Choosing the right platform to host a digital course is one of the most important decisions for course creators and co-producers. The platform you select affects course sales, student engagement, user experience, and overall business scalability. With many options available, each offering different features and pricing models, it can be challenging to determine the best fit.
This guide provides a complete comparison of the top digital course platforms, helping you select the best one based on your specific needs, whether you prioritize ease of use, marketing tools, student engagement, or pricing flexibility.
1. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course Hosting Platform
Before diving into platform comparisons, it’s essential to understand what features matter most when hosting a digital course.
1.1. Pricing and Fees
- Does the platform charge monthly fees, transaction fees, or a revenue share?
- Are there hidden costs, such as payment processing fees or limits on students?
1.2. Customization and Branding
- Can you create a fully branded website and sales page?
- Are there options for custom domains, colors, and layouts?
1.3. Student Experience and Engagement
- Does the platform support quizzes, certificates, and student discussions?
- Can students access courses via mobile apps?
1.4. Marketing and Sales Tools
- Does the platform include email marketing, sales funnels, and landing pages?
- Can you integrate with external tools like ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, or Zapier?
1.5. Payment Processing and Monetization
- Does the platform allow one-time payments, subscriptions, or payment plans?
- Are affiliate programs and coupon codes available?
With these criteria in mind, let’s compare the best course hosting platforms in 2025.
2. Top Course Hosting Platforms: Features and Comparison
2.1. Teachable – Best for Beginners & Solo Course Creators
Overview:
Teachable is one of the most popular platforms for solo course creators. It offers easy course creation, built-in payment processing, and student management tools.
Pros:
User-friendly interface – Simple drag-and-drop course builder.
Built-in payment processing – Handles payments and taxes for creators.
Flexible pricing models – One-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans.
Basic email marketing tools – Send announcements and automated emails.
Cons:
Limited customization – Teachable branding is present on lower-tier plans.
Marketing tools are basic – You may need third-party integrations for advanced sales funnels.
Pricing:
- Basic: $39/month (5% transaction fee)
- Pro: $119/month (No transaction fees)
- Business: $299/month
Best for: Individual course creators who want a simple, all-in-one solution.
2.2. Thinkific – Best for Customization and No Transaction Fees
Overview:
Thinkific is a strong alternative to Teachable, offering greater customization options and no transaction fees on all plans.
Pros:
No transaction fees – More revenue stays with the creator.
Better customization – Build branded landing pages without coding.
Built-in quizzes and certificates – Improves student engagement.
Powerful integrations – Works with Zapier, ActiveCampaign, and more.
Cons:
Limited email marketing tools – You’ll need an external email service.
Basic community features – No built-in student forums.
Pricing:
- Free Plan Available
- Basic: $49/month
- Pro: $99/month
- Premier: $499/month
Best for: Creators who want a highly customizable platform without transaction fees.
2.3. Kajabi – Best All-in-One Business Platform
Overview:
Kajabi is an advanced, all-in-one platform that includes course hosting, marketing automation, sales funnels, and email marketing.
Pros:
No need for third-party tools – Includes sales funnels, email marketing, and automation.
Powerful customization – Advanced website and branding options.
Subscription and membership options – Great for recurring revenue.
Built-in affiliate marketing – Grow sales through affiliate partners.
Cons:
Expensive for beginners – Pricing is higher than Teachable or Thinkific.
Learning curve – Takes time to set up advanced automations.
Pricing:
- Basic: $149/month
- Growth: $199/month
- Pro: $399/month
Best for: Experienced course creators who need advanced marketing tools and a complete business platform.
2.4. Podia – Best for Simplicity and Low-Cost Memberships
Overview:
Podia is a beginner-friendly platform that allows you to sell courses, digital downloads, and memberships with no transaction fees.
Pros:
Simple and easy to use – No tech skills needed.
Memberships & community features – Ideal for recurring income.
No transaction fees – Full revenue goes to the creator.
Built-in email marketing – Basic automation included.
Cons:
Limited customization – Not as flexible as Thinkific or Kajabi.
Basic analytics – Fewer insights into student progress and sales.
Pricing:
- Mover: $39/month
- Shaker: $89/month
Best for: Creators who want a simple, low-cost course and membership platform.
2.5. Udemy – Best for Reaching a Large Audience
Overview:
Udemy is a marketplace, not a standalone course platform, meaning courses are hosted on Udemy’s website, and they handle marketing for you.
Pros:
Massive audience – Udemy attracts millions of students.
Built-in marketing – Udemy promotes courses through sales and discounts.
Low upfront costs – Free to create a course.
Cons:
Revenue share model – Udemy takes 50% or more of each sale.
Lack of pricing control – Udemy discounts courses frequently.
Limited branding – Your course sits on Udemy, not your own website.
Pricing:
- Free to create, but Udemy takes 50% or more of course sales revenue.
Best for: Course creators who want passive sales and don’t want to handle marketing.
3. Which Platform Is Best for You?
The best platform depends on your goals, budget, and level of technical expertise.
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachable | Beginner-friendly & simple course hosting | Starts at $39/month | Built-in payments & student management |
| Thinkific | Customization & no transaction fees | Starts at $49/month | Full branding control |
| Kajabi | All-in-one marketing & automation | Starts at $149/month | Funnels, email, memberships |
| Podia | Low-cost memberships & courses | Starts at $39/month | No transaction fees |
| Udemy | Marketplace exposure & passive sales | Free to create | Udemy handles promotions |
Final Thoughts
The right course hosting platform depends on your needs and business model. If you want full control over branding and pricing, platforms like Thinkific and Kajabi are excellent choices. If you prefer an all-in-one solution, Kajabi is the best option. If you want to sell without handling marketing, Udemy is a good alternative.
By choosing the right platform, you can maximize course sales, improve student engagement, and scale your online education business successfully.