Here are the best free online courses, including the best free online courses available today. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, online education has transformed from a convenient alternative to a mainstream method of acquiring new skills and knowledge. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, with millions of learners worldwide turning to digital platforms to continue their educational journey. As we move forward in 2025, the landscape of online learning continues to expand, offering unprecedented access to quality education regardless of geographical location or time constraints.
With this growth comes the challenge of selecting the right platform from the numerous options available. Each platform offers unique features, course structures, and learning experiences that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills, pursue a personal interest, or even earn a degree, understanding the strengths and limitations of each platform is crucial to making an informed decision.
When searching for the best free online courses, it’s vital to consider various factors such as course content, duration, and the platform’s reputation. The best free online courses are tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that everyone can find something that suits their learning preferences.
This guide explores seven prominent online learning platforms, focusing on the best free online courses offered by each. We’ll delve into their histories, course offerings, key features, and user experiences to help you navigate the digital learning landscape effectively.
Platform Overviews
The best free online courses can be found on platforms like Alison, edX, and Coursera, which provide access to high-quality education without the financial burden.
Best Free Online Courses
Comparison Table
| Feature | Alison | edX | LearnWorlds | Coursera | Udemy | LinkedIn Learning | Skillshare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free with paid certificates | Free courses with paid certificates; Paid courses and degrees | Varies by course creator | Free audit; Paid certificates; Subscription option | Specific skills with a one-time purchase | Subscription-based | Subscription-based |
| Course Count | 4,000+ | 3,500+ | Varies | 7,000+ | 185,000+ | 16,000+ | 30,000+ |
| Certification | Digital certificates and diplomas | Verified certificates; Professional certificates; Degrees | Custom certificates by creators | Verified certificates; Professional certificates; Degrees | Course completion certificates | Completion certificates | No formal certification |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Creator-dependent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Access | Limited | Selected content | Creator-dependent | Yes (Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Premium) |
| Instructor Interaction | Limited | Moderate | Usually high | Moderate | Varies by instructor | Limited | Moderate |
| User Rating | 3.8-4.2/5 | 4.0-4.5/5 | 4.0-4.3/5 | 4.2-4.7/5 | 3.5-4.5/5 | 4.0-4.5/5 | 3.8-4.2/5 |
| Best For | Practical skills on a budget | Academic learning from prestigious institutions | Specialized niche knowledge | Career-relevant skills with structured learning | Specific skills with one-time purchase | Professional skills with LinkedIn integration | Creative skills |
For those looking for specialized knowledge, the best free online courses in creative fields are offered on platforms like Alison, LearnWorlds, edX, which focus on practical skills and project-based learning.
Alison
History and Background: Founded in 2007 by Mike Feerick in Galway, Ireland, Alison (Advance Learning Interactive Systems Online) pioneered the concept of free online learning. It was one of the first platforms to offer free certified learning, making education accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Alison operates on a freemium model, where courses are free, but certificates and diplomas require payment.
Types of Courses: Alison offers over 4,000 courses across various categories, including:
- Business and management
- IT and digital skills
- Health and wellness
- Languages
- Science and mathematics
- Marketing and sales
- Personal development
Most courses are designed as short modules that can be completed within 2-3 hours, though more comprehensive diploma courses may take 8-10 hours. The platform particularly excels in practical, skills-based learning that can be applied in workplace settings.
Target Audience: Alison primarily caters to working adults looking to upskill or reskill, job seekers aiming to enhance their employability, and individuals in developing countries seeking free access to education. The platform is particularly popular among self-directed learners who prefer flexible, self-paced learning without significant financial investment.
edX
History and Background: Launched in 2012 by Harvard University and MIT, edX began as a non-profit initiative to provide university-level education to a global audience. In 2021, edX was acquired by 2U, a for-profit educational technology company, though it maintains its commitment to increasing access to high-quality education. Today, edX partners with over 160 prestigious institutions worldwide, including universities, corporations, and non-profit organizations.
