15 Best Online Web Development Courses of 2024 (Free & Paid)

Web development is booming, and the demand for skilled developers is higher than ever. Looking to build a career in this field? Find the best programming course to learn at your own pace and fit coding into your busy life.

To help you out, we’ve meticulously tested, studied, and read countless reviews to curate a list of the 15 best web development courses.

What is Web Development

Before we dive in, let’s figure one thing out: What exactly does web development mean Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications.

Key parts of web development include:

• Front-end development: Using languages like HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and JavaScript to structure and present content to users.
• Back-end development: Managing databases and server-side logic to ensure websites function smoothly.
• Full-stack development: Combining both front-end and back-end expertise to build comprehensive web solutions.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Using tools for simplified content creation and website management.

How We Created this List of Web Development Courses

We evaluated each option based on a comprehensive set of criteria. 

This included in-depth user reviews, course structure, user experience, interactivity, certification, and quality of customer support.

Finally, we shortlisted the top web development courses, categorized them and highlighted their core characteristics.

14 Beginner-friendly Web Development Courses for 2024

Ready to dive into web development? You can’t go wrong choosing one or more of these courses: 

1. Mimo

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Best for: Anyone looking to build a wide set of web development skills (from front-end to full-stack) with an interactive, simplified learning 
• Price: The Basic plan is free for all users; the Pro plan costs $39.99/month ($24.99 with an annual commitment)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginners and intermediate 

Mimo is an innovative web development course designed for beginner coders, those looking to change careers, or anyone curious about coding. It offers a gamified approach to learning by transforming complex coding concepts into bite-sized, interactive lessons.

The platform’s user-friendly interface, short lessons, and instant feedback create a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue learning. 

Mimo’s structured “Career Paths” guide learners through the fundamentals of web development—from front-end development languages like HTML and CSS to back-end development tools like Python.

Each path equips you with job-ready skills, culminating in a portfolio of real-world projects that demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. 

Additionally, Mimo’s active community forum provides a supportive environment for learners to connect, ask questions, and share their progress. 

What you’ll learn:

Mimo offers three main learning paths:

1. Front-end development: Focuses on building interactive and visually appealing user interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
2. Full-stack development: Covers both front-end and back-end development, including Node.js, Express, and SQL, allowing you to create comprehensive web applications.
3. Python development: Emphasizes programming with Python, teaching you how to build and deploy various applications using this versatile language​​​​​​​​.

Career paths aside, Mimo keeps adding fresh website development courses to help learners stay on top of the latest trends. 

You’ll find in-depth courses in:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• SQL
• Python
• Swift
• Typescript

How you’ll learn:

Mimo offers an interactive and engaging learning experience with a strong emphasis on gamification. The platform includes leaderboards, badges, and streaks to keep learners motivated and make coding fun. 

You can learn at your own pace, allowing you to fit your studies around other commitments. The courses include a variety of challenges and exercises to reinforce learning and help you build real-life portfolios.

Mimo also has a mobile app that lets you learn on the go.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Mimo offers an engaging and enjoyable learning experience, making coding practical and accessible.
• The modern, intuitive design of both the web and mobile app enhances the learning process.
• Mimo provides structured career paths and certifications, helping you build the core programming skills and land your dream gigs.
• The platform enables users to create and showcase real-life projects, demonstrating their skills to potential employers. This makes Mimo one of the best online web development courses with certificates. 

Cons:

• While excellent for beginners, Mimo doesn’t offer enough advanced content suitable for seasoned developers.
• Mimo is actively developing new career paths, but the current selection might not cater to all niche interests within web development.

2. Codeacademy

• Rating: 3.7/5
• Best for: Beginners and those looking to improve their skills in web development and other programming languages
• Price: A free version is available; the paid plans start at $14.99/month or $11.99/month, billed annually
• Certification: Yes (Pro plans only)
• Level: Beginner to intermediate

Codecademy is a comprehensive online learning platform offering interactive courses in various coding languages and web development skills.  Its user-friendly interface and hands-on approach make it an excellent choice for beginners and those who want to master various coding fundamentals. With a mix of free and paid content, learners can choose the path that best suits their budget and goals.

What you’ll learn:

Codecademy offers comprehensive learning paths, including:

• Front-end development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.
• Full-stack development: Front-end and back-end skills, including Node.js, Express, and SQL.
• Python development: Python fundamentals and advanced concepts applicable to web development, data science, and more​​.

