Best tools to build video courses in 2025

If you're a content creator looking to build a video course, you might be wondering:

• What equipment do I need for professional-quality video and audio?
• Which software is best for recording and editing my lessons?
• Where should I host and sell my course to maximize revenue?

I've been in your shoes. Before creating my first online course, I spent countless hours researching the best cameras, microphones, software, and platforms. Now, I’m sharing my insights so you can save time and money while creating a top-tier course.

Here’s a curated list of the best tools to build your video course in 2025.

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1. Audio & video equipment

Best microphones for course creators

Clear audio is essential for engagement. Here are the best options:

• Your Smartphone (Free!) or Logitech Blue Yeti ($89.99 - $129.99) The built-in mic in your smartphone can work pretty well, especially if you have an expensive phone–that's what I personally used!–but if you want to upgrade, the Blue Yeti provides clear, studio-like sound with excellent noise reduction.

• Audio-Technica BPHS1 Headset Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($199 $149) A high-end option with professional-grade noise cancellation and crisp sound, ideal for creators who want the best audio quality.

Best cameras for recording courses

Good video quality enhances professionalism and viewer engagement.

• Your Smartphone (Free!) Modern smartphones have excellent cameras, making them a great starting point. That's what I personally used, and nobody has complained about camera quality.

• Nikon D3400 ($497) If you want more, this Nikon offers a solid DSLR with great low-light performance, perfect for creators who want better depth of field.

• Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II ($649) And for those with an even higher budget, this favorite among vloggers features a flip screen for easy self-monitoring and high-quality video output.

Recap: Best audio & video equipment

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2. Best recording software for video courses

Screen Studio

A macOS-exclusive tool that automates zooms, transitions, and effects, making it ideal for high-quality demonstrations.

• Pros: Polished effects, great for tutorials and software demos
• Cons: Mac-only, requires a subscription
• Pricing: $9/month (annual) or $29/month (monthly)

OBS Studio

A free, open-source software that offers high-quality screen recording and live streaming. This is what I personally used!

• Pros: Multi-source recording, highly customizable
• Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Pricing: Free

Recap: Best recording software

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3. Best editing software for video courses

iMovie (Free, Apple-only)

iMovie is an intuitive, beginner-friendly software that provides essential editing tools. It’s a great choice for those who need basic edits without a steep learning curve.

Final Cut Pro ($299.99 one-time, Apple-only)

For Apple users looking for advanced video editing capabilities, Final Cut Pro is an industry-standard tool offering powerful features.

Camtasia ($180, $249, or $499 yearly)

A user-friendly, cross-platform tool that allows both screen recording and video editing, making it a great all-in-one solution.

Recap: Best editing software

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4. Best presentation & visual design tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

The gold standard for slide-based lessons, widely used for online courses.

• Pricing: ~$70/year or ~$7/month (Microsoft 365)

Canva

A modern design tool with free templates for course thumbnails, slides, and promotional materials.

• Pricing: Free (with premium upgrades available)

Recap: Best presentation tools

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5. Best AI & brainstorming tools

Midjourney (Starts at $10/month)

Generate AI visuals for course thumbnails, presentations, and promotional materials.

ChatGPT / Perplexity AI (Starts at $20/month for advanced plans)

Helps with brainstorming course ideas, writing scripts, and improving content structure.

Recap: Best AI tools

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6. Best platforms to host and sell your course

Sherpo

A white-label platform where creators keep up to 95% of revenue.

• Pros: The most complete platform, with full white-label capabilities, AI tools, flexible pricing, and much more
• Cons: Learning curve for advanced features
• Pricing: Free plan available (5% on video courses) or $79/month ($59 yearly) with 0% commissions

Teachable

• Pros: Simple interface, built-in payments
• Cons: Expensive pricing, no white-label branding unless you pay $159/month!
• Pricing: Starts at $59/month 5% transaction fees

Thinkific

• Pros: No transaction fees on paid plans
• Cons: No built-in AI, limited automation, expensive to remove branding ($199/month)
• Pricing: Starting from $49/month

Kajabi

• Pros: The second most complete platform
• Cons: Expensive, higher plans needed for advanced features
• Pricing: Starts at $69/month

Udemy

• Pros: Helps you reach new customers
• Cons: No control over pricing, high commissions
• Pricing: Free to publish, but Udemy keeps 63% of your earnings

Recap: Best course platforms

Want more information with more in-depth comparisons? Check out this page!

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Final recap: Recommended choices

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Why Sherpo is the best choice for content creators

If you want full control over your brand, pricing, and earnings, Sherpo is the best choice. Unlike competitors, Sherpo offers flexible pricing, white-label capabilities, and industry-first AI tools to enhance your course creation experience.

Sherpo’s industry-first AI features will also help you:

• Generate captions, summaries, and transcripts automatically
• Improve content engagement with AI-driven recommendations
• Build content faster and get feedback from our AI bot

Ready to build your course? Get started on Sherpo today.