11 Apps ComparedNovember 2025

Best Online Courses Apps for iOS - 2025 Edition

These apps lead the market with high ratings and diverse content, enabling users to advance careers and explore new skills effortlessly. They offer flexible, mobile-first learning experiences tailored for modern lifestyles.

Best Online Courses Apps for iOS - 2025 Edition

Our Top Pick

The best online courses app for iOS

#1
MasterClass: Online Classes icon

MasterClass: Online Classes

MasterClass

4.9
122,673 ratings

Why It's #1

  • Instructor-led courses by famous figures
  • High-definition video production
  • Cross-disciplinary learning paths

Screenshots

MasterClass: Online Classes screenshot 1MasterClass: Online Classes screenshot 2MasterClass: Online Classes screenshot 3

About MasterClass: Online Classes

LEARN FROM THE BEST. BE YOUR BEST. Build crucial skills so you can thrive at work, at home, and beyond. Whether you want to negotiate a raise, write a book, dial in your health, or perfect your baking techniques, our instructors—world-renowned experts, industry leaders, and cultural icons—are here for you. Check out our online courses, and get ready to learn new skills and thrive. A VAST RANGE OF PREMIUM COURSES Choose from classes on professional development, business, wellness, creative skills, food, writing, home & lifestyle, sports & gaming, music, photography, and more—all featuring MasterClass’s cinematic storytelling. 200+ EXPERT INSTRUCTORS. THOUSANDS OF LESSONS. Each class is broken up into bite-size lessons. Quit doomscrolling and binge a whole class—or learn new skills in just 5 to 10 minutes. EDUCATION THAT’S ACCESSIBLE ANYWHERE Watch on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. For on-the-go learning, switch to audio mode or download select classes to build skills offline. BOOST YOUR CAREER WITH BUSINESS LEADERS Access business training courses taught by top leaders, including Martha Stewart, Mark Cuban, Bob Iger, Rich Paul, Sir Richard Branson, and Anna Wintour. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS Tap into expert-led educational videos on healing and boosting your gut, brain, and skin, plus courses on everything from menopause to meditation. COOK TO IMPRESS WITH WORLD-CLASS CHEFS Enjoy immersive cooking classes with culinary titans like Gordon Ramsay, Roy Choi, Dominique Crenn, Massimo Bottura, Wolfgang Puck, and Thomas Keller. FINISH YOUR BOOK WITH BESTSELLING WRITERS Break through blocks and get your work out in the world with writing courses from Malcolm Gladwell, Margaret Atwood, James Patterson, Amanda Gorman, David Sedaris, R.L. Stine, and more. LEARN TO BE LEGENDARY FROM ICONIC ARTISTS Hone your creative skills with the likes of Amy Poehler, John Legend, Mindy Kaling, Issa Rae, RuPaul, Steve Martin, Shonda Rhimes, and Helen Mirren. Music lessons and photography courses are also available. LEVEL UP YOUR GAME WITH ALL-STAR ATHLETES Find out how champions like Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams, Steph Curry, Wayne Gretzky, Tony Hawk, and Simone Biles (plus legendary coaches like Geno Auriemma and Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski) train and win. NEW CONTENT ADDED REGULARLY Extend your online learning journey with new classes, playlists, and even offers to meet with our instructors. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TERMS The annual membership is an auto-renewing subscription plan. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and applicable notices below. Your Apple account will be charged the noted amount for the first year and will be charged annually thereafter at the then-current rate unless you cancel before the end of the current period. No refunds for partially unused periods. To cancel or update payment information, go to your App Store Subscriptions. See our Privacy Policy at https://www.masterclass.com/privacy See our Terms of Service at https://www.masterclass.com/terms CA Privacy Notice: https://www.masterclass.com/privacy/states#california For CA residents: Do Not Sell My Info: https://www.masterclass.com/privacy/states#do-not-sell

Overview

These apps lead the market with high ratings and diverse content, enabling users to advance careers and explore new skills effortlessly. They offer flexible, mobile-first learning experiences tailored for modern lifestyles.

Students, professionals, and hobbyists benefit from accessible education that fits busy schedules and specific goals, making lifelong learning more achievable.

We assessed content quality, user interface, pricing transparency, unique features, and overall value based on real user feedback and app performance.

Why MasterClass: Online Classes is Our #1 Pick

Key Reasons:

Highest user rating among competitors

Exclusive access to world-renowned experts

Superior video production and engaging content

Standout Features:

Celebrity-led instructional videos

Cinematic-quality lesson production

Broad range of topics from arts to business

"Users consistently praise the inspirational and life-changing content, though some report issues with cross-device synchronization."

