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26 Best Sites Like Udemy for Online Learning & Courses (2024)

July 23, 2024

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Udemy is a popular e-learning destination where millions of learners take online courses. However, many e-learning alternatives and robust competitors exist. This post will explore sites like Udemy that are excellent for online learning, training, education, and certifications.

Udemy Overview

Udemy offers classes in multiple languages and 10+ categories, such as software development, business, marketing, photography, design, and test prep. Many of Udemy’s top-rated free and paid courses focus on app development, programming, software, and other tech courses.

Anyone can create a course, self-publish, and teach on Udemy. That self-publishing approach helps Udemy attract new instructors daily and content creators who want to make extra money. On the other hand, Udemy’s open-door policy can attract unqualified teachers who produce subpar content. Moreover, some instructors crank out second-rate tutorials only to turn a quick buck without concern for learning outcomes. For example, one instructor taught a course about passive income with his shirt off, whereas another taught an offensive course called “How to Hack a Girl.” Udemy has since removed that content.

Udemy wants to provide an enriching platform and continues to raise its content standards. It must do so in a lucrative and highly competitive e-learning sector, where many worthwhile competitors offer similar classes and content. Secondly, Udemy is a department store of subjects with over 100 subcategories. That allows specialty and niche education sites to differentiate and gain competitive advantages.

Best Websites Like Udemy and Alternatives

Let’s explore similar and reputable alternatives to Udemy for online education, including programming, app development, e-commerce, business, marketing, finance, industry training, art, and creativity classes. The following e-learning platforms compete with Udemy and target all types of learners of all ages. Many provide course completion certificates.

Coursera (Top Choice)

Coursera partners with 200+ leading universities and organizations to offer flexible, affordable, and job-relevant online learning. It supports 80+ million learners, 100+ Fortune 500 companies, and 6,000+ entities. University partnerships include Stanford, Duke, Yale, Illinois, Columbia, and Penn. Instructors on Coursera are typically highly educated professionals, thought leaders, and subject matter experts with the qualifications to deliver excellent educational content.

Coursera has a comprehensive library of courses (7,000+), degrees, specializations, and professional certificates in 10+ subjects, such as data & computer science, business, IT, languages, and personal development. Moreover, career-changing professional certifications from Google, IBM, Facebook, and Salesforce are available in UX design, project management, data analytics, and social media marketing.

Many classes on Coursera are free. However, payment plans exist to access course completion certificates. Coursera Plus is a premium monthly or annual subscription plan offering unlimited learning. Additionally, there are enterprise, government, and campus plans.

Coursera is the best alternative to Udemy for high-quality online education, professional development, and certificates employers will recognize.

edX partners with 160+ leading universities to deliver high-quality education for everyone, everywhere. Their roster includes Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Brown, Cornell, and Stanford. It supports 42+ million learners globally. Instructors on edX are typically highly educated professionals, thought leaders, and topical experts.

edX offers an extensive course catalog (3,600+), degrees, specialty programs, and boot camps in 30+ subjects, such as data analysis & statistics, business & management, law, communication, medicine, and music.

MOOC.org is an extension of edX that provides Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are free online courses anyone can enroll in. However, edX payment plans offer access to course completion certificates and additional resources.

Emeritus is an online education platform offering high-quality online courses from top-rated universities. It collaborates with over 50 top-tier universities across the United States, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India, including Columbia, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Stanford, and INSEAD.

Emeritus offers management, marketing, finance, AI, coding, data science, health care, project management, digital transformation, and technology courses.

Alison is a for-profit social enterprise allowing anyone to study anything for free online. It offers thousands of free online courses (3,500+) with certificates and diplomas. Diplomas take 15 to 20 hours to complete and provide a comprehensive subject overview. Certificates take about 90 minutes to three hours to finish, with videos in bite-sized chunks. Alison’s courses are accredited by Continuing Professional Development (CPD UK) and external organizations.

Alison’s main categories include IT, language, sales and marketing, management, business, health, engineering and construction, personal development, and teaching and academics, with over 100 subcategories.

Users can answer five questions to get course recommendations. For example, what is their primary goal at Alison: to upskill their career, change their field, or explore hobbies and interests? Career guides help students discover career paths and introductory classes.

Alison is free, and payment plans are available to access premium features, remove adverts, and purchase certificate/diploma hardcopies.

AWS Skill Builder

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments on a metered pay-as-you-go basis. It’s one of the leading cloud service providers globally.

AWS Skill Builder offers 500+ free digital courses and classroom training for AWS, including advanced networking, security, database, video streaming, analytics, DevOps, and machine learning. Furthermore, educational content is available in multiple languages.

Users can select courses by role, skill level, subject, partner, and language. Learning Plans feature a collection of lessons to achieve a specific goal. For instance, the Game Tech Learning Plan helps game producers, developers, and operators master game production in the cloud.

AWS certification helps learners build credibility and confidence by validating their expertise with an industry-recognized credential. That also helps organizations identify skilled professionals to lead AWS cloud initiatives.

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CBT Nuggets

CBT Nuggets offers 390+ courses, 2300+ skills, and 70+ practice exams on IT, project management, and office productivity for business, government, and cybersecurity industries. Their certification categories include Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA, AWS, ISC 2, Juniper, Linux, VMware, ISACA, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and PMI. Individual and team pricing is available for monthly and annual subscriptions.

Cisco Learning Network

The Cisco Learning Network is a social learning community focusing on IT. Its mission is to provide learning tools, training resources, and industry guidance to anyone interested in building an IT career through Cisco certifications. There are five certification levels: Entry, Associate, Specialist, Professional, and Expert. In addition, learners can choose from 20+ certifications, such as CCT, CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. Course pricing ranges from hundreds to thousands.

Codecademy offers free and paid web development, programming, and data science courses to 50 million learners across 190+ countries. Users can take classes in HTML, CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, Bash/Shell, Ruby, and more. Goal-based learning allows students to choose their reason for studying, i.e., build a career, gain a skill, learn a programming language, or explore a subject. Alternatively, you can take a short quiz to get career advice and course recommendations.

Pricing is available for individuals, students, and businesses/teams. Paying learners can access member-only content, real-world projects, step-by-step guidance, and completion certificates.

CreativeLive

CreativeLive has classes for the creator in all of us, with over 2,000 courses in photography, videography, design, music, audio, and other creative categories. Over 10 million learners take free and paid lessons. As a “by creators for creators” platform, instructors consist of bestselling authors, top creators, iconic entrepreneurs, Pulitzer prize winners, and award-winning artists. Learning paths are curated courses for specific career interests, such as becoming an outdoor photographer.

Domestika is a creative community where top experts share their knowledge and skills through e-learning. Course categories include illustration, craft, marketing, design, photography, animation, architecture, fashion, and more. Upon course completion, learners get personalized certificates signed by their teachers. Most courses on Domestika cost less than $100.

Economist Education GMAT Tutor

GMAT Tutor’s online learning platform uses innovative technology to identify your learning habits and patterns. It tailors practice questions and solution strategies to improve your studying and results significantly. Plans include private tutoring sessions, score improvement guarantees, official practice tests, and expert assessments. Pricing starts at $449.

ExpertRating

ExpertRating offers online certification and training services to individuals and companies globally. Over 25 million people have benefited from ExpertRating online certifications, tests, and assessments. Learners can choose self-study and instructor-led classes. Most self-study courses cost $69.99, whereas most instructor-led training costs $129.99. Educational subjects include fitness, healthcare, business & management, personal development, entrepreneurship, arts, childcare, computer applications, graphic design, and more.

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Fiverr is the largest online market for freelancer services, starting at five dollars. Its e-learning division, Fiverr Learn , allows freelancers and business owners to acquire practical skills and learn from industry leaders. It has courses and programs in digital marketing, graphic design, writing, business, video, and photography. Individual classes cost $20 to $50, whereas specialty program pricing ranges from $100 to $300.

Google Skillshop and Cloud Skills Boost

Google Skillshop offers free online courses for marketing products, such as Google Ads and Google Analytics. Certifications are available upon passing course assessments.

Google Cloud Skills Boost focuses on cloud training. Learning paths are courses and labs curated to boost your cloud skills in a specific area. The catalog includes bite-sized videos, documents, labs, and quizzes. Users can earn badges for completed assignments. Google also has multiple courses and professional certificates on Coursera .

HubSpot Academy

HubSpot Academy is a worldwide leader in free online training for inbound marketing, sales, and customer service professionals. It has comprehensive certifications, singular-topic courses, and bite-sized lessons for professionals looking to grow their careers and business skills. HubSpot Academy instructors work at HubSpot, and content is available in six languages. Learners can choose from ten certifications: Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Digital Advertising, and Digital Marketing. Over 200,000 professionals have taken HubSpot courses to advance their careers.

IAP Career College

IAP Career College offers online certificate courses for various fields, including fitness club owners, florists, travel consultants, graphic designers, and more. Pricing starts at $149, and students can complete most certificates in as little as six weeks.

Investopedia Academy

Investopedia provides investment dictionaries, advice, reviews, ratings, and comparisons of financial products. The Investopedia Academy offers 30+ financial, investment, crypto, and trading classes. Popular courses include Become a Day Trader , Investing for Beginners , Technical Analysis , and Trading for Beginners . Pricing ranges from $19.95 for individual classes to $447 for bundles/packages. Furthermore, Investopedia handpicks industry veterans to teach on their platform.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy provides free instructional videos, practice exercises, and personalized learning dashboards that empower learners to self-study in and outside the classroom. Their main subjects include math, science, computing, history, art, economics, life skills, and personal finance. Their resources are available in more than 30 languages. As a non-profit, the Khan Academy is supported by contributions.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a subsidiary of LinkedIn, a business-oriented social networking platform. LinkedIn Learning targets three subject areas, i.e., business, creative, and technology. Business topics include strategy, finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Creative categories include AEC, animation, illustration, audio, and video. Technology tutorials include cloud computing, data science, DevOps, web & mobile development, and security. LinkedIn Learning has monthly and annual subscription plans.

Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation provides free and paid courses in Linux, cloud computing, blockchain, web development, embedded systems, DevOps, machine learning, and more. Many well-respected developers and experts in the open-source community teach on the platform. Their 20+ certifications cost $250 to $410 and are available in multiple languages. The Cloud Engineer Bootcamp prepares absolute beginners to learn the most in-demand cloud computing skills in as little as six months.

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MasterClass

MasterClass courses are taught by world leaders, celebrities, business titans, influencers, authors, professional athletes, and award winners. It’s where Lewis Hamilton, Ringo Starr, Shonda Rhimes, Levar Burton, Gordon Ramsay, Steven Martin, and many others share insights into their crafts. MasterClass offers classes in 11 subjects, including entertainment, lifestyle, music, business, writing, food, design, sports, government, wellness, and tech. Students can choose from three subscriptions: Standard, Plus, and Premium.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight provides thousands of premium courses authored by a network of industry experts. They mainly focus on IT, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity technology content. Learners can take free skill assessments to understand their knowledge gaps.

Pluralsight’s Certification Prep Center is a centralized hub for leaders to discover more about certifications and the best ones to pursue. In addition, the Pluralsight Technology Index aggregates 23 billion data points monthly, highlighting the growth rate of 850+ technologies and ranking their relative popularity.

Shopify Learn

Shopify is a leading global commerce company that provides tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. Shopify Learn offers free online training from 90+ industry leaders, real-world entrepreneurs, and Shopify employees. Business classes cover strategy, product sourcing, drop shipping, finance, customer service, and entrepreneurship. Marketing and sales training includes email, SEO, content, social media, paid ads, and branding.

Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of free and paid classes for curious people on creativity, business, technology, and lifestyle. Members come together to find inspiration and take the next step in their creative journeys. Skillshare offers monthly and annual subscription plans for unlimited access to classes. Team plans are also available.

Springboard

Springboard prepares students for the tech industry’s most in-demand careers with comprehensive, mentor-led online programs in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, and more. Its community includes tens of thousands of students and alums, more than a thousand expert mentors, dozens of career coaches, and hundreds of employer partners.

The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review provides college and graduate prep, admission counseling, and private tutoring to help students achieve their academic goals. Academics include math, science, social studies, and English. College tests include the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP. Graduate exams include the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, DAT, and OAT. Fees range from hundreds to thousands.

Udacity began as an experiment in online learning when Stanford instructors Sebastian Thrun and Peter Norvig offered their “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course online to anyone for free.

Udacity offers programs and nanodegrees in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, programming, and product management. It provides solutions for individuals, businesses, and the government.

WordPress is a versatile, open-source content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites globally. It enables users to create, customize, and manage blogs, e-commerce sites, and other online platforms without extensive coding knowledge. WordPress offers a plethora of themes and plugins, allowing for extensive customization and functionality.

WordPress offers free tutorials to get hands-on with its software.

YouTube isn’t only about music, pranks, and unboxing videos. Millions of people visit the site for how-to, educational, and instructional content, from website development to playing musical instruments. Content on YouTube is free, with the option to pay a monthly fee for ad removal.

The YouTube Creator Academy offers courses and education for content creators.

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The top 6 best udemy alternatives (2024), share this article.

The eLearning industry is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2028. A major player in the industry is Udemy with over 50 million learners on its books and an extensive library of over 200,000 courses.

But while Udemy is a popular choice for online learning, it’s not the only option on the market. In fact, there are a wide range of Udemy alternatives that offer both creators and learners more control, more creative freedom, and more cost effective solutions – so you can keep more of what you earn on the platform.

Here’s our pick of the top Udemy alternatives in 2023 including top features, pros, cons, and more.

Follow along or skip ahead:

Best Udemy alternatives comparison table

Quick intro to udemy, best udemy alternative for creator educators: thinkific, best udemy alternative for free marketing: skillshare, best udemy alternative for tech specialists: udacity, best udemy alternative for accredited courses: coursera, best udemy alternative for students: khan academy, best udemy alternative for data science: datacamp, how to choose the best udemy alternative for you, free buyer’s guide: the best online course platforms.

Get a run-down of the 9 of the best Online Course Platforms, 6 must-know features, and what their customers say about them with this guide.

Founded by Eren Bali, Gagan Biyani, and Oktay Caglar in 2010, Udemy has grown to attract more than 52 million students, as well as 68,000 instructors who create courses on everything from synthesizers to Adobe Photoshop. Throughout the early stages of the pandemic, Udemy saw a 425% increase in paid enrollments as more people switched to online learning .

Udemy is a well-known platform that offers some solid benefits to Creator Educators , including its beginner-friendly setup that lets you produce and promote online courses with no technical or design expertise. As a course marketplace, Udemy offers creators a large audience base to market your products to – but it’s not without its disadvantages.

While it’s easy to get started with Udemy, it can be challenging for creators and educators to earn an income from the platform as you have zero control over course pricing. Udemy also takes the lion’s share of any profits you make, pocketing 63% of the revenue from any courses sold through the Udemy Marketplace. Then there’s the problem of ownership – you have no ownership over the data on the platform, including your customers’ and learners’ data, so you have very limited control over your business.

• Easy to start: It’s simple to sign-up to Udemy and the platform provides resources to help you with planning, recording and publishing your first course.  
• Extensive course library: Udemy is well-known for its course library featuring over 200,000 courses across a wide range of topics.
• Global instructor community: Join a community of thousands of instructors across the world to get tips and guidance on becoming a successful course creator.
• Competitive marketplace: The huge number of courses on Udemy’s course marketplace means it’s tough to get your content seen – and even tougher to stand out from the crowd.
• No ownership of data: Instructors don’t have ownership over their customers’ data so your business is dependent on Udemy. That means it’s harder to grow your business, switch platforms, and retain control.
• Extensive requirements to follow: Udemy runs quality control on all courses uploaded to the marketplace with an extensive list of requirements you need to follow to get your content approved. That’s a lot of hoops to jump through.
• High fees: Udemy takes a cut of everything you make on the platform – if you sell your course through the Udemy Marketplace, they take 63% of anything you earn.

Udemy is a popular online learning platform – but it’s not the only option available. Ready to explore the best Udemy alternatives in 2024? Here’s our pick of the top solutions you need to know about.

Top 6 best Udemy alternatives

Looking to build, host, promote, and earn money from your online courses? Thinkific could be the Udemy alternative for you. The Vancouver-founded online learning platform gives creators everything you need to sell courses and digital products through your own customized branded site. 

Create, manage and market your learning content with features like custom site themes and domains, dedicated community spaces, and a dedicated mobile app.  Use the Thinkific Site Builder to design an eye-catching website to show off your online courses and digital products with customizable fonts and colors to match your brand. Use detailed analytics to learn more about your customers – and tailor your content to your target audience to maximize your impact.

When it comes to designing your online courses, Thinkific’s Course Creator has everything you need to get started. Choose from a range of professionally-made templates to help you organize and structure your content. Create mini-courses, landing pages, membership sites, and more. And when you’re ready to start marketing your products, take advantage of Thinkific’s suite of built-in marketing tools – like bundles, coupons, and cross-selling features.

Thinkific’s plans start at $0/month including everything you need to create your first digital product, including access to easy-to-use website templates and the drag-and-drop Course Builder. 

As you create more courses and grow your business, you have the chance to upgrade to a Start plan for $99/month. The paid plan grants you access to a wider range of features, including customizable completion certificates, unlimited courses, private and hidden courses, and much more. 

Plus, if you’re looking to scale fast, Thinkific is built to grow with you. The best part? You retain 100% ownership over your content – and all the profits from your sales. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re further along your creator journey, that’s a major win. 

See how creator Ellie Diop made 7 figures in less than a year with Thinkific.

• Keep more of your profits: Unlike Udemy, what you sell is what you earn on this platform. Thinkific won’t take a cut from any of your sales so all your profits go in your pocket.
• Completely customizable: Thinkific offers a wide range of customization features to help you create your own branded site and learning experience. And you also get access to a library of 3rd-party integrations to get more of the tools you need.
• Custom domains: Thinkific’s paid plans let you create a custom website and add your own domain – so it looks like you built it all yourself.
• Feature-packed free plan: Thinkific’s free tier includes a generous amount of features for new creators, including a library of pre-built website templates and drag-and-drop course creation tools.
• Flat monthly fee: Thinkific uses a transparent pricing system with a flat monthly fee so you keep more from each sale.
• Earn recurring revenue: Choose from a range of pricing structures to sell your products – including memberships and subscriptions to generate monthly recurring revenue for your business.
• No course marketplace: Thinkific makes it easy to publish and sell your courses through your own branded website – rather than a course marketplace.
• Limited features on free plan: To access the full range of features on the Thinkific platform, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription.
• Few email marketing features: If you want to market your products using email marketing , you’ll need to use a dedicated platform alongside Thinkific.

Related: Udemy vs Thinkific

Skillshare is one of the best-known Udemy alternatives and one of the largest online learning marketplaces. The platform was founded in 2010 and now boasts over 12 million members . 

Like Udemy, you’ll sign up as a course creator, develop your course content and then publish it online. But where Skillshare is different is in the marketing of your course. The Skillshare marketplace takes care of all promotion of your content and connects learners with industry experts, so most of the marketing work is done for you.

Another key difference between Skillshare and Udemy is that Skillshare uses a subscription model for pricing and purchasing courses. While Udemy students pay for individual courses, Skillshare students pay a flat fee to access all the courses on the platform. 

This means instructors like you get paid out of Skillshare’s royalty pool, rather than from individual course sales. 30% of all monthly Premium Membership fees go into the royalty pool and creators are allocated a chunk based on the amount of ‘watch time’ your content racks up in a given month.

You can also get paid for referring new students. Skillshare instructors get paid a $10 bonus for each new student who signs up with a referral link, which means you can monetize any existing audience you’ve built outside Skillshare. 

• Large potential audience: Skillshare has a built-in audience of millions, so the potential viewership for your content is huge.
• High quality course content: Because Skillshare pays creators based on time spent watching your content, there’s extra incentive to create higher quality courses that will be watched for longer by more people.
• Arts-oriented learners: While many eLearning platforms like Udemy focus heavily on business and technology topics, Skillshare’s learners tend to be more passionate about art and craft-related skills – so if that’s your niche that’s a big plus.
• Limited earning potential: Creators get paid from the ‘instructor pool’ based on how much time learners spend watching your content, not based on how many sales you make or your course pricing.
• No guaranteed income: If your course isn’t watched enough, you might not meet your revenue goals – which means no income that month.
• Monthly payments for royalties: Royalty payments occur monthly rather than bi-weekly so you’ll have to wait to see any earnings in your bank account.

Related: Thinkific vs Skillshare

Udacity is an online course platform geared towards the tech industry. Unlike Udemy, Udacity offers guided learning programs called Nanodegrees which are project and skills-based development programs that eventually lead to educational credits. They’re longer and more guided than your average Udemy course and include assignments and project reviews with dedicated instructors and teachers. 

Creators develop courses alongside the Udacity team who provide guidance and feedback on learning content. Educators are also responsible for creating lessons, videos, projects, quizzes, and test materials for students, as well as developing promotional materials to help market their new courses.

Most Udacity instructors aren’t working alone – they’re usually part of an established institution. Udacity’s Machine Learning Engineering curriculum was developed directly by Google’s Deep Learning team, for example. In general, Udacity instructors come from Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies and are already well-established in their fields. That means Udacity credentials are valuable for demonstrating your skills and expertise in your field because Udacity only works with subject matter experts – but it also means it can be a tough market to break into. 

As a course creator, getting started on Udacity isn’t as easy as simply creating your content like on other learning platforms. Instead, you’ll need to apply via Udacity’s Instructor Opportunity Portal and you’ll need to prove you’ve got 5+ years of expertise in your field, as well as being willing to commit approximately 15-20 hours per week to work with learners. Your earnings are also determined according to your seniority in your field, so there’s a limit to how much you can make on the platform when you’re first starting out.

• Boost your credibility: Unlike Udemy, Udacity is an exclusive platform that’s dedicated to subject-matter experts and market leaders – so your presence on the platform can be a boost for your brand reputation.
• Guaranteed income stream: Instructors who are selected as Udacity partners sign contracts and get regular pay from the platform.
• Dedicated marketing help: Udacity partners with instructors to create a course promo – and your course will be promoted on the Udacity homepage.
• Significant time commitment: Udacity instructors are expected to help promote and maintain their courses, so you’re not earning a passive income. Most instructors work between 15-20 hours per week on the platform. 
• High barrier to entry: Udacity is only open to industry experts and institutional partners, so it’s not suited to newer creators.
• Smaller audience base: Udacity courses are far more expensive than courses sold through other platforms. As a result, Udacity’s user base is smaller—but they’re a very dedicated bunch. 

Boasting over 5,300 courses, as well as a range of progressional courses, specializations and Mastertrack courses, Coursera is a prestigious Udemy alternative that’s geared towards business pros and academics. The main draw of Coursera’s certifications is that they come from accredited institutions – the type your mom would recognize. Students earn certifications that they can use to transfer into colleges and earn course credits, all from the comfort of their own home. Learners from less traditional academic backgrounds can also open up serious doors with Coursera certifications too.  Unlike Udemy, every Coursera course is designed to last between four and twelve weeks with approximately one to two video lectures per week. Instructors grade assignments, answer student questions and help provide an engaging learning experience. Coursera has over 275 partnerships with universities and institutions around the world – including the University of London, Yale University, the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Michigan, as well as Meta and Google. 

Working with large institutions does slow down the application process though. While it’s faster than applying for a university degree, many learners prefer to learn on alternative online platforms where signing up and starting a course takes a matter of minutes rather than days. 

• Wide range of free courses: For learners, Coursera offers over 1500 free courses to help you boost your knowledge without burning a hole in your wallet.
• Offers credentialed courses: Unlike Udemy, Coursers specializes in credentialed courses from world-recognized institutions.
• Excellent institutional partnerships: Universities and large corporations can demonstrate their expertise and drive new revenue by developing and selling Coursera courses.
• Not accessible for smaller creators: On the whole Coursera is only open to partnering with institutions and industry experts. That means it’s not a viable option for most Creator Educators. Newer creators should look to invest their time into more accessible platforms instead. 
• Requires extensive time and resources: Coursera isn’t a platform for earning passive income – it can be expensive to create a full-length course and most educators have to dedicate time to keeping up with student questions, forum comments, grading, and more. 
• Hard to stand out: If you do manage to get your content onto Coursera, you’ll be up against some hefty competitors so it can be tough to get your courses noticed.

Founder Sal Khan created Khan Academy with the goal of democratizing education and making quality learning resources accessible to students of all backgrounds. The site’s best known for teaching mathematics and the sciences, but they offer instruction on everything from computer science to economics. 

Khan Academy also offers tools for teachers, as well as parents supporting their child’s education. You can assign lessons to learners, track learner progress, and tailor content to meet each student’s needs on the built-in learning dashboard.

If you’re looking for free and reliable learning content for students of all ages – from primary school through to college – then Khan Academy could be the top Udemy alternative for you.

All Khan Academy content is created in-house, funded by a wealth of sponsors including the Bank of America, CollegeBoard, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. That means that it’s not open to everyday course creators looking to earn money from selling digital products online. But it’s a top choice for students, parents, and teachers alike

• Free to all: Khan Academy’s courses are free for all students and teachers. If you’re a public school teacher who needs well-created learning content at zero cost, look no further. 
• Tailored to students: This Udemy alternative is designed for students so the content is extremely specialized and arranged according to subject and grade level.
• Create custom learning paths: Although you can’t create entirely custom learning tracks – or upload courses you create – you can cherry-pick lectures for your students and group related concepts together. 
• Not open to course creators: Khan Academy handles all its content in-house so it’s not open to individual Creator Educators and organizations.
• No earning potential: You can’t earn money from the Khan Academy platform – so it’s not an option if you’re looking for an Udemy alternative that works for your business.
• Limited range of topics: Khan Academy caters specifically to the American education system and the needs of American students. This means their content on tech, the arts, and language learning is more limited than other platforms. 

Expert-level coders and data whizzes, listen up – this is the Udemy alternative for you! Founded in 2013, DataCamp offers 400+ data courses taught by subject matter experts, geared towards learners interested in careers in data science and analytics. 

DataCamp is the best-known online learning platform for prospective data scientists offering highly interactive courses for its audience of over 9 million learners. 

DataCamp recruits educators who are both passionate about teaching and about analytics. To publish a course on DataCamp, you have to apply to the platform – but be warned, the process isn’t quick.

Potential instructors start by submitting an application where they’re asked to choose a course they’d feel comfortable teaching from DataCamp’s wishlist . Then you need to submit a potential course outline via a Google form. If all goes well, you’ll be contacted to do a brief five-minute presentation breaking down one of the key concepts in your course outline. If your application is approved, you can then get down to developing your first course – with support from DataCamp’s in-house team of experts. 

How do instructors get paid? DataCamp subscribers pay a monthly subscription to access their library of courses and DataCamp partners with instructors who are paid through a revenue-sharing program that’s based on course completions. 

Every time a DataCamp subscriber completes your course, you’ll earn a royalty cheque. And with their dedicated audience base, that can quickly add up. DataCamp instructors report earning approximately 4,250 per month in passive income with the top five instructors on the platform earning over $53,000 per year. 

Data science is still a niche subject area, but it’s growing fast. If you’ve got the analytics chops to teach it, DataCamp may be the right platform for you. 

