When you want to learn something new, the Internet can be your virtual campus. With a wide array of websites that offer courses, tutorials, and informative content, you may not know which one is most suitable for you.
If you’re unsure about what you want to learn or you have a specific interest in mind, this curated list of 37 websites, arranged alphabetically, will help you find a resource that resonates with your learning style and educational needs.
Here’s a closer look at each platform, offering details on what they specialize in and whom they cater to, may help you make an informed choice.
1. Academic Earth
Academic Earth provides a hub for robust educational content, offering an array of video lectures from the world’s top scholars. This website is an oasis for academic learners who desire a college-level education without the high cost of tuition.
With courses ranging from philosophy to computer science, Academic Earth presents an opportunity to explore extensive topics for free. Its user-friendly platform is excellent for those who want to indulge in the joy of learning for personal or professional growth.
2. Alison
Alison is a pioneer in free online certified learning, catering to individuals seeking to enhance their professional skill set.
It has a broad spectrum of courses in various sectors, including IT, language, science, health, humanities, business, math, marketing, and lifestyle. Alison is suitable for both personal enrichment and career development.
The platform’s flexible nature allows learners to complete courses at their own pace. While some courses are free, certificates and diplomas require a fee, making Alison an affordable option for those who wish to have evidence of their continued education.
3. Ancestry
Ancestry is your gateway to discovering your family history and genealogy. It offers extensive databases and records to get you started on your ancestral journey. Although the use of this site requires a subscription, it’s well worth it for anyone with a deep interest in piecing together their heritage and understanding their roots.
4. Big Think
Big Think brings together a community of thought leaders and experts offering insightful analysis on a broad range of topics. This site is perfect for those who like to stay informed with cutting-edge ideas and learn through bite-sized content.
Ideal for curious minds who enjoy tackling life’s big questions, Big Think makes complex subjects accessible and entertaining. Whether you’re into science, culture, or professional development, the website’s unique interviews and articles make for easy and engaging learning, all at no cost.
5. Brilliant.org
Brilliant.org is a problem-solving website that uses interactive learning to strengthen your skills in math, science, and engineering. Brilliant.org presents concepts in a hands-on way, encouraging critical thinking and application of knowledge, which makes it is suitable for students and professionals alike.
With a subscription model, Brilliant.org suits those who enjoy tackling complex questions and tests.
6. Chess.com
Chess.com allows you to play chess online, learn new strategies, and engage in puzzles. As the world’s largest chess community, it provides lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced players.
If you want to casually play or improve your chess rating seriously, Chess.com is free to use, with premium membership options offering more in-depth learning tools.
7. Code.org
Code.org is a great starting point for anyone interested in computer science. It promotes computer science education, emphasizing accessibility to all, especially underrepresented groups such as young women and minorities.
Its interactive courses and activities are perfect for beginners and K-12 students. Best of all, Code.org is completely free, making tech skills available to learners worldwide.
8. Codecademy
For those of you looking to break into the tech industry, Codecademy offers an interactive platform where you can learn coding and web development skills. From HTML and CSS to Python and Ruby, Codecademy equips you with the tools to create and innovate.
While it’s free to start learning, there’s a paid Pro option that offers additional resources, such as real-world projects and quizzes.
9. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and organizations around the world to offer courses, specializations, and degrees across a variety of subjects. It’s ideal for those looking for a more traditional academic experience with the flexibility of online learning.
Many courses can be audited for free, with paid options providing certificates and degree credit. The quality of instruction and the diversity of offerings make Coursera a top choice for those looking to learn something new in an organized and comprehensive manner.
10. CreativeLive
CreativeLive broadcasts free live classes led by industry experts on topics ranging from photography and graphic design to personal finance and entrepreneurial skills. For those with a creative streak or looking to improve their creative business acumen, CreativeLive is a rich resource.
Although live classes are free, on-demand access to their extensive library requires a purchase, making it a fit for those who prefer to learn at their own pace while tapping into expert knowledge.
11. Curious.com
Curious.com is designed for those who love learning and are always eager to explore new topics and skills.
The website offers a wide range of courses and lessons across various subjects. Whether you’re interested in photography, cooking, fitness, music, or academic subjects like math and science, Curious.com has something for everyone. The courses are designed to be fun and interactive, making learning an enjoyable experience.
