that is if they handle the marketing.
So, if you had a course sales of $500, they will take $250 and leave you with $250.
Customer Support with Udemy
Onsite bot, Email, and Help Center.
Decision on the best plan.
Udemy is an option if you are okay with the pricing policy.
6. Systeme.io
A cheap and 6-in-one software course platform primarily for solo creators.
Sometimes you don’t need to use a platform that overwhelms you with hundreds of features. Systeme.io, for example, focuses on providing 6 performance-oriented lightweight alternatives and options to other Software for Building Online Courses.
That doesn’t mean that Systeme.io, lacks features. It offers all the essential tools you need to set up, launch, grow and scale your online business.
Basically, Systeme.io saves you the money you would have paid for solo software for Sales Funnels, email marketing, website builder, marketing automation, and more.
What it does is combine all these 6 infrastructures to properly manage every single aspect of your business, without hassles thereby saving more than $312 per month if you were to pay for each of them.
Overall, Systeme fits and offers a fantastic experience if you are a Course Creator, Freelancer, Consultant, or Small Business Owner.
Popular Systeme.io Features and Pros
- Free plan – new users have the option to use her free plan – although highly limited.
- Unlimited Options – instructors get to add unlimited site members, file storage, Emails sent, and blog content.
- The platform is both beginners friendly and intuitive for all users.
- Offers options to easily crate Sales Funnels with its flexible native builder.
- Free migration – you can get your course moved for free – only on the “Enterprise plan”.
- Has options for AB testing to easily measure the difference in performances.
- Premium Uptime Guarantee – its cloud-based foundation has enhanced up to 99.9% uptime and responsiveness for instructors.
Systeme.io Cons
- Lacks some advanced options such as user click tracking, one-time license, and a few more – there’s a need for advanced options for advanced users.
- No online chat support.
- Limited payment system — Systeme.io offers a few payment options which are Stripe and PayPal.
- Data reporting can be improved upon.
Systeme.io Pricing and Plans
Apart from its free limited free plan, the first plan called “Startup” starts at $27/mo, the second plan called “Webinar” starts at $47/mo, and the last plan called “Enterprise” starts at $97/mo.
Customer Support with Systeme.io
24/7 email support, Online form & Help Docs.
Decision on the best plan.
Systeme.io is quite a new platform. The unique thing about it is the cost – not pricy. Secondly, combining 6 SaaS tools you would have purchased individually is really a thing of interest.
Nonetheless, as a solo creator, I recommend you start with the “Webinar” package as you have degrees of options to work on your online course, and if you are a good budget, then I recommend “The Enterprise” since it comes with many unrestricted facilities to build your online course.
Free Trial & Getting started with Systeme
You can try Systeme.io for free even without your credit card.
Best Software for Digital Courses, Ecommerce, Physical Products, and Services
Maybe you want more than just offering an online course. Let’s see what SamCart has for you.
7. SamCart
SamCart is a simple Digital Product eCommerce Platform for creators to start their online business such as selling digital products, sell physical products and services.
When it comes to a combo of selling Digital Courses, Ecommerce, Physical Products, and Services, just go with SamCart and make your digital business/product part of the over 9.7 Million Products Sold already.
Based on the design and management, they’ve shown that user experience is one of the main focuses of the software. Hence, it offers a clean, simple interface and fundamental features to create a viable product online business.
One of the biggest perks of this software is that any creator (beginners and advanced users) can get started and sell any product – digital, physical, and service, all in 3 steps – chose a ready-made template, upload content or product, and make sales using the built-in facilities.
Apart from the Edit mobile view options it offers, creators can A/B Test a product, use “cart abandoned or recovery performance options” which boasts Conversions, detailed reporting options which span across Sales Reporting, Page Conversion Report, Sales Channel Report, Failed Charges Report, Sales + UTM tracking, and more as you can see here.
Coming off to payments, they offer up to 5 payment routes such as Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay + Google Pay, Authorize.net, Braintree, and others you can enable via 3rd-party integration.
To even show you how deep the options are, they allow Free & Paid Trials, and your customers can “Pay for what they want, AKA (PWYW). Exciting, right? Yeah. I love it too.
Popular SamCart Features and Pros
- Beginner-friendly and responsive for all users.