• Extensive dedicated community: With over 16.9 million registered learners, DataCamp has one of the biggest user bases in the data science space. Instructors who apply successfully will have access to an extensive and engaged data science community.
• Royalty-based payments: Unlike Udemy, DataCamp creators are paid based on course completions. Every time a subscriber makes it to the end of your course, you’ll earn a royalty. Top instructors can earn over six figures from their content.
• Full ownership over content: Creators retain full ownership of any content they create and publish on the DataCamp platform.
• Narrow subject area: DataCamp only caters to data and computer scientists, so if you’re in a different field, this isn’t the platform for you. Instead, opt for a more general online learning platform like Thinkific .
• Need to be accepted to the platform: Without serious industry credentials and teaching skills to match, even seasoned data scientists may have trouble getting accepted as DataCamp instructors. 
• Quarterly payments: Royalties for DataCamp’s revenue share system are paid out quarterly . This means that you won’t have a constant flow of cash.

Still need help deciding? Check out our tips on how to find the best Udemy alternative for you.

To help you find the best Udemy alternative for your needs, you first need to decide if you’re looking for a learning marketplace or a self-hosted online learning platform. Each has their own benefits and downsides – so it’s worth thinking carefully at this stage.

Here’s a quick overview of the two types of course platforms and the key differences you need to know: 

Learning marketplaces

Learning marketplaces sell courses wholesale and are essentially a third-party that connects educators with learners. If you’re selling courses through a learning marketplace, you’ll create your course and upload it to the marketplace, where they’ll then brand it and promote it for you – in exchange for a cut of the profits. 

Course marketplaces like Udemy have massive built-in audiences who are searching for and buying courses. That means a large base of potential customers for your content. But instructors on Udemy only receive 37% of the revenue from sales through Udemy’s marketplace – so the earning potential is limited.

This type of learning platform has been around for longer than self-hosted online learning platforms and they tend to be more common. Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy are all learning marketplaces.

Online learning platforms

Online learning platforms offer course creators a different model. They give you the tools to create your own courses, build dedicated websites, grow a branded learning community, and more. 

With this model you pay a flat monthly fee to use the platform instead of losing a percentage of your course sales or relying on royalties. Whatever you earn goes straight into your bank account, which means that if your course becomes popular, your earnings go up – and your business is extra easy to scale. 

This model gives creators more control and more flexibility. Thinkific plans start at $0/month, so you can try the platform for free and launch your first course right away with no obligation to pay more.

Choosing the right platform

The type of learning platform that’s right for you will depend on your unique needs – including the types of products you’re creating, your experience in your industry, and what you’re looking to achieve with your content.

The truth is, you don’t have to pick between using marketplaces and online learning platforms – in fact, many creators use both. 

If you opt to use both types of platform in your course marketing strategy , take advantage of the bigger built-in audience you’ll find on online marketplaces like Skillshare to generate awareness for your brand and bag new leads. Then once you’ve hooked people with an entry-level course, you can promote your courses on a self-hosted online learning platform where you can earn more, grow your community and dive deeper into your area of expertise.

Ready to find your top online learning platform?

While Udemy is a popular choice for many creators, it’s not the only online learning platform out there. In fact, there are a wide range of Udemy alternatives that could be a better fit for you and your needs.

At Thinkific, we’re all about breaking down the barriers to entering the course creation business. We make it easy to earn money from your experience by selling self-guided online courses, membership sites, and a whole range of digital products. Our easy-to-use platform is built for Creator Educators to make designing engaging, custom learning experiences easy. Your first course is just the start…

Launch your online learning product for free

Start selling your online course and community on a 100% free plan that actually remains free.

This blog was originally published in February 2021. It has since been updated in February 2024 to become even more useful!

Colin is a Content Marketer at Thinkific, writing about everything from online entrepreneurship & course creation to digital marketing strategy.

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Udemy Alternatives

by Liz Hurley

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. However, this does not influence our evaluations.

Udemy is the world’s largest marketplace for online learning and teaching. With over 210,000 courses and 64+ million learners, Udemy has become an industry standard for those looking to develop, or learn, new, skills.

But is there something out there that’s better than Udemy? What’s Udemy’s competition like?

Let’s be clear, Udemy is a great platform. But there are sites like Skillshare , Coursera or MasterClass – all of which may offer some features that are better suited to your specific needs.

We'll explore a wide range of Udemy alternatives in this comprehensive guide, showcasing the unique strengths and offerings of each. We've carefully selected these platforms based on factors like course variety, quality, cost, and certification options, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your learning goals.

If you're short on time, the next section provides a quick summary of each platform. However, we encourage you to dive deeper into the detailed reviews to make the most informed decision.

Quick summary

• Best overall alternative – Skillshare is most similar to Udemy in that allows anyone to offer a course on its platform and has thousands of courses to choose from. The main difference is Skillshare focuses on the creative industries and it is a subscription only platform. Plus, it has an engaged community of fellow learners to support you in your learning. You can take advantage of a one month free membership here .
• Runner up – Coursera is a great alternative to Udemy as their courses offer accredited certificates from the world’s top universities and institutions. This is something that Udemy lacks. However, Coursera typically offers more academic subjects so it may miss key courses depending on your interests.
• Best for globally renowned teachers – Like Udemy, MasterClass covers a range of subjects. However, its classes are consistently taught only by those who've achieved global recognition in their fields of endeavour. Its subscription options offer incredible value, particularly if you share the costs with family or friends.

Why you should consider a Udemy alternative

We look more closely at Udemy's strengths and weaknesses later, but there are several reasons why you might seek an alternative:

• Course Quality and Consistency: With such a vast number of courses and teachers, Udemy courses inevitably vary in quality. You might be looking for a platform with more consistent course quality and vetting.
• Greater teacher or community interaction: Udemy courses often lack feedback from instructors and community interaction and discussion forums.
• Specialized Learning: If you wish to focus your learning in a particular field, you might want to look for platforms that cater specifically to that area of interest.

With that in mind, who is Udemy best suited for?

Udemy is best for those who are:

• Looking to develop skills in almost any discipline but not seeking accredited certification.
• Looking for a one-stop shop for all their eLearning needs. including both professional, as well as fun and creative topics.
• Wanting to take courses as they come rather than purchase a subscription (though a personal plan is available).
• Business owners and managers looking for a wholesale way to educate their team.
• Interested in a community-driven quality control system. Udemy allows learners to rate and review courses, helping you identify high-quality options and make informed decisions based on the experiences of fellow students.

It is less suited to those who are:

• Looking for a strong creative focus and the ability to engage with a community of like-minded learners ( Skillshare and CreativeLive ).
• Seeking accredited certification and keen on a more academic style of learning ( Coursera and edX ).
• Interested in a long free trial before committing to a subscription ( Skillshare ).
• Looking for an inspirational, cinematic-style learning experience with global icons ( MasterClass ).
• Seeking to pursue a career in data science ( Datacamp , Udacity and Pluralsight ).
• Focussed purely on coding ( Codecademy ).

Best Udemy alternatives

Below is a list of the ten best Udemy alternatives for accessing high-quality online learning consistently and conveniently.

1. Skillshare 

Skillshare has become an education giant, offering over 40,000 courses to its 13+ million users, proving that learning can be accessible to anyone, anywhere, and at any age.

The platform is renowned for its classes in creative disciplines such as photography and sketching but also offers courses in fields such as business and productivity. Its teachers are practising creatives, experts and enthusiasts.

Skillshare works on a subscription-only model. There is a monthly plan (currently $16.99 per month) or an annual plan (currently $99 per year, which equates to $8.25 per month). Both plans give you access to the full Skillshare catalogue.

Skillshare pros 

• Classes typically have a great mix of practical and theory
• Active community which can help to motivate and engage learners
• Curated learning makes it easy to continue your learning journey without having to put too much thought into where to go next 
• Skillshare has a great class review system which helps the algorithm identify the best classes for you
• Skillshare Perks: discounts for Adobe, Canva, Freshbooks, and more
• Free trial for you to explore the Skillshare catalogue

Skillshare cons

• No certification
• Courses are not audited so the quality is more variable than Udemy

Udemy vs Skillshare

One of Skillshare’s greatest strengths is the opportunity it offers to engage with other learners through its active community. Skillshare is, as the name suggests, all about sharing skills and knowledge. You can upload your own work, comment on the work of others or simply start a conversation.

So, if interacting with others is important to you, Skillshare might be the perfect Udemy alternative.

Plus, with a subscription you can take as many courses as you like. This will most likely be much cheaper than buying the equivalent number of single courses on Udemy.

Check out our Skillshare review and Udemy vs Skillshare for more information.

2. Coursera

Coursera is one of the largest learning platforms in the world. It was started in 2012 by two Stanford professors with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. 

Just seven years later Coursera achieved unicorn status (a valuation of $1bn+). In 2020 alone, it attracted as many learners as its closest competitor did in its entire existence.

Today, Coursera has 129 million registered users and is partnered with 325+ leading universities and industry educators to offer over 7,000 courses and degree programs. Much of its content can be accessed completely free.

Coursera Pros

• Teaching from leading academics, Nobel prize winners, top authors, c-suite executives and leaders in their respective fields
• The chance to earn a certificate accredited by one of the world’s top organisations
• Lots of free content for you to sample risk-free
• Well-structured and resourced courses
• Huge catalogue of over 7,000 courses
• Prestigious education at affordable prices
• Learn offline

Coursera Cons

• Confusing pricing structure and free content not always easy to find 
• Fewer courses in humanities and data science than its rival edX
• The strong focus on professional training make it less appropriate for creatives, hobbyists, or those interested in personal development

Coursera vs Udemy

The main reason for choosing Coursera as an alternative to Udemy is that it offers fully accredited certification from the prestigious institutions that provide its courses.

It is also strongly focused on professional and career development, so if you are motivated to learn as part of a promotion or career change, Coursera is definitely worth your consideration. 

You can take over 2,000 courses for free and pay for certification later, so you can explore the platform thoroughly without making any financial commitment.

For more granular detail read our Coursera , Coursera vs Udemy and Coursera certificate articles.

3. MasterClass

MasterClass was launched in 2015 with a simple idea: Everyone should have access to genius. Its 100+ MasterClasses are available in 13 categories and are taught by globally acclaimed icons in their fields of expertise. 

So with MasterClass you can step into Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen, go behind the scenes with James Cameron, write a thriller with Dan Brown, or take to the mat with Simone Biles.

MasterClass is renowned not only for the calibre of its instructors but for its cinematic production values and the way it uses storytelling to create a connection between the instructor and you, the audience.

In addition to its 200+ on-demand MasterClasses, the platform also offers time-bound, project-led sessions that you take with a community of fellow students.

There are three ways to access MasterClass, all billed annually:

• Standard: $120 per year (about $10 per month). This plan allows access to all courses on one device at a time and does not include offline downloads.
• Plus: $180 per year (about $15 per month). This plan includes access on two devices simultaneously and allows for offline downloads.
• Premium: $240 per year (about $20 per month). This plan supports up to six devices simultaneously and includes offline downloads.

Each plan provides unlimited access to the full library of courses across various categories, such as Food, Design & Style, Arts & Entertainment, and more.

MasterClass pros

• Learn from the best with passionate, revered and accomplished teachers
• Wide range of choice from a large library of classes
• Affordable and with multi user options
• Access to sessions you join with a cohort of fellow students
• High production values and immersive content that’s engaging and fun
• 30 day no quibble refund policy

MasterClass cons

• No free classes – though you can sample classes for free
• No certificates of completion

Udemy vs MasterClass

Above all, MasterClass is famed for its cinematic production values and the immersive, inspirational experience of learning from an iconic celebrity.

Frankly, there’s no other online platform approaching learning quite like MasterClass. With renowned experts and cinematic production quality, it's definitely worth exploring. The platform offers competitive pricing, especially considering the caliber of instructors. Additionally, their 30-day money-back guarantee ensures you can try it risk-free.

For more information on MasterClass check out our MasterClass , MasterClass Sessions and Best MasterClass reviews.

4. GetSmarter

GetSmarter has over a decade of experience in delivering career-focused learning for individuals looking to stay ahead in the professional landscape and gain qualifications from elite institutions such as Yale and Oxford.

Their short, high-impact courses range from Artificial Intelligence to Sustainability and Disruptive Technologies.

When you enroll, you gain access to a Success Adviser and 2U’s Career Engagement Network, which is packed full of great resources to help you reach your professional goals. 

All course materials are accessed through the Online Campus. Here you can ask questions and interact with the teaching team and other students via discussion forums. 

GetSmarter charges per course, with prices ranging from around $550 to around $3,800. 

This may seem pricey. But bear in mind that gaining an in-person qualification from any of GetSmarter’s partner institutions would set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Yet you are still being taught by the same tutors who teach in person, with a huge range of resources and plenty of support.

GetSmarter pros 

• Quality certifications from top level institutions 
• Wide variety of guest lecturers on many courses to broaden your perspective and bring additional expertise
• Highly relevant, data-driven courses designed to tap into the future of professional development
• A Success Advisor to answer any administrative/technical questions and help you manage your time
• Access to 2U’s Career Engagement Network, and the Online Campus, where you can interact with teaching staff and fellow students. 
• Accredited certificate from a top institution. 

GetSmarter cons

• Courses are relatively long and in the upper price range for ‘short’ courses

Udemy vs GetSmarter

The main reasons for choosing GetSmarter as an alternative to Udemy are that it offers accredited certification from prestigious institutions, and direct support from tutors and fellow students via its online campus and career engagement network.

If you’re serious about investing in leading-edge, elite-quality learning that will make a real impact on your professional development, GetSmarter is well worth your consideration.  

GetSmarter has an amazing range of courses designed to equip you for the workplace of tomorrow and make you professionally resilient with highly sough-after skills and expertise.

You can read more about GetSmarter here.

5. Educative

Educative is an online learning platform for software developers of all levels. 

Courses are specifically designed to teach the most in-demand skills. You can also take interview-focused assessments and practice with in-browser coding. Courses can be taken individually or as part of a ‘Learning Path’, such as ‘Become a Front End Developer’ or ‘Zero to Hero in Python for Machine Learning’. 

With new courses added every week, this is a fantastic resource offering tutorials in coding languages, Software Development, Mobile App Development, System Analysis and Design API and more. 

Educative is trusted by 1.9 million developers working at companies such as Netflix, Meta, Google, Amazon and Apple.

Some course content can be accessed for free, but you’ll need a membership to access the bulk of Educative’s offerings. These start at $16.66 per month.

Educative Pros:  

• Dozens of constantly updated courses covering in-demand software development skills, from Python and Java to Quantum Computing
• Specialist courses on interview skills and preparation
• Course authors who are experts in their field, including  engineers from Facebook and Microsoft
• Detailed personalisation to find out how best to hone your skills, and save you time 
• Hands-on In-browser coding so you can practice your new skills 
• The ability to earn certificates to impress future employers

Educative Cons: 

• No star rating system for courses, making it harder to know if other users have benefited from them
• Text based learning that, whilst it is intended to speed up the learning process, might not be the best method for everyone

Udemy vs Educative

If you're a software developer solely looking to upskill, explore your options and ace interviews, then Educative is a great alternative to Udemy.

Educative is a brilliant place to master in-demand skills to help you propel your career forwards, with plenty of opportunities to develop your coding and put your new knowledge to the test. 

The most unique part of Educative’s service is the interview prep and support, so this would be a really valuable resource for anyone interested in moving up the ladder or changing jobs. 

Read our full Educative review for more detail.

6. Springboard

Springboard offers a combination of fully flexible online courses in fast-growing fields like Tech Sales, AI and Software Engineering with real human support from a mentor, career coach and student advisor . 

They even offer a job guarantee on select courses — if you don't land a relevant job within six months of graduating and meet specific eligibility requirements, you'll receive a full refund of your tuition. To qualify for this job guarantee, you must:

• Enroll in an eligible course: Springboard offers a job guarantee on select Career Tracks.
• Meet eligibility requirements: Ensure you fulfill the criteria mentioned (e.g., language proficiency, age, degree, work authorization).
• Complete the course: Finish all coursework, projects, and assignments within the designated timeframe.
• Engage in active job search: Actively apply for jobs, network, and participate in informational interviews as advised by Springboard's career services.
• Participate in career coaching: Utilize the career coaching sessions to enhance your job search skills and strategy.
• Job guarantee timeframe: If, after six months of graduating and meeting all requirements, you haven't secured a relevant job, Springboard will refund your tuition.

The average salary increase of Career Track graduates from Springboard’s programs is over $11,490, with 83.7% getting a new job within 12 months of graduating.

There are some free short courses available (without one-to-one mentoring and career support). Paid courses are purchased individually with prices ranging from $99 to $8,000. You can either pay upfront, make monthly payments, or defer payment until after you find a job (although you will pay interest). These are premium courses with tailored career support, and the pricing reflects this.

Springboard pros

• Courses based on highly desirable skills such as AI and Data, Design, Software Engineering, Cyberscurtiy and Tech Sales
• Real-life human support – this is arguably Springboard’s most valuable feature, providing direct access to one-on-one mentoring with industry professionals.
• Build a portfolio as you learn – Springboard is focused on learning through doing, meaning that you will develop your own projects in a portfolio that you can present to prospective employers
• A portfolio review from in-house hiring managers
• Strong focus on career-ready skills – these courses are updated regularly to reflect changes in industry best practice and new developments, meaning that you can be sure you’re learning the most up-to-date and relevant skills

Springboard cons

• Springboard doesn’t actually produce a lot of its own content, rather they work with industry professionals to curate the best resources from around the web
• Not many courses – Springboard produces around 1-6 courses per topic, so there aren’t a lot of options. However, these courses are pretty rigorous, and include plenty of information on a variety of topics

Udemy vs Springboard

Anyone who is actively looking for a job in fields such as tech sales, cybersecurity and AI and feels they would benefit from the platform’s incredible mentoring opportunities should consider Springboard as an alternative to Udemy.

Springboard’s mentoring system pairs students up with career coaches and mentors to help them land jobs in their chosen fields.

You can browse their free content or shorter courses if you’re still on the fence about taking a more intensive course, as they have plenty of great resources. And with a seven day refund policy and the job guarantee for some courses, the risk of losing out is minimal. Find out more about Springboard here .

7. Pluralsight

Pluralsight was founded in 2004 by Aaron Skonnard and a range of other tech professionals. It has over 7,000 courses in its library taught by 1,400+ subject matter experts. 

The company is aimed at providing training in the tech skills of tomorrow to both individuals and businesses. Topics include cyber security, IT ops and software development. 

You can purchase a standard subscription which provides access to the Core library of 2,500+ courses. This is either $29 a month or $299 up front for the year.

You can also gain access to the Expanded library of 7000+ courses with a premium subscription. This is $45 per month or $499 up front for the year.

Pluralsight pros 

• Comprehensive range of tech courses 
• Free skill and role assessments 
• Highly qualified instructors 
• Equips you for the changing world and job market 
• Additional learning support including Lab and Pathways
• Free 10 day or 200 minute trial (whichever comes first) to give you a good taste of what the platform has to offer
• Good email and phone support 
• Allows you to learn offline and on the go

Pluralsight cons

• Focussed purely on tech based subjects
• No free content (other than what you can get through in the free trial)

Udemy vs Pluralsight

If you’re interested in acquiring the skills you need for the jobs of tomorrow but you’re not sure where to start, Pluralsight could be a great alternative to Udemy.

Pluralsight allows you to take skill and role IQ assessments upfront at no cost. These will assess your aptitude for the relevant skill and suggest courses that suit your current level and will help you progress and develop further.

If you feel you could benefit from that kind of guidance then Pluralsight is definitely worth your time and attention.

You can read more about Pluralsight here or read our direct comparison, Udemy vs Pluralsight .

8. CreativeLive

Creative Live was founded in 2009 to provide access to creative education and workshops for a community of passionate and ambitious individuals. Today they have 2000+ classes, more than 700 worldwide instructors, and 10 million+ students.

The platform focuses on helping creative professionals succeed in their endeavours. Either by instilling them with the business savvy needed to thrive, or by developing the practical skills relevant to their particular creative industry.

The platform provides a range of services from live-streamed masterclasses to longer and more comprehensive courses. You can choose to improve the skills you already have or learn something completely new!  

CreativeLive currently offers two subscription plans:

• Annual Plan: $129 per year (billed annually), equivalent to $10.75 per month. This is their best value offer.
• Monthly Plan: $29 per month.

Both plans provide access to the same features, including over 2,000 on-demand classes, downloadable lessons, goal setting, progress tracking, and exclusive Fast Classes.

CreativeLive pros 

• Great variety of courses with over 2000 classes to choose from
• Learn from top notch instructors including world-class creatives, cultural icons like Tim Ferriss, and Pulitzer Prize winners
• Exclusive conferences and livestreams
• Download classes for offline viewing
• Goal setting and learning paths 
• Support from the CreativeLive community of like minded individuals

CreativeLive cons

• No formal certification or degrees are offered
• No free trial is available before committing to a subscription
• Not ideal for beginners as most courses cater to intermediate or advanced learners

Udemy vs CreativeLive

Creative professionals wishing to take their skills to the next level, turn a hobby into a business or boost existing commercial success will find that CreativeLive has more to offer than Udemy.

Whilst there are courses on Udemy in the creative arts, these are far and few between. And are likely to be rather more dry and academic than anything you will experience on CreativeLive.

Plus there’s the added bonus of being able to interact with a creative community and take part in live master classes and conferences.

So if creativity is your thing and you would like to engage with others who feel the same way, CreativeLive is definitely worth exploring.

Check out our CreativeLive review for further details.

9. FutureLearn

With the chance to learn from top colleges at a fraction of the price, FutureLearn is an online learning platform with 18+million learners and 2,000+ courses. It’s partnered with 250+ prestigious institutions to deliver world-class education in a range of subjects.

FutureLearn offers courses ranging from bite-sized to full online degrees. Through the site, you can upskill, pursue a passion, or even pave a new career.

There are several ways you can use FutureLearn. You can take courses for free (no certificates included) or subscribe to ‘Unlimited' (annual or monthly) for access to all courses. The annual subscription is around $321/year (or $26/month).

You can also take an ExpertTrack (not included in the subscription). These consist of a series of courses which specialize in a particular pathway. After a seven day free trial the cost of these is around $46 a month.

FutureLearn Pros

• 2,000+ courses in categories like computer science, business, and engineering
• Learn from prestigious institutions such as The Career Academy and Digital Marketing Institute
• Free access to short courses (without certification)
• Printed and digital certificates
• Option to buy lifetime access
• Great mixture of video learning and assessments
• Comment sections to encourage open discussions

FutureLearn Cons

• Limited selection of free courses
• Limited course interaction and community engagement
• Mobile app has limited functionality compared to the website
• Subscription model can be expensive if you only want to take a few courses

Udemy vs Future Learn

FutureLearn would suit anyone looking to progress in their jobs or find a new career path. 

However, the site prioritizes upskilling through specialist ‘ExpertTracks’.

If this is something that you feel you could benefit from, you can set up a free account and browse what the platform has to offer before making a commitment

For more detail about FutureLearn, read our FutureLearn review .

Like Coursera, edX is partnered with leading institutions and universities to offer world-class, open-access education online.

More than 160 other institutions have since come on board with edX and it now has 100 million enrollments and offers 3,500+ courses across 30 subject areas.

Many of its courses can be taken for free without certification.

If you wish to receive an accredited certificate course charges vary from around $50-$300. Programmes up to the Master’s level are also available.

edX pros 

• 3,500 courses across a diverse range of subjects
• Teaching from award winning academics from the world's best universities, many of whom hold Nobel Prizes 
• Thousands of free classes with the option to pay for a certificate
• Classes are extremely comprehensive and taught with an impressive mix of audio, visual and textual teaching styles 
• Certificates are accredited by the partner universities and institutions 
• The edX website is a little less easy to navigate compared to its rival, Coursera
• Course completion deadlines can be strict
• Limited instructor interaction and feedback compared to other platforms
• Some courses have outdated content or materials
• Financial aid can be difficult to obtain for certain programs

Udemy vs edX

If you are interested in accredited certification from prestigious institutions, edX is worth considering. The key difference between it and its closest competitor, Coursera, is that it offers more courses in the humanities and natural sciences. 

So if you are more interested in those subjects, value certification and enjoy a structured academic approach, then edX is definitely worth considering as a substitute for Udemy.

Find out more about edX in our edX review .

11. Codecademy

Codecademy, as the name suggests, is an online learning platform that specializes in offering courses which teach coding.

Its courses cover 14 different programming languages and are designed to target the full range of abilities. So whether you’re at the start of your coding journey, want to learn a new language or hone your existing skills there is something for you on Codecademy.

There are two ways to experience Codecademy. You can either take advantage of the free basic plan, or purchase the paid pro plan which gives you full access to everything the platform has to offer. This includes peer support and certificates of completion.

Codecademy pros 

• A free basic plan giving you access to a range of lessons and daily tasks
• Offers courses for all skill levels including new starters
• 14 programming languages are taught, including HTML, Javascript, Python and C# 
• Strong community to support you in your learning
• Enables you to create a portfolio of projects to showcase to potential employers

Codecademy cons

• Certificates of completion are not accredited

Udemy vs Codecademy

Udemy does offer courses in coding, but if coding is what you want to focus on, then a specialist platform is certain to have more to offer.

Regardless of where you are on your coding journey, Codecademy is specifically designed to meet everyone’s coding needs. From entry-level courses that make coding fun and accessible for beginners, to advanced courses that will fine-tune your existing skills. 

And Codecademy also provides career and skill path programs thereby helping you to begin, or progress, your coding career.

So if coding is your thing, Codecademy has you covered. For more granular detail read our article, Udemy vs Codecademy, which is better?

12. Datacamp 

With over 9 million users across 180 countries, Datacamp is one of the fastest-growing and most popular ways to learn about data science. 

Datacamp aims to close the data gap within companies and between groups across the world by making access to data skills available to everyone. 

With 9 million learners, 350+ interactive courses and over 2000 parent companies, Datacamp is one of the best ways to become equipped with the data science skills you need for the changing world of today. 

You can purchase individual courses from Datacamp or Skill and Career Tracks. These are made up of a curated mix of courses to help individuals gain everything they need to follow a specific career path. You can also purchase an annual subscription for $224 per year which gives you access to everything the platform offers.

There are also live events and a wide range of tools for you to practice your skills with – including competitions, projects and assessments. 

Lastly, Datacamp allows you to learn for free. If you choose this option you’ll be able to access a number of introductory courses in full, and the first chapter of every major course at no cost.

Datacamp Pros

• Gives you practical skills you can apply to the modern workplace 
• Teaches you how to be an all-round data scientist 
• A range of choices in how you learn beyond traditional teaching  including interactive lessons and fun practical exercises
• Well organized and structured 
• Methodically introduces challenging and useful concepts 
• Courses taught by 270+ experts from institutions like Google, Caltech and Anaconda
• Learn for free option

Datacamp Cons

• Certificates of accomplishment are awarded but are not accredited
• No refund option

Udemy vs Datacamp

Datacamp is a great place to learn how to be a data scientist. 

It will equip you with all you need to understand the world of data. And if you have a specific career in mind, its Skill and Career Tracks are curated to focus your efforts on exactly what you need to succeed in that area.

The combination of quality teaching, interactive lessons, practical exercises and other resources all combine to make this a great way to learn.

So if a future in data science is something you would like to explore, and you enjoy interactive and practical teaching methods, Datacamp is an option worth investigating – especially as you can sample a lot of its content for free before committing to purchase.

For more details check out our full Datacamp review.

13. Udacity

Udacity is partnered with industry leaders like Google and Amazon and is considered a breakthrough provider when it comes to digi-tech learning.

First launched in 2011 by two Stanford teachers, Udacity seeks to equip you with the skills you’ll need in “jobs of the future.” 

