In today’s fast-paced world, learning never really ends. Whether you want to upskill for a promotion, switch careers, or just explore a new passion, online learning platforms make it easier than ever to gain knowledge—and even earn certificates that can boost your resume.

Here are 20 top online learning platforms where you can learn new skills and earn recognized certificates:

1. Coursera

  • Best for: University-level courses
  • Features: Courses from top institutions like Stanford and Yale, professional certificates, specializations
  • Certificates: Yes (free and paid options)

2. edX

  • Best for: Academic courses from global universities
  • Features: Self-paced and instructor-led options, MicroMasters, and MicroBachelors
  • Certificates: Yes (free and paid)

3. LinkedIn Learning

  • Best for: Career and business skills
  • Features: Thousands of courses, learning paths, integration with LinkedIn profile
  • Certificates: Yes

4. Udemy

  • Best for: Affordable courses on almost any topic
  • Features: Lifetime access, wide range of topics, user ratings
  • Certificates: Yes (non-accredited)

5. Skillshare

  • Best for: Creative skills like design, writing, video editing
  • Features: Project-based learning, short videos
  • Certificates: No official certificates, but great for skill-building

6. Khan Academy

  • Best for: Free education for students of all ages
  • Features: Math, science, economics, and test prep
  • Certificates: No, but excellent for foundational learning

7. FutureLearn

  • Best for: Courses from UK universities and institutions
  • Features: Short courses, ExpertTracks, microcredentials
  • Certificates: Yes

8. Alison

  • Best for: Free courses with certificate and diploma options
  • Features: Career-focused content, certificates at no cost (with optional paid versions)
  • Certificates: Yes (free and paid)

9. Google Career Certificates (Coursera)

  • Best for: Tech and business skills
  • Features: Job-ready training programs in IT, UX, data analytics
  • Certificates: Yes, from Google

10. HubSpot Academy

  • Best for: Marketing, sales, and CRM training
  • Features: Free courses, great for digital marketers
  • Certificates: Yes

11. Harvard Online (via edX)

  • Best for: Ivy League learning experience
  • Features: Academic and professional development courses
  • Certificates: Yes (free and paid)

12. MIT OpenCourseWare

  • Best for: Technical subjects like engineering and computer science
  • Features: Free access to MIT course content
  • Certificates: No, but a great resource

13. MasterClass

  • Best for: Learning from celebrities and industry leaders
  • Features: High-quality video content in arts, sports, business
  • Certificates: No, but highly inspirational

14. Pluralsight

  • Best for: Technology and developer skills
  • Features: Skill assessments, hands-on labs
  • Certificates: Yes

15. Codecademy

  • Best for: Learning to code
  • Features: Interactive coding exercises, career paths
  • Certificates: Yes (Pro version)

16. DataCamp

  • Best for: Data science and analytics
  • Features: Hands-on practice, real datasets
  • Certificates: Yes

17. OpenLearn by The Open University

  • Best for: Free university-level education
  • Features: Wide range of topics, short courses
  • Certificates: Yes

18. International Open Academy

  • Best for: Lifestyle and vocational training
  • Features: Accredited CPD courses, low-cost options
  • Certificates: Yes

19. AWS Skill Builder

  • Best for: Cloud computing and AWS certification prep
  • Features: Training aligned with AWS certifications
  • Certificates: Yes

20. IBM SkillsBuild

  • Best for: AI, cybersecurity, and job readiness
  • Features: Learning paths, badges, job-matching support
  • Certificates: Yes

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to land a new job, switch careers, or simply grow personally, online learning is a powerful tool. With hundreds of free and paid options available, there’s truly something for everyone.

💡 Pro tip: Always check if a course offers a verified certificate, especially if you’re adding it to your LinkedIn or resume!