How you’ll learn:

Codecademy utilizes interactive lessons with instant feedback, coding challenges, and real-world projects to help learners retain information effectively. 

You can learn at your own pace, and the Pro plans offer additional support, including career services and interview prep​​​​​​. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Interactive, hands-on learning. 
• Wide variety of courses.
• Affordable Pro plans.
• Supportive community forums.

Cons:

• Limited depth in some courses.
• The platform can sometimes be buggy.
• Lacks gamification and doesn’t offer a mobile app.
• The free tier has limited content and no certification options.

3. Programiz

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Best for: Beginners seeking a clear, concise introduction to programming concepts
• Price: A free version is available. The paid plans start at $30/month or $10/month, billed annually. 
• Certification: Yes (Pro subscription)

Programiz is a user-friendly e-learning platform designed to make programming accessible to beginners. It offers interactive tutorials for various programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and C++. 

The platform emphasizes hands-on learning through coding challenges and projects that help users build practical skills. The structured, modular tutorials guide users step-by-step, making complex concepts easy to grasp.

What you’ll learn:

Programiz covers foundational programming concepts across multiple languages. Users will learn:

• Python: Basics to advanced topics, suitable for data science and web development.
• JavaScript: Core concepts for web development.
• HTML/CSS: Building and styling web pages.
• C++: Fundamentals for software development and system programming.

How you’ll learn:

Programiz offers a structured learning path for each language, with tutorials, examples, and quizzes. The PRO subscription adds interactive exercises, projects, and a personalized learning dashboard.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Simple, easy-to-understand explanations.
• Free access to basic tutorials.
• Wide range of programming languages.
• Interactive exercises and projects (PRO).

Cons:

• Limited depth of some of the courses.
• Some users might find the course format too text-heavy.
• PRO subscription is required for interactive features and certification.

4. Sololearn

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Best for: Beginners who want to learn coding fundamentals through a gamified mobile app
• Price: Free (with ads) or Pro subscription (starting at $5.83/month)
• Certification: Yes (with Pro subscription)
• Level: Beginner to intermediate

Sololearn is a mobile-first learning platform offering bite-sized lessons, quizzes, and challenges for various programming languages. Its gamified approach encourages users to progress through levels and earn rewards. While primarily mobile-based, Sololearn also offers a web interface for desktop users.

What you’ll learn:

Sololearn provides comprehensive courses covering:

• Web development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Programming languages: Python, Java, C++, C#, PHP, Ruby, and more.
• Data science and algorithms: Foundational concepts and practical applications.
• App development: Mobile and web apps​​​​.

How you’ll learn:

Sololearn’s learning experience revolves around short, interactive lessons followed by quizzes to enhance the process. Users can also participate in coding challenges and engage with a community forum for support and collaboration. 

Pro subscribers gain access to additional features like personalized practice recommendations and code coaching.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• The gamified approach makes learning fun and engaging.
• Mobile-first design for on-the-go learning.
• Interactive quizzes and challenges.
• Supportive community forum.

Cons:

• Some topics lack in-depth explanations.
• Ads can be intrusive in the free version.
• Doesn’t help students build a coding portfolio.

5. freeCodeCamp

• Rating: 7.3/10
• Best for: Users already learning web development and looking to boost their skills in the process
• Price: Free
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner to advanced 

freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization offering a completely free, comprehensive curriculum in web development and other programming fields. Their project-based approach allows learners to build real-world projects while gaining practical skills. With a supportive community and various resources, freeCodeCamp is an excellent option for those seeking to enhance their web development skills.

What you’ll learn:

freeCodeCamp offers a wide range of courses, including:

• Responsive web design: HTML, CSS, Flexbox, and Grid.
• JavaScript algorithms and data structures: JavaScript basics, ES6, OOP, and functional programming.
• Front-end development libraries: React, Redux, Bootstrap, jQuery, and SASS.
• APIs and microservices: Node.js, Express, MongoDB.
• Scientific computing with Python: Python basics, NumPy, and data analysis.

How you’ll learn:

The curriculum is structured into certifications, each consisting of several projects that learners must build to demonstrate their understanding. 

