16 Best Online Learning Resources

Online learning tools and resources [Free & Paid]: Comparison

	Pricing	Student pays	Focus
Brighterly	Plans for 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year	From $17.3/lesson	ELA, Reading, Math (1-9 grades)
Udacity	Monthly & yearly plans	$249/month	Programming, data science, AI, etc.
Skillshare	Monthly & yearly plans	$13.99/month	Design, photography, writing, and other creative fields.
edX	Cost per course	Somewhere above $90/course	University-level courses, professional certifications, and degrees across various disciplines
Khan Academy	Free	Free	A huge variety of subjects for all ages
IXL Learning	Pricing depends on the number of subjects studied	From $9.95/month	Math, English, social studies, science, and Spanish for pre-K – grade 12
Art of Problem Solving	Academic year courses	$845/trimester	Math, science, languages for grades 1-12
Everand	Monthly & Plus plans	$11.99/month	Books, ebooks, magazines, etc.
Audible	Plus & Premium Plus plans	$7.95/month	Audiobooks for school subjects
Coursera	Free courses & paid certificate programs	$59/month	Many subjects for high-school students
Udemy	Individual, team & enterprise plans	From $12.08/month	Lots of subjects for middle and high school
Codecademy	Free Basic plan & two paid options	From $11.99/month	Coding courses for grades 6 to 12
Duolingo	Free plan + paid Super plan	From $12.99/month	Languages & math for all grades
PBS Kids	Free	Free	Math, science, reading, social studies, and arts for kids aged 2 to 8
National Geographic Kids	Free for the website & extra pay for other products	From $24/year	Natural studies and science for those aged 3 to 12
YouTube	Free & Premium	$13.99	Any subjects for kids of all ages

If you want to select valuable resources and practices for online learning, the above table will come in handy. The list contains e-services with personalized classes, videos, e-books, stories, articles, assessments, and games, so you can choose something for your kid among all the variety.

16 best online learning resources for students: Details

Best online learning resource #1: Brighterly

Brighterly math and reading platform is an online educational platform that offers math and reading classes for children in grades 1 to 9. It delivers tailored schedules in the 1:1 — one of the best learning strategies to guarantee close cooperation between tutors and students. This personalized approach complements traditional classroom learning by giving kids extra support where they need it most.

✅ Best for: students in grades 1-9

Brighterly: Key features

• Highly-skilled Brighterly math tutors and reading tutors
• Adaptive learning plans
• Free resources for home learning

Highly-skilled Brighterly reading and math tutors

Brighterly tutors brought the platform most of its brilliant reviews. Currently, the service’s Trustpilot score exceeds 4.5, and the total number of registered parents on the site has surpassed 200,000.

But why are the Brighterly math tutors or reading tutors so complemented? These are the core of their competencies:

• Gamified online learning resources for elementary students — it’s when children learn fundamental math concepts and decide to love or hate math. Brighterly tutors will help them make the right decision.
• In-depth explanations for middle-schoolers — Brighterly math tutors provide real-world examples so children can see how they can practically apply their knowledge.
• Rigorous background checks for each potential candidate completed by the Brighterly hiring team, ensuring only the most qualified and trustworthy tutors work with students during reading and math classes.

That said, the Brighterly teaching method is a comprehensive, well-structured system that aims to retain math facts in long-term memory. Check out these teachers’ reviews to see how all the processes are built here.

Adaptive learning plans

Brighterly math and reading tutoring platform builds adaptable and flexible learning plans to meet your kid’s specific needs:

• Brighterly = personalization. Unlike other of the best online learning resources, it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it will ask your kid to complete a free diagnostic test, match them with the ideal tutor, and then craft a personalized learning plan. 

This level of adjustment makes the Brighterly tutoring platform a perfect fit for any learner — including those with special learning needs or learning gaps. 

• A STEM-focused curriculum undermines the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Brighterly matches the standards by providing detailed explanations and useful tasks. It’s no longer about pure theory here.
• Common Core-aligned Brighterly math program and reading program guarantees that what your child studies here matches perfectly their school curriculum. Choose this service, and you’ll get a perfect resource for better academic performance and preparation for college exams.

Free online learning resources for home learning

Brighterly is a goldmine of free learning opportunities. So, if you’re up for some home practice, you should check it out. Here’s what’s included free of charge:

• Theoretical sections provide an in-depth look into any topic covered in grades 1 to 9. 

Reading and math tests immediately follow the theory and allow you to test how well your kid is acquainted with the material. It’s also an ideal way to examine some topics they’ve studied previously.