- Products Versatility – unlike other competitors where you can only sell digital products, with SamCart, offering physical or core services is not a problem as all the facilities to make it possible are available.
- Gives creators the options for Advanced Builders with diverse designs and templates.
- Creators get advanced options to Boost Conversions and Maximizing Average Order Value.
- Offers detailed analysis, tracking, and reporting.
- 0% Processing or Transaction Fees – no, you get to pay nothing in transaction fees as far as SamCart is concerned.
- Your customers and audiences have the full benefits of multiple payment routes.
- Offers advanced integrations to build an authority online course/business.
- Unlimited Options – instructors get to add unlimited students to their school, unlimited courses, products, and other add-on course contents.
- Offers manual human online chat support for creators.
SamCart Cons
- No free plan for beginners who might want such an option.
- Does not offer webinars as a core option – although can be possible with 3rd-party integration.
- Doesn’t offer facilities for advanced users or educational institutions, aka, it is best for solo creators.
SamCart Pricing and Plans
- SamCart pricing starts at $39 per month for “the Launch Plan” when you pay yearly with $470 saved yearly or $49 per month.
- The next hosting plan is “the Grow plan” which starts at $79/mo when you pay annually with $950 saved yearly or $99 per month.
- The third plan is “the Scale plan” which starts at $249/mo when you pay annually with $1910 saved yearly or $199 per month.
Customer Support with SamCart
Online Bot-Chat, Human Chat support, Email, physical office, and Knowledge Base.
Decision on the best plan.
Standing in as the most popular plan on SamCart, the “GROW” plan offers creators the rapt facilities to convert most visitors into customers, and increase the value of each purchase as advanced upsells options for passive income and advanced product management settings are available.
Free Trial & Getting started with SamCart
SamCart offers a FREE 14-day trial to put the software to the test. Ready to start Selling in 30 Minutes?
➡ Click here to get started with SamCart for free.
Also see – [Webinar] 10 Secrets to 6 Figures Training
LMS and CMS Membership online course software/Plugins
The following online course software and tools are both LMS (learning management system) and CMS (content management system) with versatile options to create an online business for anything you want like selling courses, video tutorials, member directories, and more while having 100% control over the look & feel.
Side notes:
#1. A learning management system – LMS – is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.
#2. A content management system – CMS – is a computer software used to manage the creation and modification of digital content.
8. MemberSpace
A simple versatile LMS and CMS software to create membership sites and sell digital content from the comfort of your personal website.
Operating quite different from the others, MemberSpace is a platform with built-in knowledge facilities where creators can create membership sites and sell digital content such as online courses, private or exclusive podcasts, digital downloads, paid newsletters, and more with 100% control over the design and members because everything occurs on your website.
Going further, although it works with the popular CMS – WordPress, another option that makes MemberSpace popular is its CMS flexibility. Here is what I mean.
With most any other membership systems, you might get locked into a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Squarespace and it’s really hard to change – unless you get a free service migration.
With MemberSpace, it works with other popular CMS options such as Notion, HTML, Hubspot, Weebly, Duda, Wix, and more.), so you can easily move to a different one without impacting your members or their billing details.
Popular MemberSpace Features and Pros
- The platform is simple for both beginners and advanced users.
- Offers free migration from other platforms.
- Offers online chat support and multiple support routes.
- As a creator, your courses are hosted and controlled from your website.
- Offer many angles for creators like Digital Magazine, Paid Newsletter, Paid Community, and the ones above.
- They offer physical or office personnel support – that is, you can walk into their office and get help.
- Offers lots of basic facilities to build a membership course and website.
- Creators get instant payment after validation.
- Offers up to 3 payment options with over 100+ major currencies via Stripe.
- It works with popular CMS such as WordPress, Squarespace, Notion, HTML, Hubspot, Weebly, Duda, Wix, and more.
- Allows unlimited members.
MemberSpace Cons
- No free plan for beginners.
- Your website can be slow with a poor hosting company/service – unless you’re using a cloud or Managed hosting.
- Doesn’t offer facilities for advanced users or educational institutions, aka, so it is best for solo creators, and agencies.
- Charges transaction fees.
MemberSpace Pricing and Plans
MemberSpace offers three (3) pricing plans. The first plan called “Just Starting” starts at $25/month and is primarily intended for any creator who is just starting out.
