# Best Online Course Platforms in 2026

Source: https://listme.name/best/online-course-platforms

Online course platforms differ mainly in who teaches, whether a course leads to a credential and what it costs. This ranking weighs teaching quality and credentials first, then cost, range of subjects and whether the platform is for learners or for institutions.

## 1. Coursera (score 90.0)

The broadest catalogue here, with university and company courses, certificates and degrees. Joining is free, but certificates, degrees and the full library cost money.

- Best for: University and company courses with certificates
- Free plan, paid upgrades | Web
- Website: https://www.coursera.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/coursera

## 2. Khan Academy (score 88.5)

Free nonprofit lessons and exercises for school subjects, with progress tracking for learners and teachers. Its pages list no degrees or certificates, which is why it ranks below Coursera and edX for credentials.

- Best for: Free school-level lessons and practice
- Free | Web
- Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/khan-academy

## 3. edX (score 87.0)

University courses that many learners can take without paying, with verified certificates and degree programs. Its practice tools are thinner than those of coding platforms, and credentials cost extra.

- Best for: University courses and verified certificates
- Free plan, paid upgrades | Web
- Website: https://www.edx.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/edx

## 4. LinkedIn Learning (score 81.0)

Short business and software video courses with skill assessments and team plans. Only a free trial month is listed, so it ranks below the free starts on the platforms above.

- Best for: Workplace skills and career-focused video courses
- Subscription | Web
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/linkedin-learning

## 5. Skillshare (score 78.0)

Project-based creative classes taught by working professionals, with a community of students. It lists no free tier and is less useful for formal credentials.

- Best for: Creative classes and project-based learning
- Subscription | Web, iOS
- Website: https://www.skillshare.com/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/skillshare

## 6. Open edX (score 71.5)

Open-source platform for institutions that want to run their own courses, under AGPL-3.0 with no licensing fees. It is software for operators, so learners will not find courses here.

- Best for: Institutions running their own course platform
- Free and open source | Web, Self-hosted | open source (AGPL-3.0)
- Website: https://openedx.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/open-edx

## How to choose

- **Credentials:** Coursera and edX sell certificates and degrees from universities; the Khan Academy and Skillshare pages list none.
- **Cost:** Khan Academy is free and nonprofit; Coursera and edX are free to join; LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare are subscriptions.
- **Subjects:** Coursera and edX cover academic and business subjects, Skillshare covers creative skills, and LinkedIn Learning covers workplace skills.
- **Who runs it:** Open edX is for institutions that run their own platform; learners do not sign up there.

## Criteria

- Quality of teaching and course design
- Credentials offered
- Cost and free access
- Range of subjects
- Learner or institution use

## FAQ

**What is the best free online course platform?**
Khan Academy is free and nonprofit, with lessons and practice for school subjects. Coursera and edX are free to join, and their paid certificates and degrees are optional.

**Which course platform gives university certificates?**
Coursera and edX both sell certificates and degrees from universities and institutions. The Khan Academy and Skillshare pages show no university credentials.

**Which platform suits workplace training?**
LinkedIn Learning is built around business and software skills, with skill assessments and team plans for companies. Its free trial lasts one month, after which a subscription is needed.

**Is there an open-source course platform?**
Open edX is open source under AGPL-3.0 and is used by institutions to run their own courses. It is software for operators, not a catalogue of courses.