• Brighterly reading and math worksheets for kids are colorful and bright supplementary tasks for practicing specific math topics. All the assignments here are original and usually assembled in the game format. 

You can print the worksheets or use them on your device. If you encounter difficulties, you can always refer to the solutions in the back.

Brighterly pros & cons

Doing my research on the Brighterly best online learning resource, I’ve examined over 200 reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot — here are the pros and cons based on parental feedback. 

Brighterly pros	Brighterly cons
Personalized learning during 1:1 classes	Lesson quality depends on your internet connection speed
Flexible payment plans to fit any budget	Each lesson is 45 minutes long
Highly skilled tutors in math and reading

Brighterly cost

Brighterly provides its users with an affordable price, where prices start at $17.3 per lesson (applies to the 12-month plan with three lessons per week). Here’s a detailed pricing breakdown for different learning plans:

• Learning plan for 1 month: from $20,7 per lesson
• Learning plan for 3 months: from $20.2 per lesson
• Learning plan for 6 months: from $19.4 per lesson
• Learning plan for 12 months: from $17.3 per lesson

Best online learning resource #2: Udacity

Udacity is one of the best online learning resources for kids, offering professional courses that cover data science, programming, artificial intelligence, etc. The organization of the courses is quite flexible — you can find 2-hour courses, 4-month nanodegree programs, and more.

✅ Best for: specialized preparations for high schoolers with an inclination toward job-seekers.

Udacity: Key features

• A variety of advanced topics

This learning source primarily focuses on project-based learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, increasing their chances of success in the workplace.

• Modern course plans

The kids online learning resources featured at Udacity are developed in collaboration with leading tech companies. It guarantees that the curriculum aligns with current industry demands and standards.

• Flexible learning

Udacity offers self-paced courses so learners can progress at their own pace. It allows children to combine learning here with other after-school activities. 

Udacity cost

A Udacity subscription costs $249 per month, with options to opt for monthly or annual payment.

Udacity: Pros and cons

Udacity pros	Udacity pons
Strong content for job-seekers	Limited coverage of course topics
Learning through projects	Expensive cost
Constant mentorship

All in all, Udacity only provides pre-recorded courses for a whopping $249 per month, which is way above the standard rate for this kind of content.

Best online learning resource #3: Skillshare

Skillshare’s online education resources cover all things creative. Here, you can take classes in graphic design, illustration, photography, and more. All opportunities are provided by industry professionals and include videos and hands-on projects. 

✅ Best for: middle to high-schoolers looking for training in creative arts

Skillshare: Key features

• A massive library of courses

Skillshare offers over 35,000 classes in various categories, putting it among the best online resources for learning. Its key coverage areas include Marketing & Business, Design, Art & Illustration, and more.

• Strong community

Skillshare offers community-driven learning. Thus, its users can connect with other like-minded learners and instructors.

• Mobile-friendliness

Skillshare’s mobile app allows one to learn on the go. Some of its advanced features include offline access and the ability to cast content to other devices. 

Skillshare cost

Skillshare’s pricing depends on your region, but it usually starts from $13.99 per month.

Skillshare: Pros and cons

Skillshare pros	Skillshare cons
Massive library of courses	No diploma/certifications
Possibility to build a community and/or connections	The quality of courses depends on the creator
Affordable price

Best online learning resource #4: edX

edX is an online learning platform that is most praised on Reddit. The courses are created in collaboration with the best universities worldwide. edX provides certifications from renowned institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. 

✅ Best for: uni students and young professionals looking for expert training. 

edX: Key features

• Broad variety of course formats

You can choose from professional certificates, boot camps, credit-bearing micro-credentials, and undergraduate and graduate degrees.

• Certifications upon completion

edX offers certification upon completion of the courses, which is uncommon among most educational platforms.

• Features for a better learning experience

Choose from learning exercises, discussion forums, and online laboratories to boost your knowledge.

edX cost

You can audit most edX courses for free. But to add a certificate, you need to upgrade to the verified track, which is subject to a one-time fee of $90-$300.

edX: Pros and cons

edX pros	edX cons
Courses from top institutions with free admission	No personalized support
Verified certificates and degrees	Won’t suit beginners
Lots of subjects

Best online learning resource #5: Khan Academy

Khan Academy provides open access to free online learning resources for K-12 and college students. All courses are self-paced, so students can complete them in their own time and within their convenient environment. 

