Written by
Janosch Herrmann
skillfrontier is supported by learners. When you buy through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Maven is a modern online learning platform founded by the co-founder of Udemy. It specializes in cohort-based courses across a variety of professional skills, from sales to software engineering. Designed to enhance engagement and learning outcomes, Maven's live, interactive classes are led by expert instructors, making it an ideal choice for professionals looking to advance their skills.
Advantages of Maven
Maven stands out with its user-friendly interface and high-quality content, delivered through an interactive, cohort-based learning model. This approach not only fosters better engagement but also ensures that learners receive direct access to knowledgeable instructors, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Disadvantages of Maven
Despite its many benefits, Maven's courses can be quite expensive, which might deter those on a tighter budget. Additionally, the platform's support outside of the structured cohorts can be limited, potentially leaving some learners needing more assistance.
Maven
7.4
Maven alternatives
Udemy
9.0
9.0
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a vast array of courses across various fields, from technology and business to personal development. Unlike Maven's cohort-based model, Udemy provides self-paced courses, allowing learners to progress at their own speed. This flexibility makes it a great choice for those with unpredictable schedules or those who prefer to learn independently.
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of courses
- Self-paced learning
- Variable course quality
- Less interactive than cohort-based courses
Coursera
8.8
8.8
Coursera is a well-established online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, from free courses to professional certificates and degrees. Unlike Maven, which focuses on live, cohort-based courses, Coursera provides both self-paced and scheduled courses, making it more flexible for learners with varying schedules.
- Wide range of courses
- Flexible learning options
- Partnerships with top universities
- Less interactive than cohort-based platforms
- Varied course quality
LinkedIn Learning
8.7
8.7
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, offers a vast library of courses covering various professional and creative topics. Unlike Maven's cohort-based model, LinkedIn Learning provides self-paced courses, allowing users to learn at their own convenience. This platform is integrated with LinkedIn's professional network, which can help users leverage their new skills in the job market.
- Self-paced learning
- Integration with LinkedIn
- Wide range of topics
- Less interactive than cohort-based learning
- No direct access to instructors
Codecademy
8.6
8.6
Codecademy is an interactive online learning platform that focuses on teaching coding and programming skills through engaging, hands-on exercises. Unlike Maven, which offers cohort-based courses, Codecademy provides a self-paced learning environment where users can learn at their own speed. This makes it ideal for those who prefer flexibility over structured class times.
- Self-paced learning
- Interactive coding exercises
- Free access to basic courses
- Less structured support
- No live cohort sessions
edX
8.6
8.6
edX is a massive open online course provider created by Harvard and MIT. It offers a wide range of university-level courses in various disciplines, from computer science to humanities. Unlike Maven, which focuses on live, cohort-based courses, edX provides mostly self-paced courses that allow learners to study at their own convenience. This makes it a great option for those who need a more flexible learning schedule.
- Wide range of courses
- Flexible learning schedule
- Courses from top universities
- Less interactive than cohort-based platforms
- Limited direct access to instructors
DataCamp
8.5
8.5
DataCamp is an online learning platform that focuses on data science and analytics. Unlike Maven, which offers a broad range of professional skills, DataCamp specializes in teaching skills related to data, such as programming in Python, R, and SQL, data analysis, and machine learning. Courses are self-paced with interactive exercises, which differ from Maven's live cohort-based approach.
- Specialized in data science
- Interactive coding exercises
- Self-paced learning
- Less focus on soft skills
- No live cohort sessions
- Limited course variety outside data science
Skillshare
8.3
8.3
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Unlike Maven's cohort-based courses, Skillshare offers self-paced learning which allows users to learn at their own speed and schedule.
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of courses
- Self-paced learning
- Community-driven learning
- Accessible on various devices
- Less interaction with instructors
- No cohort-based learning
- Variable course quality
- Limited career-focused courses
- No direct certification
Pluralsight
8.3
8.3
Pluralsight is a well-established online learning platform that focuses on technology and creative content. Unlike Maven, which emphasizes live, cohort-based courses, Pluralsight offers a vast library of pre-recorded courses that users can access at their own pace. This makes it a great choice for learners who prefer flexibility over structured, scheduled sessions.
- Flexible learning schedule
- Wide range of tech topics
- Affordable subscription plans
- Less interactive than cohort-based learning
- No direct access to instructors
Udacity
8.2
8.2
Udacity is a popular online learning platform that focuses on tech-related courses, particularly in programming, data science, and artificial intelligence. Unlike Maven, which emphasizes live, cohort-based learning, Udacity offers self-paced learning with a strong emphasis on hands-on projects and real-world applications. This approach allows learners to work at their own pace and apply what they learn directly to practical scenarios.
- Self-paced learning
- Hands-on projects
- Real-world applications
- Flexible schedules
- Wide range of tech courses
- Less interactive than cohort-based learning
- Limited direct access to instructors
- Can be pricey
- Fewer opportunities for networking
- Less emphasis on soft skills