Learning new skills and gaining fresh knowledge is essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you want to advance your career, pursue your passion, or simply satisfy your curiosity, online courses can help you achieve your goals. Online courses offer flexibility, convenience, affordability, and quality education from reputable institutions and experts.
You have the freedom to learn at your preferred speed, regardless of your location or the device you choose
But with so many online courses and platforms available, how do you choose the best one for you? To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best courses sites in 2023 based on their popularity, diversity, credibility, and user satisfaction. These are the sites that will help you learn the most in-demand skills and topics in 2023 and beyond.
1. Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular and valuable online education sites that offers over 190,000 courses on different topics. You can find courses on business, computer science, social sciences, arts, health, fitness,
personal development, and more. Udemy courses are created by experts and instructors who share their knowledge and experience with a worldwide audience. Some Udemy courses are free, and others start as low as $15.
You can also download the Udemy app to take your learning mobile for quick lessons and study sessions when you're on the go. If you're an expert looking to create and launch a course of your own, you can become an instructor with Udemy and take advantage of their massive user base to attract students¹.
2. Coursera
Coursera is another leading online education site that partners with over 275 of the world's top universities and organizations to offer universal access to the best education. You can find over 5,400 paid and unpaid courses on Coursera related to computer science, business, social sciences, health, arts, humanities, and more. Coursera also offers certificates, specializations, professional certificates, mastertrack certificates, and online degrees from prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, Duke University, Arizona State University, and others¹.
Coursera courses are taught by renowned professors and experts who use interactive videos, quizzes, assignments, and peer feedback to enhance your learning experience. You can also use the Coursera app to learn on-the-go.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning has gained significant popularity as an educational hub among professionals seeking to acquire fresh skills in business, creativity, and technology. LinkedIn Learning offers over 16,000 courses on topics such as leadership, management, marketing, data science, web development, graphic design, photography, video editing, and more¹.
LinkedIn Learning courses are taught by industry experts who share their insights and tips to help you succeed in your career. You can also earn certificates that you can add to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and achievements. LinkedIn Learning offers a monthly subscription model that gives you unlimited access to all the courses on the platform. You can also try it for free for one month.
4. edX
edX is a nonprofit online learning platform that was founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012. edX offers over 3, 000 courses from more than 160 institutions around the world. You can find courses on subjects such as:
- engineering
- mathematics
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
- history
- philosophy
- literature
- and more
edX also offers certificates, microcredentials, microbachelors, microMasters, professional certificates, and online degrees from top universities such as Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Oxford, and others. edX courses are designed to be engaging, interactive, and rigorous. You can also join a global community of learners who share your interests and goals.
5. Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning community that provides a diverse range of classes covering various creative topics, including:
- illustration
- animation
- graphic design
- photography
- video production
- music production
- writing
- and more
Skillshare classes are project-based and hands-on so you can learn by doing and get feedback from other learners and instructors. Skillshare also features workshops and live sessions where you can interact with experts and peers in real time. Skillshare offers a monthly or annual subscription model that gives you unlimited access to all the classes on the platform. You can also try it for free for one month.
6. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free online learning platform that offers personalized learning for students of all ages. Khan Academy covers subjects such as:
- math
- science
- computing
- arts
- humanities
- economics
- finance
- test prep
- and more
Khan Academy uses videos and interactive exercises to help you learn at your own pace and master the concepts. Khan Academy also provides teachers and parents with tools and resources to track progress and support learning. Khan Academy's mission is to provide a free world-class education for anyone anywhere.
7. MasterClass
MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers exclusive classes from some of the world's most successful and famous people. You can learn from celebrities and experts such as:
- Gordon Ramsay (cooking)
- Serena Williams (tennis)
- Neil Gaiman (writing)
- Martin Scorsese (filmmaking)
- Christina Aguilera (singing)
- and more
MasterClass classes are high-quality and cinematic with engaging stories and insights. MasterClass also provides workbooks and community forums to enhance your learning experience. MasterClass offers an annual subscription model that gives you unlimited access to all the classes on the platform.
Codecademy is an online learning platform that teaches you how to code in various programming languages such as:
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- Ruby
- Java
- SQL
- and more
Codecademy uses interactive lessons and projects to help you learn by doing and build real-world skills. Codecademy also offers quizzes and challenges to test your knowledge and reinforce your learning. Codecademy offers a free plan that gives you access to basic courses and a pro plan that gives you access to advanced courses, certificates, and career paths.
9. FutureLearn
FutureLearn is an online learning platform that offers hundreds of courses from leading universities and organizations around the world. You can find courses on topics such as:
- business & management
- healthcare & medicine
- teaching & education
- law & politics
- arts & media
- science & engineering
- and more
FutureLearn courses are designed to be social and collaborative with discussions and peer feedback. FutureLearn also offers microcredentials, programs, degrees, and short courses from reputable institutions such as:
- The Open University
- King's College London
- University of Michigan
- British Council
- UNESCO
- and others
10. Udacity
Udacity is an online learning platform that focuses on technology skills such as:
- artificial intelligence
- machine learning
- data science
- web development
- cloud computing
- cybersecurity
- and more
Udacity offers nanodegree programs that are created in collaboration with industry partners such as Google, Amazon, IBM, Facebook, Nvidia, and others. Udacity nanodegree programs are project-based and hands-on with mentorship and career support. Udacity also offers free courses on various tech topics.