✅ Best for: any learner in any grade

Khan Academy: Key features

• Exclusive content library available for free

Khan Academy provides extensive materials in math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Plus, it caters to kids in all grades and preparation levels.

• Personalized learning

Khan Academy features a dashboard for personalized learning. With this functionality, it’s not strange that the site ranks among the best online resources for teachers and students.

• Interactive exercises and quizzes

To reinforce learning, Khan Academy offers interactive exercises and quizzes — all with instant feedback. Learning engagingly is the priority here.

Khan Academy cost

Khan Academy is free, which is rare among distance learning resources.

Khan Academy: Pros and cons

Khan Academy pros	Khan Academy cons
No charges apply	Limited advanced content
Great variety of subjects	No certificate provided
Ability to study at your own pace

Best online learning resource #6: IXL Learning

IXL provides bite-sized learning resources online. Its content is aimed at K-12 math, science, languages, and social studies students. All lessons feature videos, games, and real-time progress reports.

✅Best for: math, languages, and science in any grade.

IXL: Key features

• Adaptive learning

IXL focuses on children’s individual learning needs by building a personalized learning plan. Alternatively, IXL’s curriculum is tailored to state standards to ensure students stay on track with the school curriculum.

• Instant feedback

The platform offers diagnostic tests that assess students’ abilities in real time. 

IXL cost

IXL is one of the best online learning resources in the world due to its user-friendly pricing. 

• Single subject for $9.95 per month.
• Combo package: Math and language arts for $15.95 per month.
• Core subjects package: Math, language arts, science, and social studies for $19.95 per month.

IXL: Pros and cons

IXL pros	IXL cons
Matching Common Core standards	Repetitive tasks and drill-based approach
Immediate feedback and explanations

Best online learning resource #7: Art of Problem Solving

Art of Problem Solving is a math-focused resource for kids between 6 and 18. Younger students aged 6-13 can enroll in Beast Academy, one of those interactive math platforms with live group classes and books. Older students can join the Art of Problem Solving Academy’s math classes on algebra, geometry, and number theory. 

✅ Best for: math learning for all ages.

AoPS: Key features

• Focus on critical thinking and problem-solving

As one of the online learning resources examples, AoPS demonstrates how structured problem-solving techniques can enhance a student’s ability to think analytically.

• Preparation for math competitions

AoPS offers specialized resources for students preparing for competitions, such as the AMC and the IMO. 

AoPS cost

Prices depend on the course, but usually, you’ll have to pay per trimester of studies.

AoPS: Pros and cons

AoPS pros	AoPS cons
Detailed curriculum	Some students may find the program too difficult
Suitable for advanced students

Best online learning resource #8: Everand

Everand is a platform with ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and podcasts. A monthly membership gives you access to 13M types of content online and offline. 

✅Best for: supplemental learning resources.

Everand: Key features

• An extended library of online resources

The platform gives students access to books, audiobooks, magazines, and podcasts across many genres and types.

• Podcasts and exclusive materials are available

Children can choose podcasts and materials that are only available on Evand.

Everand cost

A monthly Everand membership costs $11.99.

Everand: Pros and cons

Everand pros	Everand cons
User-friendly interface  and easy navigation	Lack of robust parent control over a child’s activities
Affordable subscription

Best online learning resource #9: Audible

Audible offers access to tons of fiction books. However, you can also use it as an online learning resource by listening to books on school subjects, self-improvement, careers, and more.

✅ Best for: auditory learners of all ages.

Audible: Key features

• Extensive library

Audible provides a wealth of audiobooks, including bestsellers, new releases, and exclusive titles. For those asking, “What are online learning resources?” Audible is a non-trivial example of a place to get extra educational help.

• Cross-platform access

Audible can be used on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. It also has advanced features like offline listening, adjustable playback speed, and a sleep timer. 

Audible cost

• A monthly Audible subscription costs $7.95 per month.
• For $14.95, you can keep one book per month in your personal library.

Audible: Pros and cons

Audible pros	Audible cons
Opportunity to learn on the go	The content quality can vary
Accessible for people with special needs

Best online learning resource #10: Coursera

Coursera offers career-advancing certificates, virtual degrees, and personal development courses. Just think about this: some leading companies like Google, IBM, and Meta publish their courses on the platform, allowing people to learn in-demand topics from industry experts.

✅ Best for: high schoolers and anyone aiming to gain or improve their qualifications

Coursera: Key features

• Professional certificates

Many wonder, “What is the best online learning tool?”. Well, if you’re searching for a resource that offers full bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, Coursera may be right for you.