Types of Courses: edX offers a diverse range of learning options:
- Individual courses (both free and paid)
- MicroBachelors programs
- MicroMasters programs
- Professional certificates
- Executive education
- Full degree programs (bachelor’s and master’s)
Subject areas span computer science, business, engineering, humanities, data science, language, and more. Course duration varies significantly, from short 4-week courses to comprehensive multi-year degree programs.
Target Audience: edX targets a broad spectrum of learners, from college students seeking accredited courses to professionals pursuing career advancement. The platform attracts those who value university-branded education and academic rigor. It’s particularly popular among learners who aspire to credentials from prestigious institutions without the high costs of traditional enrollment.
LearnWorlds
History and Background: Founded in 2014 by Panos Siozos, George Palaigeorgiou, and Fanis Despotakis, LearnWorlds differs from the other platforms as it’s primarily a course creation and selling platform. It enables educators, businesses, and organizations to create, market, and sell their online courses, making it both a learning platform and an e-commerce solution for knowledge entrepreneurs.
Types of Courses: The course variety on LearnWorlds depends entirely on the creators using the platform. You’ll find courses on:
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Digital marketing
- Creative arts
- Professional skills
- Personal development
- Specialized industry training
Course formats typically include video lessons, interactive activities, assessments, and community elements, with the quality and structure varying by creator.
Target Audience: LearnWorlds serves two distinct audiences:
- Course creators: Entrepreneurs, educators, trainers, and organizations looking to monetize their knowledge
- Learners: Individuals seeking specialized skills are often taught by industry practitioners rather than academic institutions
The platform particularly appeals to those interested in courses created by expert practitioners and thought leaders in specific niches.
Coursera
History and Background: Founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera has grown into one of the largest online learning platforms. It partners with universities, companies, and organizations worldwide to offer courses, specializations, and degree programs.
Types of Courses: Coursera’s catalog includes:
- Individual courses
- Specializations (series of related courses)
- Professional certificates
- MasterTrack certificates
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs
- Guided projects for hands-on learning
The platform is particularly strong in data science, business, computer science, and health-related disciplines.
Target Audience: Coursera appeals to degree-seeking students, working professionals looking to advance their careers, and lifelong learners interested in structured, university-affiliated education. Its partnership with companies for workforce development also makes it attractive to businesses seeking employee training solutions.
Udemy
History and Background: Established in 2010 by Eren Bali, Gagan Biyani, and Oktay Caglar, Udemy operates as a marketplace for online learning. Unlike platforms with curated institutional content, Udemy allows anyone to create and sell courses, resulting in one of the largest and most diverse course libraries available.
Types of Courses: With over 185,000 courses, Udemy covers virtually every subject imaginable, from technical skills like programming and design to personal interests like music and photography. Courses vary greatly in length, depth, and quality due to the open instructor model.
Target Audience: Udemy caters to practical skill-seekers, hobbyists, and professionals looking for specific training that may not be available through traditional educational channels. Its frequent sales and lifetime access model make it popular among budget-conscious learners who prefer one-time payments over subscriptions.
LinkedIn Learning
History and Background: Originally founded as Lynda.com in 1995 by Lynda Weinman, this platform was acquired by LinkedIn in 2015 and rebranded as LinkedIn Learning. Its integration with the professional networking site allows for seamless skill development tied to career progression.
Types of Courses: LinkedIn Learning specializes in business, technology, and creative skills with over 16,000 courses taught by industry experts. Content is regularly updated to reflect current industry standards and emerging trends.
Target Audience: The platform is designed for professionals seeking career-relevant skills, job seekers looking to enhance their employability, and businesses interested in employee development. Its direct integration with LinkedIn profiles makes it particularly valuable for those actively managing their professional brand.
Skillshare
History and Background: Founded in 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, Skillshare focuses on creative skills and project-based learning. It operates on a subscription model, providing access to all courses for a monthly or annual fee.
Types of Courses: Skillshare specializes in creative disciplines, including:
- Graphic design and illustration
- Photography and film
- Writing
- Animation
- Web development
- Marketing
- Productivity
Courses typically feature a series of short video lessons followed by a project that allows learners to apply what they’ve learned.
Target Audience: Skillshare primarily attracts creative professionals, aspiring creators, and hobbyists looking to explore new artistic skills or refine existing ones. Its project-based approach appeals to those who learn best by doing rather than purely through theoretical instruction.
