Whether you’re looking to take a technical deep-dive into complex subjects or learn about fun and artsy tutorials to help foster software knowledge, one of our 10+ best online learning platforms can satisfy your curiosity.
Whether you’re a forty-year-old, mother of three looking for new challenges, or a high-schooler interested in hitting the ground running once you head to college, each platform offers a multitude of courses for everyone, and that’s a fact!
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And because most of these courses are self-paced, you can take lessons and sink your teeth into educational content whenever you’re free.
For those eager to delve into the realm of graphic design, we suggest checking out our list of the best free graphic design courses.
If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at all these great options.
10 Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024: Overview
- Skillshare — Best for beginners and aspiring creatives
- Udemy — Best for mid-career professionals and industry switchers
- Coursera — Best for data-centric creatives
- MasterClass — Best for intermediate learners
- Domestika — Best for marketing, branding, and design professionals
- CreativeLive — Best for artistic entrepreneurs
- Futur — Best for intermediate and seasoned creatives
- Envato Tuts+ — Best for new and aspiring digital artists
- edX — Best for formal education seekers
- Udacity — Best for career building
Also, see our blogs on the best branding courses, best Adobe Photoshop courses, and best animation courses.
10 Best Online Learning Platforms in 2024
1. Skillshare
Skillshare is arguably the most popular online learning community on the list. One of the most accessible picks from the bunch, Skillshare has over 30,000 courses anyone can choose from!
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We highly suggest this best online learning platform for marketers, illustrators, entrepreneurs, or mathematicians; there’s a class here that you’re sure to enjoy and learn from.
If you’re an expert, you can also create and upload your own course! Since it works two ways (meaning teachers can put out classes and learners can pick which courses to take), you can expect this space to be one of the best e-learning platforms available today!
One drawback is that no certificates are offered upon completion, which may limit the formal recognition of acquired skills.
Also, browse the best courses on Skillshare here.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Extensive class library in design, illustration, and creative fields. | ➖No certificates provided upon completion |
| ➕Expert instructors leading the classes. | ➖The annual subscription fee is relatively expensive. |
| ➕Actionable and impactful classes for quick results. |
2. Udemy
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Udemy is among the best online learning platforms for professionals and young adults.
With over 200,000 courses, this is one of the most comprehensive platforms. From personal development to tips on self-employment, virtually anyone can find what they’re looking for here.
We are pleased that learners can choose the level of advancement of classes, making it easier to pick a course that best suits their present skill sets and range.
If that isn’t impressive enough, it also provides certificates after every finished course, allowing you to beef up your portfolio. However, Instructor support may not always be readily available, posing a potential limitation for learners seeking immediate assistance or guidance.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Affordable | ➖ Instructor support isn’t always available |
| ➕Offers free courses | |
| ➕Lifetime access upon purchase of a course |
3. Coursera
Another popular pick here is Coursera. Founded by two academics from Stanford University, this platform is arguably one of the better e-learning choices regarding accreditation and credibility.
In partnership with world-renowned universities such as Penn, Yale, and Princeton, to name a few, Coursera is a fantastic solution for anyone wanting to take up commercial tertiary education but finding it financially challenging to do so.
As many of the professors here are ones you’d come across in actual universities, this space is a fantastic resource to start with if you’re hell-bent on learning from the best professors and teachers around.
There are also multiple professional certificate programs you can take up here, making it more feasible to access premium higher-learning offerings wherever you are.
Unfortunately, one downside is that “beginner” level courses may assume prior knowledge of the subject, and instructors may cover materials and terminology at a fast pace, which might not be suitable for learners unfamiliar with the topic.
Also, check out the list of best courses on Coursera for creatives here.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Partnered with educational institutions | ➖ Does not support entry-level courses |
| ➕Wide variety of courses | |
| ➕Affordable |
4. MasterClass
Have you ever dreamed of learning from Gordon Ramsay, Stephen Curry, Serena Williams, and Usher? Now is your chance to actually hear from them with MasterClass.
This makes it to our list of best online learning platforms since it is loaded with dozens of incredibly tasteful and well-produced recorded classes, this space exposes you to quality, showmanship-driven education in the context of e-learning.
Like many of the resources on this list, learners here can either buy just one class or subscribe to the platform as a whole, giving them access to every single class MasterClass offers.
There are many exclusive perks this resource provides, but the most noticeable feature for us is its string of commercially celebrated leaders that spearhead each class.
It is important to be aware of the limitations of this MasterClass online learning platform. Unfortunately, two significant drawbacks are the absence of free trials, preventing users from sampling the content before committing; and the lack of certificates upon completion, which may limit formal recognition of skills acquired.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Affordable | ➖ No free trials |
| ➕Offers a diverse range of categories | ➖ No certificates |
| ➕Offers generous refund policy |
5. Domestika
What makes Domestika stand out as one of the best online learning platforms is its dedication to creatives and aspiring artists.
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While many of its courses help business leaders and brand mavens grow from their crafts, you’ll see an apparent favor the platform extends to illustrators, sketchers, painters, and designers alike.
The courses are also mostly in Spanish, but this shouldn’t be a problem as English subtitles and many other options are available.
In addition, Domestika offers the opportunity to print certificates after every course completion.
We highly suggest this best online education platform to freelancers or beginners who are still learning the ropes and hungry for as much accreditation as they can show; this place is a great start.
Again note that the majority of courses offered on the platform are in Spanish and Portuguese, which may limit the options available for learners who primarily prefer or require courses in other languages.
