learning platform comparisons
Two platforms, one verdict. The learning platforms learners genuinely hesitate between, set side by side on what they cost and what they teach.
Pick any two platforms
Choose the two platforms you are torn between. If a full written verdict exists for that pair, you land on it directly.
| Feature | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Price | not stated | From $33.25/mo |
| Renews at | not stated | not stated |
| Free plan | No | |
| Plans offered | 2 | 2 |
| Best for | Buying single courses | Recognized certificates |
| Category | Everything under one roof | Everything under one roof |
| Provider | Udemy Inc. | Coursera Inc. |
Head-to-head record
For each platform: the number of duels below it takes part in, and the number where it is our choice. Editorial verdicts, not test results, and a platform needs at least two duels to be listed.
| Product | Duels | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Udemy | 5 | 4 |
| Coursera | 4 | 3 |
| DataCamp | 3 | 2 |
| Skillshare | 3 | 2 |
| Codecademy | 2 | 1 |
| Brilliant | 2 | 0 |
| LinkedIn Learning | 2 | 0 |
| Pluralsight | 2 | 0 |
What a subscription costs to begin with
The lowest-priced paid plan starts at $10 a month; the dearest is $249. 7 of the 17 platforms also let you learn on a free tier.
All duels and their winners
| Comparison | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Coursera vs Udemy | Depends on use |
| Coursera vs edX | Coursera |
| DataCamp vs Codecademy | Depends on use |
| Udemy vs Skillshare | Udemy |
| Skillshare vs Domestika | Skillshare |
| LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera | Coursera |
| MasterClass vs Skillshare | Skillshare |
| Codecademy vs Pluralsight | Codecademy |
| DataCamp vs Pluralsight | DataCamp |
| Khan Academy vs Brilliant | Khan Academy |
| Udacity vs Coursera | Coursera |
| Brilliant vs DataCamp | DataCamp |
| Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning | Udemy |
| Edureka vs Udemy | Udemy |
| Tutorialspoint vs Udemy | Udemy |
How to read these comparisons
Go straight to the duel between the two platforms already on your list. Each page opens with the verdict, since that is where the trade-off between them is laid out.
The comparison rests on what a subscription keeps costing after the first month and on real limits, not on feature counts. Most platforms cover the same popular subjects; the differences show up at the margins.
Coursera vs Udemy
The structured university route against the worlds biggest course marketplace. The most-asked question in online learning.
Coursera vs edX
The two university platforms head to head. The career machine takes on the academic purist from MIT and Harvard.
DataCamp vs Codecademy
The two learn-by-doing platforms for technical skills, the data specialist against the all-round coding school.
Udemy vs Skillshare
Buy or subscribe? The biggest course marketplace against the creative all-you-can-learn subscription.
Skillshare vs Domestika
The two creative favorites. The broad subscription against the beautifully produced single courses.
LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera
Two career platforms in different weight classes. Quick business skills against university credentials.
MasterClass vs Skillshare
Inspiration or skill? Watching world-class masters against making things with working professionals.
Codecademy vs Pluralsight
Learning to code against leveling up professionally. Two tech platforms for different phases.
DataCamp vs Pluralsight
The data specialist against the broad IT library. Focus or range?
Khan Academy vs Brilliant
Two beloved ways to learn math and science. The free nonprofit against the interactive puzzle premium.
Udacity vs Coursera
Two career-focused heavyweights, the intensive project school against the university platform.
Brilliant vs DataCamp
Daily thinking against job-focused practice. Two interactive platforms with different goals.
Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning
Single-course depth against the business subscription. Where does the working professional learn best for the money?
Edureka vs Udemy
Live instructor-led training against the self-paced marketplace, two opposite answers to how you learn a tech skill.
Tutorialspoint vs Udemy
The free programming reference against the biggest course marketplace. Reading up versus following a course.