The projected number of users on online learning platforms is expected to reach 57 million by 2027.
Online education platforms like Skool are adapting to the changing demands of users by offering versatile and comprehensive features for both educators and learners.
It is important to consider different platforms to find the best fit for your needs.
This article assesses 11 alternative options to Skool, analyzing their features, pricing, and suitability for different educational needs.
Top 11 Skool Alternatives
1. Mighty Networks: Overall Best Alternative to Skool
For those seeking a different option from Skool, Mighty Networks provides a personalized and community-focused learning experience. Through Mighty Networks, you can establish your online learning community and connect with your students in a more meaningful way.
For many students, the traditional school environment may not be the best fit. Whether it’s due to learning preferences, scheduling conflicts, or simply wanting a more personalized educational experience, there are plenty of reasons why individuals may seek alternatives to traditional schooling. If you’re looking for a different option that prioritizes community and personalized learning
Mighty Networks Key Features
- Community Building: Mighty Networks enables the creation of a branded community for members to engage, share content, and foster relationships.
- Content Creation: Community engagement can be achieved through different types of content, such as posts, articles, polls, events, and courses.
- Monetization: Mighty Networks provides options for monetization, including memberships, subscriptions, and digital downloads, enabling you to earn income from your community.
- Custom Branding: Users have the option to personalize their Mighty Network with branding elements like colors, logos, and domain name to enhance the community experience.
- Community Management: You have the ability to oversee your community and engage with members through functions such as direct messaging, announcements, and member moderation tools.
- Integration: Mighty Networks has the capability to connect with third-party tools like Zapier for integration with other platforms and services.
Pros and Cons of Mighty Networks
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Mighty Networks:
Pros:
- The learning experience is tailored to each individual.
- The approach is driven by the community.
- The platform offers tools for creating courses.
- The system includes payment and membership features.
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
Cons:
- There are few options for customizing course content.
- Higher pricing compared to other platforms
Mighty Networks Pricing
- Courses Plan: This plan costs $119/month and includes all the features necessary for running a community and hosting and selling courses.
- Business Plan: The Plan includes all features of the Courses Plan with additional white-labeling and customization options. The monthly cost is $219.
- Path-to-Pro Plan: This plan includes everything from the Business Plan, along with extra branding, a dedicated team, and start-up services for $360/month.
- Mighty Pro: Custom pricing includes all features on branded mobile apps along with a dedicated Community Strategist.
2. GoHighLevel (Best All-in-one Platform)
GoHighLevel is a comprehensive platform that provides a range of features such as CRM, marketing automation, appointment scheduling, and more, making it a strong alternative in the market.
GoHighLevel is a powerful platform that offers a variety of features designed to streamline and optimize business operations. This makes it an attractive alternative for those looking for a comprehensive solution to manage their business needs.
GoHighLevel Key Features
Here are some of the key features of GoHighLevel that make it stand out:
- CRM: The CRM offered by GoHighLevel centralizes lead, contact, and deal management. Users can monitor interactions, schedule reminders, and streamline follow-up processes.
- Marketing Automation: GoHighLevel offers tools for creating and automating marketing campaigns, including email and SMS sequences, landing page creation, and result tracking.
- Appointment Scheduling: GoHighLevel’s appointment scheduling feature enables users the ability book appointments with leads and clients, send reminders, and synchronize with their calendars.
- Team Collaboration: GoHighLevel provides tools for team collaboration, including task assignment, note sharing, and real-time communication.
- Reporting and Analytics: GoHighLevel offers reports and analytics to help track performance and inform decisions based on data.
- Integrations: GoHighLevel seamlessly integrates with a range of tools and services, such as Zapier, Stripe, and Twilio.
GoHighLevel Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using GoHighLevel:
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of features
- Great customer support
- It is very cost-effective
- It has a wide range of third-party integrations
Cons
- It can be costly for small businesses and individuals.
- Some users may find the learning curve to be steep.
