What to pick, why it matters, and how to launch in days—not months.
Start building with CustomerHub | See features.
Short answer
The best online course platforms let you build lessons, take payments, deliver content safely, and market from the same place. Prioritize an easy course builder, checkout with major gateways, drip schedules, email automations, clear analytics, and fast human support.
Quick comparison (pick your fit)
Skim this, then scroll for details. It’s a starter list to help you narrow choices fast.
CustomerHub
- Best for: Solo creators & small teams who want to create and sell online courses quickly
- Features: Hosting, checkout, drip content, email automations, analytics, member areas
- Keep in mind: Fewer website “themes” than big site builders
- See plans on the pricing page
Kajabi
- Best for: Heavy marketing and funnels
- Features: Pipelines, email, webinars
- Keep in mind: Can feel complex for simple launches
- Check the vendor site
Thinkific
- Best for: Structured courses and communities
- Features: Assessments, communities
- Keep in mind: Some marketing needs add-ons
- Check the vendor site
Teachable
- Best for: Quick setup with basic sales tools
- Features: Simple builder, coaching offers
- Keep in mind: Some features on higher tiers
- Check the vendor site
Podia
- Best for: Lightweight storefront for courses + downloads
- Features: Simple checkout, messaging
- Keep in mind: Fewer detailed analytics
- Check the vendor site
How to choose (5 simple checks)
- Course builder: Can you add video, text, files, and quizzes in minutes?
- Payments: Does checkout support major gateways and coupons, send clean receipts, and grant instant access?
- Delivery: Can you run drip schedules & cohorts and protect lessons with access rules?
- Marketing: Are email automations, upsells, and basic funnels included—without bolting on extra tools?
- Support: When launch day gets messy, can you reach real people who answer quickly?
If payments are your main worry, see course hosting with a payment gateway for a step-by-step setup.
What you’ll actually use in month one
- Lesson types: video + text + downloads, grouped by modules.
- Offers: one-time price, subscriptions, bundles.
- Checkout basics: coupons, order bumps, receipts, refunds.
- Delivery: timed release (drip) and cohorts that open lessons on a schedule.
- Starter automation flows: welcome email, abandoned checkout nudge, “new lesson unlocked”.
- Reporting: clear analytics dashboard with revenue, enrolments, and completion rates.
On CustomerHub, these are built together so you can launch without a pile of plugins.
Growth features that make a real difference
- Email automations based on student actions (enrolled, completed, inactive).
- Cohorts/drip to keep learners on pace.
- Bundles and upsells to raise average order value.
- Affiliates to reach new audiences.
- Member areas for community and ongoing value.
Security & ownership
- Access rules for products, modules, or lessons.
- Private/secure video and download controls.
- Backups & exports so your content is safe and portable.
- Role-based access for teammates.
Build once, keep control, and reuse the setup for your next course.
Short creator wins
- From draft to sales: One coach packaged eight videos and worksheets, launched with drip in two weeks, and covered platform costs in the first week.
- Higher order value: A studio paired a flagship course with a mini-class and saw a 27% lift at checkout.
- Lower drop-offs: Cohorts plus “new lesson” reminders reduced fall-off after week three.
See more on our case studies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the fastest way to launch a first course?
Pick one clear outcome, 6–10 lessons, and a simple offer. Use a platform that includes hosting, checkout, drip, and email. Record, upload, price, publish, and improve from there.
Do I need a separate website or theme?
Not to launch. Most of the best online course platforms include landing pages and checkout. If you already have a site, link to your offer; otherwise, use the built-in pages and refine later.
How do payments and access work?
A student pays at checkout. The system confirms the order, creates an account, and turns on course access right away. Refunds, receipts, and enrollments are handled automatically.
Can I sell subscriptions as well as one-time purchases?
Yes. Choose one-time or recurring pricing, bundle products if you like, and add coupons or order bumps.
What about analytics?
Aim for revenue, enrollments, and completion data at a minimum. A clear analytics dashboard helps you spot drop-offs and plan updates without spreadsheets.
What to do next
- Use the table to shortlist two platforms.
- Try the one that lets you build and sell the fastest.
- Launch a small beta, listen to feedback, and improve lesson by lesson.
Start building with CustomerHub | See features | Customer stories.
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