Features and Benefits
Alison
Course Variety and Quality:
- Wide range of practical, skills-focused courses
- Quality varies but generally provides solid foundational knowledge
- Regularly updated with new offerings
- Short, focused modules for quick skill acquisition
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, straightforward interface
- Easy navigation and course discovery
- Some users find advertisements distracting in the free version
- Suitable for learners with varying levels of digital literacy
Accessibility:
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android
- Limited offline access (primarily in paid version)
- Courses accessible on most devices with an internet connection
- Support for multiple languages, enhancing global accessibility
Certification and Accreditation:
- Free courses with paid certificates
- Options include Certificates (for individual courses) and Diplomas (for course series)
- Certificates widely recognized in certain regions, particularly in emerging markets
- Not typically accredited by traditional educational bodies
Community and Support:
- Basic discussion forums
- Limited direct instructor interaction
- Email support for technical issues
- Active social media communities
edX
Course Variety and Quality:
- High-quality, university-level courses
- Rigorous academic content from prestigious institutions
- Structured like traditional university courses with readings, lectures, and assessments
- Regularly updated with current research and knowledge
User Interface and Experience:
- Professional, academic-oriented interface
- Well-organized course materials
- Consistent experience across courses
- Clear progress tracking and achievement markers
Accessibility:
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Selected content available for offline viewing
- Transcript and subtitle options for videos
- Commitment to accessibility standards for learners with disabilities
Certification and Accreditation:
- Verified certificates (paid)
- Credit-eligible courses accepted by some universities
- Professional certificates recognized by industry
- Accredited degree programs with full academic recognition
Community and Support:
- Course-specific discussion forums
- Teaching assistants in many courses
- Technical support team
- Global learner community
LearnWorlds
Course Variety and Quality:
- Diverse creator-led courses with varying approaches
- Quality depends entirely on individual course creators
- Often includes specialized niche topics not found on larger platforms
- Emphasis on interactive learning experiences
User Interface and Experience:
- Highly customizable interface (varies by course creator)
- Interactive video technology with embedded questions and notes
- Social learning features
- White-labeled experience that can look different across schools
Accessibility:
- Mobile-responsive design
- SCORM compliance for organizations
- Options for offline course completion in some cases
- Customizable subtitles and transcripts (creator-dependent)
Certification and Accreditation:
- Custom certificates designed by course creators
- Digital badges for achievement
- Accreditation depends on the course creator’s credentials
- Some professional continuing education credits available
Community and Support:
- Built-in community features
- Direct access to instructors in many cases
- Dedicated support from course creators
- Course-specific groups and forums
Coursera
Course Variety and Quality:
- University and industry-created courses with consistent quality
- Structured, comprehensive learning paths
- Regular updates based on academic and industry developments
- Peer-reviewed assignments in many courses
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Consistent course structure
- Interactive elements including quizzes and peer assessments
- Progress tracking and deadline management tools
Accessibility:
- Mobile app with offline viewing capabilities
- Subtitles and transcripts for most content
- Multiple language support
- Financial aid options for paid courses
Certification and Accreditation:
- Shareable certificates for completed courses
- Industry-recognized professional certificates
- Credit-eligible courses for some academic programs
- Full degree programs from accredited universities
Community and Support:
- Active discussion forums
- Peer review system
- Mentor support in some programs
- Technical support via email and help center
Udemy
Course Variety and Quality:
- Massive selection across virtually all topics
- Quality varies significantly between instructors
- Frequent updates in fast-changing fields
- Preview options to assess quality before purchase
User Interface and Experience:
- Straightforward course navigation
- Searchable video transcripts
- Variable teaching styles between courses
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
Accessibility:
- Mobile app with offline viewing
- Adjustable video playback speed
- Subtitles available for many courses
- Regular platform-wide sales
Certification and Accreditation:
- Course completion certificates
- Generally not accredited by educational institutions
- Some courses are aligned with industry certifications
- Recognition varies by employer
Community and Support:
- Q&A sections within courses
- Direct messaging with instructors
- 30-day refund policy
- Technical support for platform issues
LinkedIn Learning
Course Variety and Quality:
- Professional focus on business, creative, and technology skills
