Best Online Learning Platforms for Students: We Tried 8

The digital age is here to stay. At this point, you’ll either develop the skills to evolve with it, or you’ll get left behind. It’s nearly impossible to make a drastic career advancement without picking up some new skills along the way. 

Online learning is at the center of it all. No one wants to sit in a traditional classroom like in times past. Nowadays, you can learn what you want, where you want, and at any time that you want.

That’s where we come in. In reality, people are busy and don’t have a ton of time to sample all the best choices out there. Here at Learnopoly, we’re all about helping you figure out the online education scene. We’ve rolled up our sleeves, tested out a bunch of platforms, and we’re here to spill the tea.

We’re giving you our take on 8 of the best online learning platforms for students. We’re talking in-depth reviews, honest feedback, and a side-by-side comparison to help you find the perfect fit. 

Our analyses are perfect for a student juggling classes and a part-time job, an adult learner looking to switch careers, or just someone who loves to learn something new… either way, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve judged these platforms on the stuff that really matters to students:

• Awesome courses: Are they interesting, engaging, and taught by experts?
• User-friendly experience: Is the platform easy to use and navigate?
• Wallet-friendly prices: Are there free trials, financial aid, or affordable options?
• Support and community: Can you get help when you need it, and connect with other learners?

Grab your favorite study snack, settle in, and let’s get down to business.

1. Coursera

Most people have heard of Coursera. It’s a highly regarded online learning platform that collaborates with top universities and companies like Yale, Google, and IBM to offer a diverse selection of courses, specializations, and even full degree programs. 

Their library covers everything from data science and programming to art history and personal development. If you sign up for Coursera, you have quite a few options available, and you can explore a wide array of subjects and earn professional certificates that will enhance your resume. 

The comprehensive platform provides an organized and engaging learning experience, blending video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on projects. Coursera also offers interactive features, like simulations and virtual labs, which make learning more dynamic and practical. 

Additionally, students can join online forums to discuss topics with peers, and many courses have teaching assistants to provide support. The responsive customer support team adds another medium to receive assistance when needed. 

Thankfully, the pricing is flexible. We’re not saying it’s cheap, but you can usually find something within your budget. Though many courses can be audited for free, graded assignments and certificates require a fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students, which makes Coursera more accessible for a broader audience.

Pros

• Big-name recognition: Learning from top universities and companies looks great on your resume.
• High-quality courses: The courses are well-produced and taught by experts in their fields.
• Flexible learning: Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Cons

• Can be pricey: The cost of certificates and degrees can add up.
• Limited interaction: While there are forums, the level of interaction with instructors can vary.

Who It’s Best For: Students who are serious about their education and want to earn recognized credentials. Also a good choice for those who enjoy a structured learning environment.

Learn more about Coursera’s top courses and our in-depth review to see if it’s the right platform for you.

2. edX

edX was founded by Harvard and MIT, and it’s another prominent online learning platform known for its university-level courses and programs. It focuses heavily on STEM subjects but also offers courses in humanities, business, and more. The “MicroMasters” program is a unique feature that gives learners the opportunity to earn credits toward a full Master’s degree.

The edX platform is user-friendly, and the courses come in different formats. You have video lectures, readings, assignments, and online discussions to promote a thorough learning experience. Community interaction is a focal point of the program, with active forums and resources for connecting with other students.

In terms of pricing, many courses on edX can be audited for free, but you do have to pay for certificates and programs. Financial assistance is also available with edX.

Pros

• Prestige and quality: Learn from some of the world’s best universities.
• Variety of programs: From individual courses to MicroMasters and professional certificates.
• Strong community: Connect with a global network of learners.

Cons

• Cost barrier: Certificates and programs can be expensive.
• Tech glitches: Some users have reported occasional technical issues with the platform.

Who It’s Best For: Motivated learners who want a rigorous academic experience from top-tier institutions.

Check out our edX review and top course picks to learn more about what it offers.

3. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit platform dedicated to providing free, high-quality education to everyone, everywhere. So this one is huge among learners who can’t afford paid courses at the moment. Khan Academy specializes in K-12 subjects like math, science, history, and economics, and the program also offers resources for standardized test prep, including the SAT and LSAT, along with some college-level courses.

The learning experience at Khan Academy is personalized, following a mastery-based approach where students can learn at their own pace. Their videos are highly engaging, using visuals and storytelling to simplify complex concepts, making it easier for learners to grasp challenging topics.

Though Khan Academy doesn’t have traditional discussion forums, it supports a robust online community of learners and educators through its website, creating an interactive learning environment. Best of all, it’s entirely free—no fees, no subscriptions, just accessible education for everyone.

