Top 4 Online Learning Platforms Compared - 2025 Guide

Key Takeaways

• The four biggest platforms are Coursera, Udemy, edX, and Khan Academy.
• All offer free content, but pricing, certification, and course depth differ.
• Choose based on learning goal: career credential, hobby skill, academic credit, or K‑12 support.
• Mobile apps and offline download make studying on the go easy.
• Watch out for hidden subscription costs and low‑quality courses.

When people search for "What are the 4 online platforms?" they usually mean the four most widely‑used online learning platforms. In simple terms, an online learning platform is a web‑based service that hosts video lessons, quizzes, and certificates, letting anyone with an internet connection study at their own pace.

Since the pandemic, these platforms have become the go‑to places for everything from coding bootcamps to university‑level courses. Below we break down the four leaders, compare their core features, and help you decide which one fits your needs.

1. Coursera - University‑Level MOOCs

Coursera is a massive open online course (MOOC) provider that partners with over 200 universities and companies. Launched in 2012, it offers more than 7,000 courses, specializations, and full degree programs. Pricing follows a freemium model: you can audit most courses for free, but a subscription or one‑time payment is required for graded assignments and certificates.

Key stats (2025):

• Founded: 2012 (USA)
• Course count: ~7,200
• Certificates: Yes, often stackable toward a degree
• Mobile app: iOS, Android (offline download)

2. Udemy - Marketplace for Independent Instructors

Udemy is a global marketplace where anyone can publish a video course. Started in 2010, it now hosts over 200,000 courses covering tech, business, personal development, and hobby topics. The price of each course is set by the instructor, so you often find deep discounts during sales.

Key stats (2025):

• Founded: 2010 (USA)
• Course count: >200,000
• Certificates: Yes, but not accredited
• Mobile app: iOS, Android (offline video)

3. edX - Academic‑Focused Platform

edX is a nonprofit MOOC platform founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012. It emphasizes rigorous, university‑level content and offers MicroMasters, Professional Certificates, and even fully online Master’s degrees. Like Coursera, you can audit courses for free; a verified certificate costs $50‑$300 per course.

Key stats (2025):

• Founded: 2012 (USA)
• Course count: ~3,500
• Certificates: Verified, MicroMasters, full degrees
• Mobile app: iOS, Android (offline mode)

4. Khan Academy - Free K‑12 and Test‑Prep Hub

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides completely free video lessons and practice exercises for K‑12 subjects, SAT/ACT prep, and early college topics. Founded in 2008, it’s used by millions of students and teachers worldwide. No certificates, but the platform is ad‑free and completely free.

Key stats (2025):

• Founded: 2008 (USA)
• Course count: >15,000 video lessons
• Certificates: None
• Mobile app: iOS, Android (offline download)

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

How to Pick the Right Platform for Your Goal

Start by asking yourself three questions:

1. Do I need an accredited certificate or just skill knowledge?
2. How much am I willing to spend each month?
3. Am I looking for a structured curriculum or a quick‑fire tutorial?

If you answered “yes” to #1, Coursera and edX are the clear choices because they partner with universities. For a tight budget and a huge catalog, Udemy’s sales make it unbeatable. If you’re a high‑school student or prepping for a standardized test, Khan Academy provides a completely free, curriculum‑aligned set of resources.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Any Platform

• Set a weekly learning goal. Even 30 minutes a day adds up.
• Use the mobile app’s offline download to study during commutes.
• Join discussion forums; the community often fills gaps the video missed.
• Complete quizzes and assignments - they’re the best way to retain knowledge.
• If you need a certificate, double‑check the accreditation before you pay.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many learners start a course and quit after a few videos. Here’s why it happens and what you can do:

1. Overwhelming catalog. Narrow your search to a specific skill and set a start date.
2. Hidden costs. Some platforms show a “free trial” that auto‑renews. Cancel before the trial ends if you’re not ready to pay.
3. Low‑quality instructors. Look at ratings, number of reviews, and whether the instructor is affiliated with a recognized institution.
4. Skipping practice. Theory alone doesn’t stick. Pair videos with hands‑on projects.