• Personalized learning paths

Before children start learning, they can undergo a complete skill assessment and comprehension check and receive course recommendations based on their results.

Coursera cost

Coursera has both free audit-only courses and paid certificate programs. If you invest in a Coursera Plus membership, you’ll have access to 90% of the courses on the platform. It costs $59 per month or $399 per year. 

Coursera: Pros and cons

Coursera pros	Coursera cons
Extended selection of advanced courses	Peer review challenges
High-quality content

Best online learning resource #11: Udemy

Udemy is a learning marketplace where creators publish courses online, and learners purchase them. The platform offers over 220,000 courses covering various topics, from web development to photography.

✅ Best for: middle and high schoolers

Udemy: Key features

• Multi-platform accessibility

Many ask, “What are examples of learning resources?”. If you’re looking for the ones that serve equally conveniently on mobile and desktop, Udemy will suit you. For mobile users, it offers handy Android and iOS applications with video lectures, quizzes, and practice tests on various devices.

• Advanced progress tracking

With activity tracking, assessment management, and adaptive learning, Udemy accelerates the possibilities for progress estimation.

Udemy cost

• You can buy courses individually or subscribe to a Udemy Personal Plan. 
• A Udemy Personal Plan subscription gives you access to 12,000+ courses, starting at $12.08 per month.

Udemy: Pros and cons

Udemy pros	Udemy cons
Lifetime access for courses you purchase	Limited interaction with instructors
Self-paced learning

Best online learning resource #12: Codecademy

It’s the only IT-focused platform on my list covering topics like C, CSS, Python, HTML, SQL, PHP, and more. At Codecademy, you can start for free but later upgrade to a paid membership for extra benefits, including a certification, unlimited mobile app access, quizzes, and hands-on practice.

✅ Best for: IT-focused learners in middle and high school

Codecademy: Key features

• Structured learning

The platform provides Career and Skill Paths — curated curricula that guide learners from foundational concepts to advanced topics. For those seeking learning resources online for free, these paths offer valuable content that can help develop essential skills at no cost.

• Portfolio building feature

Codecademy is brilliant for anyone struggling to apply their skills practically. Later, they can add these projects to their portfolios. 

Codecademy cost

• Basic: Free with limited access to top courses and community support.
• Plus: $14.99 per month for everything in Basic and unlimited access to courses.
• Pro: $17.99 per month for everything in Plus, along with additional online learning resources for building a career in tech.

Codecademy: Pros and cons

Codecademy pros	Codecademy cons
Ability to start learning for free	Advanced learners can find the courses somewhat shallow
Wide range of programming languages

Best online learning resource #13: Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the best online resources for learning languages. It includes over 30 languages and allows learning for free. The lessons are bite-sized and gamified, meaning learners complete them quickly.

✅ Best for: language learners of all grades

Duolingo: Key features

• Gamified learning

Duolingo is the very synonym of interactive learning with game-like elements, such as earning points for correct answers, racing against the clock, and leveling up.

• AI-powered features

Duolingo integrates artificial intelligence to enhance learning through features like Explain My Answer and Roleplay. These specific possibilities can provide personalized feedback and interactive practice scenarios. 

Duolingo cost

Duolingo has three options:

• Free
• Super: $12.99 per month for extra learning features and no ads 

Duolingo pros	Duolingo cons
A wide range of languages to learn	Limited speaking practice
Free access to basic features

Best online learning resource #14: PBS Kids

PBS Kids is one of the best online learning resources for toddlers. It features excellent educational videos and games based on the PBS Kids TV shows. While these work great for supplementary practice, they won’t suit independent learning.

✅ Best for: kids aged 2 to 8.

PBS Kids: Key features

• Diverse and inclusive content

PBS Kids cherishes inclusivity, striving to include programs that reflect diverse cultures, abilities, and experiences.

• Resources for parents

The platform provides tools and guidance for parents to support their children’s learning. 

PBS Kids cost

• Free
• More apps and e-books are available at an extra price

PBS Kids: Pros and cons

PBS Kids pros	PBS Kids cons
High-quality content for the youngest learners	Limited customization options
Inclusivity

Best online learning resource #15: National Geographic Kids

Like PBS, National Geographic Kids has gained a reputation among other excellent online learning resources for toddlers. Through fun quizzes, puzzles, and interesting articles, the website sparks children’s curiosity on different topics, from national parks to prehistoric animals.

✅ Best for: those under the age of 12 interested in natural studies.