Don’t miss to explore the best courses on Domestika here.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Affordable | ➖ Most courses are in Spanish or Portuguese |
| ➕Offers a diverse range of categories | ➖ Subtitles are auto-generated |
| ➕Provides certificates | |
| ➕ Offers 14-day refund or swap policy |
6. CreativeLive
There’s a handful of things you’ll enjoy with CreativeLive, one of which is its soft approach to introducing newbies to the creative space. This is because most of its courses are designed for up-and-coming artists.
In other words, this space thrives on helping create charming, charismatic, and skillful creatives. Presently, the platform has over 700 instructors worldwide, allowing learners to pick the brains of diverse and well-respected teachers.
Many of its courses are free, too, so if you’re on the fence about shelling out money, this one may prove promising.
Some of the individual courses offered on the platform come with a higher price tag, which can be considered a downside for learners who are budget-conscious or seeking more affordable options.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Offers top-notch quality video | ➖ Some individual courses are pricey |
| ➕Gives free live classes | ➖ Some courses may lack depth |
| ➕Very accessible | |
| ➕ Offers a generous 30-day refund policy |
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7. The Futur
Contrary to most e-learning platforms on the list, The Futur doesn’t host hundreds and thousands of recorded classes. That’s because Futur head and creative visionary Chris Do is very particular with the courses he and his team put out for the world.
Although one can argue that Futur isn’t technically an online learning platform, we’d like to note that the Chris-led venture has some of the most technical and detail-oriented courses any aspiring and pro designer can hope to acquire.
From personal branding to creating logo designs and correcting color hues, there are countless lessons you’re sure to appreciate here.
One aspect to be aware of is that The Futur may have limited teaching styles and approaches. However, this can be seen as a positive for learners who appreciate a focused and consistent instructional approach.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Prioritizes high-quality, technical, and detail-oriented courses | ➖ Limited teaching styles and approaches |
| ➕Covers a wide range of topics |
8. Envato Tuts+
Consider Envato Tuts+ to be the online learning platform counterpart of the design library Envato. It used to be accessible to Envato subscribers only, but now every single one of its video courses is free.
You can either choose to consume its content on tutsplus.com or simply visit the group’s YouTube page and play videos from there.
And because it’s a sub-brand of design giant Envato, you can rest assured that all of the offerings in this list put a heavy premium on cover designs, brand aesthetics, and brand cohesiveness.
If you’re just about to learn Procreate and Photoshop for the first time, this is our top pick for you among the best online learning platforms.
One notable aspect is that the platform primarily focuses on design and development courses. This is obviously a positive for learners specifically seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in these areas.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Extensive video library/courses | ➖ Mostly focuses on design and development courses. |
| ➕Covers high-quality and well-researched content |
9. edX
Much like Coursera, which was founded by professors at Stanford, edX was founded by Harvard University and MIT.
One of the stand-out features for us is that it offers over 3,000 courses, and learners who complete their courses can also receive a legitimate certificate for employment purposes.
It has quite a few notable academic partnerships, too, like with Berkley, Caltech, and IBM. If you’re currently in school, let this be a reminder to you that it’s never too late to start, and you’re never too late to learn new tricks.
It’s worth noting the potential downside of edX. This digital learning platform specializes in a limited range of topics, specifically higher education, and the sciences.
While this specialization can be beneficial for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in these fields, it may not offer the same breadth of courses and diversity of subjects as platforms with a broader focus.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Gives verified certificates | ➖ Specializes on limited topics (higher education and sciences) |
| ➕Courses are partnered with prestigious organizations | |
| ➕ Offers free course audit option |
10. Udacity
Udacity, an innovative online learning platform, provides a diverse range of beginner courses and specialized learning programs known as Nanodegrees.
With a focus on technology and business, Udacity’s Nanodegrees are meticulously designed to equip learners with the necessary skills for specific job roles or career paths in the digital realm.
What sets Udacity apart is its collaboration with leading tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, ensuring that the content is co-created by industry experts. Taught by accomplished professionals, the courses provide real-world insights and practical knowledge to help learners thrive in their chosen fields.
While Udacity might be considered higher in price, it’s important to recognize that the investment reflects the value and quality it offers.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Offers top-quality content | ➖Pricey |
| ➕Provides over 200 free courses | |
| ➕ Enforce hands-on projects |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best online learning platforms for creative beginners?
The best e-learning platforms for aspiring creatives are Skillshare and Envato Tuts+.
These platforms have become go-to choices for aspiring creatives due to their diverse course offerings, experienced instructors, and interactive learning experiences.
Are online learning platforms accredited?
Not all online learning platforms are accredited. While some platforms partner with universities or institutions to offer accredited courses or degrees, many platforms provide non-accredited courses focused on skill development and personal enrichment.
It is essential to research and verify the accreditation status of specific courses or programs if accreditation is a requirement for your educational or professional goals.
How do I choose the right online learning platform for me?
When selecting an online learning platform, consider factors such as the subject areas offered, course quality and instructor expertise, pricing options, flexibility in scheduling, and the platform's reputation and user reviews.
Final Thoughts
A quick search on the internet reveals that America now has over 70 million freelancers, each taking the self-employed path. Luckily, the 10 best online learning platforms are here to give aid.
Whatever it is you’re trying to learn regardless of what your age bracket covers, all of the courses on these different platforms are made with precision, care, and empathy.
Also, learn Adobe software online with our comprehensive list of the best Adobe courses here.
What course are you interested in taking first? Let us know in the comments!