Pros

• 100% free: Access all their resources without spending a dime.
• Personalized learning: Learn at your own pace and focus on the areas where you need help.
• Excellent for K-12: A fantastic resource for students of all ages.

Cons

• Limited higher education: Not as many college-level courses compared to other platforms.
• Less interactive: The learning experience is primarily self-paced and video-based.

Who It’s Best For: K-12 students, those who prefer a self-directed learning style, and anyone looking for free, high-quality educational resources.

4. Udemy

Udemy is like the YouTube of online learning. It’s a huge marketplace for online learning, offering thousands of courses created by independent instructors across a wide range of subjects. To give you an idea, you can get into coding, photography, yoga, web development, a s pretty much anything under the sun. Udemy has a course for nearly everything, but it’s essential to read reviews to find the best fit due to the variety in quality.

The learning experience varies depending on the instructor, with most courses featuring video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources. Some instructors even provide live Q&A sessions or personalized feedback to improve engagement.

Udemy has a basic community feature for student interaction, so the level of instructor support can differ widely. Keep that in mind when you’re deciding which program is right for you.

Fortunately, a 30-day money-back guarantee is available if a course doesn’t meet your expectations. Courses are individually priced, and frequent sales mean you can often find affordable options, but again, we can guarantee optimal quality every time. 

Pros

• Huge variety: Find courses on almost any topic you can imagine.
• Affordable options: Many courses are priced very reasonably, especially during sales.
• Lifetime access: Once you purchase a course, you have access to it forever.

Cons

• Quality can vary: It’s important to read reviews and choose courses carefully.
• Less structured: The learning experience can be less structured than university-backed platforms.

Who It’s Best For: People who are looking for a specific skill or topic and want a wide range of choices and price points. Also good for those who prefer a more casual learning environment.

Explore top Udemy courses and our review to find the right fit.

5. Skillshare

Skillshare is a creative refuge for aspiring artists, designers, and writers.  They offer a curated selection of high-quality courses in various fields, from illustration and photography to animation and creative writing.  You can rest assured you’ll be taught by industry pros, and these courses will equip you with the skills to bring your ideas to life.

Skillshare is big on interaction and hands-on learning.  You’ll dive into projects, build your portfolio, and get valuable feedback from a supportive community of fellow creatives.  The platform is user-friendly and visually appealing, so it’s easy to find inspiration and connect with other artists.

If you subscribe, you get unlimited access to Skillshare’s entire course library.  It’s a great way to explore different creative avenues and fuel your passion. They also offer a free trial so you can test the waters before committing.

Pros

• Creative focus: Perfect for those interested in art, design, and other creative fields.
• High-quality production: The courses are well-made and visually engaging.
• Strong community: Connect with other creatives and get feedback on your work.

Cons

• Subscription model: You pay even if you only take a few courses.
• Limited subject range: Not the best choice for those outside of creative fields.

Who It’s Best For: Aspiring artists, designers, and anyone who wants to learn creative skills in a supportive community.

Learn more about Skillshare’s best courses and our full review.

6. FutureLearn

FutureLearn is an online learning platform that partners with universities and cultural institutions worldwide, offering a study-abroad feel with a wide variety of courses. Covering subjects like business, technology, healthcare, and humanities, FutureLearn provides thoughtful input surrounding global issues and cultural studies.

The platform is beginner-friendly and encourages social learning, and the courses are organized into weekly topics. Learning materials include videos, articles, quizzes, and structured discussions, allowing for an interactive experience.

Community interaction is central to FutureLearn’s approach, enabling students to connect and share perspectives with peers globally through online discussions. 

Many courses can be accessed for free, though certificates and certain features require payment. For those interested in multiple courses, subscription and bundle options provide additional flexibility and value.

Pros

• Global perspective: Learn from institutions and experts around the world.
• Social learning: Connect with a diverse community of learners.
• Flexible options: Choose how you want to access and pay for courses.

Cons

• Limited depth: Some courses may not be as in-depth as those on university-backed platforms.
• Technical issues: Some users have reported occasional technical glitches.

Who It’s Best For: Curious learners who want to explore a variety of subjects and connect with a global community.

Dive into our FutureLearn review to find out if it’s for you.

7. Udacity

Udacity functions like an intensive boot camp for tech enthusiasts. The site specializes in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, programming, and data science. 

Their hallmark “Nanodegree” programs are designed to prepare students for specific tech careers through hands-on, project-based courses. In addition, Udacity offers free courses and resources, so it’s budget-friendly as well. 

The learning experience on Udacity is highly interactive and career-focused, with Nanodegree programs featuring real-world projects, personalized feedback from mentors, and career services to support skill development and job readiness.

