Written by
Janosch Herrmann
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Pluralsight is an online learning platform established in 2004, specializing in technical skills across a wide range of subjects. It's designed primarily for companies looking to upskill their employees, but also caters to individual tech enthusiasts seeking to advance their knowledge. With a robust selection of over 7,000 courses taught by more than 1,500 expert instructors, Pluralsight is a top choice for those seeking in-depth tech training.
Advantages of Pluralsight
Pluralsight shines with its extensive course library that covers a broad spectrum of technical topics, many of which are unique to the platform. The content is known for its high quality, contributed by experienced instructors who are experts in their fields. This makes it an ideal resource for businesses aiming to enhance their team's tech capabilities and for individuals who want to deepen their technical expertise.
Disadvantages of Pluralsight
However, Pluralsight may not be the best fit for everyone. Its focus on tech skills means it offers limited options for those interested in non-technical subjects. The platform provides little free content, which might deter those who are not ready to commit financially. Additionally, its business-oriented approach might not resonate with casual learners or absolute beginners, who could feel overwhelmed by the advanced level of most courses.
Pluralsight
8.3
Pluralsight alternatives
LinkedIn Learning
8.7
8.7
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various fields including business, technology, and creative topics. It integrates with LinkedIn's professional network, allowing users to display completed courses on their profiles and connect with industry professionals.
- Wide variety of topics
- Courses linked to LinkedIn profiles
- Networking opportunities
- Subscription required
- Less focus on advanced tech skills
- Mainly video-based content
Udacity
8.2
8.2
Udacity is an online learning platform that specializes in tech education, particularly in programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. It offers 'Nanodegree' programs designed in collaboration with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft, which are aimed at providing job-relevant skills that can help learners advance their careers.
- Industry-relevant programs
- Partnerships with tech giants
- Focus on job-ready skills
- Higher cost
- Limited course variety outside tech
- Intense and time-consuming
Udemy
9.0
9.0
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide variety of courses across multiple fields, not just limited to technology. It's known for its affordable pricing and the vast number of courses available, making it a great choice for individuals looking to learn new skills or enhance existing ones at their own pace.
- Affordable pricing
- Wide variety of courses
- Self-paced learning
- Variable course quality
- No enterprise-specific features
- Less focus on advanced tech skills
Coursera
8.8
8.8
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, not just limited to tech. It partners with universities and organizations worldwide to provide courses, specializations, and degrees. This makes it a versatile choice for learners at all levels.
- Wide variety of subjects
- University-level courses
- Partnerships with top universities
- Varied course quality
- Subscription can be expensive
- Less focus on enterprise solutions
Codecademy
8.6
8.6
Codecademy is an interactive online learning platform that focuses on teaching coding and programming skills through hands-on learning. Unlike Pluralsight, which is more suited for advanced learners and businesses, Codecademy offers a friendly and easy-to-navigate interface that is ideal for beginners and those looking to start a new career in tech. It provides courses in various programming languages and tech subjects, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the field.
- Interactive learning environment
- Courses for absolute beginners
- Free courses available
- Career-oriented learning paths
- Supportive community
- Less depth in advanced topics
- Primarily focuses on coding
- Limited course offerings outside programming
- No offline access
- Less tailored for enterprise needs
edX
8.6
8.6
edX is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including technology, humanities, and business. Unlike Pluralsight, which is heavily focused on tech skills, edX provides a more diverse curriculum that caters to different interests and career paths. It partners with prestigious universities and institutions worldwide to deliver courses, making it ideal for those looking for academic rigor and certification from renowned schools.
- Broad range of subjects
- Courses from top universities
- Certificates from recognized institutions
- Less focus on tech-only skills
- Varied course quality
- Some courses can be expensive
DataCamp
8.5
8.5
DataCamp is an online learning platform that specializes in data science and analytics. It offers interactive courses that focus on practical skills in programming, data analysis, and machine learning. DataCamp's courses are designed to be hands-on, allowing learners to write code and analyze data directly in their browser.
- Interactive learning environment
- Focus on data science
- Practical coding exercises
- Limited non-data subjects
- Less suitable for non-tech users
- Primarily subscription-based
Skillshare
8.3
8.3
Skillshare is an online learning community that offers thousands of classes in creative, business, and tech skills. Unlike Pluralsight, which focuses heavily on technical skills for IT professionals and businesses, Skillshare caters to a broader audience including creatives and hobbyists. It's a platform where anyone can join to learn new skills or improve existing ones, from drawing and photography to marketing and technology.
- Wide variety of creative courses
- Community-driven learning
- Affordable subscription model
- Less focus on advanced tech skills
- Limited professional development courses
- Not as tailored for enterprise needs
Treehouse
7.8
7.8
Treehouse is an online learning platform that offers a variety of tech-related courses, similar to Pluralsight. However, Treehouse is particularly known for its beginner-friendly approach and its supportive community. It provides a structured learning path which makes it easier for new learners to start from scratch and gradually build up their skills. Treehouse also offers a 'Techdegree' program that helps learners prepare for entry-level tech jobs.
- Beginner-friendly
- Structured learning paths
- Supportive community
- Less variety in advanced topics
- Primarily focuses on tech skills
- Fewer resources for enterprise clients
Educative
7.2
7.2
Educative is an interactive learning platform that focuses on coding and software development. Unlike traditional video-based platforms, Educative uses a text-based approach with in-browser coding environments, allowing learners to practice coding while they learn. This makes it highly effective for those who prefer active learning and immediate application of concepts.
- Interactive coding environments
- Text-based content for quick learning
- Immediate application of coding skills
- No video content
- Limited non-tech courses
- Primarily appeals to developers