Teachable
Sell courses and coaching without technical headaches
What it is
Teachable is a hosted course platform where creators build, publish, and sell online courses, coaching packages, and digital downloads. It handles payments, student enrollment, and content delivery in one place, making it popular with independent educators and subject-matter experts. The trade-off is that transaction fees apply on lower-tier plans, and the course editor feels dated compared to newer competitors.
Key features
- ●Drag-and-drop course builder with video, text, and quiz support
- ●Integrated Stripe and PayPal payment processing
- ●Customizable sales pages and student portal
- ●Coaching product type with scheduling link integration
- ●Completion certificates for students
- ●Affiliate program management
- ●Basic student progress and revenue analytics dashboard
- ●iOS and Android student app
Pros and cons
Pros
- +No coding required to launch a fully functional course site
- +Integrated payment processing with support for coupons and bundles
- +Built-in affiliate marketing tools on mid and higher tiers
- +Coaching and digital product sales alongside courses
- +Student analytics show completion rates and engagement
- +Large ecosystem of tutorials and a well-documented help center
Cons
- –Transaction fees on the Basic plan cut into revenue for new creators (7.5%)
- –Course editor UI looks and feels behind more modern platforms
- –No free plan, so there is a cost barrier before earning a dollar
- –Limited native community or discussion features
- –Email marketing tools are basic and most creators add a separate tool
- –Checkout customization is restricted on lower tiers
Who it's for
- ●Independent educators selling a signature online course
- ●Coaches packaging one-on-one or group coaching for sale
- ●Creators monetizing expertise without building a custom website
- ●Businesses training customers or onboarding clients
- ●Creators selling digital downloads alongside video courses
Categories
Frequently asked questions
Does Teachable have a free plan?
No. As of the current pricing structure, Teachable does not offer a free plan. The lowest paid tier starts around $29 per month when billed annually, but you should verify the current price on Teachable's website before purchasing. There is a free trial and money back guarantee.
Does Teachable charge transaction fees?
Yes, the Basic plan charges a transaction fee on each sale at 7.5%. Higher-tier plans remove this fee, so creators with significant revenue may find it cost-effective to upgrade.
How does Teachable compare to Thinkific?
Both platforms cover similar ground, but Thinkific offers a free tier and no transaction fees on any plan. Teachable tends to have slightly more polish on its sales pages and checkout flow, while Thinkific gives more flexibility on community features.
Can I sell coaching on Teachable, or is it only courses?
Teachable supports coaching products as a distinct offering, separate from courses. You can connect a scheduling tool like Calendly and sell coaching sessions directly through your Teachable school.
Is Teachable a good fit for a first-time course creator?
It works well for creators who want a guided setup and do not want to manage hosting or payment integrations. The main friction point is the lack of a free tier, which means you are paying before your first sale.
Does Teachable handle VAT and international taxes?
Teachable collects and remits certain sales taxes and VAT on digital products depending on the buyer's location, but you should review their current tax handling documentation because coverage varies by region and plan.