It specializes in offering nanodegrees. These are 3-4-month programs that help you master a set of skills through a series of lessons and projects. You receive personal feedback from a mentor, and, at the end of the nanodegree, you get a certificate.

Udacity offers two subscription options for accessing their entire catalog of Nanodegree programs and courses:

• Monthly Subscription: $249 per month
• 4-Month Subscription (Best Offer): $846 (15% discount) – This is the most cost-effective option for learners looking to complete a Nanodegree program.

The 4-month subscription provides the same benefits as the monthly subscription but at a lower overall cost. However, after the initial 4 months, the plan automatically converts to the month-to-month plan at $249 per month unless canceled.

Udacity has become a leading provider of tech-focused online education, with over 14 million users and 170,000 Nanodegree certificates awarded. Their programs are designed in collaboration with industry leaders like Google and Amazon, ensuring that learners gain in-demand skills for the future workforce.

Udacity pros

• Expert mentors with real-world experience
• Extensive course catalogue focused on building your skillset in computer science and business
• Career services to help you find and develop a professional path
• Quality content co-created with leading partners
• A number of free courses to allow you to sample the platform at no cost
• Certificates of completion from a respected organization

Udacity cons

• Certificates are not accredited
• Quite costly

Udemy vs Udacity

If you are aiming to start, or further, a career in the world of tech then Udacity could be the alternative to Udemy you’ve been looking for. 

Udacity is partnered with tech giants who design its nanodegrees in partnership with the platform. So its programs are both well-recognized and highly respected by future employers.

On top of this, Udacity provides career services and coaching to help you on your way. If this sounds like something you could benefit from then Udacity is definitely worthy of your consideration.

For more details, check out our Udacity review or our articles Udacity vs Udemy and best Udacity courses .

14. LinkedIn Learning

Launched in 1995, LinkedIn Learning is one of the biggest open online course providers to date. 

The platform boasts 27 million+ users. It offers 16,000+ courses in 30+ categories from industry experts to help you grow your professional and creative skill set.

It offers two subscription options. There is a monthly subscription at $39 per month or a yearly subscription at $24 per month (billed annually). You can also purchase courses individually from around $38.

LinkedIn Learning pros

• Learn from highly rated instructors with real-world experience
• Chance to earn and display a LinkedIn Learning certificate
• Broad scope of topics to choose from
• One month free trial giving you plenty of time to decide if the platform is for you
• Ability to download courses to the mobile app for offline viewing on the go
• Seamless integration with LinkedIn allows you to easily showcase completed courses and earned certificates directly on your profile, enhancing your professional credibility and visibility to potential employers

LinkedIn Learning cons

• Certificates are not accredited 
• Big focus on business and technology topics

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn offers the opportunity to explore the platform for a full month before parting with any money.

If you want a real taste of what a platform is like before committing yourself to purchase, then LinkedIn is definitely a platform you should try. Don’t forget to cancel your subscription before the end of the free trial if you decide the platform is not right for you.

You can learn more about LinkedIn Learning from our review of the platform and our articles best LinkedIn Courses and Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning .

About Udemy

Launched in 2009, Udemy is now the largest Ed Tech company of its kind. It gives everyone the opportunity to create and offer quality controlled online courses on its platform. 

Udemy has over 64+ million registered users and offers 210,000+ courses across 13 categories.  It's used by the likes of  Apple ,  Unicef , the  Citi group  and  Box  to upskill their employees.

Udemy is an all round provider, offering courses in both professional as well as personal development.

You can buy courses singly on Udemy from around $12, or purchase a Personal Plan for $26.99 per month.

• Comprehensive range of courses
• Passionate instructors with many high profile contributors
• Courses that equip you for the changing nature of work in addition to those that are creative and fun
• Competitive pricing with constant sales, deals and promotions
• 500+ free courses
• Instructors and courses are audited before being allowed on the platform
• Course certificates aren’t accredited by any university or institution
• Course quality varies due to so many contributors

What to look for in a Udemy alternative

Range and number of courses – are you looking for a wide range of courses or would you prefer a narrower choice – perhaps within a specific field?

Course quality – Both Udemy and Skillshare allow anyone to offer courses on their platforms (albeit with some quality assurance) which can lead to variability in course quality. Whereas platforms that partner with elite educational institutions (Coursera and edX) offer more consistency. Most platforms provide reviews and star ratings for courses and it's worth checking these out before committing.

Availability of free courses or free trials – If you're on a budget or you just want to dip your toe in the water, free courses or trials give you the opportunity to get a feel for what's on offer for no risk.

Certification – Certifications are important if you want to ensure your learning is acknowledged and taken seriously. Udemy offers certificates of completion, but for the most part, these are not accredited. If certification really matters to you, it might be better to look at Coursera or edX, whose certificates are accredited by their partner institutions.

Price: What is the cheapest alternative? Coursera and edX offer the most free courses without certification. Codecademy's basic plan is also free but with limited content. For paid options, Skillshare's annual plan at $8.25/month provides the best value, especially for creative learners.

Udemy is the largest Ed Tech company of its kind. Its course catalogue is vast and varied and 80% of Fortune 100 companies trust it for employee upskilling including Apple, Unicef, PayPal, Accenture, Samsung and Unilever.

It may seem difficult to find a better platform than Udemy. But that does NOT mean there isn’t one!

This article provides a comprehensive guide to choosing the best Udemy alternative for your learning goals, covering various needs and interests. Investing in yourself is key, and finding the right platform is crucial for maximizing your learning experience. Hopefully, this guide has simplified that process for you.

Good luck and enjoy your learning.

Related articles: MasterClass alternatives , Coursera alternatives

Udemy Alternatives -FAQ:

Our top choice is Skillshare due to its large course library, engaged community and subscription option

Udemy is 100% legit. It is the biggest EdTech company of its kind and 80% of Fortune 100 companies trust it to upskill their employees

• Over 40,000+ Courses
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Liz Hurley has 30+ years of high school teaching experience and is one of our senior writers here at Learnopoly.

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We're here to help you find, research, and select the right online course for your needs, desires, and budget.

We compared 13 popular online learning platforms for all ages, budgets, and interests – our favorites include Coursera for certificate courses and MasterClass for creative arts classes

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• The rise of online learning is democratizing education by improving access to top-notch courses.
• We compared some of the platforms we cover the most to help you find the best ones for you.
• We looked at popular platforms like Coursera , edX , MasterClass , Skillshare , Duolingo , and more.

As online learning continues to grow in popularity, so do the options available to you. Whether you want to take a popular free Ivy League class for fun , pursue part of an online master's degree , boost your career with some additional certifications , or just learn a new language at your own pace , there are many options out there for you .

To help you decide which ones might work best with your schedule, budget, and goals, we compared 13 of the platforms we cover the most : edX , Coursera , FutureLearn , MasterClass , Skillshare , LinkedIn Learning , Udemy , Udacity , CreativeLive , Codecademy , Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone .

The best online learning platforms for accredited university courses and degrees

• The best online learning platforms for career skills certifications

The best online learning platforms for creative skills and hobbies

• The best online learning platforms for learning a new language

Coursera , edX , and FutureLearn are three popular online learning platforms that offer courses, certificate programs, and even master's degrees from top universities as well as well-known companies and non-profit organizations.

All three have courses you can audit for free, as well as options to pay for a certificate of completion. They also have multi-course programs you can exchange for real college credits from select schools, or apply to their full master's programs.

The topics covered on each platform are incredibly diverse, covering everything from computer programming and finance to positive psychology and art history . They can be taken to advance your career or expand your knowledge in a subject for fun.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between edX , Coursera , and FutureLearn :

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit for a limited amount of time; certificates and longer programs vary in price.

Pros: You can most courses for free, including ones in longer programs (great for testing out a longer certificate program before committing to it); financial assistance is available

Cons: Some courses are archived, meaning you can still access them but can't earn a certificate; Charges one lump sum for courses instead of a subscription fee

You can browse all edX courses here .

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also sign up for an annual Coursera Plus subscription ($399) and get access to 90% of Coursera's offerings.

Pros: Many programs charge a monthly fee, so the faster you finish, the more money you save; financial assistance available; offers some free certification courses

Cons: No financial assistance for Coursera MasterTracks; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of a Specialization)

You can browse all Coursera courses here.

FutureLearn

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also subscribe to FutureLearn Unlimited for $189.99 annually to get unlimited access to courses.

Pros: UK-based, offers more international options; offers some free certification courses

Cons: Not as many course options as edX and Coursera; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of an ExpertTrack)

You can browse all FutureLearn courses here.

The best online learning platforms for career skill certifications

What all of them have in common

LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity all offer online courses, programs, and bootcamps that can advance your career, including in in-demand subjects like omputer programming that boast high job satisfaction .

Unlike in-person or intensive bootcamp programs, these courses are self-paced and flexible, letting you practice and earn a certificate on your own time. They can be great for quickly picking up a new skill to boost your resume , testing out a potential job path before committing to a longer program, or gaining the qualifications you need to transition careers or move up in your role.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity :

LinkedIn Learning

Cost: A LinkedIn Learning subscription is $19.99/month (annually) or $29.99/month (month-to-month).

Pros: Short video classes broken down into digestible segments; certifications go right on your LinkedIn profile; LinkedIn occasionally makes popular career courses free for a limited time

Cons: Less interactive; no way to submit homework assignments or reinforce what you've learned

You can browse all LinkedIn Learning courses here.

Cost: Codecademy Pro is $39.99/month (month-to-month) and $19.99/month annually. Pro Student offers 35% off to eligible current students. (Note: Codecademy is currently offering 40% off Pro and Pro Student memberships through October 22 .

Pros: Some free beginner options ; a huge range of programming courses; Fun, hands-on projects

Cons: Less interactive than traditional coding bootcamps

You can browse all Codecademy courses here.

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a Udemy Personal Plan for $29.99/month for unlimited access to all Udemy courses

Pros: Easy to use on mobile; offers a huge range of course offerings; popular bootcamps are updated frequently so you're working with the latest information; frequent sales on courses

Cons: Less interactive; harder to reinforce or test what you've learned; not all courses come with certificates

You can browse all Udemy courses here.

Cost: Nanodegrees can be paid for as you go, starting at $399/month or $1,017 total

Pros: Offers some free courses ; provides additional career resources and support to help you find a job after a Nanodegree

Cons: Nanodegrees can get pricey and involve a bigger time commitment if you want to finish faster to save money

You can browse all Udacity courses here.

While platforms like edX and Coursera are great for taking university-accredited courses for fun , MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive all offer subscriptions to unlimited online courses and are particularly great for growing creative skills like writing, photography, art, design, and acting — though they all offer courses in other subjects like personal development.

All three platforms offer courses from celebrities and experts at the top of their fields, from famous chefs and bestselling authors to well-known Stanford faculty members . They also offer courses in more niche creative subjects, from hand-lettering to bird photography .

While they don't offer the same direct feedback on your work as in-person instruction, they can be a fun way to unwind and learn a new skill at your own pace.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive :

MasterClass

Cost: A MasterClass subscription is $180 annually (broken down to $15/month)

Pros: Beautiful and engaging video quality; celebrity instructors; offers a broad range of topics; digestible format; online forum provides a sense of community

Cons: No certifications; have to hold yourself more accountable to learn

You can browse all MasterClass courses here .

CreativeLive

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a CreativeLive membership for $13/month.

Pros: Lots of in-depth bootcamps; great selection of in-depth courses to expand your skillsets

Cons: Less interactive; no direct feedback

You can browse all CreativeLive courses here.

Cost: A Skillshare Premium subscription is $32/month (month-to-month) or $15/month (annually)

Pros: Nice video quality; some celebrity and expert instructors; great for very niche topics

Cons: No certifications; mostly focused on art and design

You can browse all Skillshare courses here.

The best online learning platforms for learning new languages

Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone are three language-learning platforms we cover a lot, and each has different strengths depending on which language you want to learn, your level of experience, and your time commitment. 

What they all have in common is flexibility — they can be great for brushing up on your high school Spanish or learning a few Japanese phrases before a trip .

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone:

Cost: Free; Duolingo Plus is $6.99/month for features like ad-free experience and unlimited tries

Pros: Great for learning new vocabulary; Fun, gamified experience; Easy to use on mobile; Lots of language options (including Yiddish )

Cons: Not as much practice directly speaking with someone in conversation

You can browse all of Duolingo's language options here.

Cost: $13.95 for 1 month; $9.95/month (3 months); $8.45/month (6 months); $6.95/month (1 year)

Pros: Focused on teaching you realistic conversation topics, such as travel or career-focused phrases; Uses native speakers to demonstrate lessons; frequent sales offered

Cons: Some language programs are not as strong as others ; Not as many language options as other services

You can browse all of Babbel's language options here.

Rosetta Stone

Cost: $11.99/month (3 months); $7.99/month (1 year); $179 lifetime (unlimited languages)

Pros: Fully immersive, mimicking real-life experience; Huge selection of languages to choose from

Cons: More expensive, requires more of a time commitment 

You can browse all of Rosetta Stone's language options here.

• Main content

11 Best Sites Like Udemy For Online Learning in 2022

Udemy is one of the top sites when it comes to online learning platforms .

But it also has a number of potential drawbacks that may send you looking for alternatives to Udemy .

Highly Recommended

• Offers hundreds of free courses
• Easy to navigate
• Incredibly affordable

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the best sites like Udemy for online learning.

There are a bunch of different factors you should consider, including price, quality of content, the subjects that each platform specializes in, whether you receive a certificate upon completion, and other things as well.

Table of Contents

1. Skillshare

Skillshare is probably the most similar to Udemy out of all the e learning platforms.

Skillshare offers hundreds of free courses and also a fairly low cost premium membership which opens up access to thousands more courses and video lessons.

Skillshare courses are taught by industry professionals and tend to be very practical in terms of their material.

There is a huge focus on learning by doing, instead of merely watching and absorbing theory like with some other e-learning sites.

In my opinion, Skillshare is best for creatives.

Whereas other elearning sites like LinkedIn Learning place an emphasis on business, Skillshare’s course catalog has more of a focus on the arts and creative topics.

So if you’re looking to learn about animation, music, photography, or other creative topics, then Skillshare is a great choice.

I’d recommend checking out a free course on a topic that you’re interested in.

Then you can get an idea of whether it’s worth signing up for a paid membership for you or not.

Right now, Skillshare is even offering 2 weeks free unlimited access to all their courses, so you can check the platform out in detail for nothing!

If you’re looking for an e-learning site that offers a monthly subscription giving you access to thousands of course for one price, and with less of a focus on business and marketing topics, then Skillshare is worth considering.

To understand the similarities and differences between Udemy and Skillshare in more detail, check out my article Udemy vs Skillshare .

2. Coursera

Coursera is a unique site like Udemy, in that it partners with top universities and other organizations to deliver a truly world-class online education.

Although Coursera offers less courses than Udemy overall, the subject matter of their courses is much more in-depth and will be hard to beat.

They are taught by some of the top university lecturers and professionals that the world has to offer.

Like other sites like Udemy, Coursera has a large library of courses on topics like business, computer science, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more.

Many of Coursera’s courses are available completely free. However, they also offer some paid courses where students receive a certificate upon completion.

These premium courses are paid for individually, much like courses on Udemy.

Often even Coursera’s paid courses are completely free, except for the option to pay for a certificate at the end. So if credentials are less important to you, you can pick up a lot of free knowledge through their programs.

If you really want the best that Coursera has to offer, you can even enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree or master’s program through various educational institutes through the platform.

https://youtu.be/K-sJe7_UjBI

If you’re looking for course quality over quantity, and place a high value on the qualifications of your instructors, Coursera is most definitely the online learning platform for you.

For more info, I have another article where I’ve compared Coursera vs Udemy’s main differences, prices and courses.

3. Masterclass

Imagine getting a cooking lesson from Gordon Ramsay. A basketball lesson from Stephen Curry, or a tennis lesson from Serena Williams. Or a chance to learn creative writing directly from Margaret Atwood.

That’s the type of unique learning opportunities that Masterclass presents. It gives you a chance to learn directly from famous celebrities and industry leaders. People who are world-class at what they do.

Masterclass offers various courses for $90 each. Or you can pay $180 per year for a subscription to get access to their entire library of courses.

If you think you may be interested in more than one topic, I’d definitely recommend paying for the subscription.

Masterclass has far less courses available than what’s offered by some other platforms like Skillshare or Linkedin Learning .

But for the price, I think it offers an exceptional value.

Sure, you could learn about a topic from a professor or a random instructor.

But imagine how much more engaged and invested you would be when you’re able to learn directly from a hero or role model of yours.

It’s really an e-learning experience that you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else, and the production quality of the lessons is really special. It feel less like online learning and more like binge-watching Netflix!

4. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda)

LinkedIn Learning uses a monthly subscription model.

This is unlike the other sites like Udemy that I’ve covered so far, which either offer free courses or require you to pay per course.

Premium access to the platform costs $30 per month, or you can get a discount when signing up for an annual subscription.

The downside of this model is that none of their material is available for free. But for people who love to learn, I think you’ll really get your money’s worth from their subscription model.

Your monthly fee gets you unlimited access to their extensive library of course material, so you’re free to learn as much as you like.

LinkedIn Learning is mostly aimed at working professionals, and offers video-based lectures aimed to provide you with real practical skills to improve your everyday job performance.

A lot of the topics are business-oriented lessons that you’d expect. Like mastering Microsoft Excel, employee relations, customer service, social media marketing for small businesses, and similar topics.

However, the platform also offers thousands of courses on other topics like graphic design, software development, photography, web development, and more.

While LinkedIn Learning lacks some of the more quirky personal interest topics that Udemy offers, it excels at providing you with unlimited access to material that can improve your employability and job performance.

Here you can read my comparison between Lynda vs Udemy .

Udacity and Udemy have similar names, but their offerings are quite different. So be sure not to confuse the two!

Udacity offers a mix of free and paid programs. Right now, they offer nearly 200 free courses to choose from.

But Udacity’s main claim to fame is their paid nano degree programs. These programs teach a specific set of skills, normally in a timeframe of one to four months.

Udacity used to offer courses for around $199 each. However, it seems like their courses have dramatically increased in price within the past year or two, and many of their paid programs now cost around $500 per month.

Understandably, with these prices, Udacity may scare off many potential students who are looking for the most cost-effective alternatives.

But they do have a place, particularly for technical training in the areas of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, programming, data science, and similar topics.

So I would mostly recommend Udacity for students who are already working in the tech industry and are looking to improve their existing knowledge and skills.

To learn more about Udacity and how it compares to Udemy check out my article Udemy vs Udacity .

6. Codecademy

As the name might suggest, Codecademy is your go-to e-learning platform when you want to learn programming or coding.

Codecademy offers free lessons in 12 of the main programming languages. Including C++, Java, Python, Ruby, SQL, PHP, and others. Plus markup languages like HTML and CSS.

No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced coder, Codecademy has something to teach you about programming. It’s a reputable platform that’s even supported by the US government.

To keep lessons from getting dry, Codecademy uses gamification to keep students engaged and having fun, as well as educated.

Optionally, you can pay $199 to get a certificate at the end of more advanced courses.

If you’re looking to break into the world of programming and technology, Codecademy is the platform I’d recommend to learn everything you need.

edX is another e-learning platform that offers a huge number of free courses. Learn about all kinds of different topics like languages, business, management, humanities, engineering, languages, data science, and more.

Much like Coursera, edX collaborates with organizations and distinguished universities to bring you some of the best training that’s available online.

There are also some paid courses offered on edX, which can range from $50 to $300 or more each.

Upon completion of these premium courses, you’ll get certifications from the university or institution that is associated with the course.

If you’re looking for impressive certifications from MIT, Harvard, or other organizations that you can put on a resume or CV when you’re done, edX is a great way to go.

Unlike some other e-learning platforms, edX offers a lot of two-way dialogue.

You can get feedback from your instructors on assignments, and even communicate with other students. So it’s a much more interactive learning environment compared to Udemy and some other sites.

8. Pluralsight

Pluralsight is another site like Udemy that’s worth considering when you’re evaluating different online learning platforms.

Like Udacity or Codecademy, Pluralsight’s course content is mostly focused on IT and other computer-related subjects.

They do have some courses aimed at business and creative professionals, but the platform is most well-known for its technology courses.

Like most online learning platforms, they cover topics ranging from beginners all the way up to advanced levels.

Pluralsight requires a subscription of $29 per month or $299 per year. There are no free courses available, although Pluralsight is unique since it lets you look at courses for free before you decide to pay.

As with most subscription-based platforms, you can take as many courses as you want.

Learn the main differences between Udemy and Pluralsight .

9. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers a world-class education. Its courses make use of a combination of video and text formats, with a large number of topics to choose from.

The courses even provide you with assignments and tasks as part of your lessons. This allows you to get a practical understanding of the courses you’re studying, besides just focusing on theory.

Most lessons are very short and specific, so they’re easy to digest. These mini-lessons can often be more engaging than what you’d find on other e-learning sites like Udemy.

You can choose from a large variety of topics including various mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, electrical engineering, computer programming, history, economics, entrepreneurship, and more.

Khan Academy also offers test prep for SATs, LSATs, and more.

Courses are available in 20 different languages. They even have a separate Khan Academy Kids website, which is specifically tailored for teaching kids.

It’s a great resource for parents and includes activities, coloring books, educational videos, and books.

Best of all, Khan Academy is a non-profit organization and all of its courses are completely free.

10. Iversity

Iversity is often described as the European equivalent of Coursera.

Coursera focuses on partnerships with North American universities and institutions like Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, and Stanford.

Iversity has European partners like University of Buckingham, Jacobs University, the European University Institute, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and others.

Much like Coursera, Iversity offers a wide range of completely free programs. Students are only charged upon completion of a course if they wish to receive an official certificate.

A unique feature of Iversity is that it approaches online learning in the form of a social network. You can receive peer review of your work, in addition to automatic instant feedback on some tasks and assignments.

If you live in Europe, I’d recommend looking into Iversity as an alternative to Coursera.

The certifications it offers may seem more relevant or applicable on your CV or resume compared to receiving certificates from American institutions.

11. Stanford University, Open Yale Courses, and Other Institutions

Instead of using sites like Udemy or similar online platforms, you may choose to go directly to the source. Many universities around the world are now offering large amounts of their course material online for free.

Learn from Stanford University about aeronautics or engineering. Brush up on some chemistry, geology, or history from Yale. Or choose from hundreds of full recorded lectures on MIT’s OpenCourseWare Youtube channel.

Most of these universities offer high-quality downloadable materials, suggested readings, video lectures, and even exams and problem sets to test what you’ve learned.

This material may be a bit more dry and academic compared to what you find on some other sites like Udemy.

But don’t underestimate how much amazing free information is being offered online by some of the world’s best educational institutions.

If you’re looking to go the academic route, one final honorable mention that I’ll give is for a platform called Academic Earth .

This site like Udemy has partnered with dozens of different universities and offers a wide range of online college courses. The best part is that they’re all available completely free.

If you aren’t sure or don’t mind which institution you take online courses from, Academic Earth is great at matching you up with the course you’re after.

Why Consider Other Sites Like Udemy?

Udemy ranks in the top results when you search for lots of online courses.

That’s no surprise, seeing as they offer over 100,000 courses in total. Many of them are free, or there are often Udemy sales promotions running which means you can access a lot of low cost online learning on the platform.

However, Udemy isn’t without its own problems. Since anybody can create and publish a course on Udemy, the quality can vary greatly.

While the best Udemy courses are fantastic resources taught by world renowned experts in their field, others are not so thorough or in-depth.

Since Udemy’s courses are inexpensive or even free, many of them are obviously used by authors to upsell more expensive products.

At their worst, some of the courses can feel more like an advertisement than a class.

Udemy courses also don’t provide any kind of certification to go along with their training.

Luckily there are many other great sites like Udemy for online learning.

They offer many of the same features and level of quality that you’d expect from Udemy. Sometimes they can even far exceed what Udemy offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are udemy competitors.

Sure, Udemy is one of the most well known learning platforms out there, but it’s hardly your only option by any means.

And many Udemy courses do have occasional drawbacks to them, so it’s only due diligence to investigate what’s on offer elsewhere before deciding which learning platform might be the right one for you.

One of the more major threats to Udemy is Coursera.

As a general rule, Coursera courses tend to carry more weight with prospective employers than Udemy courses do, because they are thoroughly vetted by academics and are frequently taught by top universities and professors.

Another threat to Udemy, but for very different reasons, is Skillshare.

This is because Skillshare offers hundreds of free courses and also a fairly low cost premium membership which opens up access to thousands more courses and lessons.

We would argue that Skillshare is the best learning platform for creative topics like animation, music, and photography.

Another great threat to Udemy is Masterclass, because it  gives you a chance to learn directly from famous celebrities and industry leaders – people who are world-class at what they do.

So, the name of the platform does exactly what it says on the tin, and you get a true masterclass in your chosen subject.

To learn more about Udemy competitors, please scroll back up through the article, where we discuss other Udemy competitors such as LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda), Udacity, Codecademy, edX, Pluralsight, Khan Academy, Iversity.

Is Udemy Better Than Lynda?

The beauty of the Lynda learning platform, which is now known as LinkedIn Learning, is that it’s mostly aimed at working professionals, and offers video-based lectures aimed to provide you with real practical skills to improve your everyday job performance.

In one of our other articles, we directly compare Lynda and Udemy, it’s available on this link . In short, either platform can be a great choice.

But where Lynda trumps Udemy is that the subscription fee gives you access to their entire course library at no additional cost.

Is Coursera Better Than Udemy?

Coursera and Udemy each have their pros and cons…

The most obvious advantages that Udemy has over competitors such as Coursera is the sheer number of courses on offer.

This means that not only do you get more chance of finding a very specific course in a niche field, but also that you get more of a chance of finding one at your particular level of expertise.

The next main advantage of Udemy is the significant affordability of their courses.

Udemy has frequent sales on it’s most popular courses, and it also has a very wide range of free courses that you can take advantage of.

But, where Udemy tends to let itself down, and where Coursera really shines, is that Coursera courses are thoroughly vetted by academics and are frequently taught by top universities and professors.

And it is for this reason that Coursera courses are more likely to impress future prospective employers, following completion of the course.

A Coursera certificate holds more weight and is more indicative of applied knowledge, whereas many Udemy courses are simply video lessons that don’t test the student’s knowledge or skills.

A key drawback to Coursera courses compared with Udemy courses is that they tend to cost more money, whereas Udemy courses are very often free or very cheap.

Which Is Better, Udemy Or Unacademy?

Udemy is a UK based online learning platform with a particularly vast range of courses on offer.

Unacademy on the other hand is an Indian-based platform designed to prepare students for things like government exams and Professional exams.

So if you are looking for a job in India, for example, in a bank, on a railway, or in defense, then Unacademy is your best option.

If you’re eager to learn online, Udemy can be a great choice.

But nowadays there are a bunch of other sites like Udemy that you should also consider as well.

Quality of course material, price, and topics offered can vary widely from one platform to another. So it’s worth spending at least an hour or two to go over your options.

A little research will ensure that you’re happy with your chosen e-learning platform for months or years to come.

Some courses specialize in a certain area of interest or topics. So one platform I’ve discussed above may be better for you than another depending if you want to learn about business, creative arts, programming, or other topics.

While sites like Udemy that offer individual courses for sale are great, I’d also highly recommend checking out sites that offer you a one-time annual or monthly subscription to access their full catalog of courses.

If you’re an avid learner, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.

Finally, if you don’t have much money to spend on online learning, definitely prioritize platforms that offer high-quality free courses as well.

About the Author Jacob M.

