The Great Courses Plus

Online learning is becoming more accessible and affordable than ever. Just about any subject is offered either for free or a minimal fee. One of the providers to rise in popularity most recently is The Great Courses Plus. With no schedules, tests or assignments, you have access to interesting information without any of the stress that comes with some more traditional providers.

The service is totally accessible with no need to learn on a laptop or computer. Since the premise is learning from lectures from top experts, you can watch on your phone (Android or iOS) or via a Roku stick, Apple TV, Chromecast or Amazon fireTV.

The list of topics covered and the well-known names teaching said topics is impressive. Award-winning professors and renowned experts make frequent appearances in the collection of more than 8,000 video lectures (with more added each month).

Want to learn something a little travel related, before your next big trip? The Smithsonian offers courses on destinations like Japan and Italy, while National Geographic provides information on polar explorations and the geology of national parks. Need less destination-specific topics and something a little more handy — what about a course on customs of the world?

Other categories offered include history, science, professional development, health, food and wine, economics, music, literature, math, philosophy and religion and hobbies and leisure (things like photography and drawing).

You can start a free trial for a month, and then switch to the monthly subscription, only $20/month if paid monthly,or $15/month if paid in a single annual payment. Each option comes with unlimited streaming.