- What users love most

Our Recommendations

Best Overall

MasterClass: Online Classes

Combines high production quality, expert instructors, and broad topic coverage for an immersive learning experience.

💚 Best Free

Alison: Online Education App

Offers completely free courses with accredited certificates, making quality education accessible to everyone.

💎 Best Premium

MasterClass: Online Classes

The subscription cost is justified by exclusive content, top-tier production, and inspirational value.

Easiest to Use

Coursera: Grow your career

Features a intuitive interface with clear navigation and structured courses, ideal for beginners.

Most Innovative

Udemy Online Video Courses

Pioneers AI-powered skill development and a massive, user-generated course library for personalized learning.

The 11 Best online courses Apps

MasterClass: Online Classes icon
1

MasterClass: Online Classes

by MasterClass4.9/5(122,673 reviews)Free
Best for:Aspiring professionals and creatives seeking motivation and expert insights

Pros:

  • Learn from celebrities and industry leaders
  • Production-value video content
  • Diverse and inspiring course topics

Cons:

  • Poor synchronization across devices
  • Subscription required for full access
Key Features:Instructor-led courses by famous figures, High-definition video production, Cross-disciplinary learning paths

Delivers exclusive, high-quality lessons from top-tier experts in an immersive format.

User Sentiment: Highly rated for inspirational content but criticized for device syncing problems
Domestika - Online courses icon
2

Domestika - Online courses

by Domestika, Inc.4.9/5(11,260 reviews)Free
Best for:Artists, designers, and hobbyists looking to enhance creative abilities

Pros:

  • Expert-led courses in design and arts
  • Active creative community
  • Project-based learning approach

Cons:

  • Limited to creative fields
  • Some courses require payment
Key Features:Community-driven feedback and sharing, Professional-grade course videos, Wide array of creative disciplines

Focuses on creative skills with professionally produced courses and a strong community element.

Coursera: Grow your career icon
3

Coursera: Grow your career

by Coursera4.8/5(160,414 reviews)Free
Best for:Career-changers and students seeking formal education and credentials

Pros:

  • Accredited certificates and degrees
  • Wide range of academic and professional courses
  • Hands-on projects and assessments

Cons:

  • Some courses require payment for certificates
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners
Key Features:University and industry partnerships, Degree and certificate programs, Structured learning paths with deadlines

Partners with top universities and companies to offer accredited courses and degrees for career advancement.

Skillshare: Creativity Classes icon
4

Skillshare: Creativity Classes

by Skillshare, Inc.4.8/5(24,908 reviews)Free
Best for:Creative professionals and enthusiasts exploring new hobbies and skills

Pros:

  • Extensive library of creative courses
  • Project-oriented learning
  • Community interaction and feedback

Cons:

  • Subscription needed for unlimited access
  • Variable instructor quality
Key Features:Project-based curriculum, Peer community for collaboration, Diverse topics from illustration to marketing

Empowers creativity through thousands of project-based classes in design, business, and more.

Alison: Online Education App icon
5

Alison: Online Education App

by Alison (Capernaum Limited)4.8/5(8,981 reviews)Free
Best for:Budget-conscious learners seeking free accredited education

Pros:

  • Free courses and certificates
  • Wide subject variety
  • Self-paced learning flexibility

Cons:

  • Less interactive than paid apps
  • Ad-supported in free version
Key Features:CPD-accredited diplomas, Completely free model, Global learner community

Provides completely free courses with globally recognized certificates across various subjects.

LinkedIn Learning icon
6

LinkedIn Learning

by LinkedIn Corporation4.8/5(77,881 reviews)Free
Best for:Professionals aiming to advance careers with industry-relevant skills

Pros:

  • Career-focused course recommendations
  • Integration with LinkedIn profiles
  • Expert-led business and tech courses

Cons:

  • Subscription required for full access
  • Limited free content
Key Features:Personalized learning based on LinkedIn data, Skill assessments and recommendations, Seamless profile integration

Leverages LinkedIn's network to offer skill development based on real-time career insights.