Jacob has a background in finance and engineering. Outside of his day job, he is a lifelong learner, who enjoys reading, taking online courses, and writing about what he's learned.

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The 5 best Udemy alternatives in 2024, chosen by avid learners

Probably one of the most incredible things about the internet, or being online, is that you can look up almost anything. Any topic, any subject, any tutorial. That allows you to learn new things, most of which you’d never be able to do otherwise. An offshoot of this is actual e-learning or online courses that walk you through whatever the subject is, like programming or developing a game, becoming a PhotoShop master , building various things, or even earning a certification so that you can enter a new career field. Udemy is at the top of the list when it comes to e-learning, but it’s not the only place you can go. In fact, there are many Udemy alternatives in 2024, and we’re going to show you. Let’s open our textbooks and dive in.

The best Udemy alternatives in 2024

• Try if you want an active and engaged community to collaborate with while learning.
• Try if you love your career but want to learn new skills for advancement.
• Try to earn new certifications, whether for your main focus or side skills.
• Try to learn unique skills from celebrities and experts while having a bit more fun.
• Try for nearly any tech-specific skill from software development and IT to cloud security.

Best community

Some folks are social learners and learn best with a group of like-minded and collaborative people. If that describes you, well, you might find most online learning platforms a bit challenging. You’ll be learning on your terms, yes, but mostly solo. The good news is that Skillshare does things a little differently. You’ll learn creative skills to apply to personal and professional goals, but with each course, you can power through at your own pace. You’ll also gain access to a global community of curious creatives just like you. You can enlist help, discuss topics, and converse with the community while taking your courses. There are free classes available, Skillshare offers a 1-month trial, and the premium classes are affordable. The only downside is that no official certifications are awarded for completing coursework — it’s all about personal growth.

Best career booster

Udacity offers a more traditional online learning platform where you can complete nanodegrees or single paid courses on specific topics. Earning a nanodegree requires you to complete a track or set of single, paid courses, but they’re only available to paying customers — you won’t earn a nanodegree from a free class. That said, there are free courses available, the paid courses are relatively affordable, and there are a lot of excellent subjects. Udacity has even collaborated with big industry names like Google , Nvidia, and AWS or Amazon. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic career booster and a solid way to beef up your CV.

Best for certifications

Well-known, prestigious, and accredited — allowing you to earn official university degrees — Coursera sets the bar high if you want to advance your skills. With over 220 partners across 55 countries that work to create accredited courses and well over 5,100 opportunities, this is the place to go if you’re looking for true variety. You can learn many subjects in technology and data science, healthcare, business, marketing, and beyond. More importantly, you can take those lessons and your degree and be competitive in the job market. The drawback is that Coursera has a varied and somewhat confusing price structure, but course fees are much lower than anything you’d pay at a university. You can also download courses to take or watch offline with Coursera’s app.

MasterClass

Best for bite-sized fun.

MasterClass is the place to go to have a little fun and learn new skills that you can apply anywhere, including your personal life. Another cool note is that you’re learning from top-notch instructors, some well-known in their fields like Alexis Ohanian, Bill Clinton, Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and even Deadmau5, Timbaland, Alicia Keys, or Hans Zimmer. Yes, legitimately, all those celebrities teach courses you can take on MasterClass. You’ll be learning how to cook, how to score films, how to write screenplays, or even how to start your own business. It’s entirely up to you. All lessons are affordable with high-quality production values, and by the time you’re done, you’ll definitely know something new. No free courses are available, however, so keep that in mind. There is no MasterClass free trial either, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pluralsight

Best for learning tech.

If you want to learn anything related to modern technology and apply it in the real world, in a real career, then Pluralsight is a wonderful platform. The free 10-day trial, or up to 200 minutes, gives you plenty of time to get the lay of the land and see if it’s right for you. You have full access to Pluralsight’s course library, too. Courses are designed for individuals, primarily professionals, with options for team learning if you’re a manager or business owner. You can download and view course materials offline if needed. But course opportunities are pretty limited compared to some of the other Udemy alternatives. Every single one is high-quality and valuable, however. Skill and role IQ assessments are also available to you, which help you measure your proficiency in a skill.

How we chose these Udemy alternatives

While researching and assessing the best Udemy alternatives, there were several factors we considered, including:

Free or affordable lessons

Not all of our choices on the list offer free classes or a free trial, but even if they don’t, they’re still very much what we would consider to be affordable. Since most people taking these courses will either be doing it to advance their careers or help them find work, it makes sense to stay away from more expensive opportunities. Don’t worry, if you have a little money to burn, there’s another smaller list you can check out above.

Again, prices are important when it comes to online learning. Are you paying for each course individually and only for a temporary license? Are you buying a course that you can watch or interact with anytime? Is it a subscription model? We tried to avoid payment models that don’t make sense, featuring high prices and limited access.

Course variety

Does the platform in question offer enough course variety to justify using it? Every Udemy alternative on our list does feature an excellent library of courses and resources, and in some cases — like for — you also gain access to an active and helpful community of fellow avid learners.

Certifications and degrees

There are a couple of ways to grow your knowledge and skills, one of which involves personal growth — which we’ll touch on below. The other is an official form of learning that earns you certifications and degrees, which you can share with potential employers to prove your success. The latter is essential if you’re looking to advance your career or enter a field requiring certification. Except in a rare case, like with , we opted for e-learning platforms that offer you official achievements to earn.

Personal growth

Personal growth is less about official documentation and achievements and more about improving your unique skills and abilities and maybe even enhancing your everyday life. While not all of our selections offer certifications or accredited degrees, they will help you improve your life and advance your personal growth. With MasterClass courses , for example, you can learn how to cook, play an instrument, or even some interior design and decorative tips. It’s all about your personality and what you want to know.

This article is managed and created separately from the Digital Trends Editorial team.

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Briley has been writing about consumer electronics and technology for over a decade. When he's not writing about deals for Digital Trends, he's writing how-to content, and guides. He's also a ghostwriter for various online publications. In his downtime, he's either spending time with his family, playing games, or enjoying a good ol' stogie.

With such a large selection of laptops available on the market right now, it can be a bit difficult to find the one that's perfect for your needs. In fact, pretty much all the best laptop brands have a huge variety of laptops, from gaming laptops to thin and ultra-light 2-in-1 laptops that are basically just tablets. Of course, you don't need one of the best laptops on the market to get something good, even if you're trying to replace the more traditional desktop computers. Luckily, we do have a bit of experience when it comes to laptops. That's why we've gone out and collected these deals from the best brands; you'll find HP laptop deals, Dell laptop deals, Acer laptop deals, Lenovo laptop deals, and more. They run the gamut from Chromebook deals and 2-in-1 laptop deals to powerful gaming laptop deals and everything in between.

HP Chromebook 14a -- $230, was $320

Great gaming laptop deals don’t have to cost thousands, as this deal at Dell demonstrates. Right now, you can buy the Dell G15 gaming laptop for $750 instead of $900, so you’re saving a sizeable $150 off the regular price. The laptop isn’t the fastest of gaming laptops, but it’s the perfect entry point if you’re on a tight budget but still want a gaming laptop, such as to take to your dorm or simply to relax with from time to time. If that sounds like you, read on while we take you through what the Dell G15 gaming laptop has to offer.

Why you should buy the Dell G15 gaming laptop Dell ranks highly among our look at the best laptop brands, but notably, it’s the Alienware brand that rises to the top of the best gaming laptop brands. Fortunately with laptops like the Dell G15 gaming laptop, you kind of get the best of both worlds. You won’t see cool Alienware-inspired aesthetics here, but you do get things like a superior thermal design compared to the best laptops from Dell. We put the Dell G15 in our best gaming laptops ranking as the "best budget gaming laptop under $1,000."

If you're a Windows user, then you're probably familiar with something like the Dell XPS lineup of thin and light laptops, and while they're great, they may not be for you. Well, one great alternative is Microsoft's lineup of Surface Laptops, which are pretty much the same concept as the Dell XPS and the MacBook Air when it comes to thin-and light laptops. Unfortunately, most of the currently available Surface laptops are a bit older as we're waiting for the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, but there are still some good options out there, including refurbished ones.

We've collected some of our favorite deals below, but if you're still looking for something a bit different, check out these laptop deals and 2-in-1 laptop deals, and maybe even these MacBook deals Microsoft Surface Go 3 -- $520, was $630

Disclosure: MyeLearningWorld is reader-supported. We may receive a commission if you purchase through our links.

Online Learning Platforms

The 11 Best Udemy Alternatives for Taking Online Courses

Last Updated: 09/05/2023

By Fatima Mansoor

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Are you wondering if there are any good Udemy alternatives for taking classes online?

Online courses are all the rave these days, and it’s a no-brainer why. Whether you are looking to polish up on old-learned skills, pick up new skills, or just find a new hobby, there’s a wide range of online courses to help!

Online classes are extremely flexible (both location-wise and scheduling-wise), self-paced, and usually very affordable too — especially compared to the soaring cost of college .

And it comes as no surprise either why people tend to choose Udemy whenever looking for online courses websites .

With more than 183,000 courses and over 44 million students, Udemy is amongst the largest online learning platforms on the market.

There’s no doubt about it, Udemy is a great option for taking classes online. But there are many reasons you might be interested in also learning about alternatives to Udemy.

For some, Udemy might be too overwhelming with its options and ranges, could be too expensive (see our Udemy pricing guide ), or their certificates not being accredited might be seen as a disadvantage. And for some, they might just be looking for an alternative that offers different classes to fit their interests.

Whatever your reason is, there are plenty of good Udemy alternatives out there, and for your ease, we have researched and compiled a list of the best ones.

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.

Why Look for Other Course Websites Like Udemy?

While Udemy is a popular platform for online courses, you might look for an alternative eLearning platform for various reasons:

• Course Quality and Consistency: Udemy hosts a wide range of courses, which means the quality can vary significantly. Some users may seek alternatives with more consistent course quality and vetting.
• Limited Interaction: Udemy courses often lack robust interaction between instructors and students. Those looking for more personalized attention or mentorship might prefer platforms with better instructor-student engagement.
• Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase: Udemy primarily offers courses on a one-time purchase basis. Some learners prefer subscription-based platforms that grant access to a library of courses for a monthly fee.
• Specialized Learning: If someone is interested in a niche or specialized field, they might explore alternatives offering courses that cater specifically to their area of interest.
• Price and Discounts: Udemy courses can vary in price, and some users may find that other platforms offer better pricing or more frequent discounts.
• Community and Networking: Those interested in building connections and networking with peers might choose platforms that emphasize community interaction and discussion forums.

What to Look for in a Udemy Alternative

Before we head onto our list, here is a brief explanation of features to keep an eye on when choosing the right Udemy alternative for yourself. Note that, these features are not only what makes Udemy stand out but also those that we believe should be in a good online course platform.

1. Interface

To make your learning experience a no-fuss and hassle-free one, the first thing you want to look for is whether the interface of the online learning platform is a user-friendly and intuitive one or not. From the time you register to the taking of the courses, and also the overall system, it is very important for you to find the program’s interface convenient to use.

2. Availability of free or cheap courses

Along with paid courses, like Udemy, many online learning platforms provide numerous free courses too. This can be very helpful not only for students (and nonstudents) on a budget but also for people looking to experiment with new skills without having to purchase an entire course. In this way, you can easily familiarize yourself with the skill before deciding to buy it. A good Udemy alternative will have some free courses or an extended free trial period that will let you take classes at no cost for a period of time.

3. Number of courses

While free courses can be quite attractive, you also need to look out for the number of courses provided. For some, they would like a vast variety of options but others might prefer to work with limited options. Whatever your preference is, our list of online course platforms below is well accommodating to your needs.

4. Quality of courses

Although this can be quite tricky to assess, many online learning platforms have certain professional requirements that need to be met before course instructors can publish their classes. Moreover, many platforms have courses created internally as well as by large companies. So if you are not sure about your instructor, you can simply choose a course video from the latter-mentioned creators.

5. Certifications

To make your learning worthwhile and to stand out amongst the masses during job interviews and promotions, certificates are very important. Some online learning platforms like Udemy and others do provide one but some don’t. However, what’s even more important than the certificate itself is the fact that it is credited from a credible institution. Udemy unfortunately is not an accredited institution. However, our list below has alternatives to Udemy that have courses from a lot of accredited institutions like Harvard, Cambridge etc.

6. Free Trial

Ideally, you want to be able to test out an online course platform before you start paying. The best Udemy alternatives offer free trials to give you a chance to check things out for a bit before you decide whether or not you want to pay for ongoing service.

The Best Alternatives to Udemy

Having said this, here is the list of Udemy competitors that you may want to try:

1. Educative

Build in-demand tech skills with over 600 hands-on, interactive courses in programming, data science, machine learning, cloud computing, and more.

With over 600 interactive courses on programming, data science, machine learning, computer science, and other tech topics, Educative is the best Udemy alternative for anyone looking to sharpen their technical skills.

The courses are created by industry experts and offer interactive coding challenges, code snippets, quizzes, and other real-world projects.

Whether you want to delve into the world of programming languages like Java and Python or explore various development topics such as web and mobile app development, Educative makes it possible.

What really sets Educative apart from other platforms is its unique approach to learning. Unlike other platforms, where courses are often presented through on-demand video lectures, Educative offers interactive, text-based courses that let you code and learn in real time.

Plus, the cloud-based development environment means you can practice what you’re learning mid-course from any device, be it your phone, tablet, or laptop. This means you can apply what you’re learning on the spot, making for a more immersive and enjoyable learning experience.

Click here to join Educative for free.

2. SkillShare

In our opinion, Skillshare is one of the best alternative sites to Udemy, considering how much it is similar to (and may even be better than) Udemy.

Founded in 2010, this online course platform boasts over 30,000 classes in a wide range of topics via an affordable subscription.

Its range of high quality courses might not be as far spread as that of Udemy’s, but it definitely might be the best pick for learners looking to take courses in fields like photography ,  Photoshop , time management , voice over ,  public speaking , proofreading , AWS , film production, animation , video editing , music, lifestyle, writing, marketing, transcription , teaching , and more. This site mainly caters to creative and entrepreneurship niches but still has around 8 million students enrolled in it!

What makes it even better is the fact that most of Skillshare’s courses emphasize interaction rather than just focusing on lectures, with the primary purpose being learning through project completion. This makes it the best online course platform for active learners .

Furthermore, to sum up, a few of its features, Skillshare like Udemy is quite convenient as not only is it desktop, laptop, IOS, and Android smartphone compatible but also has a user interface that is quite intuitive. It also issues certificates like Udemy, however, they too are not credited ones.

As far as the prices are concerned, with Udemy, learners have to pay $19 to $199.99 per course. Whereas with Skillshare pricing , users can gain unlimited access to courses with a  yearly subscription that costs only $167.88 ($13.99 per month), making Skillshare quite an affordable option. No monthly subscription option is available at this time.

Click here to try Skillshare free for one month.

Founded by two Stanford instructors, this technology-focused online course platform has been revolutionizing course learning since 2011.

With 10 million students from 160 countries and 23 000 graduated students, Udacity’s main aim is to “train the world’s workforce in the careers of the future”.

Unlike Udemy, It partners with industry experts to create “project-based” online courses that enable the students to gain the technical skills that employers appreciate the most -hence, ensuring only quality videos are part of their platform!

This is their “Nanodegree program” that makes them different and more valuable than the other online course platforms. Udacity has created over 45 programs with well-recognized companies like Google, Mercedes-Benz, NVIDIA, and Facebook to name a few.

Although the number of courses and programs is way less than Udemy, these in-depth, expertly curated subject-based courses allow students to fully develop a skill set or even embark on a full-time career in that relevant subject.

What’s more is that the Nanodegrees or certificates, offered on completion of courses, are way more valuable than the certificates offered by Udemy. While both are unaccredited, the well-known partners make them more difficult to pass!

Along with their Nanodegree programs, Udacity also has 200 free courses.

While Udacity pricing for its Nanodegree programs can be higher than Udemy, their more skill-building and technical approach well makes up for it. You will have to pay $199 or more to enroll in one of its programs.

See our Udacity review for our full overview of this popular online learning platform.

Click here to learn more .

Developed by Harvard and MIT professors, this alternative to Udemy allows students to take university courses at a much lower cost from anywhere around the world!

With more than 3,000+ online courses and 300+ programs in wide-ranging subjects , this platform provides students an opportunity to have formal education anytime and at their own pace.

edX has multiple well-known course partners like Harvard, Georgetown, University of Chicago to name a few. Furthermore, it also allows students to actively learn by enabling them to engage with other students and also through assignment feedback from professors.

edX also has the option to refund within 14 days of enrolling, allowing students to opt out of courses they no longer find useful.

They also have tons of free courses with full course materials. In fact, you can audit most edX classes at no cost. However, certificates and assignment feedback won’t be available unless you pay a fee.

In addition to this, the biggest advantage of using edX is that since edX is an accredited platform, the certificates you receive on completion are completely credible! With their  “pursue the Verified track” option you can gain all of these advantages with edX pricing of $50-$300 per course which is much cheaper than an actual university degree.

Read our edX review to learn more.

Click here to try edX today .

5. FutureLearn

This British online educational platform was founded in 2012 and is owned by The Open University and SEEK ltd. It is one of the first digital educational platforms in Britain and provides a wide range of British online courses as well as a large number of programs from American colleges.

This site enables learners to take on a new skill, learn a new hobby or even change their entire careers. With FutureLearn, they can study micro-credential programs, get certifications, and even entire online degrees, in addition to short online courses.

FutureLearn provides specialized education with the help of reputable world-class colleges and organizations like the British Council, Monash University, John Hopkins University, Accenture, Institute of coding, and more.

Students can choose an online course from any of their 14 different subjects ranging from Psychology & mental health, Law, Nature & Environment, Business & Management to Literature.

Once a program is taken, students will receive learning materials, weekly units, videos, quizzes, and more. On completion, a certificate is given from the relevant accredited University rather than from the site itself. They also allow students to interact with other students, get advice from professors, create profiles, and test their knowledge by taking assignments.

FutureLearn pricing ranges from free access to courses to paid upgrades for course certificates and other features.

6. LinkedIn Learning

This alternative to Udemy is perfect for all those wishing to improve their position in the professional world.

This subsidiary of LinkedIn offers courses in 3 fields: Business, Technology, and Creativity. With 16,000 courses to choose from and an entire Learning path to help you study better, this site might be a great choice to try- it offers a free month trial too!

The videos are created by experts with “real world” experience. This is to ensure, students are learning practical skills that can be easily applied in work environments: making them confident and competent in their relevant work fields!

Not only this, LinkedIn Learning has “bite-sized” as well as detailed videos to help learners learn as they wish. It also provides video transcriptions to clear any questions students might have. Moreover, on completion, users will earn certificates which increases their employability as well!

Lastly, in terms of LinkedIn Learning prices , again this is quite a cheaper option as learners can choose from two subscription plans:

• $39.99 per month
• $239.88 per year ($19.99 per month)

LinkedIn Learning has a one-month free trial you can check out now.

7. Codecademy

If you are looking for courses in the field of coding and technology and do not wish to entangle yourself in the vast variety of options in Udemy or any similar site, then Codecademy is the right space for you.

This website is for anyone wishing to learn coding/technological skills from scratch or further develop their existing knowledge.

It is even supported by the American government, therefore you can trust the quality of content available on the website.

It offers a wide range of options to choose from, for example, if you wish to learn a coding language, like Javascript , Python 3, Html, or if you want to study a career-specific course like Data Analyst; Codecademy has a separate course/path for each. Some paths provide certification too.

And if you are not sure at all what to take in coding, you can take their short quiz to figure out where to start. Codecademy also has options for businesses that are looking to build their teams’ technological skills.

The best part about this Udemy alternative is that its basic courses are completely free, and Codecademy pricing for their upgraded paid plans is very affordable. Their pro courses, however, retail for $17.49 a month, billed annually.

8. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is by far the most popular educational platform out there .

Created in 2005 by Sal Khan, this nonprofit organization aims to provide completely free world-class education to learners anywhere in the world and at any time.

It offers free short-length video courses that aim to keep learners engaged. These videos are created by professionals and hence the content can be trusted. There are a variety of courses to choose from. Some of the subjects include Economics, lifestyle, STEM, art & humanities. It also offers test preparation courses for SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

And the best part is that these online courses are also available in more than 20 languages without any extra charges. With extremely user-friendly videos and a variety of student-related courses, this might arguably be the best site for learners going to school, colleges, or universities!

Talking about free courses, Alison too offers free-of-cost online courses. But unlike Khan Academy, it focuses on Job-related skills only.

Founded in 2007, this Irish company boasts 17 million registered students, 3 million graduates, and 2,000 free courses. All of its courses are highly comprehensive and combine skill development with hands-on experience.

Its targeted audience is mostly professionals, teachers, managers, and freelancers. Some of the topics provided are sales &marketing, IT, Health, Engineering, business, etc.

Certifications and diplomas are also available on completion-and the best part, they are accredited by CPD UK! So you can improve your job position by completing an Alison course without paying a single penny!

10. Pluralsight

Created in 2004 by Aaron Skonnard, Pluralsight is the perfect Udemy alternative for IT administrators, software developers, creative specialists, or anyone looking to develop their tech skills – and yes even for those looking to start from the most basic level.

Thousands of video courses, manuals, engaging courses with in-browser coding tasks (only for Premium users), pathways (selected collections of courses), hands-on projects (Premium only), exams, webinars, and much more are available on the Pluralsight learning platform.

It offers interactive lessons in software, 3D development, VFX, design, game design, web design , and CAD software to name a few. Their courses are clearly differentiated into advanced, intermediate, and basic levels, so users know exactly which course to select. And if you don’t know where you stand or where to start, you can simply take Pluralsight’s 20 question quiz!

As far as the pricing, Pluralsight has plans starting as low as $29 a month, which is less than the price of many individual Udemy courses.

Try Pluralsight free for 10 days .

11. Coursera

For many, Coursera might be regarded as the finest alternative to Udemy. The courses offered by Coursera are mostly academic-related unlike Udemy, where a vast variety of topics are available. The number of courses is far lesser than Udemy too.

But then what makes it a good alternative? To simplify, Coursera offers more in-depth, structured, and quality courses from world class universities and industry experts.

They offer both free and paid courses and for the latter, the certificates acquired on completion are accredited too.

Additionally, Coursera also provides full-time master’s and bachelor’s degrees from prestigious universities whom they partner with. Currently, they have over 200+ universities and companies partnering with them.

While there are many free courses, with Coursera Plus , users can take advantage of accredited certification and other premium features with just $59 per month or $399 per year! See our Coursera pricing guide for more info.

A Final Word on Udemy Alternatives

To wrap up, in our opinion, these are some pretty good contenders for best alternatives to Udemy and it might be quite difficult to pick one.

However, to get the best learning experience, make sure you keep in mind the features we mentioned above when choosing a Udemy alternative. And take advantage of free trial offers so you can test out different platforms and see which one you prefer.

Have any questions about our guide to course websites like Udemy? Let us know by commenting below.

The 7 Best Masterclass Alternatives & Competitors for Taking Online Courses

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Udemy Alternatives Top Online Education & Code Learning Services like Udemy

Udemy is described as 'Online learning and teaching marketplace with over 80000 courses and 24 million students, it uses content from online content creators to sell for profit' and is a very popular online education service in the education & reference category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Udemy for a variety of platforms, including Web-based, iPhone, Android, iPad and Android Tablet apps. The best Udemy alternative is Khan Academy , which is free. Other great apps like Udemy are Coursera , Codecademy , edX and SoloLearn .

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• Online Education Service
• Paid • Proprietary

Udemy is an online learning and teaching marketplace with over 80000 courses and 24 million students, it uses content from online content creators to sell for profit.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.

License model

• Free • Proprietary

Application types

• Code Learning Service
• Android Tablet

Top Khan Academy Features

•   Multiple languages
•   Interactive exercices
•   Mobile friendly
•   Community-based
•   Gamification
•   User Levels
•   Lightweight
•   Privacy focused
•   Dark Mode

Khan Academy VS Udemy

Comments about khan academy as an alternative to udemy.

Completely free with specialised content for students of a particular course. All content is good quality.

Some users think Khan Academy is a great Udemy alternative, some don't.

Khan Academy is the most popular Web-based , Android , iPhone & iPad alternative to Udemy.

Khan Academy is the most popular free alternative to Udemy.

• Khan Academy is Free and Proprietary Udemy is Paid and Proprietary
• Khan Academy is Lightweight and Privacy focused Udemy is not according to our users

We are committed to making the best education in the world freely available to any person who seeks it. We envision people throughout the world, in both developed and developing countries, using our platform to get access to world-leading education that has so far been available...

• Freemium • Proprietary
• Windows Phone

Coursera Features

•   Free courses
•   Kid friendly

Coursera VS Udemy

Codecademy is the easiest way to learn how to code. It's interactive, fun, and you can do it with your friends.

Codecademy Features

•   Built-in terminal emulation
•   C support
•   ITunes-like user interface

Codecademy VS Udemy

Comments about codecademy as an alternative to udemy.

Codecademy teaches coding while Udemy has all kinds of things.

It is a code school and not a marketplace.

Some users think Codecademy is a great Udemy alternative, some don't.

• Codecademy is Freemium and Proprietary Udemy is Paid and Proprietary

Learnie is a paradigm shift in how to think about learning systems. It is the way to create and share engaging user-generated video microlearning. Courses are user-generated and built in a series of up to 30-second microlearning ...

Based on a long history of collaboration and their shared educational missions, the founders are creating a new distance-learning experience. Anant Agarwal, former Director of MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, serves as the first president of edX.

Application type

Edx features, edx vs udemy.

Learning has never been this social and accessible for so many! Bit-sized videos and fun practice sessions grab your attention and keep you focused, for guaranteed best results!.

SoloLearn Features

•   Challenges
•   Live sandbox

SoloLearn VS Udemy

Comments about sololearn as an alternative to udemy.

it's specifically developed to learn to code, it's more user frendly and interactive, is not a video

Some users think SoloLearn is a great Udemy alternative, some don't.

• SoloLearn is Freemium and Proprietary Udemy is Paid and Proprietary

Skillshare is a marketplace of classes to learn anything (e.g. cooking, fashion, programming) from teachers in your community.

SkillShare Features

SkillShare VS Udemy

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an American website offering video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills.

LinkedIn Learning Features

•   Certification
•   Tutorials

LinkedIn Learning VS Udemy

Comments about linkedin learning as an alternative to udemy.

It's free like Udemy but also Open Sourced

LinkedIn Learning is the most popular commercial alternative to Udemy.

• LinkedIn Learning is Paid and Proprietary Udemy is also Paid and Proprietary

MIT OpenCourseWare

Since 2001, MIT OpenCourseWare has been creating new opportunities for millions of learners and educators, sharing Open Educational Resources (OER) from MIT and helping to lead a global revolution in free access to knowledge.

MIT OpenCourseWare Features

Mit opencourseware vs udemy.

Online university-level technical courses. We believe university-level education can be both high quality and low cost. Using the economics of the Internet, we've connected some of the greatest teachers to hundreds of thousands of students all over the world.

Udacity VS Udemy

Comments about udacity as an alternative to udemy.

Udacity is more of a code bootcamp/school. It is not a marketplace.

It is not a marketplace. More of a school or bootcamp.

IT is more of a school than a marketplace for education content.

Some users think Udacity is a great Udemy alternative, some don't.

• Udacity is Paid and Proprietary Udemy is also Paid and Proprietary

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is the global leader in high-quality online training for hardcore developers and IT pros. The revolutionary Pluralsight training library provides techies with instant access to a rich collection of online training courses delivered by industry authorities.

