Teachable is an online course platform founded in 2014 that lets creators build and sell courses, coaching and digital downloads from their own branded school. It handles hosting, checkout and student access, so you don’t need technical skills. In 2026 Teachable restructured its pricing into four plans, removing platform transaction fees on its higher tiers but keeping a fee on the cheapest plan and adding limits on products and students.
At a glance
| What it is | A course and digital product platform |
| What you can sell | Courses, coaching, digital downloads, memberships |
| Starter | About $39 a month ($29 billed annually), with a transaction fee |
| Builder | About $89 a month ($69 annually), 0% platform fee |
| Growth | About $189 a month ($139 annually), 0% platform fee |
| Advanced | About $399 a month, 0% platform fee |
| Extra costs | Payment processing on every plan |
How it works
You create a school, add courses with video, text, quizzes and downloads, and set prices as one-time payments, payment plans or subscriptions. Teachable hosts everything and provides a checkout, so students can buy and start learning straight away. You can add coupons, bundles, upsells and an affiliate programme to help sell.
Teachable also offers coaching products, where you sell one-to-one sessions, and digital downloads such as templates or ebooks.
Pricing and fees
Third-party reviews checked against Teachable’s pricing page in 2026 describe four main plans. Starter carries a platform transaction fee on each sale, reported at 7.5%. Builder, Growth and Advanced have no Teachable transaction fee when you use Teachable’s payment system. Standard card processing fees apply to all plans. The 2026 structure also introduced caps on the number of published products and students on lower plans, which some creators criticised.
Who should use it
Teachable suits creators who want a clean, simple way to sell courses without building a website from scratch. Beginners can start on Starter, but once sales grow, the transaction fee makes Builder better value.
Setting up your first course
Start with one focused course rather than a large library. Outline modules around a clear outcome, record short lessons, and add quizzes or worksheets to keep students engaged. A simple sales page with a clear promise, an outline and a few testimonials is enough to launch.
Marketing your course
Teachable doesn’t bring you students; you need your own audience from email, social media, YouTube or partners. Use Teachable’s affiliate tools to let others promote your course for a commission, and collect emails with a free lead magnet.
Common mistakes
Some creators stay on Starter too long and lose a large share of revenue to fees. Others build many courses before validating demand. Check your numbers each month and launch small.
Teachable versus a marketplace
Teachable is a storefront you own, not a marketplace. On Udemy or Skillshare, the platform brings students but controls pricing and takes a large share. On Teachable, you set prices, own your student list and keep more of each sale, but you’re responsible for traffic. Many creators use both: a marketplace for discovery and Teachable for their main paid courses.
Quick checklist
Before choosing a plan, estimate your monthly sales, compare the Starter fee against the Builder price, check product and student limits, and plan how you’ll bring students to your school.
Common questions
Many creators ask whether they can move later. You can export student data and course content in most cases, but rebuilding sales pages and integrations takes time, so choose with the next year or two in mind. Others ask about payment plans: Teachable lets you sell one-time purchases, payment plans and subscriptions, so you can make higher-priced courses easier to buy.
Owen’s take
Teachable is still one of the easiest ways to sell a course, but its 2026 pricing means you should do the maths. Once you’re making regular sales, a 0% fee plan usually pays for itself.
Who it suits
It suits creators with an audience who want a straightforward course platform. It suits less well people expecting marketplace traffic or the lowest possible monthly cost.
Similar options
- Thinkific is a close course-platform rival.
- Kajabi adds email and funnels in one tool.
- Systeme.io has a free plan.
- Heartbeat combines courses with community.
More options are in Resources.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Courses, coaching and downloads
- 0% platform fee on higher plans
Cons
- Transaction fee on Starter
- Product and student limits
- No built-in audience
FAQ
How much does Teachable cost in 2026?
Plans run from about $39 to $399 a month, with lower annual rates.
Does Teachable charge transaction fees?
Starter has a platform fee; Builder and above have none, though card processing still applies.
What can I sell on Teachable?
Courses, coaching, digital downloads and memberships.
Does Teachable bring me students?
No, you need your own marketing.
When was Teachable founded?
In 2014.