The next plan called “Growing Business” starts at $50 per month and is primarily intended if your revenue is $1,300+/mo, and the last plan called “Thriving Business” – is intended for creators whose revenue is up to $5,000+/mo.
Customer Support with MemberSpace
Online chat, Live Office Hours support, Community Support, Status page (situation report), Priority Email Support, and Help Docs.
Decision on the best plan.
Although MemberSpace platform is basic in terms of the design, when you consider the simplicity and facilities available for a creator, you will be wowed.
Should you think you want to host your course or membership site with 100% control, then I recommend her “Growing Business” if you are a beginner, or “Thriving Business” if you are an agency or needs more flexibility?
Free Trial & Getting started with MemberSpace
MemberSpace offers a free trial of 14 days for all creators.
Ready to turn any part of your website into a members-only site?
If yes, then check out MemberSpace today.
9. LearnDash
LearnDash offers the cheapest and versatile advanced facilities for WordPress users.
LearnDash is a core WordPress LMS created for tutors who want to create a powerful impressive online courses without restrictions, engage learners using the best of e-learning facilities, provision for strategic marketing and sales options, and of course, multiple integrations with popular apps to easily run your online business.
Unlike MemberSpace which works with other CMS, LearnDash is popular for WordPress users only.
What’s more, LearnDash supports powerful eLearning infrastructures such as SCORM, multiple admins, over 300 satisfactory payment gateways and integrations, course bundles to make more money, Bulk access by allowing customers to purchase licenses in bulk and then grant access to their staff, paid subscriptions for your forum members, as well as all the other features you’d expect to see from any premium eLearning tool.
To summarize its abilities, LearnDash is designed with the same experience for setting up e-learning programs for Fortune 500 companies and the US Government – a reason it is pricy and for advanced users and government institutions.
Popular LearnDash Features and Pros
- Offers a clean, intuitive, and accommodating design and platform for course creators.
- Learning management system – All your learning management system data are available on your dashboard for easy access.
- Advanced Reporting – with flexible reporting options, you can track the progress and performance of students.
- Multiple Integrations – apart from giving you so many options to use many apps, they offer powerful add-ons and extensions which up your game to build a successful online course.
- Other marketing options – apart from building an online course, they offer you facilities to subscriptions for each course or create a bundle of courses for a recurring price, Run flash sales, digital downloads, and more.
- Advanced payment options – how about making use of over 300 payment gateways for international students? You get this with LearnDash’s app add-ons.
- Advanced builders – you get to use the tools you are already familiar with, such as Elementor, BeaverBuilder, and Divi, APIs, and other WordPress multisite networks.
- Cheaper than most monthly online course subscription software.
LearnDash Cons
- No free plan and trial for beginners.
- No online chat support.
- Does not support webinars or live training but you can use 3rd party tools such as Zoom and other options.
- Lots of third-party integrations to use the advanced options it offers.
Truth is, due to many options available to you as a creator, LearnDash might be overwhelming at first – but with time, or 2 days of testing it out, you would have mastered it. And of course, regular WordPress users should be fine with it. 😉
LearnDash Pricing and Plans
Offering a flat and a one-time fee per year, its first plan called “Basic” is at $159 per year, the next plan called “Plus package” is at $189 per year, and the last pricing plan called “PRO PACKAGE” starts at $329/year.
Customer Support with LearnDash
Dashboard Creators support, Facebook Group, Help requests, and Documentation.
Decision on the best plan.
Like LearnWorlds, LearnDash seems to offer the most advanced facilities for WordPress creators to build online school/courses from their websites.
Although mostly used by educational institutions, agencies, and popular authorities such as Tony Robbins, Yoast, and more, as a solo creator, the BASIC plan will work just perfectly for you, however, if you are an agency, then go with the “PLUS package” which has up to 10 Site Licenses – the number of domains (websites) that LearnDash can be installed on and still receive both support & updates. And also the Pro Panel facility – which gives you additional insight into your courses, including completion metrics and the latest learner activity.
Free Trial & Getting started with LearnDash
LearnDash does not offer a free trial since it functions as a WordPress Plugin.
Ready to use the most advanced and versatile Online Course Platform for WordPress creators to build your online business?
If yes, click here to check out LearnDash today.
What’s the best intuitive and Responsive Software for Building Online Courses?