• Kindle Fire
• Software as a Service (SaaS)

Pluralsight Features

•   Works Offline
•   Automatic Transcript
•   Resume interrupted downloads

Pluralsight VS Udemy

This alternative is disputed . Pluralsight is a legitimate Udemy alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

Pluralsight is the most popular Windows , Mac & SaaS alternative to Udemy.

• Pluralsight is Paid and Proprietary Udemy is also Paid and Proprietary

DataCamp is a learning platform for data and AI skills, offering courses in Python, ChatGPT, SQL, Power BI, and more. It caters to 12 million global learners, ranging from beginners to experienced programmers.

• Android Wear

DataCamp Features

•   Code Completion
•   AI-Powered

DataCamp VS Udemy

The world's first blockchain-powered online education platform with token scholarships & tech talent acquisition.

• Freemium • Open Source
• Self-Hosted

BitDegree Features

•   Built-in code editor
•   Blockchain
•   Cryptocurrency support

Get a 15% discount on BitDegree with AlternativeTo  | Coupon code: ALTERNATIVETO

BitDegree VS Udemy

BitDegree is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Udemy.

BitDegree is the most popular Open Source alternative to Udemy.

• BitDegree is Freemium and Open Source Udemy is Paid and Proprietary

11 Best Udemy Alternatives

Table of Contents

Udemy has long been a powerhouse in the online learning landscape , providing a vast array of courses across diverse subjects, taught by experts from around the world. As a leading education platform, Udemy has empowered millions to acquire new skills , pursue personal interests, and advance their professional journeys conveniently from the comfort of their homes.

Udemy has not only become the go-to platform for learners worldwide, but also one of the most popular online learning and teaching marketplaces for online instructors, educators, and content creators monetizing their knowledge through online courses.

However, the ever-expanding market of online education offers a plethora of alternatives, each with its own set of strengths and unique features. Udemy comes with many advantages too, but it carries its own set of weaknesses that are worth looking more into.

In this article, we present the 10 Best Udemy Alternatives , offering a comprehensive guide if you seek diverse and enriching educational experiences beyond the option of Udemy.

So, let’s explore all the possibilities to help you discover the eLearning platform that best suits your preferences, goals, and needs.

Your professional looking Academy in a few clicks

Udemy pricing and plans.

Udemy is free to use however, it comes with a revenue-sharing plan that offers instructors two earnings options and explains how charges on sales are made. When sales occur through the instructor’s promotions they get to keep 97% of the revenue.

An instructor gets only 37% of the sale while Udemy receives the remaining 63% when the course has no instructor coupon or affiliate link.

*Pricing information retrieved from Udemy , December 2023

Udemy Advantages & Disadvantages

Udemy Advantages 👍

Getting started with Udemy is easy . As an instructor, you don’t need to have any prior technical knowledge on how to set up a website or landing page. Udemy provides the space for you to promote your courses , and it’s ideal to use if you are a beginner just starting your online course business.

Teaching on Udemy follows a 3-step process – planning your curriculum, recording your videos, and launching your course. The course topics offered range from web development, design, business, and personal development.

• Easy to Use
• Free of charge
• No technical or design requirements
• Exposure to a big audience looking for courses
• Diverse course catalog
• Helps with marketing the top courses

Udemy Disadvantages 👎

Udemy can make it challenging for instructors to maintain a full-time income since there is no control over the course pricing. It has no white-label capabilities , and you have no ownership over the data on the platform.

This can work against you because when you are inviting students to check out your Udemy courses, at the same time you are encouraging them to check other courses from competitors.

• Udemy takes a big share of the profits
• Has discounts on courses all the time (you can’t have premium courses)
• No ownership of your students’ data
• Need to keep promoting yourself
• There are many competitors next to your course
• There are many requirements and standards to follow

Best Udemy Alternatives for Creators, Educators, Online Instructors & Businesses

Learnworlds – our top choice.

LearnWorlds is the best all-in-one eLearning platform that helps you create, market, and sell online courses . LearnWorlds comes with the most advanced features you could ask for a premium platform that helps you monetize your skills and knowledge. It gives you all the tools you need to reach your goals and engage with your students meaningfully.

The platform features a powerful AI assistant that aids the course creation process, a robust no-code Website Builder, and a Mobile App Builder that allows you to build a fully branded mobile app to offer learning on the go.

It also comes with an Assessment Builder that makes creating quizzes and exams simple, a pop-up and form builder, an interactive video player, and many more! On top of that it is SCORM compliant , it has a built-in community and it is 100% white label.

What’s more to ask for? Before you answer, let’s go over its pros and cons.

• Features an AI Course Builder
• Highly customizable
• SCORM compliant
• Features a no-code Website Builder and Assessment Builder
• Mobile App Builder for mobile learning
• Certificate issuing available
• In-depth reporting and analytics tools
• Marketing integrations via Zapier
• Built-in community
• Gradual learning curve
• No marketplace for courses

How much does LearnWorlds cost?

LearnWorlds offers a 30-day free trial and the following pricing plans:

• Starter – $29/mo
• Pro – $99/mo
• Learning Center – $299/mo
• Enterprise – you need to talk with sales

*Pricing information retrieved from LearnWorlds in December 2023.

LearnWorlds is a modern AI-powered online course platform that can truly make your online learning experiences stand out in the market. Try LearnWorlds with a 30-day free trial .

💁Explore LearnWorlds’ top competitors here.

Coursera vs Udemy – The Academic Option

Coursera is a popular online learning platform that partners with universities, institutions, and organizations globally to offer a wide range of courses, specializations, and degree programs. Built by two Stanford professors, Coursera provides learners with access to high-quality educational content in various fields, allowing them to acquire new skills and earn certificates or degrees.

With courses ranging from business and technology to humanities and health, Coursera caters to a broad audience – mostly students and lifelong learners. Instructors can benefit from the platform’s user-friendly interface, making course creation and management intuitive.

Coursera also offers a range of tools and features, including the ability to create quizzes and assignments facilitating effective assessment. Unlike Udemy, it offers accreditation and its courses follow a more formal curriculum and academic approach to learning.

• Offers a variety of assessment options
• Has global reach
• Has a user-friendly interface
• Comes with different types of accreditation (through degrees and certificates)
• Provides high-quality educational tools and instructor interactions
• Limited customization and flexibility
• Limited course content interactivity
• Only available to educators in partner institutions
• No instructor feedback, only peer-reviewed assignments

How much does Coursera cost?

Coursera offers two annual subscription plans:

• Team: $399 for 5 to 125 users (per user/year)
• Enterprise: for 125+ users – contact sales team

To join Coursera as an instructor, you need to be a professor at a reputed university or institution that offers courses on the platform.

*Pricing information retrieved from Coursera in December 2023.

Skillshare vs Udemy – For Creatives

Skillshare is an eLearning platform tailored for those seeking a creative and interactive approach to learning. Geared towards individuals looking to enhance their skills in various creative fields, Skillshare provides access to a diverse range of courses. What sets Skillshare apart is its emphasis on project-based learning, allowing users to apply their knowledge through hands-on projects.

This Udemy alternative offers thousands of courses in graphic design, cooking, photography, marketing, music, social media, entrepreneurship, and more.

The lessons are taught by experts, and teachers from creative fields and may take the form of video classes, student projects, one-to-one sessions, and live sessions. Skillshare fosters a vibrant community where learners can share insights, collaborate, and provide feedback.

• Offers easily digestible and bite-sized learning
• Comes with a large audience base
• Helps with promotion and building a personal brand
• Supports instructors through Skillshare Teacher Help Center
• Has a discussion forum allowing students to exchange feedback
• Provides the ability to take many courses for the same price
• Class content is limited to certain subject areas (e.g. creative fields)
• Can be difficult to grow as a beginner
• Course quality may vary
• Inconsistent income (only works as a side income)

How much does Skillshare cost?

Skillshare is free for teachers to join. However, it comes with specific guidelines on class quality and a set of teaching policies you need to follow.

The platform offers two ways to earn money. The first is earnings from your teaching . Skillshare pays instructors through the Teachers Fund, for which the earnings are calculated based on the minutes watched by students in the class and teacher engagement and interaction with students.

There is also the option to earn from your referrals , which allows you to earn additional revenue for every subscribing member you bring to Skillshare.

*Pricing information retrieved from Skillshare in December 2023.

Udacity vs Udemy – The Mentor Approach

Udacity stands out as a leading online learning platform, particularly focused on providing in-depth, industry-relevant courses in technology and other high-demand fields including data science.

Offering nano degree programs developed in collaboration with industry experts and leading companies like Microsoft and Google, Udacity is geared towards individuals seeking to enhance their skills and pursue careers in tech-related disciplines.

One of Udacity’s notable strengths against Udemy, lies in its practical approach, providing hands-on projects and real-world scenarios to bridge the gap between theory and application. Students can benefit from personalized mentorship, industry-recognized credentials upon completion, and career services to facilitate job placement in their chosen fields.

• Has a simple and intuitive user interface
• Offers top-notch course content quality
• Provides additional career services (for students)
• Comes with more than 200 free courses
• Awards certificates (not accredited)
• Supports live tutoring (for instructors)
• Limited variety of subject areas
• Course material is mainly in the English language
• No mobile app
• More expensive than other platforms

How much does Udacity cost?

As an instructor or course creator, teaching on Udacity doesn’t cost you anything. To be able to teach, however, you will need to show high expertise and a record of professional experience in a subject area taught in Udacity schools.

The pay varies depending on your knowledge of the subject. Most instructors on Udacity are industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies or tech business owners.

LinkedIn Learning vs Udemy – The Career-Focused Solution

LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda) is an expansive online learning platform that caters to professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Offering a vast library of courses spanning various industries and disciplines, LinkedIn Learning stands out as a valuable resource for career development . Learners can access courses taught by top companies and thought leaders, covering topics ranging from technical skills to soft skills crucial for professional growth, and get their certificates.

Its seamless integration with the LinkedIn platform provides a bridge between learning and professional networking . The platform also offers personalized recommendations based on users’ career goals and interests. With it, learners have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals looking to upskill or explore new areas. While Udemy appeals to hobbyists mostly, LinkedIn Learning is well-suited for corporate training and employee development.

• Large library of course content
• Offers certificates
• Wider reach – highly recognizable
• Features a supportive community
• Limited course topics
• Can be difficult to join as an instructor
• Can’t offer courses on other platforms
• Confusing interface

How much does LinkedIn Learning cost?

LinkedIn Learning is free to use for instructors. To teach on the platform, you will need to complete the instructor application and check out the process of creating a LinkedIn learning course here .

Once you are in, you will get your first half of royalty advance and when your course is published you will get the other half. As soon as the advance is paid off, you will start receiving monthly payments for your courses.

Pluralsight vs Udemy – For Tech Professionals

Pluralsight is another leading online learning platform that specializes in providing technology-focused courses for individuals and businesses. Compared to Udemy, Pluralsight has a more niche target audience as it caters to professionals in IT, software development, and creative fields, offering a vast library of expert-led courses, assessments, and learning paths.

This platform emphasizes skill development and keeps up with rapidly evolving technologies, delivering in-depth content on topics such as programming languages, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and design tools. It stands out for its hands-on approach via interactive content, allowing learners to apply their knowledge through real-world projects and assessments, ensuring a practical understanding of the subject matter.

• User-friendly interface
• Structured learning paths
• Hands-on and interactive learning
• Mobile app available
• Offers assessments and tests
• 24/7 support
• Very niche course topics on technology
• Caters to IT professionals and web developers mostly
• Has a difficult course review process
• Not ideal for collaborative learning

How much does Pluralsight cost?

Pluralsight is free for instructors. If you have any knowledge or experience in the subjects available on the platform you can become a ‘Pluralsight Author’ and you will work with a team that can help you get started. This team consists of Author Community Managers who will guide you through your audition, project coordinators, content producers, and peer reviewers.

As an author, you will get paid on a quarterly basis, through video course compensation that is based on viewership within the platform.

*Pricing information retrieved from Pluralsight in December 2023.

Edx vs Udemy – The Open-Source Option

Edx is a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) platform, founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As a non-profit organization that partners with top universities and institutions globally, it offers a wide range of online courses, including both free and paid options. edX stands out for its commitment to providing high-quality education from prestigious institutions.

Learners can find courses in diverse subjects, from computer science and business to humanities and social sciences. Additionally, edX offers professional certificate programs and even full master’s degrees from partner universities. The platform’s courses often include interactive elements, such as quizzes, discussions, and assignments, to enhance the learning experience.

• Free and open-source
• Has a mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Provides interactive online classes
• Free and paid courses available
• Assignments & discussion forums
• Offers verified certificates
• Limited variety of topics – academic and higher education focus
• Inconsistent framework on course program structure
• Requires technical knowledge or web developer help to set up
• Comes with the additional costs (self-hosting and maintenance)

How much does Edx cost?

It’s free for instructors to join Edx. However, there may be additional costs for procuring a server and system support which you need to think about before making a decision.

You may also need to ask for the help of Open-edX’s service providers or freelancers whose pricing can vary according to your budget and project requirements.

Go through this guide to get more information on Open-edX course creation expenses.

Khan Academy vs Udemy – The Non-Profit Choice

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational platform that aims to provide free, world-class education to anyone. The platform offers a diverse range of instructional videos , practice exercises, and materials covering subjects such as mathematics, science, economics, history, and more. Khan Academy’s instructional approach emphasizes mastery learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace through self-paced courses, and ensuring a solid understanding of foundational concepts before moving on to more advanced topics.

With a focus on accessibility, the platform is making high-quality education available to learners around the globe. Khan Academy’s adaptive learning model and commitment to inclusivity have positioned it as a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners seeking a comprehensive and free educational experience. In contrast to Udemy, Khan Academy does not offer formal certificates and has no individual course purchases – all content is provided for free.

• Caters to a wide audience (K-12 education focus)
• Customized learning paths and self-paced learning
• Offers analytics (track student progress)
• Access to a global audience
• Supports various learning styles
• No free trial
• Limited support and customization
• Not ideal for advanced subjects
• Limited variety of topics
• Lack of monetization opportunities

How much does Khan Academy cost?

Khan Academy is free for both learners and teachers. Because it works as a non-profit organization it does not pay instructors either, and it is most suitable for teachers who are willing to offer their knowledge for free.

Masterclass vs Udemy – For Celebrities

Masterclass is a premium and innovative online learning platform that managed to stand out offering courses taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities across various fields. With a focus on inspiration and storytelling, MasterClass provides a unique and immersive learning experience. Each course is presented in the form of high-quality video lessons, where experts share their insights and techniques.

The platform covers a diverse range of subjects in the creative field mostly – including arts and entertainment, writing, culinary arts, sports, and more. One of MasterClass’s key strengths lies in its high production value, providing learners with a visually engaging and professionally curated educational experience. Compared to Udemy, the costs here are a lot higher, and the course content offers limited interactivity.

• Online classes cater to all skill levels
• Has a broad range of subjects
• Offers well-produced video content
• Courses are taught by celebrity instructors
• Structured curriculum through Sessions
• Unique and inspirational learning approach
• High subscription costs
• Lack of depth in some subjects
• Provides general knowledge (no specialized training)
• Limited interactivity
• No certificates or degrees

How much does Masterclass cost?

Masterclass offers membership plans for learners. These are annual memberships that come in three packages:

• Individual memberships: $10/month (1 device, no offline mode)
• Duo memberships: $16/month (2 devices, offline mode)
• Family memberships: $20/month (6 devices, offline mode)

Unlike Udemy and other course platforms, Masterclass does not allow any teacher or instructor to sign up and offer their courses. Instead, it sends out invitations to celebrities and industry experts directly and only those selected individuals can teach on the platform.

*Pricing information retrieved from Masterclass in December 2023.

Codecademy vs Udemy – For Coding

Codecademy is a widely recognized online learning platform that focuses on teaching programming and coding skills through interactive and hands-on exercises. Founded with the mission to make coding accessible to everyone, Codecademy offers a user-friendly interface and a unique learn-by-doing approach.

The platform covers a variety of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more. Codecademy’s interactive coding exercises provide real-time feedback , allowing learners to practice coding directly in the browser without the need for external software installations. This Udemy-worthy opponent, caters to both beginners and advanced learners, guiding them through a structured curriculum that emphasizes project-based learning and reinforcing practical skills.

• Detailed and easy-to-follow classes
• Both free and paid classes
• Free trial on paid pro plan
• Knowledge test through quizzes and real-life projects
• Offers instant feedback (code testing)
• Supportive community
• Most free courses have basic features
• Additional features come at a monthly cost
• Focuses on coding skills only

How much does Codeacademy cost?

For individual learners, Codeacademy offers three paid plans that are available via both annual and monthly subscriptions:

• Basic: Free
• Plus: €13.50/month
• Pro: €17.99/month

As an instructor, you may choose to teach subjects like mobile development, machine learning, or programming languages. You will be working as part of the in-house team – a full-time Codacademy employee or selected partner, creating content for its course catalog.

*Pricing information retrieved from Codecademy in December 2023.

Brighterly vs Udemy – For Math Professionals

The Brighterly math tutoring platform differs from Udemy focusing on math education. Here, students from grades 1 to 8 can get quality learning support from the top-notch educators.

Unlike many math tutoring platforms, Brighterly individually matches teachers to each learner based on the learner’s level of knowledge, grade, and goals.The platform allows educators to provide an engaging and effective learning experience for each student through interactive lessons.

• User-friendly interface for educators and students
• Learning progress reports for each learner
• Own math curriculum and advanced online teaching tools that allow educators to provide information in an interesting way
• Teachers are able to personalize the educational program for each student
• Focused on math tutoring only
• Teaching only kids and teens

How much does Brighterly cost?

Brighterly offers the first lesson to learners for free. After that, students can choose a course related to their goals. The best price is $19,5 per lesson (“Math Excellence Plan”).

Teachers can join Brighterly without charge by applying to the company’s open positions. All educational resources and teaching tools become available free of charge when educators join the team.

Looking for a Platform to Create and Sell Online Courses?

While Udemy is a strong player in the realm of online learning, this guide reveals a landscape rich with possibilities for content creators, educators, and online instructors. Each alternative brings its unique strengths and features, catering to diverse teaching styles and preferences.

As you begin your search to find the best online course platform , consider the specific needs of your audience, the level of interactivity you desire for your content, its features, functionality, and scaling potential.

If you are seeking a platform to not only share knowledge but also to monetize your expertise and sell digital products , we invite you to explore options beyond traditional learning platforms. Elevate your teaching experience and empower your learners with LearnWorlds.

Start your free 30-day trial today and turn your passion into a thriving online business!

Further reading you might find interesting:

• 100+ Elearning Statistics, Facts and Trends
• 183 Profitable Online Course Ideas With Examples
• How to Create and Sell Profitable Online Courses: Step-by-Step Guide
• Knowledge Economy: How to Sell Knowledge Online
• Sell Digital Downloads: The Complete Guide
• How Much Money Can You Make Selling Online Courses?
• Make Money Selling Coaching Online: Your Guide to Success

Kyriaki Raouna

Kyriaki is a Content Creator for the LearnWorlds team writing about marketing and e-learning, helping course creators on their journey to create, market, and sell their online courses. Equipped with a degree in Career Guidance, she has a strong background in education management and career success. In her free time, she gets crafty and musical.

Best Sites Similar to Udemy (10 Alternative Platforms)

With top grade university tie-ups and industrial experts on board, Coursera ranks much better than Udemy. Udemy can be your pick only if you enjoy non-structured, freestyle learning for beginner level information, a hobby, or brushing up existing skills.

  The best alternative to Udemy would firstly depend on what the learner is seeking. Overall Skillshare could be a good replacement for Udemy. But, for specialized audiences the options are Coursera, edX, Udacity and many more.

Udemy is a valuable learning platform for many students, especially those who are looking for affordable, self-paced learning opportunities on a wide range of topics. However, there are certain limitations to the platform.

That is why students often turn up to us asking the best udemy alternatives. Well, there are quite a few options like Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning , MasterClass, and Coursera.

Well, for starters, in Udemy, there is a lack of quality control over the courses offered. As an open marketplace, anyone can create and sell courses on Udemy, which means that the quality of the courses can vary greatly. Some courses may be outdated, inaccurate, or poorly structured.

There are various other Udemy similar sites available online today which can be considered alternatives to Udemy. Though the range of topics on Udemy is commendable, you can find alternatives with better and more standardized learning experiences.

Pros and Cons of Udemy

Udemy Similar Sites: Why To Have A Look At Them?

While Udemy can be a great platform for some learners, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your learning goals, there may be other platforms that are better suited to your needs.

Here are some reasons why you may need to look for alternative learning platforms:

Overview of Platforms Similar To Udemy

Other Websites Like Udemy – Best Alternatives!

It’s important to do your research and explore different options to find the platform that is the best fit for your learning needs.

1. Coursera

Learners can earn verified certificates from Coursera that can be shared with employers and added to resumes and LinkedIn profiles.

Coursera Pricing Options :

What makes coursera a better choice than udemy.

First of all, Coursera’s courses are extremely detailed compared to that of Udemy.   Coursera courses are also generally more academically rigorous and taught by expert instructors.

‘edX’ is another one of the well-recognized learning platforms and apps similar to Udemy. It offers ‘MicroMasters programs’, which is a series of graduate-level courses designed to help learners develop in-demand skills and advance their careers.

Pricing Options:

What makes edx a better choice than udemy.

It is one of the best Udemy alternatives for a higher-quality learning experience taught by experts in their fields. In contrast, Udemy is a for-profit platform where the quality and expertise of instructors can vary significantly.

3. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is one of the exceptional Udemy alternatives that offer a variety of exclusive benefits.

LinkedIn courses are regularly updated to keep up with the latest industry trends. Also, the certificates provided by LinkedIn Learning hold a lot of value for potential employers.

What makes LinkedIn Learning a better choice than Udemy?

Additionally, LinkedIn Learning provides personalized course recommendations based on a user’s skills, interests, and career goals, while Udemy relies on user reviews and ratings.  

4. Skillshare

Skillshare also has a large and active community of learners and teachers. Students can connect with others in their field, share their work, and receive feedback and support from their peers.

Skillshare’s Pricing Options:

5. MasterClass

The opportunity to learn directly from these icons is truly unparalleled, as they share valuable advice that cannot be found elsewhere.

Udacity offers exclusive benefits that set it apart from other platforms. One of the primary advantages of Udacity courses is its focus on job readiness.

Additionally, Udacity offers personalized support and feedback to its students. The platform’s mentors are industry professionals who provide one-on-one support, answering questions and providing guidance to help students achieve their goals.

What makes Udacity better than Udemy?

Udacity’s courses are more comprehensive and designed to provide students with a deep understanding of a subject, whereas Udemy’s courses are more varied and geared towards general knowledge and personal development.

7. Codecademy

The platform’s community forum allows students to interact with one another, ask questions, and provide feedback, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.

 Pricing Options:

8. Pluralsight

The platform helps students track their progress and measure their skills by using skill assessments and certification preparation.

Alison is one of the popular free Udemy alternatives that offers over 1,500 courses in a wide range of subjects. One of the primary advantages of Alison is its focus on practical skills and job readiness.

What makes Alison better than Udemy?

Alison online classes offer free certificates, making it a more accessible platform than Udemy. Alison’s courses cover a wide range of subjects, including professional and vocational skills, and are often shorter and more focused than Udemy’s courses.

10. Khan Academy

The platform uses an adaptive learning algorithm that tracks learners’ progress. It provides personalized recommendations for courses and activities to help them achieve their learning goals.

Khan Academy also offers a feature called “Mastery Learning,” which allows learners to work at their own pace and demonstrate their mastery of a concept before moving on to the next.

What makes Khan Academy better than Udemy?

Final word: which among these is the best platforms similar to udemy.

The best alternative for Udemy depends on what you seek to learn. For professionals looking for basic courses on a variety of topics including creative skills, it is Skillshare.

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Sites Like Udemy: 8 Best Udemy Alternatives

updated Aug 20, 2024

If you want to learn new skills online but Udemy isn’t for you, you surely want to find the best Udemy alternatives to get ahead on your learning path.

Perhaps you’re not happy with Udemy’s pricing, course quality, or content depth? If so, you are in the right place.

But what are the best learning websites like Udemy you can use?

Where can you find other Udemy-type sites with online courses to learn development, design, marketing, and more?

It’s never been easier to learn new skills from online courses. You don’t need an expensive college degree to start a whole new career anymore.

All it takes is a clear plan, a whole lot of determination, and some high-quality online courses.

In this article, we’ll look at the best online learning websites like Udemy.

By the end of this guide, you will have a whole directory of Udemy alternatives to find your next online course.

Let’s get started!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links to products I use and recommend. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What is Udemy?

Udemy is an online learning platform for a myriad of subjects, where anyone can find, take, and even teach a class.

Founded in 2010, it now offers over 220,000 courses. More than 70 million students have used Udemy so far.

The courses on Udemy  are suited for both complete beginners as well as more advanced students.

The most popular topics taught on Udemy are:

• Development  – Web, Mobile, Games, Databases
• Business  – Finance, Entrepreneurship, Communications, Management
• IT and Software  – Networks and Security, Hardware
• Design  – Web Design, Graphic Design, User Experience

How does Udemy work?

The Udemy learning experience works like this:

From the Udemy homepage , you can find the specialization or field you are interested in.

You can then browse the individual courses for that field, or use filters to find more specific courses to take.

Each course has a dedicated homepage with more details:

• Course contents
• Duration and scope
• Reviews and ratings from past students
• Instructor details

Since almost anyone can publish a course on Udemy, the quality varies a lot.

Also, different instructors have different teaching styles.

Therefore, make sure you watch the introductory video before signing up for a course.

If you find similar courses in the catalog, compare the instructors and pick the one who appeals to you the most.

You will spend a lot of time listening to them, so you want to pick an instructor who explains things thoroughly enough.

Once you purchase a course, you get instant access to the contents and can start learning right away.

You will then proceed through the curriculum one module at a time.

Each module consists of video lectures, quizzes, projects, and exams. These vary a lot between different courses, though.

Udemy cost and pricing

Unlike most other popular learning platforms,  Udemy uses a course-based pricing structure.

You purchase each course separately and get lifetime access to the entire course curriculum.

In general, learning on Udemy is very affordable.

The usual price span for most courses varies from $0 to $200, but you can often find promotions to buy any course for $10–15.

You can start learning tech skills with one of Udemy’s free courses for beginners .

Then, if you feel intrigued to find out more, you can easily catch a promotion and invest a few bucks.

Is Udemy worth it? Pros and cons

Let’s sum up the pros and cons of  Udemy  for a quick overview:

• Wide selection : You can learn  anything  on Udemy
• Learn at your own pace : Access the content anytime, anywhere
• Very affordable : Frequent promos with all courses for $10-15
• Lifetime access to courses : Many instructors update their courses regularly
• Money-back guarantee : Get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not happy with your course.
• Some courses are somewhat “shallow” : If you pick a narrow niche, you can still learn  a lot  from just one course
• Inconsistent quality : Anyone can create a course, so check out the reviews and watch a couple of intro videos
• Lack of support from instructors : Especially with more popular courses, but therefore there’s usually a more active discussion board where you can find answers

All in all, Udemy is one of the best places to teach yourself tech skills from scratch.

For more details, check out my full Udemy review .

But if you’re not happy with Udemy for some reason, no worries. It’s not for everyone.

Luckily, there are dozens of great Udemy alternatives you can choose between.