Along the way, learners complete interactive coding challenges, read informative articles, and watch video tutorials.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• It’s a free platform.
• Comprehensive, project-based curriculum.
• Supportive community.
• Provides certification.
• Wide range of topics covered.

Cons:

• Some projects can be challenging for beginners.
• Self-paced learning requires discipline.
• Less hand-holding than in some paid courses.

6. W3Schools

• Rating: 3.6/5
• Best for: Beginners seeking a free, reference-style resource for web development basics
• Price: Free
• Certification: Yes (paid)
• Level: Beginner

W3Schools is an online resource for learning web development technologies. It offers a comprehensive collection of tutorials, references, and examples on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web development topics. 

The platform is known for its simple, easy-to-follow explanations and the “Try it Yourself” editor, which allows users to experiment with code directly in the browser. 

It’s important to note that W3Schools is primarily a reference tool rather than a structured web development course and may not be the best option for learners seeking a more guided approach.

What you’ll learn:

W3Schools offers tutorials and certification programs in:

• HTML and CSS: Basics to advanced techniques, including HTML5 and CSS3.
• JavaScript: Fundamentals and advanced topics, including ES6, jQuery, and React.
• Server-side languages: PHP, SQL, Node.js, Python, and more.
• Web frameworks and libraries: Bootstrap, Angular, React, Vue.js.
• Data analytics: Data Science, NumPy, Pandas, and more​​​​​​.

How you’ll learn:

W3Schools’ learning model is self-directed, with users navigating tutorials and references at their own pace. The “Try it Yourself” editor allows for hands-on practice, and there are quizzes and exercises to test your understanding. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Free access to a vast amount of web development resources.
• Simple, concise explanations and interactive elements.
• Wide range of topics covered.

Cons:

• Lacks structured learning paths.
• Some content may be outdated or incomplete.
• Not ideal for learners who prefer guided instruction and want to learn everything from scratch.

7. Introduction to Web Development (Coursera)

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Best for: Beginners with no prior technical experience
• Price: Free 
• Certification: Yes (paid)
• Level: Beginner

This Coursera course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core technologies of web development. 

The course covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, equipping learners with the foundational skills to build and style basic web pages and add interactive elements. The course also touches on web hosting and domain names, giving students a holistic view of how websites are created and maintained.

What you’ll learn:

• The structure and functionality of the Intent technologies.
• How to create static web pages using HTML and CSS.
• Choosing and using web hosting services.
• Publishing websites online.
• Fundamental web development concepts and tools.

How you’ll learn:

The course is delivered through video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on assignments. Its self-paced nature allows learners to complete it at their own convenience.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly.
• Provides a comprehensive introduction to web development.
• Hands-on projects for practical experience.

Cons:

• Doesn’t cover broader web development topics like JavaScript, back-end skills, etc.
• The web development certificate requires payment.
• Some learners may find the pace slow.

8. Introduction to Web Development by IBM

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Best for: Beginners looking for a comprehensive introduction to web development
• Price: Free to audit. 
• Certification: Yes (paid). 
• Level: Beginner.

This web development course by IBM provides a well-rounded introduction to programming. It covers the fundamental concepts, tools, and technologies used in building the front end of websites and web applications. 

The course starts with the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then moves on to more advanced topics like responsive web design, web accessibility, and using Git for version control.

What you’ll learn:

• Fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Responsive web design principles.
• Web accessibility guidelines.
• Version control with Git.
• Basic server-side concepts.
• Introduction to cloud computing.

How you’ll learn:

The course is delivered through video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. Learners will build their own web pages and small projects, applying the concepts they learn throughout the course. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Comprehensive introduction to web development.
• Taught by IBM experts.
• Hands-on projects for practical experience.
• Covers web accessibility and responsive design.

Cons:

• Limited to front-end web development skills.
• Some learners may find the pace a bit fast.
• Requires basic computer science literacy.

9. The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp (Udemy)

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Best for: Beginners who want a course to learn full-stack web development to create functional websites 
• Price: Varies (often discounted from the original price of $99.99)
• Certification: Yes 
• Level: Beginner to intermediate

This comprehensive Udemy course by Dr. Angela Yu is a popular choice for aspiring web developers. It covers a wide range of topics, from front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to back-end development with Node.js and databases like MongoDB. 

The instructor’s engaging teaching style and clear explanations make complex concepts easier to understand.

