Written by
Janosch Herrmann
skillfrontier is supported by learners. When you buy through links on our website, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Udemy is a leading online course marketplace that offers over 200,000 courses across a wide range of topics. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the US, Udemy serves millions of students globally each year. It's designed for anyone looking to learn new skills, whether for personal development or professional advancement.
Advantages of Udemy
Udemy's strengths lie in its vast selection of courses, taught by expert instructors. Students benefit from lifetime access to their courses, allowing them to learn at their own pace. The platform's extensive course library ensures that learners of all interests can find something suitable, making it a top choice for online education.
Disadvantages of Udemy
However, the quality of courses on Udemy can vary significantly since almost anyone can become an instructor. This inconsistency might lead some users to seek more reliable educational platforms. Additionally, the lack of guaranteed support from instructors can be a drawback for students who need more personalized guidance.
Udemy
9.0
Udemy alternatives
Coursera
8.8
8.8
Coursera is a popular online learning platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer courses, specializations, and degrees. Unlike Udemy, which allows almost anyone to create and sell courses, Coursera focuses on providing high-quality, university-level education, often taught by university professors.
- University-level courses
- Courses from top institutions
- Accredited certificates
- More expensive than Udemy
- Fixed course schedules
LinkedIn Learning
8.7
8.7
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is a popular online learning platform that focuses on professional development. It offers a wide range of courses aimed at enhancing job skills and boosting employability. The platform is integrated with LinkedIn's professional network, which allows users to easily add completed courses to their profiles and showcase their new skills to potential employers.
- Courses tailored for career development
- Integration with LinkedIn profiles
- Certificates recognized by employers
- More expensive than Udemy
- Limited course variety compared to Udemy
edX
8.6
8.6
edX is a massive open online course provider created by Harvard and MIT. It offers university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines. Unlike Udemy, which allows almost anyone to create and sell courses, edX courses are often developed by prestigious universities and organizations, ensuring high-quality content.
- Courses from top universities
- Accredited certificates
- In-depth course material
- More expensive than Udemy
- Less variety than Udemy
FutureLearn
8.5
8.5
FutureLearn offers a diverse range of courses from top universities and cultural institutions from around the world. Unlike Udemy, which allows almost anyone to create and sell courses, FutureLearn partners exclusively with prestigious organizations to ensure high-quality learning material. This platform is particularly known for its strong emphasis on community learning and in-depth courses.
- Courses from top universities
- Emphasis on community learning
- High-quality content
- Less course variety than Udemy
- Courses can be more expensive
- Limited free course options
Skillshare
8.3
8.3
Skillshare is a vibrant online learning community with thousands of classes in design, business, tech, and more. Unlike Udemy, which offers a wide range of topics, Skillshare focuses more on creative courses like illustration, photography, and design. It's a platform where professionals and enthusiasts can both learn new skills and share their knowledge.
- Focus on creative courses
- Community-driven learning
- Opportunities for networking
- Limited course topics outside creativity
- No lifetime access to courses
Pluralsight
8.3
8.3
Pluralsight is a technology-focused online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses primarily in IT, software development, and creative content design. Unlike Udemy, which has a broader course catalog, Pluralsight focuses more on depth in technology and professional development. It's known for its skill assessments and learning paths that guide users through their learning journey effectively.
- In-depth tech courses
- Skill assessments
- Structured learning paths
- High-quality content
- Focus on professional development
- Higher cost
- Less variety outside tech
- Subscription model
- No lifetime access
- Limited free content
Khan Academy
7.2
7.2
Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that offers free courses on a wide range of subjects, from math to arts and humanities. Unlike Udemy, which operates as a marketplace where instructors can sell their courses, Khan Academy provides all of its educational content for free, making it accessible to anyone with internet access.
- Free courses
- Structured learning paths
- Focus on academic subjects
- Limited course variety
- No certificate of completion
- Less interactive than Udemy