GoHighLevel Pricing
GoHighLevel offers three pricing plans:
- Starter Plan: This plan is geared towards single business owners or digital marketing agencies in the early stages. It is priced at $97 per month and allows you to familiarize yourself with GoHighLevel in relation to your business before expanding to acquire more clients.
- Agency Unlimited Plan: This plan is specifically designed for established companies or business owners looking to efficiently host multiple or unlimited clients. The cost is $297 per month.
- Saas Pro Plan: The Advanced API plan includes all features of the Agency Unlimited plan, along with additional tools for generating recurring SaaS revenue. The cost is $497 per month.
3. Thinkific
Thinkific is a great alternative to traditional schooling. It enables users to develop and market their own online courses, making it a valuable option for educators, trainers, and businesses.
Traditional schooling may not always be the best fit for everyone. Some individuals may prefer a more flexible and personalized learning experience, which is where platforms like Thinkific come in.
Thinkific is a powerful online course platform that allows users to create, market, and sell their own courses. This makes it an ideal alternative to traditional schooling for educators, trainers, and businesses looking to reach a wider audience.
Thinkific Key Features
Here are six key features of Thinkific that differentiate it from others:
- Course Creation: Course creation tools are user-friendly, even for those without technical skills.
- Course Templates: Course templates are customizable for creating professional-looking courses quickly.
- Marketing Tools: The course provides marketing tools to help with promotion and student attraction.
- Monetization Options: There are options available for both free and paid courses, as well as subscription-based content.
- Integrations: The system allows for integration with various third-party tools, such as email marketing platforms and payment gateways.
- Analytics and Reporting: The analytics and reporting features provide insights on student progress and areas for improvement.
Thinkific Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Thinkific:
Pros
- It has a free plan
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Templates are available for creating professional-looking courses in a timely manner.
- Marketing tools are available to promote your course and attract more students.
- There are options available for offering free or paid courses, as well as subscription-based content.
- Integration with third-party tools, like email marketing platforms and payment gateways, is available.
- It is affordable
Cons
- There are few design customization options available.
- There is currently no built-in course marketplace.
Thinkific Pricing
Thinkific offers a variety of pricing plans.
- Free: The package includes standard features and an unlimited number of courses.
- Basic: For a monthly fee of $49, you will receive access to key features and necessary tools required to successfully start your online learning business.
- Start: This plan includes extra features to enhance student engagement and improve the overall student experience.
- Grow: Upgrade your online business with additional tools to increase sales and expand product offerings for a monthly fee of $199.
- Expand: The plan is priced at $499 per month and includes all features from the grow plan along with additional advanced features such as unlimited spaces per community.
- Plus Plan: You have access to everything for a set price.
4. Teachable
Teachable is a suitable option for those seeking a competitor to Skool with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.
Teachable is a platform that enables users to create and sell online courses, coaching services, and memberships. Teachable is revolutionizing the way people learn and teach by providing a platform for individuals to create and sell online courses, coaching services, and memberships. This innovative platform allows users to share their knowledge and expertise with a global audience in a convenient and accessible way.Some key features that differentiate Teachable include:
Teachable Key Features
- Course Creation: Teachable’s interface offers a user-friendly course builder for creating courses. Lectures, quizzes, and multimedia content can be added easily.
- Multimedia Support: Teachable offers support for multiple multimedia formats such as videos, PDFs, and images, facilitating the creation of engaging course content.
- Customization: Teachable provides customization features for your course landing page, such as adding your branding, images, and course descriptions to attract students.
- Built-in payment processing and affiliate marketing tools: Teachable offers payment processing and affiliate marketing tools for selling and marketing online courses.
- Course completion certificates and quizzes: Teachable includes features for offering course completion certificates and quizzes within their online courses.
- Advanced reporting and analytics: Teachable provides reporting and analytics tools for monitoring and analyzing different aspects of your online courses.
Teachable Pros and Cons
Some advantages and disadvantages of using Teachable are:
Pros
- It has a free plan
- Easy to use and customize
- Robust set of features for course creation and management
- Pricing plans are available at reasonable rates.