What you’ll learn:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals.
• Bootstrap framework for responsive design.
• DOM manipulation and interactive web pages.
• React.js and React hooks
• Node.js, Express.js for server-side development.
• MongoDB for database management.
• API integration and RESTful web services.
• Deployment of web applications.

How you’ll learn:

The course is structured into sections and lectures, with each section covering a specific topic. The instructor provides clear explanations and demonstrations, and you’ll have access to a Q&A forum for support.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Starts with the very basics.
• Comprehensive coverage of full-stack web development.
• Hands-on projects for practical experience.
• Engaging instructor with clear explanations.
• Lifetime access to course materials.

Cons:

• Some topics may be overwhelming for complete beginners.
• Course length can be daunting (over 60 hours of content).
• The platform lacks interactivity.

10. Node.js, Express, MongoDB & More: The Complete Bootcamp (Udemy)

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Best for: Individuals seeking to master back-end web development with Node.js and related technologies
• Price: $99 (original price, but you’ll often get a discount)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Intermediary 

This Udemy course by Jonas Schmedtmann will teach you how to build fast, scalable, and powerful back-end web applications using Node.js, Express, MongoDB, and other related technologies. 

The course is project-based, meaning you’ll learn by building a complete, feature-rich application with a RESTful API and a server-side rendered website. 

What you’ll learn:

• Node.js fundamentals: modules, asynchronous JavaScript, event loop, etc.
• Express.js framework for building web applications and APIs.
• MongoDB for data modeling and storage.
• Mongoose for working with MongoDB in Node.js.
• RESTful API design principles and best practices.
• Authentication and authorization for securing web applications.

How you’ll learn:

The course is structured around hands-on projects, including a comprehensive final project that integrates all the skills learned. It features video lectures, interactive coding exercises, quizzes, and real-world projects. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage of back-end web development with Node.js.
• Project-based approach with a real-world application.
• Clear explanations and practical examples.
• Lifetime access to course materials.

Cons:

• Assumes some basic JavaScript knowledge and won’t work for complete web development beginners.
• Course length can be overwhelming for some learners (over 55 hours of content).
• Its focus is mainly on back-end development.

11. Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Best for: Beginners aspiring to become front-end developers
• Price: Free.
• Certification: Yes (paid)
• Level: Beginner

The course curriculum is curated by Meta experts and focuses on real-world skills relevant to the industry. It provides a strong foundation in front-end development, emphasizing practical knowledge and hands-on experience.

What you’ll learn:

• HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals.
• Responsive web design with CSS Flexbox and Grid.
• Building interactive web pages with JavaScript.
• Creating professional page layouts with Bootstrap and React.
• Designing user interfaces with Figma.
• Version control with Git and GitHub.
• Content management systems (CMS).
• Image editing techniques.

How you’ll learn:

The program is structured into multiple courses, each focusing on different aspects of front-end development. It includes video lectures, self-review exercises, quizzes, hands-on labs, and graded assessments. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Focus on in-demand skills and industry-relevant tools.
• Hands-on projects for practical experience.
• Career resources and guidance included.
• Provides recognized certification from Meta.

Cons:

• The course content doesn’t go in-depth when it comes to some of the topics and might not be enough to build the necessary skills for a career.
• Only relevant for learners interested in front-end development.

12. Full Stack Web Developer (Udacity)

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Best for: Intermediate learners seeking a comprehensive full-stack web development program
• Price: $846 for four months of access (upfront payment with a 15% discount) or $249/month for the “Pay As You Go” option​​​​
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Intermediate

This Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program is a comprehensive, project-based course that equips learners with the skills necessary to become job-ready full-stack developers. Throughout the course, learners will build several real-world projects, culminating in a capstone project demonstrating their full-stack capabilities.

What you’ll learn:

• Front-end development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Responsive design with Bootstrap.
• Server-side programming with Python and Flask.
• Database design and management with SQL.
• API development and integration.
• Deployment and hosting of web apps.

How you’ll learn:

The Nanodegree program follows a project-based learning approach, where learners build increasingly complex projects. Each project is accompanied by video lectures, quizzes, and exercises. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Comprehensive full-stack curriculum.
• Project-based learning for practical experience.
• Personalized feedback from mentors.
• Career services and job support.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other courses.
• Requires prior programming experience.