One of the unique features of Curious.com is its personalized learning plan. When you sign up, the platform asks about your interests and learning goals. Based on your answers, it recommends courses and lessons tailored to your preferences. This means you get a learning experience that’s customized just for you.
12. DataCamp
DataCamp specializes in data science education, providing interactive courses in programming languages like R, Python, and SQL. It’s a great platform for those interested in data analysis, machine learning, or statistics.
With a mix of free introductory courses and a subscription-based model for more advanced training, DataCamp positions learners at the forefront of the data science industry.
13. Drawspace
Drawspace offers high-quality drawing lessons for all levels. With a variety of courses ranging from beginner to advanced, this website is excellent for anyone looking to develop their drawing skills.
While some content is available for free, the majority of the courses do come with a fee, which allows for more structured learning and feedback from instructors.
14. Duolingo
Language learners will find Duolingo to be a fun and effective tool for mastering new languages. It’s a free platform that gamifies learning, making it accessible and engaging for all age groups.
With a variety of languages to choose from, Duolingo allows for personalized learning on-the-go, perfect for busy individuals looking to devote a few minutes a day to language acquisition.
15. edX
edX is a non-profit initiative started by MIT and Harvard to provide quality education to everyone, everywhere. It houses university-level courses in a wide array of disciplines from some of the world’s top institutions.
It would be a good fit for learners who want a comprehensive educational experience akin to what they’d find on-campus.
While many courses can be audited for free, verified certificates are available for a fee.
16. freeCodeCamp
On freeCodeCamp, you’ll find fun lessons, projects, and challenges that teach you how to make websites and apps. You’ll learn about HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other cool tech stuff. The lessons are easy to follow, and you get to write code and see how it works right away.
Another cool thing about freeCodeCamp is the community. You can talk to other people who are learning, ask questions, and share what you’re making.
As the name suggests, it all free.
17. FutureLearn
Owned by the Open University, FutureLearn offers a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the globe. You can learn through videos, quizzes, and discussions with fellow learners.
Free to to course content, but there’s a fee for tests and certificates. Suitable for committed learners looking to gain formal recognition of their studies.
18. Harvard Online Learning
Harvard Online Learning provides access to Harvard’s extensive range of online course offerings, which allows you to explore subjects taught by Harvard faculty, offering both free and paid courses. It’s highly suitable for those who aim for academic excellence and are eager to learn from renowned educators.
19. Highbrow
Highbrow delivers short, daily email courses to your inbox, making learning a daily habit. The topics range from art and history to business and personal development.
Perfect for busy individuals who can spare five minutes a day toward learning something new. With a free trial available, Highbrow’s subscription model is ideal for those who appreciate structured, bite-sized learning.
20. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit that aims to provide “a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.” It offers practice exercises and instructional videos in a multitude of topics for learners of all ages.
It is entirely free, making it a perfect resource for students looking for supplemental learning and adults wanting to brush up on various subjects.
21. Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning)
Lynda.com, rebranded as LinkedIn Learning, represents one of the original online learning platforms offering video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills.
A subscription-based service now integrated with LinkedIn, it provides extensive course libraries that cater to professionals looking to enhance their expertise or pivot their career paths.
22. MasterClass
MasterClass stands out with its celebrity-led courses across various realms, from cooking with Gordon Ramsay to writing with Margaret Atwood.
The cinematic quality of the lessons and star-studded instructors create an engaging learning experience that is suitable for those who enjoy learning from industry leaders. MasterClass requires a subscription, but it offers exclusive insights into the minds of world-class talents.
23. Memrise
Memrise uses spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques to make language learning more natural and fun. It offers a mix of free and paid content and is optimal for visual learners looking to acquaint themselves with a new language through immersive methods.
24. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare presents nearly all of MIT’s course content available for free on the web. Those looking for an in-depth, high-level academic experience will appreciate the access to real course materials used in MIT classrooms.
25. Openculture.com
Openculture.com is a fantastic place for anyone who wants to learn something new. It’s perfect for you if you’re curious and love discovering different topics. This website is full of free resources that cover many subjects, from art and books to science and technology.
