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If your New Year’s Resolutions include personal betterment, here are some outstanding and convenient options.
Whether you want to take up photography, cook like a world-class chef, become more productive or simply burn off those empty beer calories, there are online courses for just about everything these days. Here are the best online course platforms (both free and paid sites), along with examples of some of their best classes, offering an extensive array of online courses to help you pick up a new hobby or skill from the comfort of your home. That way, you can tackle your new year, new you journey in earnest, while making it as convenient as possible.
is a solid option if you have specific fitness goals because you can take programs tailored exactly to them. You start with a short fitness quiz and a free seven-day trial. From there, it costs $15 per month. It’s best if you’re someone who wants audio-based workouts you can take outdoors for runs.
Pricing: $15 per month or $100 per year
Supported Devices: iOS (including Apple Watch), Android
Best For: Focused fitness
Not only does Aaptiv offer a tremendous number of workouts that you can choose from (and even processes by which you can figure out the best one for you on any given day) through the app, but the brand also runs a handy blog that illuminates some of its offerings while also helping to educate users regarding the available workout options.
If you’re used to working out at a gym or attending fitness classes, is a great replacement option. The best thing is that lets you access its vast library of on-demand classes for the first 14 days. If you want to live-stream classes, you can pay as you go (memberships with credits for classes start at $15 per month). Furthermore, the service also offers deals on other self-care experiences, including massages and even haircuts — lending credence to the platform’s versatility and value.
Pricing: $39, $59, $99 or $159 a month (more plans available upon signup)
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Health and wellness
Just to prove how versatile ClassPass can be, you can actually even use it to enter some of the larger gym franchises in the world (like Crunch Fitness, which you can see here), along with access to thousands of smaller local joints. That means, even if you just want to go get a quick lift in, this service is extremely valuable.
was an early leader in offering online audits of courses from top universities. The online provider now collaborates with over 200 universities and companies to offer in nearly every subject field — , and are a few of Coursera’s more popular subjects. While the audit versions of most courses are free (including Yale’s world-renowned ), you’ll need to pay for individual courses or subscribe to or Coursera Specialization (starting at $39 per month) for credits and certifications.
Pricing: $0-$399 per year
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Acquiring professional certifications
The value and importance of computer science literacy in the world of today can’t be understated — and learning some measure of it is one of the best ways to bolster your resumé, especially when you learn about Google, the largest and most significant search engine in the world (an 86% market share).
As its name states, CreativeLive classes cater to the, well, creatives out there with classes covering a variety of topics including (but not limited to) , , , and more. Each day, CreativeLive offers , which you can stream. All the other courses are individually priced, or you could also sign up for .
Pricing: $13 per month (if billed annually), $15 per month (if billed monthly), $39 per month (Creator Pass) or pay-per-class
Supported Devices: Desktop, iOS mobile
Best For: Creative professionals and hobbyists
Across just about every modern creative endeavor — at least those with a visual element — Photoshop is an invaluable tool, but you need to know how to use it. This class will teach you enough to get you by and could end up helping with other projects and prospects in the process.
previously operated as a platform in which you could book a personal trainer for an in-person session. This service was available in just about every state, and even more prevalent in larger cities. Now, the platform is offering that start at $29 per session and can take place over Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Facebook Messenger, as well as in-person.
Pricing: $29+ per session
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: One-on-one fitness training
As this platform is more about setting you up with a trainer that fits your style and goals, there aren’t really specific classes to highlight. However, the match system is FYT’s premiere feature, as it’s the basis for the entire concept: getting you committed to your fitness journey through personal contacts with fitness professionals.
Linkedin is one of the biggest professional hubs out there. As such, its platform provides ample opportunities to further your career. Courses center around three main subjects: business, technology and creative. And, along with its wide array of courses, users can get a month’s trial completely free of charge.
Pricing: $27 per month (if paid annually), $40 (if paid monthly) or pay-per-course
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Professional growth
In business, time is money, and that means you might only have a few seconds to get your biggest, best ideas across to those that might be able to invest, approve and/or assist with them. This course will teach you how to do just that efficiently and effectively.
Look past its odd name and you’ll find that has a darn good database of . The fitness apparel brand also offers up a few other workout videos on its site and YouTube. They cover bodyweight training, meditation and kettlebell workouts. The best part: they’re all totally free — meaning there’s no excuse not to try these if you’re even moderately interested.
Pricing: Free
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Fitness on a budget
While this platform, as mentioned, offers tons of different classes, we’re still quite fond of the yoga offerings that started it all. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into the practice, this is a great resource, especially if you don’t have a normal gym.
is unique in that it has some of the top professionals in their respective fields teaching the courses. These masters run the gamut of actors, musicians, photographers, athletes and more. With three membership tiers starting at $30 a month, billed annually, you get access to all of them. Some standout courses include , , and .
Pricing: $30, $40 or $46 per month, billed annually
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile, TV
Best For: Jack-of-all-trades
One of the newest offerings available on MasterClass, everyone’s favorite television educator, Bill Nye, is offering a class on science and problem-solving — both of which the world needs more of right now. And who better to learn it from, truly?
is one of the more interactive platforms out there with the ability to create projects with fellow students and teachers. It has a host of , like with award-winning photographer and YouTuber Dale McManus. The Skillshare Premium gets you offline access to all courses, as well as access to more than 20,000 Premium courses. Furthermore, new users can get a month of free access as a trial.
Pricing: $15 or $32 per month (many free offerings, as well)
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Acquiring creative skills
Aaron Draplin, the founder of Field Notes, is an absolute legend in the realms of design and everyday carry. As it turns out, he’s also shared a modicum of his vast knowledge via this logo-focused typography and design course on SkillShare. To call this a must-attend class is perhaps not doing its significance justice.
has over 100,000 online classes ranging in a variety of topics from to to . However, the platform specializes in all things computer science. Courses typically range from $20 to $200 and you have lifetime access to them, which is something most other platforms do not offer.
Pricing: $10+ (pay per course)
Supported Devices: Desktop, mobile
Best For: Computer science
As mentioned, computer science is one of the major highlights of Udemy as a platform. And this course, taught by Dr. Angela Yu (who has numerous excellent courses on Udemy) is one of the best for anyone trying to break into web development.
