5 Best Authoring Tools for Online Courses (Free + Paid Breakdown)

In the ever-evolving world of online learning, course creators, instructional designers, and eLearning professionals face a pivotal challenge: choosing the right authoring tool. With AI integration now the standard and learners expecting high-quality, video-driven learning experiences, knowing which tools can deliver both speed and quality is essential. Therefore, in this blog post (and in the video embedded above and linked here) I break down the top five authoring tools for 2025, including both free and paid options, and show you step-by-step how to use each one effectively.

Understanding Native vs. Standalone Authoring Tools

Before we dive into the list, it's important to understand the two primary categories of authoring tools. Native authoring tools are built directly into another system, usually a Learning Management System (LMS), Learning Experience Platform (LXP), or Business Management System (BMS). They allow for seamless integration with the platform's learning delivery features. Standalone authoring tools, by contrast, are dedicated tools that exist solely to create course, e-learning, and learning experience content. They typically export SCORM, xAPI, or other compliant formats that can be used across different platforms. Each has its advantages, and choosing the right type depends on your training and business goals.

1. TalentCraft by TalentLMS (Best Native Authoring Tool)

TalentCraft is a powerful native authoring tool built into the TalentLMS platform. What makes it stand out in 2025 is its ease of use, robust AI capabilities, and the fact that it’s accessible through an unlimited free trial (grab your free trial and bonus course here). Once you log into TalentLMS and activate the new interface, you can start building interactive content using TalentCraft immediately.

With options like "Start from Scratch," "Import from a Document," "Generate with AI," or "Use a Template," TalentCraft gives creators flexible entry points. One standout use case is building an onboarding module for outbound sales professionals. The AI can generate entire course pages complete with images, flashcards, quizzes, and interactive elements. You can then customize those elements, move videos to the top, and structure the content to suit your learning objectives. Video, as always, remains a central component, and TalentCraft makes integration intuitive.

To learn step-by-step how to use TalentCraft for free, I highly recommend watching my YouTube video embedded above and linked here.

2. Articulate 360 (Best Standalone Authoring Tool)

Articulate 360 continues to lead the market as a versatile and feature-rich suite for professional instructional designers. It includes Rise 360, a browser-based tool great for rapid development, and Storyline 360, which offers granular control for Windows users. While the tool does come at a premium price point (over $1,000 per user annually), it compensates with advanced capabilities, especially if you need to create SCORM/xAPI-compliant content.

Using Rise 360, you can start with AI-generated course outlines and build block-based lessons that integrate images, text, and videos. The interface is highly similar to TalentCraft, but Rise offers more structured collaboration. Through Review 360, team members and stakeholders can comment on content, allowing for real-time revisions. This makes Articulate 360 ideal for larger teams that demand high production value and export flexibility. While it lacks native LMS functionality, its export options make it extremely adaptable.

To learn step-by-step how to use Articulate 360, I highly recommend watching my YouTube video embedded above and linked here.

3. Kajabi (Native Authoring Tool + Best Business Management System)

Kajabi is more than just an authoring tool—it’s a complete business platform for course creators and entrepreneurs. As a native authoring tool, Kajabi allows you to create, market, sell, and manage your courses in one place. You can start with a 30-day free trial (grab your extended free trial and free online course here) and access a free course called "Kajabi Made Simple" to walk you through setup.

Creating a course in Kajabi involves defining your course outline, generating lesson content, and utilizing the platform’s AI to scaffold the structure. While simpler than Articulate or TalentCraft in terms of authoring depth, Kajabi shines in automation. You can build landing pages, automate email sequences, and even set up your CRM—all within the platform. It’s particularly effective for external training and selling online courses. It’s the platform of choice for creators looking to monetize their expertise without juggling multiple tools.

To learn step-by-step how to use Kajabi for free, I highly recommend watching my YouTube video embedded above and linked here.

4. TalentCards (Native Authoring Tool + Best Mobile Learning System)

If you need to train a mobile-first workforce, TalentCards is unmatched. Developed by the same company behind TalentLMS, TalentCards is designed for microlearning and gamified training (grab your unlimited free trial and free online course here). It works by delivering card-based content that mimics the swipeable, scrollable experience users are familiar with on social media. This increases engagement and retention, especially for employees on job sites or in the field.

Authoring in TalentCards is straightforward. You can start from scratch, import from a PDF, or use the built-in AI to generate card sets, quizzes, and custom visuals. It supports video integration, allowing you to add multimedia directly into each card. The AI generates everything from background images to quiz questions, and the platform supports adaptive learning features like space repetition. With QR code functionality, you can even place cards around your office for contextual, on-the-spot training. It’s ideal for internal training, especially in industries like construction, HVAC, or field services.

To learn step-by-step how to use TalentCards for free, I highly recommend watching my YouTube video embedded above and linked here.

5. Descript (Standalone Authoring Tool + AI-Powered Video Production)

Descript is the wildcard in this list—and arguably the most versatile. Technically a video editing tool, Descript has evolved into a complete authoring platform for video-first learning. It offers audio and video editing, podcast creation, and AI-powered tools like filler word removal, auto transcription, and voice cloning (Grab your free trial of Descript here).

For course creators, Descript is invaluable. You can record video lessons directly, edit via transcript, and export content for use in Kajabi, TalentLMS, or Articulate. Descript also allows you to create clips for microlearning, generate blog content, and publish across platforms. It’s especially useful for those creating long-form content like webinars, then repurposing it into structured learning assets. With screen recording and AI voiceovers, it reduces the need for complex editing tools and lets creators focus on teaching.

To learn step-by-step how to use Descript for free, I highly recommend watching my YouTube video embedded above and linked here.

Final Thoughts and How to Choose the Right Tool

When choosing an authoring tool, consider your learners, your budget, and your long-term delivery method. If you're training internal teams and want fast, AI-driven creation, TalentCraft by TalentLMS or TalentCards might be ideal. For highly professional content with SCORM exports, Articulate 360 is a safe bet. If you're selling courses and want everything in one platform, Kajabi wins. And if you're creating high-quality video content, Descript adds unmatched flexibility.

The future of eLearning lies in speed, personalization, and multimedia engagement. These tools aren’t just software—they’re your gateway to delivering transformation at scale. Want to try them all out? Links to free trials and bonus tutorials are below. Dive in, experiment, and start building learning experiences your audience will remember.