You can find online courses, audio books, and even language lessons, all for free there. It’s a great spot whether you’re trying to learn a new hobby, get better at your job, or just explore new things.
26. Pluralsight
For tech enthusiasts, Pluralsight provides a vast range of courses focused on technology learning—everything from software development to cybersecurity. Pluralsight’s subscription model caters to those looking to stay current with tech trends and deepen their technical expertise.
27. Skillshare
If you’re a creative soul or just endlessly curious, Skillshare is your go-to online community. With a vast selection of classes, it’s incredibly easy to dive into subjects like illustration, design, photography, and video.
Not limited to the arts, Skillshare even offers insightful lessons on freelancing and more, making it perfect for expanding both your creative and entrepreneurial skills.
With both free and premium memberships, Skillshare caters to learners who favor project-based courses and learning by doing.
28. Stanford Online
Stanford Online is a great resource for anyone looking to learn from one of the world’s leading universities, Stanford University. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to expand your knowledge or improve your skills in various subjects.
Stanford Online offers a mix of free and paid courses. You can find classes in many different areas, like business, computer science, education, and health. The courses are taught by Stanford professors and are designed to be engaging and informative.
29. TED-Ed
TED-Ed is an extension of the popular TED brand, offering educational videos on a wide variety of topics. All content is free, and the short-form animated videos make complex topics digestible for audiences of all ages. This is an especially good choice for those who enjoy learning in small but impactful doses.
30. Thinkful.com
Thinkful.com is suitable for anyone looking to build a career in the tech industry. If you’re interested in fields like web development, data science, product management, or digital marketing, Thinkful.com offers a range of courses to help you achieve your goals.
What sets Thinkful.com apart is its focus on career-oriented education. The platform provides programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for today’s tech job market. You’ll learn through a combination of online lessons, one-on-one mentorship, and practical projects.
A unique feature of Thinkful.com is the emphasis on mentorship. Each student is paired with a mentor who is an industry professional. These mentors provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate through the curriculum. This personalized support is a big plus, especially if you’re new to the tech field.
31. Treehouse
Treehouse is a subscription-based online technology school where you can learn everything from website development to app creation. It is geared towards beginner to intermediate learners, and it provides interactive coding exercises and tracks progress through a points and badges system.
32. Twitch Creative
Twitch Creative is a part of Twitch, known for live-streaming video games. It’s a hub where artists showcase their creative process live. Free to view, this platform is best for visual and creative learners looking to pick up new techniques or simply to find inspiration from other creators.
33. Udacity
Udacity focuses on technology and innovation through their cutting-edge “Nanodegree” programs. While it offers free courses, its trademarked Nanodegree programs are paid and provide job-ready skills in fields like AI, programming, data science, and more. It’s ideal for professional learners looking to stay ahead in the tech industry.
34. Udemy
Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms, with courses on a vast array of subjects from web development to personal development. Instructors are experts in their fields, and while courses are priced individually, frequent sales make them accessible to a wide audience. It’s suitable for those who want to pick and choose specific skills or hobbies to learn about.
35. Envato Tuts+
Envato Tuts+ specializes in courses and tutorials for creative minds looking to expand their skills in areas like web design, graphic design, photography, and more. If you love being creative and want to learn new techniques or tools, Envato Tuts+ is a fantastic place to start.
This platform offers thousands of free tutorials and articles that can help you with different creative projects. For example, you can learn how to use Photoshop, create a website, or improve your photography skills, you’ll find plenty of resources here.
In addition to free content, Envato Tuts+ also has a premium option with more in-depth courses and video lessons. These are taught by experts and cover a wide range of topics in greater detail.
36. YouTube
YouTube, while not a traditional learning platform, houses countless educational channels with tutorials, lectures, and demonstrations on virtually any topic imaginable. It’s free, making it an invaluable resource for self-directed learners who thrive on visual and auditory content.
37. Zooniverse
Zooniverse is a unique platform that offers the opportunity to participate in real scientific research across various disciplines. It’s free to join and contributes to projects that interest you, from astronomy to zoology. Suitable for anyone with a curiosity for science and contributing to meaningful research.
Conclusion
With this extensive list of 37 websites, you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. Explore these platforms to discover engaging, enriched, and educational experiences that can power your passion for continuous learning.