Udacity also promotes community through online forums where students can connect, while mentors and career coaches provide guidance and support. Though Nanodegree programs come at a premium, financing options and scholarships are available. For select programs, Udacity offers a job guarantee, refunding tuition if graduates don’t secure a job within a specific timeframe.

Pros

• Career-focused: Designed to help you land a job in a tech field.
• Hands-on learning: Build real-world projects and get practical experience.
• Strong support: Mentorship, career services, and a job guarantee for some programs.

Cons

• High cost: Nanodegree programs can be expensive.
• Specific focus: Not the best choice for those outside of tech fields.

Who It’s Best For: Serious about a career in tech and willing to invest time and money in an intensive program.

Explore our Udacity review and top course recommendations to see how they can help you reach your goals.

8. GoSkills LMS

GoSkills LMS stands out as a versatile and user-friendly learning management system, offering an impressive array of features and benefits tailored to meet the needs of businesses and individuals. Their platform allows organizations to create custom training programs with its intuitive course builder, which significantly simplify content creation. Learners enjoy a highly engaging experience with gamification elements such as earning rewards and coins, enhancing motivation and retention. Their mobile-friendly design ensures users can access training materials anytime, anywhere, making it particularly suitable for remote teams. With robust reporting tools, administrators gain valuable insights into learner progress, enabling informed decision-making. GoSkills also integrates seamlessly with HR systems, ensuring smooth compatibility with existing workflows.

When it comes to pricing, GoSkills offers flexible plans designed to suit different budgets. Individuals can explore the platform with a 7-day free trial, while the monthly subscription is available at $39 USD per month. For those seeking better value, the yearly plan is billed at $21 USD per month, offering substantial savings for long-term users. This pricing structure, combined with the platform’s features, makes GoSkills LMS a cost-effective choice for those looking to enhance their skills or train their teams efficiently.

GoSkills is recognized for its ease of use, making it accessible to both administrators and learners. The platform’s modern interface ensures that organizations can get started quickly, with minimal setup time.

Pros

• User-friendly course builder with customization options.
• Mobile-friendly for learning anytime, anywhere.
• Gamification increases learner engagement.
• Comprehensive reporting for performance tracking.
• Exceptional customer support for setup and ongoing use.

Cons

• Some advanced integrations may require additional setup time.
• The free plan offers limited features compared to premium options.

Comparing the Platforms: A Quick Glance

To help you make sense of all this info, we’ve put together a handy-dandy comparison table:

Platform	Course Focus	Pricing	Certificates	Community	Unique Features
Coursera	Diverse, university-level	Free audits, paid certificates/degrees	Yes	Forums, TA support	Specializations, degree programs
edX	University-level, STEM emphasis	Free audits, paid certificates/programs	Yes	Active forums, global community	MicroMasters programs
Khan Academy	K-12, test prep	Free	No	Online resources, support articles	Personalized learning, mastery-based approach
Udemy	Wide range, independent instructors	Individual course prices, frequent sales	Yes	Basic forums, instructor support varies	Lifetime access to courses
Skillshare	Creative skills	Subscription model, free trial	No	Strong community, peer feedback	Project-based learning, creative focus
FutureLearn	Diverse, global focus	Free access, paid certificates/subscriptions	Yes	Social learning, global discussions	Courses from international institutions
Udacity	Tech careers	Nanodegree programs, some free courses	Yes	Mentorship, career services	Nanodegree programs, job guarantee for some

How to Choose Your Perfect Online Learning Platform?

Okay, so you’ve got the lowdown on these awesome platforms. But how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few things to consider:

• What are your learning goals? Are you looking to earn a degree, learn a specific skill, or just explore a new topic?
• What’s your learning style? Do you prefer structured courses or a more self-directed approach? Do you like to interact with other learners or work independently?
• What’s your budget? Are you looking for free resources, or are you willing to invest in a paid program?
• How much time do you have? Can you commit to a full-time program, or do you need something more flexible?

Once you’ve thought about these questions, you can start narrowing down your options. If you’re still feeling lost, here are a few recommendations:

• For serious students seeking degrees or recognized credentials: Coursera or edX
• For those on a budget or who love personalized learning: Khan Academy
• For skill-seekers who want variety and affordability: Udemy
• For creative types who thrive in a community: Skillshare
• For globally-minded learners: FutureLearn
• For aspiring tech professionals: Udacity

The Final Verdict

No matter which platform you choose, we’re confident that you’ll find amazing learning opportunities online. Remember, the best platform is the one that fits your individual needs and helps you achieve your goals.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring, start learning, and unlock your full potential!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Learnopoly.com for more reviews, resources, and tips on all things online learning! We’re here to help you every step of the way.