Let’s take a closer look at the best websites similar to Udemy next.

Top Udemy alternatives: The best sites like Udemy in 2024

Here are the Udemy alternatives we’ll cover in this article:

• Pluralsight
• freeCodeCamp
• Team Treehouse

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1: Codecademy

Codecademy is a popular online learning platform for tech skills: coding, computer programming, web development, data science and more.

Founded in 2011, Codecademy is based in New York.

It’s one of the best Udemy-like websites to teach yourself tech skills. But there are a few differences you should remember. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

What can you learn on Codecademy?

The current course catalog covers 15 popular markup and programming languages:

• HTML and CSS

You will find courses for in-demand tech skills like:

• Web Development
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Developer Tools
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning
• Code Foundations
• Game Development
• Mobile Development
• Data Visualization
• Interview Prep
• Cybersecurity

If you are not familiar, read my full Codecademy review for more details.

Who should use Codecademy?

Codecademy is perfect for you if you want to:

• Learn at your own pace
• Find learning resources that match your skill level (beginner to advanced)
• Benefit from Career Paths that get you job-ready
• Commit to a regular learning schedule
• Learn from industry experts

How much does Codecademy cost?

Codecademy offers plenty of free courses and tutorials.

Although you can start learning for free, a paid Codecademy Pro plan unlocks more content, portfolio-ready projects, and certifications.

• Plus: $29.99/month (or $14.99/month when paid annually)
• Pro: $39.99/month (or $19.99/month when paid annually)

The free Basic plan gives you access to free courses.

Plus is for people who want to learn a specific skill. Includes all courses and most skill paths.

Pro is for people who want to start a tech career. It includes career paths and interview prep skill paths.

What’s the best feature of Codecademy?

If you are new to learning to code, the quick Sorting Quiz will help you find the best learning path right away.

When you start building your first projects, you will love these free cheatsheets for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.

What are some of the best courses on Codecademy?

• Learn HTML : Start your tech journey with this free beginner’s course.
• Introduction to JavaScript : Learn this popular, in-demand programming language through interactive, beginner-level lessons.
• Code Foundations (Skill Path) : Dive deeper into what coding is and explore different career options.

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edX is a non-profit online course platform created by Harvard and MIT in 2012.

Their massive open online courses (MOOCs) are offered by 160+ member institutions and universities like Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Brown, and even international universities like Imperial College London.

Just like on Udemy, you can learn a plethora of topics on edX, too.

While you can learn popular skills in computer science and data analysis, for example, you can also venture into history, medicine, and communication.

All courses include assignments and exercises to support your learning. The types and number of assignments vary by course.

Most courses do not have just a single quiz or exam to pass, but instead have many assignments throughout the course.

If you finish your edX course in the “verified track” with at least the minimum passing score, you will earn a certificate.

If you are taking the free “audit track”, you won’t get a certificate of completion.

What can you learn on edX?

The edX course catalog covers a wide range of popular topics, such as:

• Architecture
• Business & Management
• Data Analysis & Statistics
• Engineering
• and many more

You can choose between individual courses and various different online degrees.

Who should use edX?

edX is the perfect place to start learning if you want to:

• Attend real courses from renowned top universities
• Receive credit to put toward a college or university application
• Deepen your knowledge through assignments, assessments, and interactive labs

How much does edX cost?

You can take any edX course for free through the “audit track” option . If you are new to learning tech skills, you can get started with edX risk-free.

When you audit a course for free, you won’t get a certificate of completion, though. Also, you won’t get access to full graded assignments.

If you are looking for a certificate or an online degree, choose the “verified track” instead.

The verified track costs between $50–300, depending on the course.

If you want a certificate but can’t afford the “verified track” fee, edX offers financial aid options, too. This assistance covers up to 90% of the course fee.

Learn more about financial assistance on edX here .

Here are the different programs and degrees edX offers:

• Professional Certificate Programs (from $299): Learn new in-demand skills to boost your career and get a digital certificate.
• MicroBachelors Programs (from $499): Boost your skills and earn college credit for the future.
• XSeries Programs (from $135): Learn 2–8 hours per week diving deeper into a specific topic with a curated course curriculum.
• MicroMasters Programs (from $600): Build skills towards a Master’s Degree to boost your career.
• Master’s Degrees (from $10,000): Access top-ranked, affordable Master’s Degrees to transform your career.

What’s the best feature of edX?

edX stands out from other MOOC platforms with its top-rated partner universities.

Hence, you can attend real courses from prestigious universities worldwide and earn real credit towards a college degree.

Furthermore, considering the “audit track” gives you access to most courses for free, edX is a very affordable place to learn tech skills, too.

If you are new to learning how to code, use the audit option to start your learning journey with zero risk.

What are some of the best courses on edX?

• CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
• CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
• Introduction to Cloud Development with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
• CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
• Introduction to Java Programming: Starting to code in Java
• Data Analytics Basics for Everyone
• Statistics and R

3: Pluralsight

Pluralsight offers thousands of video courses, guides, learning paths , and other learning resources.

The course catalog includes 7,000+ courses. It covers a variety of tech topics like web development, software development, data science, cybersecurity, and more.

Pluralsight produces all courses and materials in-house. The content quality is therefore top-notch and consistent across all topics.

If you are new to tech and not sure where to start, take the quick Skill IQ assessment to see what you should start learning and where your current skill level is.

All in all, Pluralsight is one of the best learning sites like Udemy if you want to improve your tech skills this year.

What can you learn on Pluralsight?

The Pluralsight catalog covers nine subjects with beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses:

• Architecture & construction
• Business professional
• Creative professional
• Data professional
• Manufacturing & design
• Information & cyber security
• Software development
• Web development

Browse the full Pluralsight course catalog to find the best Udemy alternative courses quickly.

Who should use Pluralsight?

Pluralsight is the perfect place to start learning if you want to:

• Use high-quality, professional-level learning resources
• Access thousands of courses with your subscription
• Save time by starting your learning journey on the right skill level (use the Skill IQ test )
• Know where you stand with your skills using the Role IQ skill assessment

How much does Pluralsight cost?

Pluralsight is a subscription-based platform.

An active subscription gives you access to the corresponding courses. When your subscription ends, you will lose your access.

Here’s an overview of Pluralsight’s pricing plans :

• Standard – $29/month or $299/year: Gives you access to the basic course library, paths, and skill assessments.
• Premium – $45/month or $449/year: Unlock the entire course library, exams, projects, and interactive courses.

The Standard plan is enough to get started.

If you want to deepen your knowledge of a particular topic or skill, Premium offers more advanced materials.

Start your free 10-day trial with Pluralsight here .

What’s the best feature of Pluralsight?

The 7,000+ courses in the catalog mean that you can learn literally anything related to business and technology.

Pluralsight’s courses offer a highly interactive learning experience with video lessons, practice exams, quizzes, tests, and more.

Since you will get hands-on practice by building realistic projects, you will build confidence in your skills as you go, too.

You can easily interact with other students on course discussion boards. They help you find quick answers, ask questions, and connect with the community.

The Skill IQ assessment helps you figure out where you stand with your skill level. If you are not new to learning how to code, take the test to start learning with the right resources.

Last but not least: Pluralsight’s content quality is extremely high.

They are very picky with their instructors, and all courses are created in-house. The video and audio quality are fantastic.

What are some of the best courses on Pluralsight?

Here are a few recommended courses and paths on Pluralsight:

• How Git Works – Git Introduction for Beginners (Course)
• Angular Course: Getting Started for Beginners (Course)
• Swift 3 Course: Fundamentals (Course)
• Understanding Machine Learning with Python 3 (Course)
• JavaScript: Getting Started (Path: 16 courses, 10 hours)
• Java Fundamentals: The Java Language (Path: 26 courses, 52 hours)
• PHP Development Fundamentals (Path: 11 courses, 20 hours)

4: Coursera

Coursera is a MOOC platform founded in 2012 by two Standford University computer science professors.

Since then, it has grown to one of the most popular e-learning platforms offering courses from some of the best universities in the world.

Although Coursera is one of the best Udemy type websites, it’s a bit more complex to understand. Let’s break it down:

What can you learn on Coursera?

Coursera’s catalog focusses heavily on tech skills. But you can find a variety of other topics, too.

Here are the subjects you can learn on Coursera:

• Information Technology
• Language Learning
• Personal Development
• Physical Science and Engineering
• Social Sciences
• Arts and Humanities
• Math and Logic

Browse the full catalog here .

Who should use Coursera?

Coursera is perfect for you if you want to:

• Get a certificate of completion when you finish a course to share it on your resume or on LinkedIn
• Teach yourself new, valuable skills on a relatively low budget (considering the course quality)
• Attend real courses from the world’s most prestigious universities
• Follow a structured learning path and dive deeper into a topic or skill (with Specializations)
• Get career-ready using a single learning resource (check out Coursera’s career learning paths )

How much does Coursera cost?

Coursera’s pricing is somewhat confusing to say the least. Coursera offers:

• Free courses
• Coursera Plus subscription unlocks the majority of courses. Pay monthly, between $39–$79.
• Individual paid courses range between $29–$99 per course. Courses that belong to Specializations are only available for subscribers.
• Guided projects teach you a specific skill and start at $9.99.
• MasterTrack ™ certificates start at $2,000, with the option to pay in installments.
• Online degrees are real bachelor’s and master’s degrees from real universities, for up to $25,000.

What’s the best feature of Coursera?

What sets Coursera apart from its competitors is clear:

You can take courses from some of the best universities in the world.

With a paid subscription, you also get a certificate for each course, can submit homework assignments, and take tests and exams.

So it’s almost like the real deal, although you’re not paying thousands of bucks for a tuition at Harvard, for example.

Also, if you can’t afford to pay for a certificate, you can apply for Financial Aid or a Scholarship.

What are some of the best courses on Coursera?

Recommended Coursera courses for programming, web development, and UX design:

• Python for Everybody by University of Michigan
• Google UX Design Certificate by Google
• Meta Front-End Developer Certificate by Meta
• Meta Back-End Developer Certificate by Meta
• Web Applications for Everybody Specialization by University of Michigan

Recommended Coursera courses for data science:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate by Google
• Data Science Specialization by Johns Hopkins University
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate by IBM
• Machine Learning Specialization by Stanford University

5: DataCamp

DataCamp is an online learning platform that specializes in data science and data analytics.

Founded in 2013, they now offer 380+ courses by 260 partner instructors. With over 10 million students, DataCamp is one of the best places to improve your data skills.

Stunning fact: 80% of the Fortune 1000 use DataCamp. If you are serious about learning data science, this is the leading platform to join.

All courses are interactive and include engaging exercises to test your skills. Each lecture is a bite-sized lesson that won’t overwhelm you – even if you are new to data science.

What can you learn on DataCamp?

DataCamp’s course catalog covers 465 courses for 20+ technologies:

• Spreadsheets

Here are the topics taught on DataCamp:

• Probability & Statistics
• Programming
• Data Manipulation
• Applied Finance
• Case Studies
• Importing & Cleaning Data
• Data Engineering

You can choose between three learning methods:

• Courses : Attend individual course let by expert instructors to learn in-demand skills like Python, R, and SQL.
• Career Tracks : Follow a curated course curriculum to advance your career and become a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Python Programmer, for example.
• Skill Tracks : Gain in-depth knowledge in a specific skill by following a curated collection of courses in R Programming, Data Visualization, or Machine Learning Fundamentals, for instance.

Who should use DataCamp?

DataCamp is perfect for you if you want to:

• Pursue a career in data science
• Learn at your own pace from industry experts
• Access a full course catalog with a subscription instead of purchasing individual courses

How much does DataCamp cost?

DataCamp’s pricing structure is clean and easy to understand.

It’s a subscription-based service. Thus, you will only have access to the courses as long as your subscription is active.

You can choose between two different pricing tiers :

• Basic – $0: Get access to the first chapter of each course and full access to a small selection of free courses.
• Premium – $25/month when paid annually ($39/month when paid monthly): Access the full content library, all certificates, and all projects.

If you are looking for a Udemy alternative for your business, DataCamp offers pricing options for teams of two or more.

What’s the best feature of DataCamp?

DataCamp is one of the best data-focussed e-learning platforms out there. If you are serious about becoming a data specialist, DataCamp is probably the best place to start your learning journey.

Throughout each course, you will finish realistic, hands-on exercises and projects. This will help you really understand what you are learning by applying it to real-life examples and solving problems with what you just learned.

All in all, DataCamp offers one of the best learning experiences for data skills – regardless of your current skill level.

What are some of the best courses on DataCamp?

To get started risk-free, check out these free DataCamp courses:

• Introduction to Python
• Introduction to SQL
• Introduction to R
• Understanding Data Science
• Understanding Machine Learning

Here are the best career tracks on DataCamp:

• Python Programmer (Career Track)
• Data Scientist with Python (Career Track)
• Data Analyst with R (Career Track)
• Machine Learning Scientist with Python (Career Track)

6: freeCodeCamp

freeCodeCamp is a popular platform for learning how to code from scratch.

All courses on this platform are 100% free.

Even if you have zero experience in tech, the freeCodeCamp curriculum helps you learn a variety of popular, in-demand skills and programming languages.

If you are looking for free sites like Udemy, freeCodeCamp is your #1 choice.

What can you learn on freeCodeCamp?

The extensive curriculum covers topics like:

• Responsive web design
• JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures
• Front End Development Libraries
• Relational Databases
• Back End Development and APIs
• Quality Assurance
• Scientific Computing with Python
• Data Analysis with Python
• Information Security
• Machine Learning with Python
• Coding Interview Prep

If you are new to tech, start with the responsive web design certification.

Then, move on to learning JavaScript algorithms and data structures.

By the end of those two certifications, you will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of how coding and programming work.

Who should use freeCodeCamp?

freeCodeCamp is perfect for you if you want to:

• Learn to code for 100% free
• Build realistic projects for your developer portfolio
• Connect with other students in your area
• Learn a variety of tech skills at your own pace

How much does freeCodeCamp cost?

All courses and certifications on this platform are 100% free. If you are looking for the best free sites like Udemy to learn how to code, give freeCodeCamp a try.

What’s the best feature of freeCodeCamp?

Each module in the curriculum walks you through everything you should know about that specific topic.

By the time you finish a module, you will know how to work independently on coding projects on your own.

Thus, freeCodeCamp helps you learn the skills but you will also end up with a portfolio of hands-on work samples to showcase your skills.

You can also connect with other campers in your area and join a study group near you. Check out the freeCodeCamp Study Group Directory for more details.

What are some of the best courses on freeCodeCamp?

To get started on freeCodeCamp, check out these popular study modules:

• Responsive Web Design Certification to learn HTML and CSS.
• JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures to learn JavaScript fundamentals, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and more.
• Scientific Computing with Python to learn Python fundamentals, data structures, networking, relational databases, and data visualization.

Udacity is a popular e-learning platform for tech skills like computer science, programming, web development, and data science.

It’s best known for its Nanodegree programs . They are project-based video course learning paths designed to make you job-ready.

Each Nanodegree consists of 4 to 10 courses and takes about 3 to 6 months to complete. Depending on how much time you dedicate to stydying, the time will of course vary.

What can you learn on Udacity?

Udacity’s catalog covers 9 main categories:

• Artificial Intelligence : AI programming, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, etc.
• Autonomous Systems : Self-driving cars, robotics, flying cars, sensor fusion engineering, etc.
• Business : Digital marketing, business analytics, UX design, project management, AI for business, etc.
• Cloud Computing : Data engineering, cloud development, site reliability, etc.
• Cybersecurity : Ethical hacking, security engineering, data privacy, information and network security, etc.
• Data Science : Data visualization, SQL, R, predictive business analytics, etc.
• Product Management : Growth product management, AI product management, etc.
• Programming & Development : JavaScript, blockchain, web development, Python, iOS development, Java etc.
• Career: Interview prep for different skills and careers, networking, resume tips, etc.

Who should use Udacity?

Udacity is perfect for you if you want to:

• Learn tech skills from scratch at your own pace
• Get access to free courses (to see if you like it)
• Get job-ready using a single learning resource (Nanodegrees)
• Learn from industry experts (from Meta and Google)

How much does Udacity cost?

Start by browsing Udacity’s free courses here .

All Nanodegree courses require an active subscription, though. The cost of a Nanodegree depends on the program.

You can choose between two payment methods:

• Pay as you go , month-to-month: $399 per month
• Pay upfront for 4–5 months’ access: $1,000–1,500 for 4–5 months

The upfront payment saves you money compared to a monthly subscription.

What’s the best feature of Udacity?

If you are new to tech, you will love Udacity’s free courses. Use them to get familiar with your first programming language.

The content quality is top-notch, too. Udacity produces all courses in-house, and the lesson materials often come from industry experts from companies like Google and Meta.

Also, Udacity offers unique courses for fascinating topics like robotics, self-driving cars, flying cars, and more. You won’t find these courses anywhere else.

What are some of the best courses on Udacity?

Free courses:

• What is Programming?
• Intro to HTML and CSS
• Intro to JavaScript
• Introduction to Python Programming
• Intro to Data Analysis
• AI Fundamentals
• Java Programming Basics

Nanodegrees:

• Introduction to Programming: Learn to Code is your first step towards careers in Web and App Development, Machine Learning, Data Science, AI, and more. Perfect for beginners.
• Become a Data Analyst teaches you how to use Python, SQL, and statistics to discover valuable insights and create data-driven solutions.
• Python for Data Science preps you for a data science career with skills like Python, SQL, command line, and Git.
• Become a Front End Web Developer teaches you how to build stunning websites and dynamic web apps to create beautiful user experiences online.
• Become a Full Stack Web Developer walks you through the design and development of powerful web apps and websites, combining both the creative and technical parts of a web project.

8: Team Treehouse

Team Treehouse (or just Treehouse) is a popular coding course platform with high-quality resources for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students.

If you want to start a career in tech or simply sharpen your current skills, Treehouse offers a plethora of video courses, quizzes, and exercises to reach your goals.

You can find three different types of learning materials on the platform:

• Individual courses : Learn from experts through video lectures, quizzes, and coding challenges.
• Tracks : Follow a guided learning path to learn a specific skillset, such as front-end web development or React development.
• Techdegrees : Choose this online bootcamp to get job-ready by going through interactive video courses, workshops, quizzes, coding challenges, peer reviews, and real-life projects.

Treehouse is a subscription-based platform. You can start learning risk-free with their free 7-day trial .

What can you learn on Team Treehouse?

Treehouse currently offers courses for 20+ tech-related topics:

• 21st Century Skills
• Data Analysis
• Development Tools
• Digital Literacy
• Learning Resources
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Browse the full course library here .

Who should use Team Treehouse?

Treehouse is perfect for you if you want to:

• Learn popular tech skills even with zero tech experience
• Try learning different skills and languages to find the best fit
• Access high-quality video courses produced by in-house experts
• Get job-ready following a guided learning path (Techdegree programs)
• Gain confidence in your skills by building realistic portfolio projects

How much does Team Treehouse cost?

Team Treehouse offers three different pricing options :

• Courses – $25/month: Get access to on-demand, expert-led video courses and interactive practice sessions.
• Courses Plus – $49/month: Access everything from Courses, plus additional content, workshops, and more advanced courses. Allows you to download videos for offline learning.
• Techdegrees – $199/month: Access everything from Courses and Courses Plus, and go from beginner to job-ready with a structured learning program by building real-world projects for your portfolio, getting personalized feedback on your code and real-time support from Treehouse staff.

Hence, you won’t find free courses on Team Treehouse, unfortunately.

But since you pay a flat fee for full access, you can browse through as many courses and topics as you like.

Thus, you can easily learn the basics for multiple languages and technologies if you are still searching for the right skills to learn.

Curious? Then start your free 7-day trial here .

What’s the best feature of Team Treehouse?

The learning experience is highly interactive. You will go through video lessons, workshops, quizzes, practice sessions, and coding challenges in each course.

Thus, you won’t simply be following lectures.

Instead, you will challenge yourself after each lesson to figure out what topics still need more practice.

The content quality is top-notch, too. Treehouse produces all videos in-house.

All instructors are experts in their fields – and it shows in the quality of their teaching.

What are some of the best courses on Team Treehouse?

Here are a few Team Treehouse courses I recommend:

• Learn to Code for Beginners Track
• Front End Web Development Track
• Beginning Python Track
• Full Stack JavaScript Track
• Web Design Track

If you are serious about starting a career in tech, consider the Techdegree programs for a curated, guided learning path:

• Front End Web Development Techdegree
• Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree
• UX Design Techdegree
• Python Development Techdegree
• Data Analytics Techdegree

For more details, read my full Treehouse Techdegree review .

Summing it up: The best websites similar to Udemy for learning how to code

You can find dozens of online course sites like Udemy with individual pros and cons. It all boils down to the skills you want to improve and your personal learning style.

Here’s what I recommend:

• If you want to learn how to code from scratch , use Codecademy .
• If you want to attend real courses from top-rated universities , use Coursera .
• If you want to learn computer science , use edX .
• If you want to find a bootcamp alternative , use Udacity’s Nanodegrees .
• If you want to become a web developer , use freeCodeCamp and Team Treehouse .
• If you want to start a career in data science , use DataCamp .
• If you want to learn tech skills for free , use freeCodeCamp .
• If you want to earn credits towards a college degree , use edX .

Most sites like Udemy don’t offer lifetime access to the course contents.

With a subscription-based service you lose access to the courses once your subscription expires.

On the other hand, subscription-based sites have one massive advantage:

Your subscription unlocks the entire course catalog. You can learn a variety of skills and topics on the same platform for a flat fee.

If you are serious about upskilling and advancing your career this year, make sure to commit to a regular learning schedule. That’s the only way to get your money’s worth regardless of which platform you use.

Which Udemy alternatives have you tried? How was it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For more learning resources, check out these best websites to learn coding and web development .

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About mikke.

Hi, I’m Mikke! I’m a blogger, freelance web developer, and online business nerd. Join me here on MikkeGoes.com to learn how to code for free , build a professional portfolio website , launch a tech side hustle , and make money coding . When I’m not blogging, you will find me sipping strong coffee and biking around town in Berlin. Learn how I taught myself tech skills and became a web dev entrepreneur here . And come say hi on Twitter !

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Hi Mikke! I’m from Ukraine. Great post and great guide! Thank you very much and I wish you success.

Hi there, thanks so much for your lovely feedback! I hope you find the right Udemy alternative more easily with my guide 🙂

Wishing you all the best with your learning journey!

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19 Brilliant Udemy Alternatives To Level Up And Learn Something New!

• Personal Development

This post may contain affiliate links. See full disclosure.

Ready to level up your skills and learn something new? In the last decade, online learning has exploded in popularity. And thanks to technology, it’s now easier than ever to learn a new skill or two without having to leave the comfort of our own homes.

Websites like Udemy , which offer a variety of courses and lectures ranging from coding to crafting, have become incredibly popular as users can access learning material at any time. This online learning model provides an efficient and convenient way to pick up new skills, whether you’re looking to expand your professional expertise or simply want to try something new.

RELATED: What To Do When You Feel Stuck In An Unmotivated Rut To Spark Inspiration

Although Udemy is definitely a great option for curious minds, it’s far from the only online learning platform with a wide selection of classes. There are countless other Udemy alternatives out there that offer a wide range of courses and lectures to help you gain new skills or refine old ones.

About Udemy

Launched in May 2010, Udemy has become one of the leading online education platforms. If you’re not familiar, Udemy offers an immense collection of online courses in a broad spectrum of niches. From cooking to coding, makeup to marketing, you can find a course about nearly anything on Udemy. 

Udemy is essentially a marketplace of online courses where eager learners can browse and purchase courses from individual course creators on the platform. Once purchased, students get full access to the curriculum of the video lessons put together by the course instructor.

Not sure which Udemy course is right for you? The best-selling Udemy courses often feature student reviews so that you can see what other students have to say! And with over 74,000 teachers teaching over 213,000 courses in over 75 languages, there’s always a new and exciting subject to explore.

Best Udemy Alternatives

If you fancy Udemy alternatives or websites like to Udemy, read on. We’ve rounded up some awesome websites similar to Udemy where you can find interesting and stimulating classes – so grab your laptop and let’s explore.

Table of Contents

Here’s a list of awesome Udemy alternatives that can help you sharpen your abilities from anywhere — no homework required (well maybe a bit)!

1. Skillshare

Skillshare is a popular Udemy alternative that offers an extensive selection of educational video lectures, covering topics ranging from photography and business to art and design. With over 74,000 teachers teaching more than 213,000 courses in over 75 different languages, there is always something new to explore on Skillshare.

RELATED: 21 Fabulous Online Courses For Women

Skillshare allows users to access the entire catalog of courses rather than browsing through individual course listings. The platform also encourages learners to share their skills and knowledge with others, making it great for instructors and students alike.

Cost: Monthly subscription starting at $13.75 per month.

2. MasterClass

Think of Masterclass as the Netflix among learning websites like Udemy. If you’re looking for an online learning platform that offers a huge selection of individual classes taught by some of the world’s most famous and talented experts, look no further than MasterClass.

RELATED: Anna Wintour Masterclass Review: Worth The $180 All-Access Pass?

MasterClass boasts over 65 courses ranging from political science to sports science, graphic design to writing poetry – and everything in between. Boasting the likes of pros like Naomi Campbell teaching modeling basics and John Legend teaching songwriting, Masterclass is the leaner who values quality over quantity — their videos are beautifully produced and the content is top-notch.

Cost: $180 for annual access to all courses.

3. LearningWithExperts

UK-based LearningWithExperts provides courses from vetted experts in various fields. This learning platform, similar to Udemy, offers courses in various different categories, including floristry, design, cooking, jewelry, and well-being. 

What makes LearningWithExperts cool is using the platform tools you can collaborate and interact with your classmates. Additionally, you can test and practice what you learn with inspiring assignments.

Cost: Depends on the course. Courses start around $150 per course.

4. CreativeLive

CreativeLive touts itself as one of the best places for creative people to continue learning. CreativeLive is a Udemy alternative that offers classes on topics like photography, music, design, and how to make money as a creative person. CreativeLive also stands apart by offering courses from some big names like Daymond John of Shark Tank and Virgin Airlines CEO Richard Branson. 

Don’t have time to sit through hours’ worth of content?  CreativeLive offers exclusive access to “Fast Class” — access to their best course content, condensed to around 1 hour each.

Cost: A subscription to the site starts around at $13 per month.

5. The Great Courses

Partnered with the likes of National Geographic, The Culinary Institute of America, and The History Channel, The Great Courses is a fantastic Udemy alternative if you’re looking for in-depth learning on a wide range of topics.

The Great Courses is less focused on upskilling or earning certifications and more on education and improvement for its own sake. Even with the “world’s greatest professors” teaching its courses, every Great Course goes on sale at least once a year at up to 70% off its retail price.

Cost: Courses start at $9.95 and go up to around $84.95.

Harvard and MIT are among the top universities that make up EdX, a platform with courses taught by professors at some of the world’s best schools. EdX offers online college courses in various subjects to students worldwide.

Students can improve their careers by taking courses and getting certificates from EdX. Students take a self-paced course that worldwide universities with good reputations put together. edX offers more than 2,800 courses in “pathways,” including intensive boot camps, certificates, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

Cost: Depends on the program. Courses range from free to $750+

7. Coursera  

Coursera is the place to go if you’re seeking a knowledge boost for free. Yup, you read that right! In addition to Coursera’s premeuiem paid courses, this site also currently offer almost 2,600 free courses and certifications on topics like computer science and IT, language learning, and the humanities without charge.