Cursa - Learn anything icon
7

Cursa - Learn anything

by Medeiros Tecnologia LTDA4.8/5(3,882 reviews)Free
Best for:Learners seeking free, certificate-based education in various fields

Pros:

  • Free certificates upon completion
  • Diverse course formats
  • Self-paced learning with exercises

Cons:

  • Interface can be less polished
  • Limited advanced content
Key Features:Audio and video course options, Integrated exercises and quizzes, Completely free certificate issuance

Offers a vast collection of free video and audio courses with exercises and certificates.

edX online learning icon
8

edX online learning

by edX LLC4.8/5(10,172 reviews)Free
Best for:Students and professionals pursuing accredited higher education online

Pros:

  • Courses from top universities
  • Flexible learning schedules
  • Verified certificates available

Cons:

  • Fees for certificates
  • Less mobile-optimized than others
Key Features:University partner courses, MicroMasters and degree programs, Audit courses for free

Brings university-level courses to mobile devices with options for certificates and degrees.

Udemy Business icon
9

Udemy Business

by Udemy4.8/5(5,951 reviews)Free
Best for:Employees and teams in corporate settings needing targeted training

Pros:

  • Curated courses for businesses
  • Team learning features
  • Relevant skills for industries

Cons:

  • Targeted at organizations, less for individuals
  • Subscription-based
Key Features:Business-focused course collections, Analytics and reporting tools, Integration with corporate learning systems

Tailors Udemy's extensive course library for organizational and professional skill development.

Udemy Online Video Courses icon
10

Udemy Online Video Courses

by Udemy4.7/5(76,508 reviews)Free
Best for:Learners exploring diverse topics at their own pace with budget options

Pros:

  • Huge variety of courses
  • Frequent discounts and sales
  • AI-driven personalized learning

Cons:

  • Variable course quality
  • Many courses require purchase
Key Features:AI-powered skills platform, Instructor-led and user-generated content, Lifetime access to purchased courses

Features a massive library of user-uploaded courses with AI-powered skill recommendations.

Teachable online courses icon
11

Teachable online courses

by Teachable4.6/5(9,091 reviews)Free
Best for:Aspiring instructors and learners interested in niche topics

Pros:

  • Course creation tools for instructors
  • Diverse subject matter
  • Easy-to-use interface for students

Cons:

  • Inconsistent course quality
  • Limited free content
Key Features:Platform for course creators, Customizable learning experiences, Direct instructor interaction

Enables users to create and take courses from independent instructors with a focus on flexibility.

Comparison Insights

Key Differences

Coursera and edX focus on academic and professional accreditation, MasterClass on celebrity-led inspiration, Skillshare and Domestika on creative skills, and Udemy on a vast, diverse library with AI tools.

How to Choose

Evaluate based on learning goals, need for certificates, budget, preferred topics, and app usability.

Common Limitations

Most apps require internet for initial downloads, free versions may have restricted content, and cross-device syncing can be inconsistent.

Emerging Trends

Growth in AI-driven recommendations, micro-learning modules, increased interactivity, and more partnerships with industry leaders.

Key Insights

  • AI integration is enhancing personalized learning paths

  • Mobile apps prioritize offline access and user-friendly interfaces

  • Free models often include ads or limited content, while subscriptions unlock premium features

  • Certificate and accreditation options vary widely

  • Community features improve engagement and support

Buying Guide

Essential Features

  • Offline download capability
  • Progress tracking and certificates
  • User-friendly and responsive interface

Nice to Have

  • Community forums for discussion
  • AI-based personalized recommendations

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Hidden subscription costs
  • Poor customer support responsiveness

Pricing Expectations

Most apps are free to download with in-app purchases or subscriptions typically ranging from $10 to $50 per month for full access and certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these online course apps really free?

Many offer free access to basic content, but premium features, certificates, or full courses often require payment through subscriptions or one-time purchases.

How do I choose the best app for my learning needs?

Consider your goals (e.g., career advancement, hobby exploration), budget, preferred learning style, need for accreditation, and app usability based on reviews and features.

What is the typical learning curve for these apps?

Most apps are designed for easy onboarding with self-paced courses; structured platforms like Coursera may have steeper curves, while others like Udemy allow jumping in quickly.

Conclusion

The top online course apps for iOS in 2025 deliver high-quality, flexible learning experiences with strong user ratings. MasterClass leads in premium content, while others excel in free education and specialized niches.

Our Final Recommendation

Choose MasterClass for overall excellence, Alison for free learning, Coursera for career-focused courses, or Skillshare for creativity, depending on your specific needs and budget.

🔮

What We're Hoping to See in the Future

Expect advancements in AI personalization, more interactive and social learning features, and expanded mobile optimization to enhance on-the-go education.

Current Trends: Growth in AI-driven recommendations, micro-learning modules, increased interactivity, and more partnerships with industry leaders.

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