National Geographic Kids: Key features

• The variety of materials

For kids interested in nature, the resource has prepared educational articles and videos. They cover everything from animals, science, and geography to history. 

• Engaging activities

But of the theoretical materials, online learning resources like this also feature interactive games and activities that reinforce educational concepts. Thus, kids can learn even more interesting facts and train their critical thinking.

National Geographic Kids cost

• Free to access the website.
• Other National Geographic Kids products, such as the magazine, cost extra.

National Geographic Kids: Pros and cons

National Geographic Kids pros	National Geographic Kids cons
Enticing visuals	Not all materials are similarly engaging
Encourages curiosity and exploration

Best online learning resource #16: YouTube

YouTube is the ultimate free online learning resource for video lovers. From school subject tutorials to tips on how to take better photos, it offers materials on practically everything — all provided for free.

✅ Best for: any learner.

YouTube: Key features

• Curated content

YouTube has one of the strongest libraries of family-friendly materials across various subjects, including arts and crafts, learning and hobbies, and shows and cartoons.

• Multimodal learning

YouTube is one of the best online learning resources for students, which combines visual and auditory elements. Features like the search function encourage children to explore topics of interest, promoting active engagement and media literacy.

YouTube cost

• Free (with ads)
• Premium for $13.99 (without ads)

YouTube: Pros and cons

YouTube pros	YouTube cons
High-quality content available for free	Ads in the free version can cause distractions
Suits visual and auditory learners

Best online learning resources for students Reddit

As I’ve examined hundreds of Reddit comments, here’s a detailed breakdown of the best online learning resources for students.

For example, Brighterly is praised for its friendly, highly trained tutors and high engagement for students. Parents love the adaptability of the lessons, which reflects the effectiveness of the overall platform. 

Next, we’ve got Udemy, where users love how detailed courses + they praise a great price-quality ratio. 

Khan Academy is a perfect choice for those looking for free resources or families on a budget.

And finally, Skillshare is loved by students who want to further boost their skills in the arts and crafts. 

What are the best free online learning resources for preschoolers?

The best free online learning resources for preschoolers are Khan Academy, YouTube, and PBS Kids. These names stand out due to their extensive functionality available without charge.

	Khan Academy	YouTube	PBS Kids
Instructional Format	Pre-recorded videos	Video-based learning	Interactive games

What are the best online learning resources for elementary students?

The best online learning resources for elementary students are Brighterly, National Geographic Kids, Art of Problem Solving, and PBS Kids. I highlighted these names as they primarily focus on the needs of the youngest audience by crafting their studying options in a fun, gamified format.

	Brighterly	National Geographic Kids	Art of Problem Solving	PBS Kids
Instructional Format	Adapted 1:1 lessons	Videos and quizzes	Online group classes	Educational games and other materials

What are the best online learning resources for middle school students?

The best online learning resources for middle school students include Brighterly, Everand, Udemy, and YouTube. They create the real-world context for theoretical knowledge, allowing students to build a solid ground for future high-school learning.

	Brighterly	Everand	Udemy	YouTube
Instructional Format	Tailored, student-oriented lessons in a 1:1 format	Pre-recorded courses	Pre-recorded courses	Educational and entertaining videos

What are the best high school online learning resources?

The best high school online learning resources are IXL, Coursera, Skillshare, edX, and Codecademy. These services will build the ground for future college admission testing and help students better prepare for their careers.

	IXL	Coursera	Skillshare	edX	Codecademy
Instructional Format	Exercises with real-time feedback	Pre-recorded courses	Video lessons	Uni-level courses	Coding exercises

 

Conclusion: What is the best online learning resource for your child?

With this complete list of online learning resources for e-learning, you now have in-depth insights into which platform will suit your needs. Let’s go over it once more:

• Udacity and edX are great when a well-structured program for university students is your target. Skillshare is an optimal choice for arts, design, etc. 
• Coursera and Udemy offer thousands of courses across various subjects, which is a wonderful option for supplementary learning. 
• Khan Academy is the best free educational platform.
• Younger kids will enjoy PBS Kids and National Geographic Kids. 
• For those interested in coding, Codecademy offers hands-on coding classes. 
• Duolingo makes learning new languages a fun and non-overwhelming experience. 
• Everand, Audible, and YouTube give students access to millions of resources for both educational and fun activities.

And if you’re looking for adapted education in math and reading + affordable price + foundational skill building, book free lesson  with Brighterly today to ensure effective learning for your child!