13. Google for Developers

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Best for: All levels of developers seeking resources, tools, and community support from Google
• Price: Free
• Certification: Varies (some programs offer certifications)
• Level: Beginner to advanced

Google for Developers is a comprehensive resource hub created by Google to empower developers across all experience levels. It offers a wealth of information, tools, and resources for building applications, websites, and experiences using Google technologies.

What you’ll learn:

Google for Developers covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Android app development.
• Web development with Angular, Flutter, and other frameworks.
• Cloud computing with Google Cloud Platform.
• Machine learning with TensorFlow.
• Firebase for building real-time applications.
• Chrome extensions development.
• Design and user experience best practices.

How you’ll learn:

Google for Developers courses are delivered through video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on projects. Students can learn at their own pace with flexible schedules. Some programs also include graded assessments and capstone projects that simulate real-world tasks. 

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Offers a vast collection of high-quality resources.  
• Covers various Google technologies.
• Free access to most resources.
• Strong community support.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information.
• Some resources may assume prior knowledge.
• Rather focused on Google technologies.
• Doesn’t always help you build a project portfolio. 

14. Learn HTML and CSS by Scrimba

• Best for: Beginners who prefer interactive, project-based learning with a focus on building real websites
• Price: Free
• Certification: No
• Level: Beginner

Scrimba’s “Learn HTML and CSS” course is an interactive and beginner-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of web development. The course focuses on teaching through building real-world projects, allowing learners to see the practical applications of their knowledge right away. 

What you’ll learn:

• HTML fundamentals: tags, elements, attributes, structure.
• CSS fundamentals: selectors, properties, values, layouts.
• Building and deploying websites: using tools like Netlify.
• Responsive web design principles.
• Best practices for writing clean and maintainable code.

How you’ll learn:

Scrimba’s course uses a screencast format, where the instructor guides you through building projects step-by-step. You can pause the video at any time to code along in the integrated editor, experimenting and practicing as you learn.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• Highly interactive and engaging learning experience.
• Focus on building real-world projects.
• Clear and concise explanations.
• Supportive community and forums.
• Free access to core content.

Cons:

• No official certification offered.
• Some advanced topics are not covered in depth.
• This course might not be enough to build a project portfolio.
• Limited to front-end development and HTML/CSS.

15. Bonus: Traversy Media: YouTube Tutorials

• Rating: 4.5/5 (based on subscriber feedback)
• Best for: Developers of all levels looking for free tutorials to enhance their learning 
• Price: Free
• Certification: No
• Level: Beginner to Advanced

Traversy Media, run by Brad Traversy, is a popular YouTube channel offering various web development tutorials. The channel covers all sorts of web development topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, and many others. Brad’s teaching style is praised for its clarity and hands-on approach, making complex topics accessible to beginners while also offering depth for more advanced learners. 

What you’ll learn:

• HTML and CSS fundamentals to advanced concepts, including responsive design. 
• JavaScript principles and frameworks.
• Back-end development principles and frameworks. 
• Other Technologies: Svelte, Bootstrap, CSS Grid, and more.

How you’ll learn:

The tutorials are primarily video-based and feature Brad’s step-by-step guidance. Each video includes coding exercises and project walkthroughs, enabling learners to follow along and practice. These tutorials are not enough to learn from scratch and to develop a portfolio. But they can be a great addition when mixed with a guided development course.

Pros and cons:

Pros:

• All tutorials are available for free on YouTube.
• Comprehensive coverage, allowing anyone to learn about various web development topics.
• Clear and engaging instructions. 

Cons:

• No certification.
• Lack of structured curriculum and formal assessments.
• Limited community interaction.

Finding the Best Online Web Development Course

Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refine your skills, the right web development course can propel your web development journey. Here’s a recap of some top contenders:

• Mimo: Best online web development training for beginners seeking a fun, gamified introduction to coding (from front-end to full-stack)
• freeCodeCamp: Best for learners who want a free, comprehensive, and project-based curriculum.
• The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp: Best for comprehensive full-stack development with hands-on projects.
• Meta front-end developer professional certificate: Best for aspiring front-end developers seeking industry-relevant skills and a recognized credential.
• Google for developers: Best for developers at all levels seeking resources, tools, and web development certificate directly from Google.

Ready to dive into the world of web development?

Mimo’s interactive lessons and career paths offer an engaging way to kickstart your learning journey. Give it a try and see how fun coding can be!