Independently compared

Find the learning platform that sticks.

Independent comparisons of the best online learning platforms. Honest about what free gets you, which certificates matter, and where your money goes furthest.

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Best overall
Coursera logo

Coursera

4.6

University courses and certificates that count.

From $33.25/moFree version available

No sponsored rankings. We may earn a commission via our links, at no extra cost to you.

The best learning platforms, ranked

Ranked on quality, ease of use and price.

  1. 1
    Coursera logo
    Coursera

    University courses and certificates that count.

    4.6

    From $33.25/mo

    Free version available

  2. 2
    Khan Academy logo
    Khan Academy

    World-class fundamentals, completely free.

    4.5

    Free

  3. 3
    edX logo
    edX

    Academic learning from MIT, Harvard, and more, often free.

    4.4

    Free

  4. 4
    DataCamp logo
    DataCamp

    Learn data and AI by actually doing it.

    4.4

    From $13.25/mo

    Free version available

  5. 5
    Udemy logo
    Udemy

    The biggest course marketplace, with never-ending sales.

    4.3

    From $20/mo

    Free version available

  6. 6
    Skillshare logo
    Skillshare

    The most fun platform for creative skills.

    4.3

    From $13.99/mo

Independently compared

Honest comparisons based on teaching quality, catalog, and price. No sponsored rankings, ever.

Certificates checked

We tell you which certificates employers actually recognize and which are just a PDF.

Free routes included

Plenty of great learning is free. We point it out, even when it earns us nothing.

Kept up to date

Catalogs and prices change. We check ours regularly and date our reviews.

Live price comparison

Compare the real price of every learning platform

Our live index ranks all 12 learning platforms by what they actually cost.

Compare prices

Lowest prices

live
1Domestika$7.99/mo
2MasterClass$10.00/mo
3DataCamp$13.25/mo

Reviews

Our independent verdicts, dated and sourced.

All reviews
Coursera logo
Coursera

Coursera Inc.

4.6
The courses we took were genuinely university-grade, with graded work and deadlines that keep you honest. For a certificate employers actually recognize, this is the place.Editorial team, via CourseShortlist
Khan Academy logo
Khan Academy

Khan Academy (nonprofit)

4.5
Completely free, no catch, no upsell: a nonprofit that teaches math, science, and economics better than most paid platforms. The gold standard for foundational knowledge.Editorial team, via CourseShortlist
edX logo
edX

edX LLC

4.4
Nearly everything can be audited for free at MIT and Harvard level: that remains remarkable. The academic approach takes discipline, but the depth is unmatched.Editorial team, via CourseShortlist
DataCamp logo
DataCamp

DataCamp Inc.

4.4
Learning by coding directly in the browser works surprisingly well: short exercises, instant feedback. For data and AI we found this more effective than any video course.Editorial team, via CourseShortlist

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