- Customer support is very good.
- The platform is compatible with various payment gateways.
- Teachable is compatible with a range of third-party tools.
- Teachable provides analytics for monitoring student engagement, course progression, and earnings.
Cons
- There are a limited number of design options available for course pages.
- Teachable has transaction fees on some of its plans, which may impact your earnings.
- The course marketplace has a limited set of features.
Teachable Pricing
Teachable offers four pricing plans:
- Teachable free plan: The cost is $0 per month with a transaction fee of $1 plus 10%. Only one product is allowed.
- Basic plan: The monthly fee is $59, with a 5% transaction fee, and you can list up to 5 products.
- Pro plan: The monthly cost is $159 with 0 transaction fees, allowing for up to 50 products.
- Pro+ plan: The monthly fee is $249 with no transaction fees and allows for up to 2000 products.
5. Circle.so
Circle is a good alternative for those seeking a school replacement that emphasizes community building.
Circle.so is a platform that focuses on facilitating community building and engagement. It provides tools for creating online communities where members can interact, share ideas, and collaborate. Circle offers various features to help users create and manage their communities effectively.
Circle.so Key Features
- Discussion Forums: Circle.so offers a platform for discussions on different subjects, with categories and subcategories for easy browsing and accessing relevant content.
- Customizable: You have the option to personalize your community’s appearance to align with your branding or preferred aesthetic. This includes incorporating custom logos, colors, and branding.
- Membership Management: Circle.so offers different ways to manage membership access, including invitation-only, paid subscriptions, or open enrollment.
- Integrations: The platform provides integrations with various tools such as Zapier, enabling smooth connectivity with other apps and services.
- Analytics: Circle.so offers analytics tools for tracking engagement, growth, and various metrics.
- Moderation Tools: Circle provides moderation features to assist in maintaining a positive and productive environment. These features include tools for overseeing posts, comments, and member conduct.
- API Access: Circle.so offers API access for developers to customize and integrate with other systems.
Circle.so Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Circle.so:
Pros:
- Easy to use and set up
- Provides various functionalities for creating and maintaining a community.
- Pricing options are available at a reasonable cost.
- The company provides robust customer support and resources for the community.
- It can be integrated with a variety of other tools and platforms.
Cons:
- Customization options are limited for certain features.
- There have been reports of intermittent technical issues.
Circle.so Pricing
- Basic Plan: For $49/month, you will receive a community platform with all the essential features.
- Professional Plan: Access a variety of community-building features in one convenient place for a monthly fee of $99.
- Business Plan: This plan allows for community scaling through workflows and customizations at a cost of $219/month.
- Enterprise Plan: This plan offers comprehensive features and maximum limits for running your business, with dedicated services and priority support.
- Circle Plus: This plan is designed for larger communities and offers custom pricing. You can launch your own branded community app in four weeks or less.
6. Kajabi
Kajabi is a platform worth considering if you need a comprehensive solution for creating and selling online courses.
Kajabi is a popular platform that offers a comprehensive solution for creating and selling online courses. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Kajabi is worth considering as an alternative to traditional schooling or other online course platforms.
Kajabi Key Features
- Course Creation: Kajabi provides various tools for building and managing online courses, such as customizable templates, drag-and-drop editors, and multimedia content integration.
- Marketing Automation: Kajabi offers automation for marketing tasks like email campaigns, landing pages, and sales funnels.
- Membership Site Management: Kajabi offers tools for creating and managing a membership site including drip content, member management, and customizable themes.
- Payment Processing: Kajabi seamlessly integrates with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, allowing for convenient payment processing from your students.
- Analytics and Reporting: Kajabi’s analytics and reporting tools allow you to monitor course performance, track student engagement, and make decisions based on data.
- Community Building: Kajabi provides community-building tools such as forums, comments, and private messaging to encourage student engagement and collaboration.
Kajabi Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Kajabi:
Pros
- An all-inclusive platform that includes the necessary features for creating and selling online courses.