Here are my top choices when it comes to intuitiveness and platform designs.
- LearnWorlds – perfect for solo creators, agencies, and educational authorities.
- SamCart – perfect for solo creators with options for digital and physical products.
- Podia – perfect for solo creators.
- LearnDash – perfect for solo WordPress creators, agencies, and educational authorities.
What’s the best course-making software for e-learning and Teachers?
- LearnWorlds – perfect for solo creators, agencies, and educational authorities.
- Thinkific & Teachable – Solo & institutions/authorities.
- LearnDash – solo creators, institutions, and authorities (WordPress users).
- Udemy & Podia – solo creators and tutors.
3 Beginners Steps to Begin and Create an online course
Starting an online course is all about publishing VALUE the way you want, and getting paid handsomely for it. As a beginner, here is a summary of what you need to do.
Step 1. Plan your syllabus
The very first step to building an online course is choosing a promising topic on which you are an expert.
This is where you need to bring in the best ideas that will cover your curriculum.
Step 2. Record your content
Having mapped out your syllabus, you go ahead and use basic tools like a smartphone or a DSLR camera with a good microphone and test the recording sessions.
And of course, if you do not want to be on camera, you can always capture and record your screen.
In case you are asking, why video? Now, a top Learning platform like Udemy recommends at least two hours or more video content for a paid course.
Step 3. Launch your course/online business.
With your content wrapped up, it’s time to link your products or page to your loved ones or an ally to check it out and give you honest feedback.
Alternatively, you can gather your first ratings and reviews by promoting your course through social media and your professional networks.
Wrapping up on picking a Good Software for Building Online Courses
All of the aforementioned software for creating online courses are good and used by thousands of creators all over the world.
However, for you, the purpose of taking over a week to put out this content was to help you select the best online course builder based on your budget, facilities, advanced options, and supports offered to help start and scale your online business for massive success.
Here is a summary for an easy decision.
Solo creators, agencies, and educational authorities + customer support history
1st choice – GO FOR THINKIFIC – if you need flexible online course building options plus top marketing strategies with mobile applications.
2nd choice – GO FOR LEARNWORLDS – Best for individuals, teachers, and enterprises who want to create online schools and sell sources with top-notch advanced infrastructures and multi-marketing strategies.
3rd choice – GO FOR TEACHABLE – if you need a simple-decluttered online course platform for beginners, advanced users, and Corporate/Businesses.
Digital products, Ecommerce Services, and Physical products + Ecommerce
💡 GO FOR SAMCART if you want a simple but advanced Digital Product e-commerce Platform for creators to start their online business such as selling digital products, sell physical products, and services – for solo users.
Solo Creators & Tutors
1st choice – GO FOR PODIA – Best for solo creators and bloggers who want to sell online courses, membership, digital downloads, and webinars.
2nd choice – GO FOR SYSTEME.IO if you want a cheap 6-in-one software course platform.
3rd choice – GO FOR UDEMY if you want a ready-made online platform to share knowledge with people (students) around the world – although it has limited options for customizations, personal branding, control, revenue sharing, and competitions.
LMS and CMS course builders
1st choice – GO FOR LEARNDASH – if you want the cheapest and most versatile advanced tool for WordPress users to build and manage online school/courses from their websites – solo creators, agencies, and educational authorities.
2nd choice – GO FOR MEMBERSPACE – if you need a simple Multi LMS and CMS integrated software to create membership sites and sell digital content from the comfort of your personal website – solo creators and agencies.
That’s it on the recommended software for creating online courses and building your online business.
Do have a great time with your online business. #Success.
Ref: Course platforms for Teachers | 3 Course platforms | Podia vs Patreon Comparison
There’s another tool which you must review and add to your list. It’s CourseFunnels. I have been using this tool for some time and have started earning by selling courses. It is an easy-to-use software that supports creating courses in 17 different languages. It helps me to create amazing courses & trainings with Udemy grade customer experience.
Thanks. Will check it out.
Thank you bro. this is so helpful. Im going to try go for thinkific.
Thank you, Macky, let me know how it goes.
Fantastic list of online course creation software! Pairing any of these tools with a Social Community WordPress Theme can transform your courses into interactive learning hubs, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among students. Thanks for the valuable recommendations!
Thank you, Shila.