Best LMS Platforms in 2026
Create, sell, and deliver online courses that transform learners.
TL;DR
Teachable is the best starting point for course creators—easy to use with solid features. Thinkific offers more customization and no transaction fees on higher tiers. Kajabi is the all-in-one choice for those wanting marketing and community built in. For enterprise training, look at TalentLMS or Docebo instead.
Online courses have become a legitimate business model for experts, educators, and businesses. The right LMS (Learning Management System) handles course delivery, student management, and often payments—letting you focus on content creation. The market splits between creator-focused platforms (Teachable, Thinkific) and enterprise training systems (TalentLMS, Docebo). Choose based on whether you're selling to individuals or training employees.
What Are LMS Platforms?
LMS platforms host and deliver online learning. For course creators, they provide course builders, video hosting, student management, and payment processing. For businesses, they manage employee training, compliance, and skill development. Modern platforms include features like communities, certificates, and mobile apps.
Why LMS Platform Matters
Your platform affects student experience and your revenue. Poor video delivery frustrates learners. Clunky checkout loses sales. Missing features limit what you can create. The right platform grows with you—starting simple but supporting advanced courses, cohorts, and communities as you scale.
Key Features to Look For
Course Builder
essentialCreate and organize course content
Video Hosting
essentialReliable video delivery
Payment Processing
essentialCollect payments and subscriptions
Student Management
importantTrack progress and engagement
Quizzes & Assignments
importantTest learner understanding
Certificates
nice-to-haveRecognize course completion
Community
nice-to-haveConnect students with each other
Marketing Tools
nice-to-haveSell courses with funnels and email
How to Choose an LMS Platform
- Determine primary use—selling courses vs internal training
- Evaluate transaction fees vs monthly subscription trade-offs
- Consider marketing needs—some platforms include more
- Check customization for branding your school
- Test the student experience yourself
Pricing Overview
Creator platforms range from free (with transaction fees) to $200+/month. Enterprise platforms are typically per-user pricing.
Starter
$0-50/month
New creators testing course creation
Professional
$100-200/month
Serious creators with growing businesses
Business
$200-500/month
Course businesses with marketing needs
Top Picks
Based on features, user feedback, and value for money.
Teachable
Top PickThe best starting point for course creators
Best for: First-time course creators wanting ease of use
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Good student experience
- Solid features
- Established platform
Cons
- Transaction fees on lower plans
- Limited marketing tools
- Design somewhat rigid
- Community features basic
Thinkific
More control with no transaction fees
Best for: Creators wanting customization and keeping more revenue
Pros
- No transaction fees (higher tiers)
- More customizable
- Good app integrations
- Strong communities
Cons
- Interface less intuitive
- Starter plan limited
- Less marketing built-in
- Site builder basic
Kajabi
All-in-one course business platform
Best for: Established creators wanting marketing and courses together
Pros
- All-in-one platform
- Strong marketing tools
- No transaction fees
- Communities included
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for simple courses
- Learning curve
- Locked into ecosystem
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing platform before validating course idea
- Over-investing in platform when content matters more
- Ignoring student experience during course design
- Not considering long-term costs at scale
- Building on platforms that don't let you own student data
Expert Tips
- Validate your course idea before building—presell or gauge interest
- Start with the simplest platform that works and upgrade later
- Focus on completion rates, not just sales
- Build email list—don't depend solely on platform for reach
- Create pilot cohorts to refine content before scaling
The Bottom Line
Teachable for getting started quickly. Thinkific for more control and lower fees. Kajabi for all-in-one marketing and courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I charge for online courses?
Varies widely: $50-200 for self-paced courses, $500-2000 for cohort-based with interaction, $5000+ for transformational programs. Value and outcomes matter more than length.
Should I use YouTube instead of a course platform?
YouTube is free content for audience building. Course platforms are for premium paid content with structure and completion tracking. Many creators do both.
Do I need a community with my course?
Communities increase completion and satisfaction but require moderation effort. Essential for cohort-based courses; optional for self-paced.
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