Coursera is partnered with colleges and universities to offer bonafide degrees in addition to shorter certifications and courses — making Coursera a great resource to get some valuable certifications that help you ‘upskill’. 

Cost: Thousands of free courses. Coursera Plus is $399 a year.

8. FutureLearn

Expand your knowledge and skillset today with one of FurtureLearns many exciting courses. FutureLearn has something for everyone, from two-week crash courses to ten-week deep dives into a diverse range of subjects.

FutureLearn offers upskilling courses backed by universities and employers in the course fields. Members get unlimited access to courses in four main frameworks: bite-sized learning, upskilling, certifications, and online degrees. The classes are led by industry and academic experts, focusing on social learning and resume-boosting skills. 

Cost: Starts at $28 a month.

LinkedIn Learning with Lynda is a career-focused learning website like Udemy focusing on business, creative, technology, and career certifications. Lynda offers an easy-to-use platform that allows you to learn at your own pace and on your own time.

Whether you’re looking for a certificate or a short course, Lynda is one of the best online learning sites like Udemy around. With your subscription, you gain access to the full library of courses, which are all available on your desktop or mobile device.

Cost: Pay per course or be a LinkedIn premium member (about $19.99 monthly).

10. Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage is a nonprofit program designed to help people improve their digital skills. This free Udemy alternative focuses on teaching you digital skills that are seen as crucial in today’s job market including courses on digital marketing, social media, business management, and more.

Want something to show for your newfound skills? Google grants certification upon completion of the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course (taught by University and Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe).

Cost: Free!

Alison provides free courses that end in you earning a certificate or even a diploma. The site offers 4,000 courses in a wider variety of topics than Google Digital Garage, which includes IT, personal development, and teaching & academics. 

Alison, which was started in Ireland to provide free education, partners with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft, as well as prominent universities, to provide the courses. 

Cost: Free options. Pay per course options.

12. Pluralsight

Pluralsight is a tech-focused company that offers courses crafted around different kinds of software, apps, and other things that businesses use and their employees need to know about. There are some 7,000 courses available on their premium plan, while their standard plan gives you access to about half of those.

Pluralsight has courses for beginners and experts, but unlike Udemy, the site focuses on technology education. Additionally, this online learning website like Udemy also have software management and professional services as a part of their offerings.

Cost: Standard access ($29 a month) or premium ($45 a month). If your business is trying to upskill the whole team, they offer prorated charges for multiple memberships. 

13. Code Academy

Code Academy is an excellent resource for people who want to learn to code for free. The site says most of its users don’t know how to code at all before signing up! There are courses on many different coding languages, and users can even complete projects using the skills they learn from the courses. 

They offer an always-free plan that provides access to free courses, community support, and learning resources. Their paid plans have more benefits, like unlimited access to practice on the mobile app, customer support, and courses that can lead to a career.

Cost: Paid plans cost between $18 and $25 a month. 

14. Udacity

Udacity is a tech-focused Udemy alternative that promises to teach you the skills for a $100k tech career in 3 months. Its niche is on upskilling in technology career paths. Udacity provides learning for eight main topics, including data science, AI, and cloud computing. 

Udacity’s primary differenciating factor is its ‘nanodegree’ programs. A Nanodegree is three to four courses students take at their pace. Nanodegree programs are for learners of all levels, from beginners to experts. For advanced courses, you must already be pretty familiar with the topic. 

Cost: ‘Nanodegree’ programs, cost $399 a month.

15. Brilliant

Brilliant provides hands-on math and science lessons for learners of all ages. It starts with foundational math and logic courses and applies them to topics like engineering, statistics, and science. 

Cost: Membership costs $24.99 monthly or about $160 if you pay for an entire year upfront. 

16. Khan Academy

Many grade schools implement it as part of their lesson plan for eLearning days, but people of all ages can use it. Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that aims to provide a world-class education to anyone free of charge. 

Khan Academy has practice problems, videos that explain how to do things, and a personalized learning dashboard that lets students learn at their own pace in and out of the classroom.

Cost: 100% free.

17. Audible

Audible is one of the most prominent places online for listening to audiobooks and podcasts. This alternative to Udemy provides a great way to learn something new without having to read or watch a video.

Audible has an extensive selection of genres and topics, from self-help and business to science fiction and fantasy. On top of that, Audible offers access to the bestsellers on everyone’s to-read list, often narrated by the author or well-known personalities. 

Cost: 30-day free trial, then $7 to $14 monthly fee based on how many titles you want to listen to per month.

18. Blinkist

Blinkist is kind of like CliffsNotes or SparkNotes for people who would rather listen than read. When you sign up, the site prompts you to set a goal, with statements like “I want to be a thought leader” or “I want to grow in my career.”

Additionally, you’re asked questions about your interests to narrow down suggested titles from their catalog of 5,500 books in 27 different categories. 

Cost: Get one week free, and then pay about $9 a month for unlimited access to their abridged versions of nonfiction books and podcasts.

19. Listenable

Like Blinkist, Listenable offers bite-sized courses on improvement in many regions, from relationships to language learning. They curate the lessons into themes – for example, “Mastering Your Conversations” is 1 hour and 10 minutes long, but it’s ten lessons total. 

Cost: The site has a weeklong free trial, then charges $7.50 a month. 

20. Mindvalley

Mindvalley invites you to “level up your life” with a similar human development focus to Blinkist. The site touts some 17,000 success stories and case studies of members improving their minds and their circumstances with the lessons taught through video seminars.

Mindvalley focuses on lessons from prominent speakers, philosophers, and thought leaders on buzzy topics like conscious uncoupling. There are some free lessons, but most are behind a paywall. Mindvalley offers two membership plans.

Cost: The annual subscription costs $499 per year (or $41.60 per month), and the monthly subscription costs $99.

Udemy Alternatives — Takeaway

If you’re looking to learn something new, there are many great resources and websites like Udemy to help you do so. Whether you’re interested in math and science, careers, or personal development, there are many Udemy alternatives available to suit your needs. So don’t be shy, explore these sites and start learning today!

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The Best Udemy Alternatives Today

By Tony Carrick

Updated on Mar 21, 2023 4:56 PM EDT

Best Overall

Best for Advanced Learning

Best Bang for the Buck

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Of all the online learning platforms out there, few offer the selection of classes and affordability of Udemy . But while Udemy may be one of the premier learning platforms on the web, it isn’t the only option out there. Other quality online learning providers offer classes and content not found on Udemy. Some online course platforms even allow students to earn college credits and professional certifications. Although Udemy is well regarded for its instructors, other platforms feature classes taught by renowned professionals and celebrities. And while Udemy sells mainly complete courses, other platforms cater to students by giving them free access to specific lessons. Ahead, students can learn more about the best Udemy alternatives and what they have to offer.

• BEST OVERALL: Skillshare
• BEST FOR ADVANCED LEARNING: edX
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Coursera
• BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: LinkedIn Learning
• BEST FOR STUDENTS: Khan Academy
• BEST FOR CODING: Codecademy
• BEST FOR TECH: Udacity
• BEST FOR CREATIVES: CreativeLive
• ALSO CONSIDER: MasterClass

What is Udemy?

Udemy is a platform that offers online virtual classes for lifelong learning. It’s one of the largest such sites, with hundreds of thousands of classes available. The site’s classes are wide-ranging, covering topics from cooking to pet training to selling real estate. Prices span from free to as much as $200 per course. Udemy’s course offerings vary in length from as little as 45 minutes to up to 17 hours. Students can purchase courses individually or subscribe to a plan called Udemy Personal that costs $30 a month and grants access to a large chunk of Udemy’s courses.

Since Udemy is not an accredited institution, most of its content does not allow students to earn college credits or certifications. This limitation, coupled with its eclectic mix of classes, makes the platform a good choice mainly for hobbyists looking to grow their knowledge and abilities in a particular area of interest and professionals who want to advance their skills in certain areas.

• Learn more in our Udemy review .

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Udemy Alternatives

When selecting one of the best online course platforms , it’s crucial to consider a few important factors, including what subjects the site covers, pricing, and whether it offers accredited courses. Ahead, students can learn more about what to look for in an online course provider.

Areas of Learning

Perhaps the most important element to consider when shopping for an alternative learning platform to Udemy is finding one that meets the student’s needs. Students will want to consider what areas of learning interest them and choose an e-learning site that covers those areas.

There are many sites that focus on specific subjects, including business, arts, or computer science. Other platforms are similar to Udemy in that they offer thousands of courses covering a broader range of subject areas. The latter is ideal for those who have a diverse range of interests they want to pursue. Platforms that specialize in specific subjects will typically offer more in-depth courses in the subject areas they offer, making these platforms ideal for those who want to focus on a particular area of learning.

Credits, Degrees, and Certifications Available

One of the biggest reasons to look for an alternative to Udemy is to find accredited institutions and courses. Accredited online learning platforms or courses can offer college credits, professional certifications, and even complete degree programs. Students will want to be aware that institutions that do offer credits, degrees, and certifications often only do so for selected classes. If a student is looking for a class so they can earn credits or certification, they will want to carefully vet the courses that interest them. Students who are looking for college credits they can use at a different institution may want to contact their prospective school to see if credits from outside sources are accepted.

Trial Periods and Pricing

Online learning platforms vary in how they sell access to their courses. Some offer à la carte pricing, allowing students to pay for only the courses they want to take. Other platforms require students to sign up for either a monthly or annual subscription. Several platforms offer both options. While a subscription may make financial sense for students planning to take multiple courses from a single platform, a pay-per-course payment method is a better option for those interested in taking only a single class. Students who choose a subscription-based platform will want to review the trial period. Some sites allow students to use the service for 1 month before committing to an annual subscription, while others offer no trial period.

Refund Policy

One pitfall with online courses is that it can be difficult to vet the course before paying for it. Some students may sign up for a class and then find out it’s not what they thought it would be. To avoid paying for a course that doesn’t meet their needs, students can determine what the refund policy is for the course before committing to it. Some subscription-based services allow students to try out their platform for up to 30 days and still receive a refund, while others do not. Outlets that sell their classes individually may or may not offer a refund. Students will want to look for platforms that comprehensively describe the course content to avoid purchasing a class that doesn’t meet their needs.

User Reviews and Ratings

Online courses and teachers vary in quality, so vetting the course before paying for it is crucial, especially for online learning platforms that do not offer refunds. It’s wise to look for classes with a high volume of user reviews. These reviews allow prospective students to see what current and past students thought about the instructor and content. Reputable online learning platforms should enable students to leave ratings for the course after they’ve taken it and the option to write a course review that prospective students can read.

Our Top Picks

The diverse collection of Udemy competitors below includes online courses like Udemy that offer a broad range of courses for hobbyists as well as accredited sites for serious learners.

• Areas of learning: Creative, business, lifestyle
• Certifications available: Certificate of completion
• Pricing: $165 per year
• Trial period: 1 month free
• Nearly 35,000 classes available across distinct areas of interest
• Access to all site content for an annual price of $165
• 1-month free trial for new users
• Active, engaged student and instructor community
• Price structure not ideal for hobby learners

Why It Made the Cut : Skillshare rivals Udemy with its collection of some 35,000 classes and ability to promote a thriving community of teachers and students. Skillshare’s volume of diverse class offerings and active community of students and educators make it the best all-around alternative to Udemy for those who don’t mind the annual subscription-based price plan. Skillshare boasts some 35,000 classes covering everything from graphic design to film to sewing, and subscribers can access all of the site’s material. It differentiates itself from Udemy by focusing on creative fields, and many of the classes feature award-winning experts who are well known in their areas of expertise. Skillshare also has features that promote communication with other students and instructors, helping enrich the learning experience. With its rating and review system, students can also thoroughly vet each course before taking it. Skillshare allows students to try the site for up to 1 month at no charge.

• Areas of learning: Arts, humanities, STEM, business, social sciences
• Certifications available: Verified professional certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, college credits (varies by university)
• Pricing: Free; about $50 to $300 for individual courses
• Trial period: N/A
• Wide range of free courses from accredited universities available
• Professional boot camp courses offered through prestigious universities
• Option to earn college credits and degrees online
• Relatively significant time commitment of several weeks may be required

Why It Made the Cut: edX offers course credits, degrees, and certifications via partnerships with some of the world’s top learning institutions. Those looking for an online education platform that will allow them to earn college credits, professional certifications, and even full degrees will find edX to be a standout choice. It accomplishes this feat through partnerships with an impressive list of accredited colleges and universities, including Harvard University, New York University, University of California Berkeley, and the Sorbonne. Courses cover diverse subject areas including education, electronics, computer science, literature, law, and environmental studies. edX also offers “boot camp” courses that come with university-backed certifications in such areas as data analytics, cybersecurity, and coding that allow students to gain certification in a relatively short period. When it comes to Udemy vs. edX, edX is certainly an option for more focused learners. Students who are pursuing credits or certification will want to be aware that these courses cost more and require a significantly greater time commitment than courses for hobbyists. But edX allows students to access course content for free by auditing the classes.

• Areas of learning: Arts and humanities, STEM, business, social sciences
• Pricing: Free; $399 per year or $59 per month for Coursera Plus; about $30 to $100 for individual courses
• Trial period: 7 days free for Coursera Plus
• Relatively affordable certificate programs
• Reports of limited support capabilities

Why It Made the Cut: Coursera offers perhaps the most affordable way to take college courses and gain professional certifications. Coursera offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, college credits, and professional certifications in the STEM, business, social sciences, and arts and humanities fields. The paid courses are relatively affordable, ranging from $30 to $100 per course. Students can also opt to pay $399 a year or $59 a month for access to courses through the Coursera Plus subscription service. While this pricing makes it a great option for those looking for an affordable way to take classes that will help them meet their professional goals, students will want to be aware that Coursera users report that the site offers little support from instructors or company representatives. But since users can audit Coursera classes and learn all of the material without paying a dime, prospective students can easily ascertain whether or not a course is right for them before committing.

Best for Professionals

Linkedin learning.

• Areas of learning: Business, technology, creative
• Pricing: $239.88 per year or $39.99 per month
• Wide range of professional skills taught across many industries
• Live webinars with instructors and industry experts
• Somewhat intimidating library of content

Why It Made the Cut: LinkedIn Learning’s formidable collection of courses allows its members to advance their skills while providing them with another means to network. Most people think of LinkedIn as a site for advancing their careers through networking. While that may be true, LinkedIn also happens to offer a wide range of classes for earning various professional certifications. These classes cover a broad range of industries and can help students advance their careers by making them more marketable to employers. Additionally, the courses serve as a means for professionals to interact with the experts in their field who teach them.

While LinkedIn Learning’s online class offerings are vast, they can be a challenge to navigate. The site’s limited course descriptions and lack of organization can make it difficult for students to identify the courses that best meet their needs. In order to access this content, LinkedIn customers can purchase either a monthly subscription, which costs $39.99 per month, or an annual subscription, which is $239.88. There’s a 1-month free trial for new users, and students can also gain access to live webinars where they can ask questions and hear industry experts interact.

Best for Students

Khan academy.

• Areas of learning: Math, science, computing, humanities, language arts, life skills, economics, standardized test prep
• Certifications available: None
• Pricing: Free
• Totally free of cost
• Learning materials for students from pre-kindergarten through college
• Self-paced, personalized learning
• Reports of potentially inconsistent material quality

Why It Made the Cut: Khan Academy’s lesson approach and coverage of pre-K to AP material make it an ideal online study source for students. Students looking for help preparing for that upcoming geometry test of biology quiz can look no further than Khan Academy. This online learning platform helps fill in learning gaps for students ranging in age from preschool through college with video and written tutorials covering everything from trigonometry to world history. Users do report that while the math and science sections are high quality, some errors have been spotted in reading-comprehension lessons. However, Khan Academy does appear to have a receptive support team to remedy these issues.

When it comes to Udemy vs. Khan Academy, the latter makes its content available through individual lessons. This design allows students to zero in on specific lessons that align with what they’re learning in school. It also makes it easier for students to focus on gaps in their knowledge or to use Khan to prepare for assessments that focus on specific skills. Since Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that offers its content for free (though the site does welcome donations), it’s a great option for full-time students.

Best for Coding

• Areas of learning: Programming, web development, data science, web design, cybersecurity, machine learning
• Certifications available: Certificate of completion, professional certifications
• Pricing : Free; $209.88 per year or $34.99 per month for Plus plan; $360 per year or $60 per month for Pro plan
• Intuitive, interactive learning platform
• Active, engaged student community
• Wide array of free student resources
• Somewhat limited free classes

Why It Made the Cut: The depth of Codecademy’s coding classes and wealth of support material makes it a premier online programming-education platform. With its learn-by-doing approach and vibrant student community, Codecademy is the best online option for those looking to pursue a career in programming or just learn enough to write the code for a personal website. Codecademy takes a hands-on approach to learning with lessons, with students writing code from the start. Understanding that students often run into walls when going through the learning process, Codecademy promotes interaction between students with the idea that they can help each other work through roadblocks.

While Codecademy does offer some free content, most is limited to older coding languages. Access to most of Codecademy’s content requires one of the platform’s paid subscriptions. Codecademy also includes a broad range of support materials to accompany the classes, including cheat sheets and video tutorials. After getting a few classes under their belts, students can test their abilities through Codecademy’s code challenges, based on real-world interview assessments from such tech companies as Google, Amazon, and Meta.

Best for Tech

• Areas of learning: Computer science, data science, cybersecurity, business, product management
• Pricing: $100 to $1,000 per course
• Trial period: 1 month free for eligible courses
• Reports of robust student support
• Sleek user interface
• Cost can be relatively high

Why It Made the Cut: Udacity has a commitment to student support and has classes that provide excellent coverage of the technology field. Udacity sets up its content as training courses that companies and individuals can purchase to access training in skills that fall under the umbrella of such tech-related areas as computer science, product management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data science. Though the company’s classes are expensive, there’s a lot to like—starting with the sleek site design and clean user interface. Udacity partners with companies that are experts in each discipline to offer their courses, including Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and BMW.

Users report that the company also offers excellent support, guaranteeing a response to student questions within 2 hours and providing detailed feedback on student work. The student community is also active, allowing for greater collaboration and learning opportunities. Students have the opportunity to get an excellent return on their investment—Udacity says it can give its students the skills they need to land a $100,000 per year tech job in just 3 months.

Best for Creatives

Creativelive.

• Areas of learning: Photo and video, money and life, art and design, craft and maker, music and audio
• Pricing: $149 per year, $15 per month with annual commitment, or $39 per month
• Trial period: No free trial
• Classes taught by renowned professionals
• Free live classes available
• No free trial
• Not all material included in subscription

Why It Made the Cut: CreativeLive offers live classes taught by renowned experts in their respective fields to help creators hone their skills. With a mission to provide workshops that support creatives looking to develop their skills, along with a roster of expert teachers, CreativeLive is a great online learning platform for photographers, crafters, and artists. While there’s no free trial period, CreativeLive offers its service through annual or monthly subscriptions, which gives students access to its library of content, with a few exceptions. The platform’s class collection covers video, photography, fine art, design, and music. Within these disciplines, CreativeLive offers classes that cover specific skills, such as songwriting or photo editing. Each class is taught by experts and in some cases celebrities in the field. To whet students’ appetites, CreativeLive even offers some live classes for free.

Also Consider

Masterclass.

• Areas of learning: Food, design, arts, business, sports, lifestyle
• Pricing: $180 per year for Individual plan, $240 per year for Duo plan, $276 per year for Family plan
• Access to all site content for one annual price

Why It Made the Cut: With a subscription to MasterClass, users get to learn from celebrities who are indeed masters in their fields. MasterClass differentiates itself from the field with a teaching roster that includes an impressive collection of well-known celebrities. Students can learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay, acting from Samuel L. Jackson, and songwriting from Alicia Keys, just to name a few. This makes MasterClass an excellent option for those looking to advance their skills in a creative area that interests them.

MasterClass doesn’t allow students to purchase individual classes, and students must subscribe to one of three annual subscription-based options, so they’ll want to consider whether there are enough classes to interest them on the site to warrant purchasing a subscription. A subscription gives students access to more than 150 classes, each of which is designed for students to complete over a 30-day period. MasterClass also doesn’t offer a free trial period; however, it does offer a 30-day refund for customers who aren’t satisfied.

Our Verdict

Its broad collection of classes that cover a variety of subjects and relatively affordable pricing make Skillshare the best all-around learning platform alternative to Udemy. Those looking for a class that will allow them to earn college credits, a degree, or a professional certification will want to consider edX , which partners with some of the most reputable institutions around the globe to offer its classes.

How We Chose the Best Udemy Alternatives

In selecting our alternatives to Udemy, we looked for options that were similar to Udemy but had a unique edge, as well as platforms that offer subjects and features not found in Udemy’s collection. Since Udemy does not offer accredited courses, we also included online course platforms that offer accredited programs and can therefore offer students college credits, degrees, and professional certifications. With all of our selections, we considered the quality of class content the service offers along with the reputation of the platform’s instructors. Since budgets for online courses vary from student to student, we chose sites that offer quality free content as well as those with premium paid content.

Before You Use One of the Best Udemy Alternatives

Before selecting an alternative to Udemy, prospective students will want to consider what Udemy has to offer. The online learning platform’s collection includes some 185,000 courses covering all types of subject matter. Udemy also uses a review and rating system that makes it easy for students to vet courses. Its courses are relatively affordable, and the platform offers a 30-day return policy. If choosing an alternative platform, it’s crucial that students fully investigate what the site offers before purchasing a class or subscription to ensure they’re getting their money’s worth.

When taking any online course, students will want to be prepared to learn independently. While many online courses allow students to reach out to teachers and peers via email and message boards, they still don’t provide the same level of support as an in-person course. Online courses also require a high-speed internet connection that’s fast and reliable enough to support the course content.

Cost of Using One of the Best Udemy Alternatives

The cost of signing up for a course on an online platform varies significantly. Some courses are free, while others may cost as much as $1,000. Students can expect to pay more for classes that allow them to earn college credits or professional certifications. While some online learning platforms use a pay-per-course pricing plan, others require students to pay an annual subscription that gives them access to all or most of the platform’s content. Subscription-based online learning platforms range in cost from $149 to $400 a year. Students will also want to be aware that some classes may require them to purchase additional class materials on their own.

The Advantages of Using One of the Best Udemy Alternatives

Whether a student chooses Udemy or an alternative learning platform, there are many advantages to taking an online course. For hobbyists, online learning platforms give students the opportunity to pursue an interest on their own time from the comfort of home. Since there is such a wide selection of courses, it’s possible to find a course for virtually any skill regardless of where a student happens to live. For serious students, an online course offers them the ability to earn a degree or add a skill to their professional resume. This is especially true when using a Udemy alternative, as Udemy itself is not an accredited institution that offers college credits or professional certifications. Online courses are also usually much more affordable than in-person classes—some are even free.

• Hobbyists can pursue a variety of interests through online courses.
• Online courses cover a broad range of topics and fields.
• Students can study a subject that isn’t taught at an institution near them.
• Going beyond Udemy allows serious students to take courses for credit or certification.
• Online courses are more affordable than in-person courses.

Ahead, students can find out more about the online learning giant Udemy and its alternatives.

Q. How does Udemy differ from Skillshare?

When it comes to Udemy vs. Skillshare, Skillshare caters more toward creatives looking to build their skills, while Udemy covers a broader range of subjects. Its payment models also differ. Udemy allows students to buy classes individually or purchase a monthly subscription. Students must purchase an annual subscription to access Skillshare’s library of classes.

Q. What are the primary competitors of Udemy?

Skillshare is the primary competitor of Udemy. Both companies offer thousands of classes that cover a broad range of subjects.

Q. Is Udemy an accredited institution?

Udemy is not an accredited institution and therefore doesn’t offer classes that allow students to earn college credit, degrees, or professional certifications.

Q. Will my employer recognize Udemy certifications?

Whether an employer will recognize Udemy certifications depends on the employer and the type of certification. Students will want to research and consider how a Udemy certification is recognized in their field before pursuing one.

Q. Are Udemy courses worth putting on my resume?

Udemy courses are worth putting on your resume if the job you are seeking is entry-level. The courses can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the basic skills needed to do the job. Adding Udemy courses may also help if you’re trying to win a freelance job or attempting to bolster professional experience in your field.

Q. What types of courses can I take through Udemy?

Udemy offers a broad range of courses. Some of the site’s best courses for professional development include courses on programming languages, digital marketing, and web development.

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Eight great sites that offer online classes

Use your time to improve your mind.

By Aliya Chaudhry

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If you’ve already streamed your favorite series for the third time, and you’ve hit a wall with your latest game, what should you do while you’re sheltering at home? Well, maybe pick up a new skill or hobby by taking a class.

There is a huge number of courses available online, from coding to history to languages, and a lot of different resources to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of the major sites where you can find online classes, some you can attend in real time and others you can pop into at your leisure.

While many of these websites charge fees for memberships or specific classes, we’ve indicated which ones also offer free courses.

Code Academy

Code Academy offers courses on computer science, data science, and web development. You can sign up for the free plan , which gives you access to 25 courses, or you can opt for the Pro level for $19.99 a month, which comes with 65 courses as well as exercises, quizzes, and projects. Signing up for the Pro subscription also gets you access to Code Academy’s “paths,” class sequences that can help you prepare for a specific career or learn a specific skill.

Sample Courses: Introduction to HTML ; Make a Website ; Learn SQL

Coursera is one of the most well-known platforms for online classes, and its catalog is so extensive that you could even complete a degree on the site. It hosts courses from institutions and organizations, including Google, Stanford, and, more recently, MoMA in a broad range of subjects. You can join Coursera for free, and you can audit many of the classes for free , but you will have to pay if you want a course certificate, to submit assignments, or get grades. Some courses have a one-time fee , or you can pay a monthly subscription fee to access a related set of courses, called a “Specialization.” You can also pay a yearly subscription fee for Coursera Plus , which gives you access to and allows you to earn certificates for most of Coursera’s classes. ( Here’s a full list .)

Sample Courses: Yale’s The Science of Well-Being ; Stanford’s Machine Learning ; MoMA’s Seeing through Photographs

edX was founded by Harvard and MIT, and it partners with other universities, including Berkeley, Brown, and Cornell, to provide courses online. The site has a broad variety of classes, including subjects that range from data sciences to the arts and humanities. Most courses are available for free , but you will typically have to pay between $50 and $300 to be able to submit assignments for feedback and to receive a certificate.

Sample Courses: Berkeley’s The Science of Happiness ; NYU’s Basics of Computing and Programming ; Harvard’s Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

Harvard University

If you really want to take a Harvard course, the university lists its online courses on its website. (These listings link to edX, which is where you can take the class.) Harvard offers courses on a variety of subjects; the classes go from two to over 12 weeks. The site lets you easily filter the results to find free courses . The paid courses cost anywhere from $30 to over $3,000, and if you want a certificate to prove you’ve finished a free course, that will come with an additional fee. (The ones we looked at ranged from $49 to $169.)

Sample Courses: Introduction to Computer Science ; Religion, Conflict and Peace ; Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science

Kadenze offers courses on art and technology — everything from graphic design to preparing for a career in media to learning an instrument. While some of these courses are created by Kadenze, others come from institutions such as the Maryland Institute College of Art, Berklee College of Music, Stanford, and Columbia. You can sign up for the free subscription, which allows you to enroll in the courses , but you can’t submit assignments or receive college credit. To get access to additional course content, submit assignments, and receive grades, you can sign up for the Premium plan , which costs $20 a month. In order to earn credit for the course, you’ll have to pay $300 per credit on top of that monthly subscription fee.

