A Skillshare alternative is another place to take online classes in creative skills like drawing, design, craft, pottery or writing. Some specialise in one craft, some offer free courses with certificates, and some bring in famous names to teach. Ten options follow, in no particular order.
Skillshare built a big library of short creative classes. But if you want one craft in depth, a certificate at the end, or teachers who are household names, another platform may fit you better.
The ten apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order. Every description comes from the app's own App Store listing, read this week. If you're comparing learning sites for work skills too, my roundup of online learning platforms for business skills covers that side.
Skillshare alternatives at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each app's own App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the listing names a free app, a free version, a free tier or free content. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the listing I read named neither, even where there's a download button, so check the app's own page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | Free online course platform | Free courses with certificates | Yes |
| BBC Maestro | Expert-led course subscription | Writing and wellness from big names | Not stated |
| ClayShare | Online pottery school | Learning pottery at your own pace | Not stated |
| Create Academy | Design and craft course app | Interior design, gardening and food | Not stated |
| Creativebug | Craft video class library | Sewing, quilting and knitting | Not stated |
| Cursa | Free video and audio courses | Free certificates on every course | Yes |
| Domestika | Creative course community | Professionally produced creative courses | Not stated |
| Learn Drawing - Art Tutorial | Guided drawing lessons app | Step-by-step drawing practice | Not stated |
| MasterClass | Celebrity-taught class library | Learning from famous names | Not stated |
| Stepik | Online course platform | Downloading courses for offline study | Not stated |
Ten creative class apps worth a look
Alison
Best for: Learners who want free courses with CPD-accredited diplomas and certificates, from a catalogue of more than 4,000 courses.
BBC Maestro
Best for: People who like learning from household names, with expert-led courses across writing, business, wellness and more.
ClayShare
Best for: Potters of every level who want an online school they can follow in whichever studio they use, at their own pace.
Create Academy
Best for: Home and garden lovers who want classes from designers and creatives in interiors, gardening, craft and food.
Creativebug
Best for: Makers who mix crafts, with thousands of video classes in drawing, painting, sewing, quilting, knitting and jewellery making.
Cursa
Best for: Self-starters who want free video or audio courses with a certificate on completion, plus thousands of exercises.
Domestika
Best for: Designers and illustrators who want professionally produced courses from working creatives in a big creative community.
Learn Drawing - Art Tutorial
Best for: Beginners who mainly want to draw, with guided lessons for portraits, nature and more at every skill level.
MasterClass
Best for: Learners who'd like to study writing, cooking, negotiation or health with famous experts rather than working creatives.
Stepik
Best for: Commuters who want to download video lectures and practical tasks from a course platform to study offline.
Which app for which learner
- You make pottery: ClayShare.
- You sew, knit or quilt: Creativebug.
- You love interiors and gardens: Create Academy.
- You want a free certificate: Cursa.
- You just want to draw: Learn Drawing - Art Tutorial.
Generalist libraries versus one-craft schools
Big creative libraries are great for sampling. You can try illustration on Monday and photography on Wednesday without committing to either. The trade-off is that classes can be short, and the depth varies a lot from teacher to teacher.
One-craft schools go the other way. A pottery or sewing app may have fewer classes, but they build on each other, so you move from beginner to confident in a straight line. If you already know the craft you love, that focus is usually worth more than variety.
Learning English for a test rather than a hobby? Look at IELTS apps.
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A free route for qualifications in England
If what you want is a recognised qualification rather than a hobby class, check the government route first. GOV.UK says adults aged 19 or over in England could apply for a free level 3 qualification, or a level 2 qualification in construction, engineering or manufacturing, and that eligible learners won't have to pay for the course.
Those courses won't teach you watercolour, but they may get you a qualification an employer recognises, which no hobby app can promise.
If the skill you want is code rather than craft, see Codecademy alternatives.
How to get more from an online class
- Pick one class and finish it before you start another, even if a shinier one appears halfway through.
- Do the project, not just the videos, and share it if there's a community.
- Set a regular time each week, even if it's only half an hour.
- Download lessons before a commute if the app allows it.
- Keep your old projects, so you can see how far you've come.
It also helps to be honest about why you're learning. If it's for fun, follow what excites you and don't worry about finishing every module. If it's for a side business or a career change, choose classes that end in a piece of work you can show a client or employer, and build a small portfolio as you go.
Do you make online classes, creative courses or learning apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Skillshare alternatives
If you know your craft, choose the app that specialises in it. If you're still exploring, a broad library is fine, but pick one class at a time and finish it. And if you need a qualification for work, look at free government courses before you subscribe to anything.
If you're thinking about teaching a class yourself, my guide to online courses and e-learning is a good starting point.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Skillshare?
It depends on what you want to learn. One-craft schools suit people who know their craft, while broad libraries suit people who are still exploring.
Is there a free alternative to Skillshare?
Yes. Some apps on this list name free courses on their listing, and one offers free certificates on completion.
Which app is best for learning to draw?
Look for an app built around guided drawing lessons for every skill level, rather than a general library.
Can I learn pottery online?
Yes. At least one app on this list is an online pottery school you can follow at your own pace in any studio.
Do online creative classes give certificates?
Some do. Check the listing, since certificates are more common on general course platforms than on craft apps.
Are there free courses for adults in England?
GOV.UK says adults aged 19 or over in England could apply for a free level 3 qualification if they're eligible.