- The interface is user-friendly and offers customizable templates and drag-and-drop editors.
- Marketing automation tools can assist in streamlining your sales funnel.
- Features for managing membership sites can assist in developing a successful online community.
- Our analytics and reporting tools offer insights to monitor course performance and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
Cons
- The price of Skool is more expensive compared to other alternatives.
- Some features, like email templates, have limited customization options.
- Some of the more advanced features can be challenging to learn.
Kajabi Pricing
Kajabi offers four pricing plans:
- Kickstarter Plan: This plan allows you to establish your business foundations for $69 per month.
- Basic Plan: The cost is $149 per month and includes all the necessary tools to start operating your business.
- Growth Plan: This plan offers advanced features, such as automation, affiliate programs, custom branding, and 24/7 customer support, for $199/month to help you grow your business.
- Pro Plan: This plan offers advanced features for scaling your business and team, allowing usage on three active sites for $399/month.
7. Slack
Slack is widely utilized by businesses and organizations as a communication tool, offering numerous features that differentiate it from Skool.
While Skool is a popular platform for online education and learning management, Slack has become widely utilized by businesses and organizations as a communication tool. Slack offers numerous features that differentiate it from Skool and make it a valuable alternative for those looking to enhance team collaboration and communication.
Slack Key Features
- Channels: Slack enables the creation of channels for various topics or projects, facilitating conversation organization.
- Integrations: Slack can connect with multiple apps and services like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom.
- Search: Slack’s search function allows users to locate messages and files easily.
- Customization: Slack offers customization options such as changing themes and adding custom emojis to tailor it to your preferences.
- Mobile app: The mobile app for Slack enables users to stay connected while on the move.
- Security: Slack prioritizes security by providing two-factor authentication and data encryption features.
Slack Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using Slack:
Pros:
- Slack’s interface is user-friendly and simple to navigate, suitable for all levels of ability.
- Slack’s integrations with other apps and services enhance communication and collaboration capabilities.
- Slack offers customization choices for personalized use.
- Slack’s mobile app allows users to stay connected on the go.
- Slack emphasizes security and privacy, making it a reliable choice for confidential discussions.
Cons:
- Learning how to use Slack can be challenging for new users, despite its overall user-friendly interface.
- Slack can become distracting with the multitude of channels and conversations happening at once.
- Slack’s video conferencing feature is not as advanced as some other tools available.
- Slack has a limited file storage capacity, which may be a consideration for businesses with extensive data.
Slack Pricing
Slack has various pricing options available to accommodate different needs:
- Free: The free plan offers 10,000 searchable messages and ten app integrations as basic features.
- Pro Plan: The plan costs $8.75 per user per month and includes unlimited searchable messages and group video calls.
- Business Plus Plan: The plan is priced at $15 per user per month and includes features such as SSO and advanced identity management.
- Enterprise Grid: This plan is designed to optimize performance and productivity across all enterprise levels for a personalized cost.
8. Udemy
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that provides a vast selection of courses, with over 155,000 available and a student base of 40 million globally.
Udemy has become a popular choice for individuals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects. With courses ranging from business and technology to personal development and health, Udemy offers something for everyone.
Udemy Key Features
- Course Creation Tools: The tools provided by Udemy make it simple to create and publish courses, offering features like video uploads, quiz creation, assignment adding, and course organization.
- Course Management: The dashboard provides tools for managing courses, such as enrolling students, monitoring progress, and updating content.
- Marketing and Promotion: Udemy provides marketing tools and features for course promotion.
- Revenue Sharing: On Udemy, instructors are compensated based on a revenue-sharing model, receiving a portion of the revenue generated from their courses.
- Global Reach: Udemy has a large user base globally, providing access to a diverse and international audience.
- Analytics and Insights: Udemy offers tools for analyzing student engagement, monitoring course performance, and identifying areas for improvement.
Udemy Pros and Cons
Pros
- Udemy has a significant global user base, which can help you connect with a wide range of students and potentially increase enrollment.