- Consistently high production quality
- Taught by industry practitioners
- Regular updates to reflect changing industry standards
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Personalized recommendations based on LinkedIn profile
- Learning paths for career development
- Integration with LinkedIn skills endorsements
Accessibility:
- Mobile app with offline viewing
- Exercise files for hands-on practice
- Adjustable playback speed
- Multiple language support
Certification and Accreditation:
- Course completion certificates that integrate with LinkedIn profiles
- Some courses aligned with professional certification preparation
- Recognized by employers who value LinkedIn’s professional focus
- Not typically eligible for academic credit
Community and Support:
- Integration with LinkedIn professional network
- Q&A sections in courses
- Technical support via help center
- Content suggestions based on career interests
Skillshare
Course Variety and Quality:
- Focus on creative and practical skills
- Project-based learning approach
- Quality varies, but generally well-suited for beginners
- Taught by practitioners rather than academics
User Interface and Experience:
- Simple, visually-oriented interface
- Class projects showcase for inspiration
- Community feedback on projects
- Curated collections of related courses
Accessibility:
- Mobile app with offline capabilities
- Adjustable playback speed
- Some courses available in multiple languages
- Scholarship programs for qualifying individuals
Certification and Accreditation:
- No formal certificates offered
- Focus on portfolio development rather than credentials
- Project showcase for demonstrating skills
- Value based on skill acquisition rather than certification
Community and Support:
- Project sharing and feedback
- Community discussions
- Direct interaction with instructors
- Technical support via help center
Reviews and User Experiences
Alison
Positive Aspects:
- Free access to quality education is consistently praised
- Practical, job-focused courses that directly enhance employability
- The short course format fits well with busy schedules
- Certificate options provide tangible recognition of achievement
Common Criticisms:
- Advertisement presence in the free version can be distracting
- Some users report that certain courses feel outdated
- Limited instructor interaction compared to other platforms
- Certificate recognition varies by industry and region
Overall User Satisfaction: Alison typically receives ratings of 3.8-4.2 out of 5 stars across review platforms. Users particularly value the platform’s accessibility and affordability, with many reporting tangible career benefits from completed courses. Satisfaction is highest among self-motivated learners who appreciate brief, focused learning modules.
edX
Positive Aspects:
- University-quality content without the price tag of traditional education
- Comprehensive course materials that provide deep understanding
- Prestige associated with certificates from renowned institutions
- Structured approach familiar to those with traditional educational backgrounds
Common Criticisms:
- More demanding time commitment than some other platforms
- Advanced courses can be challenging without prerequisite knowledge
- Some users find the academic approach less practical for immediate workplace application
- Prices for verified certificates and degree programs have increased over time
Overall User Satisfaction: edX generally receives ratings between 4.0-4.5 out of 5 stars. Learners particularly appreciate the academic rigor and prestigious institutional affiliations. Satisfaction is highest among those seeking university-quality education who are willing to commit significant time to their studies.
LearnWorlds
Positive Aspects:
- Highly interactive learning experiences
- Direct access to expert instructors in specialized fields
- Unique, niche courses not available on mainstream platforms
- Community-focused learning environment
Common Criticisms:
- Inconsistent experience across different course creators
- Pricing can vary significantly between courses
- Some users report technical issues with certain interactive features
- Limited course options in some subject areas compared to larger platforms
Overall User Satisfaction: LearnWorlds typically receives ratings of 4.0-4.3 out of 5 stars, with particularly high marks for user experience and interactive features. Learners value the direct connection with instructors and the specialized nature of many courses. Satisfaction varies more widely than other platforms due to the diverse range of course creators.
Coursera
Positive Aspects:
- High-quality content from recognized universities and companies
- Structured learning paths that build comprehensive skill sets
- Financial aid options make premium content more accessible
- Strong reputation with employers for professional development
Common Criticisms:
- Subscription model can be costly for long-term use
- Deadline-driven courses can be challenging for busy professionals
- Peer-reviewed assignments sometimes receive inconsistent feedback
- Some users find the academic focus too theoretical
Overall User Satisfaction: Coursera generally receives ratings of 4.2-4.7 out of 5 stars. Users particularly value the credentials from recognized institutions and the structured approach to learning complex subjects. Satisfaction is highest among career-focused learners who benefit from the platform’s reputation with employers.