- Udemy offers a platform that simplifies the process of creating and publishing courses with various tools and resources.
- Udemy provides a range of marketing tools and features.
- Udemy provides resources such as forums and workshops to support instructors and help them succeed.
Cons
- Competitive environment.
- Limited control.
Udemy Pricing
- In Udemy’s revenue share model, course creators are entitled to a portion of the revenue generated by their courses.
9. Discord
Discord is a communication platform that offers features for staying connected with others, serving as a good alternative to Skype.
In recent years, Discord has emerged as a popular communication platform that offers features for staying connected with others. While Skype has long been a go-to option for video calls and messaging, many users are now turning to Discord as a preferred alternative.
Discord Key Features
- Community Building: Discord is a versatile platform for creating and growing communities focused on common interests or hobbies.
- Voice Chat: Discord provides voice chat features for real-time communication.
- Text Chat: Text channels serve as a platform for different topics, discussions, or interests, allowing for structured conversations in a server.
- Video Chat: Discord offers features such as video calls and screen sharing that are beneficial for remote learning and online classes.
- Server Organization: Discord utilizes servers for community organization, with the ability to create multiple channels for various topics, roles, and permissions for user management.
- Customization: Profiles and servers can be customized with avatars, emojis, and themes for a personalized experience.
Discord Pros and Cons
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when determining if Discord is the right option for you.
Pros:
- Free to use with no ads
- Easy to set up and use
- The software is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices.
- There is a large and active user community available for support and resources.
- Settings can be adjusted to suit preferences.
Cons:
- It can be overwhelming with a lot of features and settings.
- There is a lack of control over privacy and data collection.
- It may not be optimized for educational purposes, as it lacks certain features tailored for academic use.
- Customer support options are limited.
Discord Pricing
Discord offers a free version without any ads, but also has a Nitro subscription service that provides extra features such as better voice and video quality, increased file upload limits, and access to custom emojis. The Nitro subscription has two options: Nitro Basic and Nitro.
The pricing varies based on location and plan.
10. Podia
Podia is a suitable alternative to Skool that provides all the necessary tools for creating and selling online courses.
Podia offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily create and customize their online courses with multimedia content such as videos, quizzes, and ebooks. The platform also offers built-in marketing
Podia Key Features
- Course creation tools: Podia provides a course builder that facilitates the creation and customization of online courses with ease.
- Membership site: Podia can be used to create a membership site that provides exclusive content and resources to subscribers.
- Email marketing: Podia provides email marketing solutions for engaging with students and subscribers.
- Payment processing: Podia offers support for various payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe, to facilitate the sale of your courses and products.
- Affiliate marketing: Podia can be used to create and manage an affiliate program for your courses and products.
- Integrations: Podia integrates with third-party tools such as Zapier, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit to improve workflow efficiency.
Podia Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Podia.
Pros:
- It has a free plan
- Podia provides all the tools necessary for creating and selling online courses, membership sites, and digital products in a single platform.
- Podia’s interface is user-friendly and suitable for users of all experience levels, including those new to creating online courses.
- The customer support is satisfactory.
- Free Migration
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Customization options are restricted.
- Podia’s design options may be somewhat limited for those looking to create a highly customized course or membership site.
Podia Pricing
- Free Plan: This plan allows you to create your website, blog, and products at no cost, with a 10% fee applied to all transactions.
- Starter Plan: For $9 a month, there is a fee of 8% on all transactions to customize your website with a custom domain.
- Mover Plan: The monthly cost of this plan is $39 and it includes course creation, digital downloads, email marketing, and live chat support. Please note that there is a 5% fee for all transactions.
- Shaker Plan: The plan is priced at $89 per month and includes Mover features, membership sites, affiliate marketing, and third-party integrations. There are no transaction fees.
11. Bettermode
For those seeking an alternative to traditional schooling with a more tailored and adaptable approach, Bettermode is a suitable option.
Bettermode combines online courses with personalized coaching and mentoring to create a customized learning experience for each student. This allows students to work at their own pace, focus on areas of interest, and receive individualized support from experienced educators.