Udemy
Positive Aspects:
- Vast selection covering almost any imaginable topic
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- Frequent sales making courses are very affordable
- Practical, skill-focused content with real-world applications
Common Criticisms:
- Inconsistent quality between instructors
- Limited vetting of course content accuracy
- Some courses quickly become outdated
- Certificate recognition varies widely by employer
Overall User Satisfaction: Udemy ratings typically range from 3.5-4.5 out of 5 stars, with significant variation between courses. Users appreciate the platform’s breadth and affordability, with the highest satisfaction among those who research instructors and reviews before purchasing. The lifetime access model receives particular praise from learners who prefer to learn at their own pace.
LinkedIn Learning
Positive Aspects:
- Professional focus with direct career applications
- Consistent production quality across courses
- Integration with LinkedIn profile for showcasing skills
- Curated learning paths for specific career objectives
Common Criticisms:
- Subscription cost can be high for casual learners
- Some content becomes outdated in rapidly changing fields
- Less depth than university-affiliated platforms
- Limited community interaction compared to other platforms
Overall User Satisfaction: LinkedIn Learning typically receives ratings of 4.0-4.5 out of 5 stars. Users particularly value the platform’s professional focus and the ability to showcase completed courses on their LinkedIn profiles. Satisfaction is highest among career-focused professionals who actively build their skills portfolio.
Skillshare
Positive Aspects:
- Project-based approach encourages practical application
- Community feedback enhances the learning experience
- Subscription model provides access to all courses
- Strong offerings in creative and design fields
Common Criticisms:
- No formal certification options
- Quality and depth vary between instructors
- Some courses lack a structured curriculum
- Limited offerings in technical and academic subjects
Overall User Satisfaction: Skillshare typically receives ratings of 3.8-4.2 out of 5 stars. Users particularly appreciate the project-based learning model and community aspects. Satisfaction is highest among creative professionals and hobbyists who value practical skill development over formal credentials.
Conclusion
The best free online courses landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for personal and professional development. Each platform has distinct strengths that cater to different learning styles, goals, and preferences:
Budget-conscious learners seeking practical skills without financial investment, Alison provides an excellent starting point with its free courses and optional paid certificates.
Those valuing academic rigor and prestigious credentials, edX and Coursera offer university-affiliated education that bridges the gap between traditional and online learning.
Specialized knowledge directly from practitioners, LearnWorlds and Udemy provide access to expert-created content in niche areas that traditional education might not cover.
Creative professionals, Skillshare offers project-based learning that emphasizes practical application over theory.
For technology and business professionals, LinkedIn Learning provides up-to-date, industry-relevant training with clear career applications and professional networking benefits.
The ideal platform ultimately depends on your specific goals, learning style, budget, and time constraints. Many learners find value in utilizing multiple platforms – perhaps using Alison for free foundational courses, edX for deep academic understanding, and Skillshare for creative applications of that knowledge.
As online education continues to evolve, these free online courses will likely expand their offerings and features to meet changing learner needs. The democratization of education through these platforms represents one of the most significant shifts in how knowledge is acquired and shared in the digital age.
Call to Action
Have you tried any of these online learning platforms? Here are 7 best free online courses. We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your insights, success stories, or challenges in the comments below.
If you’re just beginning your online learning journey, consider exploring the free options on several platforms before committing to a paid course or subscription. Many platforms offer trial periods or free courses that can help you determine which learning environment best suits your needs.
For educators and knowledge entrepreneurs, platforms like LearnWorlds offer exciting opportunities to share your expertise with a global audience. Consider how your knowledge might benefit others through these digital channels.
Education is increasingly becoming a lifelong pursuit rather than a time-limited phase of life. These platforms make continuous learning accessible, affordable, and adaptable to your evolving goals and interests. Take the first step today by exploring one of these platforms and investing in your future self.
What learning goals are you pursuing this year? Let us know in the comments!