Bettermode Key Features
- Customizable Curriculum: Bettermode provides customized learning plans based on individual preferences and objectives.
- One-on-One Tutoring: You will be paired with a personal tutor to assist you in reaching your learning goals.
- Interactive Learning: Bettermode utilizes interactive tools and multimedia resources to enhance the learning experience.
- Flexible Scheduling: Lessons can be scheduled at a convenient time for you.
- Real-World Projects: Bettermode provides practical projects for applying learned skills.
- Progress Tracking: Progress can be tracked to see the distance you have come.
Bettermode Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Personalized learning experience
- Individual tutoring
- The use of interactive learning tools is beneficial for education.
- Flexible scheduling is available.
- Real-world projects
- Progress tracking
Cons:
- The cost of online programs is higher than traditional school programs.
- Limited course offerings
Bettermode Pricing
Bettermode has different pricing plans to fit various learning requirements:
- Free Plan: This plan is suitable for hobbyists and individuals interested in exploring web app creation, and it is available at no cost.
- Lite Plan: This plan is priced at $24 per month and is ideal for small creators and freelancers looking for greater flexibility and opportunities for growth.
- Pro Plan: This plan is priced at $59 monthly and is ideal for creators and startups looking to expand their digital products.
- Business Plan: This plan is priced at $119 per month and is suitable for brands, businesses, or emerging enterprises.
Understanding Skool and Its Features & Why Consider an Alternative
Skool is a widely used learning management system that provides various features, including grade tracking, assignment submission, and communication tools for enhanced organization and connectivity between students and teachers.
Skool has its limitations and may not be the best fit for everyone.
Skool offers essential community-building tools but may not have the advanced features found in other dedicated LMS platforms, such as robust gamification options, in-depth analytics, or extensive third-party integrations.
Skool is a platform that does not have advanced marketing features such as built-in email marketing, sales funnel capabilities, and CRM.
Skool has more limited content dripping capabilities than other platforms, such as WordPress-based solutions, and offers fewer customization options.
Skool is optimal for small to medium-sized communities and course offerings, but may not be suitable for larger operations or complex educational needs.
Skool offers a single pricing plan, which may not be suitable for all users, such as small businesses or individual creators on tight budgets.
Final Thoughts
The online course creation and community-building industry is diverse, with many different options that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
While Skool provides a good foundation for course creation and management, it may not have all the features and capabilities that some creators and businesses need.
Mighty Networks is gaining popularity as a strong option for those looking to create a community around their courses. Its focus on community involvement, course development, and membership features make it a flexible platform for cultivating a loyal audience.
GoHighLevel provides a wide range of tools for online marketing, CRM, and sales automation. Although it’s not specifically designed for course creation, its features can be used effectively for creating and selling courses, particularly for those who emphasize marketing and sales automation.
Thinkific and Teachable are known for their easy-to-use interfaces and powerful course creation tools.
Thinkific is great for those who want to create a personalized learning experience, while Teachable excels in marketing and user-friendliness, making it popular among both new and seasoned course creators.
Podia is known for its comprehensive features and straightforward approach. It provides a platform for course hosting, digital downloads, and memberships all in one place, making it a convenient option for creators seeking a flexible solution.
When looking for alternatives to Skool, it’s important to assess your specific needs and priorities. Whether you value community building, marketing automation, customization, or simplicity, there are platforms available that can meet your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free platforms similar to Skool for online learning?
For those seeking no-cost alternatives to Skool for online learning, Thinkific, Teachable, and Podia provide free plans.
Which is more effective for community engagement, Skool or Mighty Networks?
The recommended platform for community building and engagement is Mighty Networks, which offers features such as discussion forums, direct messaging, and member profiles, making it a suitable choice for creating a strong and interactive community around your content.
What platforms offer better analytics and user experience than Skool?
Teachable and Thinkific are both commonly used platforms for creating courses. They provide analytics, customizable templates, and easy-to-use interfaces for both creators and students.