Sample Courses: Gender, Race and Technology ; Careers in Media Technology ; Guitar for Beginners

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit designed as a resource to support students from preschool through high school, and it offers all of its courses for free. It includes courses in math, science, and engineering, as well as in the arts and humanities. It does offer some courses that may be useful for people who are no longer students, such as career advice, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and MCAT and LSAT test prep.

Sample Courses: Navigate your career ; Algorithms ; Statistics and probability

Like Kadenze, Skillshare offers courses mainly in the arts, with classes in animation, music, photography, and creative writing, but also offers instruction in business, technology, and marketing. Its course catalog is intended to encourage creativity and help people build creative skills into careers. Skillshare has a number of courses available for free , but to access the full catalog of courses, you have to pay for a premium membership of either $19 a month or $99 a year.

Sample Courses: How to Make a Podcast ; Building Your Freelance Business ; Demystifying Graphic Design

Udemy has a collection of 100,000 courses available, most of which tend to be career-focused, with subjects such as finance and accounting, office productivity, programming, and marketing. However, Udemy also offers courses on subjects such as music, lifestyle, personal development, and health and fitness. While most of Udemy’s courses have a fee associated, you can filter your results to see the courses Udemy offers for free ; however, you won’t earn a certificate or be able to communicate with the instructor like you would in a paid course.

Sample Courses: Best Practices for Working Remotely ; Getting Started with Playing Guitar ; Free Digital Marketing Basics Course

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Udemy alternatives: Top 10 best online learning sites like Udemy

Table of Contents

Introduction to online learning platforms

Online learning has revolutionized the educational landscape, offering learners worldwide access to a variety of courses and learning opportunities. Platforms like Udemy are leading the way, but numerous alternatives offer unique benefits and specialized content.

What is Udemy?

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to constantly learn and upskill is paramount. This is where Udemy comes in, the revolutionary online learning platform that is changing the way people access education and develop their skills. Udemy is not just another e-learning website – it’s the gateway to a vast, diverse and ever-growing library of high-quality courses delivered by industry experts and passionate teachers.

With over 64 million students, 75,000 teachers and 210,000 courses, Udemy is the largest marketplace for online education. Eren Bali, Gagan Biyani and Oktay Caglar founded the company in 2010. More than 15,000 people have used the business plan, which offers more than 13,000 different language courses in addition to 10,000 premium English courses.

Whether you are working and looking to improve your career prospects, studying and looking to gain a competitive edge, or simply thirsty for knowledge, Udemy has the tools and resources you need to succeed. With its user-friendly platform, interactive course materials and flexible learning options, Udemy makes it easy for you to fit education into your busy life.

Advantages of Udemy

Huge selection of courses: Udemy has an extensive library of courses on topics ranging from technology and business to personal development and the arts. This variety allows users to find courses that meet their specific needs or interests.

Affordability: Many courses on Udemy are reasonably priced, and frequent special offers allow users to purchase courses at significantly reduced prices. This makes learning accessible to a wider audience.

Lifetime access: Once you have purchased a course on Udemy, you have lifetime access to it. This means you can learn at your own pace and review the material as often as you need to.

Course quality and variety: Courses are created by industry experts, enthusiasts and professionals. You can look at ratings and reviews from previous participants to decide which courses meet your expectations for quality.

Flexible learning: Udemy allows you to learn on your own schedule. Courses are available on-demand and you can access them from any device, so you can learn anytime, anywhere.

Disadvantages of Udemy

Inconsistent course quality: Since any expert can create and sell courses on Udemy, the quality can vary greatly. Some courses are very well produced, while others may not meet professional standards.

No formal accreditation: The courses on Udemy do not offer formal accreditation or college credit. This can be a disadvantage for those who need qualifications to formally advance their career.

Limited instructor interaction: Interaction with instructors can be limited. Most courses do not offer direct, real-time access to instructors, which can hinder learning for students who need more support or have questions.

Overwhelming choices: The sheer number of courses available can be overwhelming, sometimes making it difficult to choose the right course without investing a lot of time in research.

Marketing focus: Some users have found that Udemy courses are sometimes too focused on promoting other courses or services, which can detract from the learning experience.

Why look for Udemy alternatives?

There are several reasons why individuals or organizations are looking for alternatives to Udemy, despite it being a popular and recognized platform for online learning. Here are some key factors that might trigger this search:

1. Certification and accreditation

Udemy courses generally do not offer formal accreditation or recognized certifications associated with professional associations or educational institutions. This can be a disadvantage for those who need these credentials to advance their careers or fulfill educational requirements.

2. Variability in course quality

Because any expert can create and sell courses on Udemy, the quality and depth of courses can vary significantly. While there are many excellent courses, there are also those that do not meet certain academic or professional standards. Individuals looking for consistently high-quality, vetted content should favor platforms that are affiliated with established universities or professional associations.

3. Instructor interaction and support

Udemy courses are typically self-paced and do not involve live interaction with instructors or other participants. For learners who benefit from real-time feedback and interaction, platforms that offer structured lessons with direct communication may be more effective.

4. Learning environment and engagement

Some learners may prefer a more interactive, community-oriented learning environment than what Udemy offers. Other platforms may offer better tools for collaboration, discussion and exchange with instructors and other students.

5. Subscription model

While Udemy primarily operates on a pay-per-course basis, some users may prefer a subscription model that allows unlimited access to a wide range of courses for a fixed fee. This may be more convenient for people who want to study different topics in depth.

6. Specialized content

Certain platforms may offer courses that are more specialized or advanced in certain areas than the courses available on Udemy. For example, platforms that focus exclusively on creative arts, technology or business may offer more in-depth and targeted content.

7. Learning goals and outcomes

Depending on their learning goals, some users may find that other platforms are a better fit for their objectives. For example, platforms that offer courses with more rigorous assessments, final projects or hands-on learning experiences might be favored by those looking for practical skills that are applicable in specific professional positions.

Exploring alternatives to Udemy may lead you to discover new teaching methods, content and learning communities that better suit an individual’s or organization’s educational and professional development needs.

The Best Alternatives to Udemy

If you look around for alternatives to Udemy, you can find a variety of options, each with their unique features and specializations. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best online learning platforms, including Microtek Learning, that offer diverse learning experiences and cater to different educational needs.

1. Microtek Learning

Features: Specializes in IT and business professionals training and offers courses to improve skills and prepare for certifications.

Pros: Focuses on practical skills and certifications in IT and business.

Cons: May not cover as many topics as other platforms.

Best For: IT professionals and business leaders looking to earn specific certifications or deepen their knowledge of industry-relevant technologies.

2. Coursera

Features: Coursera partners with universities and organizations around the world to offer a wide range of courses, from one-off courses to full degree programs.

Pros: Access to academic courses that offer formal qualifications, including professional certificates and degrees.

Cons: Some courses and specializations can be expensive, especially degree programs.

Best For: Those seeking academic rigor and formal credentials in fields such as business, computer science and public health.

3. Khan Academy

Features: Free courses primarily in math, science and computer science, but also in arts and humanities.

Pros: Completely free and with a strong focus on K-12 education, ideal for students and lifelong learners.

Cons: Fewer options for professional development or adult education.

Best For: Students who need additional education and adults who want to refresh their basic skills.

Features: High-quality courses developed in collaboration with leading universities such as Harvard and MIT.

Pros: Offers both free and fee-based courses, with the option to earn college credit.

Cons: Some advanced courses and programs can be quite expensive.

Best For: Learners who want to further their academic and professional education and earn a formal credential.

5. LinkedIn Learning

Features: Focuses on professional development with courses on business, technology and creative content.

Pros: Subscription model offers access to all courses, and many courses offer a certificate that can be added to LinkedIn profile.

Cons: Less focus on academic or technical skills.

Best For: Professionals looking to learn new skills or advance in their career.

6. SkillShare

Features: Focuses on creative courses in areas such as design, photography and marketing.

Pros: Community-driven with a strong emphasis on learning by doing.

Cons: Limited in terms of formal accreditation or professional development outside of creative fields.

Best For: Creative professionals and hobbyists looking to expand their skills.

7. MasterClass

Features: Offers high quality, cinematic courses taught by prominent personalities and renowned experts in various fields.

Pros: Engaging content with high production value.

Cons: Expensive and not suitable for those seeking practical skills or formal accreditation.

Best For: Learners looking for inspiration and insight from leaders in their fields.

8. Pluralsight

Features: Specializes in tech and creative content, offering pathways and assessments to help users develop in specific career areas.

Pros: Strong focus on technology and creative fields with skills assessments and learning paths.

Cons: Subscription can be costly if not used regularly.

Best For: IT professionals and creatives looking to improve their technical skills.

9. Teachable

Features: Allows users to create and sell their own courses and provides tools for course creation and sales.

Pros: Ideal for entrepreneurs and experts who want to create their own courses.

Cons: Quality can fluctuate as anyone can create a course.

Best For: Experts and educators who want to monetize their knowledge.

10. Codecademy

Features: Specializes in coding and offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences in various programming languages.

Pros: Interactive platform designed specifically for learning coding and programming.

Cons: Limited opportunities outside of computer programming.

Best For: Beginners and intermediates who want to build their programming skills from the ground up.

Each of these platforms brings something unique to the table, whether it’s academic rigor, creative exploration or professional development. Depending on your learning goals, preferences and career aspirations, one of these alternatives to Udemy could be the perfect fit for you.

How to choose the best Udemy alternatives?

When choosing the best Udemy alternative, you need to consider several factors depending on your learning preferences, goals and desired outcomes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Identify your learning goals

Start by clarifying what you want to achieve. Do you want to improve your professional skills, explore a hobby or gain academic knowledge? Different platforms specialize in different areas:

• Professional development: LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, or Microtek Learning .
• Academic courses: Coursera, edX.
• Creative skills: Skillshare, MasterClass.

2. Check for accreditation and recognition

If you need a course for career advancement or formal recognition, look for platforms that offer accredited courses or certificates that are recognized in your industry. Microtek Learning, Coursera and edX work with universities, which increases the likelihood that their certificates will be recognized by employers and educational institutions.

3. Evaluate the course quality

The quality of the course content and teaching is crucial. Look for platforms where the courses:

• Created by qualified or renowned experts.
• That have been rated well by other learners.
• Are regularly updated to keep up with industry standards.

4. Evaluate the learning format

Different platforms offer different formats, such as video lectures, interactive projects, community discussions and more. Consider which learning style works best for you:

• Interactive learning: Codecademy, Skillshare, Microtek Learning.
• Lecture-based learning: Coursera, edX.
• Hands-on projects: Skillshare, Teachable.

5. Consider the costs

Budget is an important factor for many learners. Consider whether you prefer a subscription model that offers access to multiple courses or a model where you pay per course. Also consider the availability of free courses or the possibility of financial support:

• Subscription model: LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight.
• Pay per course: Udemy, Teachable, Microtek Learning.
• Free content: Khan Academy, some offerings at edX.

6. Take a look at the platform features

Some platforms offer additional features that can enhance your learning experience, such as mobile apps, offline access, or integration with professional networks like LinkedIn.

7. Check flexibility and accessibility

If you need flexibility, look for courses that you can start and finish on your own schedule. Check whether the platform allows you to access the courses indefinitely after a one-off payment or via a subscription.

8. Consider community and networking opportunities

Some learners benefit from being part of a learning community to network and receive support. Platforms such as Skillshare place great emphasis on community interaction, and LinkedIn Learning provides a direct link to your professional profile.

9. Explore special features and unique offers

Some platforms offer unique features or specialize in niche areas that may be of particular use depending on your interests. For example:

• MasterClass offers celebrity instructors.
• Microtek Learning offers specialized IT and business training courses that are ideal for professionals in these fields.

By carefully considering these aspects, you can choose an online learning platform that best suits your needs and helps you achieve your learning goals effectively.

Ready to try these Udemy alternatives?

Glad to hear you’re ready to explore these Udemy alternatives! Trying out different platforms will give you a more comprehensive view of the online learning options available and help you find the best fit for your educational needs. Whether you want to deepen your professional skills, explore academic topics or unleash your creative potential, each platform offers unique resources and experiences. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask us!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What sets Microtek Learning apart from other platforms?

Microtek Learning stands out because of its specialization in IT and business training. Microtek Learning offers a range of professional courses and certifications tailored to meet the evolving needs of IT professionals. The curriculum is structured to teach both basic and advanced skills and emphasizes practical, real-world applications.

2. Which platform is best for creative content?

Skillshare is highly recommended for creative content. It focuses on interactive learning and hands-on projects in areas such as design, photography, music production and more. Skillshare’s community-oriented approach allows learners to engage directly with creators and other students, which enhances the learning experience.

3. Are there free alternatives to Udemy that offer high-quality courses?

Yes, Khan Academy and edX are excellent free alternatives. Khan Academy offers a wide range of free courses, especially strong in K-12 education and foundational subjects. edX offers free versions of its courses from top universities, although there is a fee for certificate programs.

4. How do I choose the right platform based on my career goals?

Choosing the right platform depends on your specific career goals:

• For academic advancement or formal education, platforms like Coursera or edX are ideal.
• For IT and technical skills, consider Pluralsight or Microtek Learning.
• For creative skills, Skillshare or MasterClass may be beneficial.

Evaluate each platform’s offerings based on your career goals and the skills you want to acquire.

5. What are the benefits of switching from Udemy to another learning platform?

Switching from Udemy to another platform may offer specialized content, different teaching styles, or more challenging academic courses, depending on the alternative you choose. It may also expose you to new teaching methods, allow you to network with like-minded people, and give you access to resources tailored to specific professional or educational goals.

6. Are Udemy courses worth it?

Yes, Udemy courses can be worthwhile if you want affordable and flexible learning in a variety of subjects and don’t need formal accreditation. However, the value depends on your specific learning goals and your preferences in terms of course quality and interaction with instructors.

7. Are there any alternatives to Udemy for online learning?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Udemy that offer a wide range of courses and learning opportunities.

8. How do I know which alternative online learning platform is best for me?

Consider factors such as course offerings, pricing, user reviews, and the reputation of the platform when choosing an alternative to Udemy.

9. Can I find free courses on Udemy alternatives?

Yes, many alternative online learning platforms offer free courses in addition to paid options.

10. Do Udemy alternatives offer certifications upon course completion?

Most alternative online learning platforms provide certificates or badges upon completing a course or program.

11. Are the instructors on Udemy alternatives qualified and experienced?

Alternative online learning platforms typically have a vetting process for instructors to ensure quality teaching and expertise.

12. How can I access courses on Udemy alternatives?

You can usually access courses on alternative online learning platforms through their website or mobile app after creating an account.

13. Can I interact with other students while taking courses on Udemy alternatives?

Many alternative online learning platforms offer discussion forums or community features where students can engage with each other.

14. Are there discounts or promotions available on Udemy alternatives?

Some alternative online learning platforms may offer discounts or promotions periodically, so it’s worth checking their websites for current offers.

15. Is there anything better than Udemy?

Yes, platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or Microtek Learning may be better depending on your focus, such as academic courses, creative skills, or IT certifications.

16. Who is the competition for Udemy?

Coursera, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and Microtek Learning are major competitors.

17. What is the best online course platform?

Depends on your needs; Coursera is great for academic courses, Skillshare for creative courses, Udemy for a broad range, and Microtek Learning for IT and business certifications.

18. Which is better Coursera or Udemy?

Coursera for academic courses, Udemy for a wider variety of practical skills. Microtek Learning could be a better option for specialized IT training.

19. Do employers take Udemy seriously?

It varies by the course’s relevance to the job.

20. What are the disadvantages of Udemy?

Variable course quality and lack of accreditation.

21. How many people actually finish Udemy courses?

Not widely reported, but generally low like most online platforms.

22. Is SkillShare better than Udemy?

For creative skills and subscription access, yes; Udemy is more varied in course offerings.

23. How much is SkillShare monthly?

Around $32 per month.

24. Which is cheaper, Udemy or SkillShare?

Udemy can be cheaper for selective learning; Skillshare for bulk course access.

25. Do people take Udemy certifications seriously?

Less formal and not accredited.

26. Do you own Udemy courses forever?

Yes, with lifetime access to courses.

27. What is the dropout rate for Udemy?

Not specifically disclosed but likely high.

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9 Online Learning Sites That Can Help You Boost Your Skill Set

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If you’ve found some spare time in your day that you’d like to use more productively, you should consider taking an online course from platforms, like MasterClass , Udemy , Coursera , and others. The rise of online courses have seen people appreciating the convenience and variety the best learning sites online have to offer.

Several online learning sites allow you to take classes on topics you’re actually interested in without providing any transcripts, or having any previous experience in the subject. Some allow you to purchase individual courses a la carte, while others give you unlimited access to their entire catalogue for a flat fee. Keep in mind you’re getting access to full, pre-recorded classes; you don’t need to block out a specific time of day, or certain days of the week.

All online course services below all follow the same set of fundamentals, but each has a particular feature that makes them stand out. We’ve broken down each service, and recommended some courses you may be interested in trying out, while considering student satisfaction, wide range of course options and subjects, price, and overall usability and accessibility.

You can find our recommendations for the best online learning sites, below.

1. MasterClass

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MasterClass has created a series of online courses taught by “masters” of their field, who can draw upon decades of first-hand experience to help you learn. The class we’re recommending is a filmmaking course taught by Martin Scorsese , the director of classic films like Goodfellas , The Last Waltz , and The Color of Money.  This class will walk you through finding a story, developing your style, the technology you’ll actually need, and how to cast and direct actors.

The service’s catalogue also includes course taught by Gordon Ramsey, a writing class led by Malcolm Gladwell, a course on singing taught by Mariah Carey , and even a personal branding class from Kris Jenner. There are several classes available in each discipline (not all are in the creative arts), so you can find one taught on the particular area you’re interested in.

2. Coursera

Coursera is an a la carte online learning service whose classes are taught by professors from universities like Stanford and Duke, or companies like Google and IBM. There are thousands of courses to choose from — some free, some paid — in a wide variety of disciplines.

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We’re recommending Coursera’s DIY Music Specialization course , which is offered by the Berklee College of Music. The class is designed to walk you through writing, recording, and eventually marketing your music online.

3. Skillshare

Skillshare is an online class subscription service that offers access to thousands of classes for $29 per month, or $99 per year (billed annually). The company offers a 30-day free trial , if you’d like to see whether or not its classes make sense for you.

We’re recommending a one-hour Creative Writing Bootcamp class that can help guide you through the basics of coming up with a story, and help you avoid writer’s block. Students are encouraged to show off their work on the site, so if you’re looking for an online class service that feels a little more like a community, Skillshare is probably the best choice.

Udemy is the largest storefront for online courses on the internet. The service allows you to get your classes a la carte, so you only pay for the ones you’d like to take. Courses are available in a wide range of subjects, from game development, to finance, to entrepreneurship, to music. As with Masterclass, each subject offers courses in specific disciplines, so you can find the exact course you’re looking for.

This service’s core strength is the sheer volume of its course catalog. If you’re interested in developing a particular set of skills — even ones that are unrelated — you’ll probably find what you’re looking for. The a la carte structure is also nice because it gives you the opportunity to see whether online courses work for you without making a long term commitment.

We’re recommending a course on blogging, which will walk you through starting your blog, coming up with content ideas, SEO (search engine optimization), e-mail marketing, and ultimately making money off of your site.

5. LinkedIn Learning

We recommend using LinkedIn Learning to find courses in general professional development skills, which is why we’re recommending this resume workshop, which will help you get yours ready before you begin your next job hunt. The class will guide you through figuring out the best way to present your skills to a potential employer, which keywords to use to avoid being sorted out by resume scanning software, and interview tactics once gotten called in.

6. Rosetta Stone

Planning a trip overseas? Want to meet new friends in other countries? Ever wanted to learn a new language? Rosetta Stone is the premiere name in language learning and education for adults.

It’s an award-winning online platform that can help you speak, read, and learn a new language — with 25 in total, like Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, and others — through a series of immersive games, story sessions, audio and visual lessons, quizzes, and live tutorials with teachers and native speakers. Lessons are short and quick to pick up, while they’re accessible on your laptop or mobile device.

Rosette Stone starts at $10.50 per month (billed annually). The platform has a limited-time deal for the New Year . Right now you can save 50% off of a lifetime subscription for unlimited languages. That’s access to all 25 language lessons for $199 (reg. $399).

7. Wondrium

Formerly known as The Great Courses Plus, Wondrium is an online learning platform that has more than 18,000 streaming lectures and documentaries on a wide rage of subjects, such as history, science, philosophy, religion, literature, the natural world, health, travel, and others. From Ph.Ds to Michelin-starred chefs, world-renowned professors and the best and brightest experts lead a large number of courses on the platform.

Wondrium is ad-free and starts at $12.50 per month (billed annually), while the platform has a 14-day free trial for new learners.

8. FutureLearn

From cyber security operations to developing business management and leadership , FutureLearn is a digital education platform designed to build skills for a new job or a career change. With more than 1,400 high quality online courses available, the platform offers short lessons, as well as professional credentials and qualifications to pursue what comes next if your life. It even has a number of “ boredom buster ” courses that can help you discover a new hobby, or learn a new language.

FutureLearn — which is based in the United Kingdom — pools its knowledge and expertise from over 260 institutions and teachers from schools, like King’s College London, Cambridge, University College London, Bloomsbury Publishing, and much more.

Currently, FutureLearn is offering unlimited learning for a year at 30% off for new subscribers. That comes to $244.99, or $105 off its regular price.

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It boasts more than 3,500 skill-based online courses that range from cyber security to computer engineers and cloud computer to coding for beginners and advanced users. Courses are designed to build confidence and skills for innovating technology in your current or next career. There are even certificates and degrees available after completing select courses.

Although edX is mostly free, the platform offers bundles, select executive courses, subscriptions, and bootcamp training starting at $50.

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11 Best Sites Like Udemy For Online Learning [Currentyear]

• By Adam Sayner

• Offers hundreds of free courses
• Easy to navigate
• Incredibly affordable

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the best sites like Udemy for online learning.

There are a bunch of different factors you should consider, including price, quality of content, the subjects that each platform specializes in, whether you receive a certificate upon completion, and other things as well.

Table of Contents

1. skillshare.

Skillshare is probably the most similar to Udemy out of all the e learning platforms.

Skillshare offers hundreds of free courses and also a fairly low cost premium membership which opens up access to thousands more courses and video lessons.

Skillshare courses are taught by industry professionals and tend to be very practical in terms of their material.

There is a huge focus on learning by doing, instead of merely watching and absorbing theory like with some other e-learning sites.

In my opinion, Skillshare is best for creatives.

Whereas other elearning sites like LinkedIn Learning place an emphasis on business, Skillshare’s course catalog has more of a focus on the arts and creative topics.

So if you’re looking to learn about animation, music, photography, or other creative topics, then Skillshare is a great choice.

I’d recommend checking out a free course on a topic that you’re interested in.

Then you can get an idea of whether it’s worth signing up for a paid membership for you or not.

Right now, Skillshare is even offering 2 weeks free unlimited access to all their courses, so you can check the platform out in detail for nothing!

If you’re looking for an e-learning site that offers a monthly subscription giving you access to thousands of course for one price, and with less of a focus on business and marketing topics, then Skillshare is worth considering.

To understand the similarities and differences between Udemy and Skillshare in more detail, check out my article Udemy vs Skillshare .

2. Coursera

Coursera is a unique site like Udemy, in that it partners with top universities and other organizations to deliver a truly world-class online education.

Although Coursera offers less courses than Udemy overall, the subject matter of their courses is much more in-depth and will be hard to beat.

They are taught by some of the top university lecturers and professionals that the world has to offer.

Like other sites like Udemy, Coursera has a large library of courses on topics like business, computer science, arts and humanities, social sciences, and more.

Many of Coursera’s courses are available completely free. However, they also offer some paid courses where students receive a certificate upon completion.

These premium courses are paid for individually, much like courses on Udemy.

Often even Coursera’s paid courses are completely free, except for the option to pay for a certificate at the end. So if credentials are less important to you, you can pick up a lot of free knowledge through their programs.

If you really want the best that Coursera has to offer, you can even enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree or master’s program through various educational institutes through the platform.

https://youtu.be/K-sJe7_UjBI

If you’re looking for course quality over quantity, and place a high value on the qualifications of your instructors, Coursera is most definitely the online learning platform for you.

For more info, I have another article where I’ve compared Coursera vs Udemy’s main differences, prices and courses.

3. Masterclass

Imagine getting a cooking lesson from Gordon Ramsay. A basketball lesson from Stephen Curry, or a tennis lesson from Serena Williams. Or a chance to learn creative writing directly from Margaret Atwood.

That’s the type of unique learning opportunities that Masterclass presents. It gives you a chance to learn directly from famous celebrities and industry leaders. People who are world-class at what they do.

Masterclass offers various courses for $90 each. Or you can pay $180 per year for a subscription to get access to their entire library of courses.

If you think you may be interested in more than one topic, I’d definitely recommend paying for the subscription.

Masterclass has far less courses available than what’s offered by some other platforms like Skillshare or Linkedin Learning .

But for the price, I think it offers an exceptional value.

Sure, you could learn about a topic from a professor or a random instructor.

But imagine how much more engaged and invested you would be when you’re able to learn directly from a hero or role model of yours.

It’s really an e-learning experience that you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else, and the production quality of the lessons is really special. It feel less like online learning and more like binge-watching Netflix!

4. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda)

LinkedIn Learning uses a monthly subscription model.

This is unlike the other sites like Udemy that I’ve covered so far, which either offer free courses or require you to pay per course.

Premium access to the platform costs $30 per month, or you can get a discount when signing up for an annual subscription.

The downside of this model is that none of their material is available for free. But for people who love to learn, I think you’ll really get your money’s worth from their subscription model.

Your monthly fee gets you unlimited access to their extensive library of course material, so you’re free to learn as much as you like.

LinkedIn Learning is mostly aimed at working professionals, and offers video-based lectures aimed to provide you with real practical skills to improve your everyday job performance.

A lot of the topics are business-oriented lessons that you’d expect. Like mastering Microsoft Excel, employee relations, customer service, social media marketing for small businesses, and similar topics.

However, the platform also offers thousands of courses on other topics like graphic design, software development, photography, web development, and more.

While LinkedIn Learning lacks some of the more quirky personal interest topics that Udemy offers, it excels at providing you with unlimited access to material that can improve your employability and job performance.

Here you can read my comparison between Lynda vs Udemy .

Udacity and Udemy have similar names, but their offerings are quite different. So be sure not to confuse the two!

Udacity offers a mix of free and paid programs. Right now, they offer nearly 200 free courses to choose from.

But Udacity’s main claim to fame is their paid nano degree programs. These programs teach a specific set of skills, normally in a timeframe of one to four months.

Udacity used to offer courses for around $199 each. However, it seems like their courses have dramatically increased in price within the past year or two, and many of their paid programs now cost around $500 per month.

Understandably, with these prices, Udacity may scare off many potential students who are looking for the most cost-effective alternatives.

But they do have a place, particularly for technical training in the areas of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, programming, data science, and similar topics.

So I would mostly recommend Udacity for students who are already working in the tech industry and are looking to improve their existing knowledge and skills.

To learn more about Udacity and how it compares to Udemy check out my article Udemy vs Udacity .

6. Codecademy

As the name might suggest, Codecademy is your go-to e-learning platform when you want to learn programming or coding.

Codecademy offers free lessons in 12 of the main programming languages. Including C++, Java, Python, Ruby, SQL, PHP, and others. Plus markup languages like HTML and CSS.

No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced coder, Codecademy has something to teach you about programming. It’s a reputable platform that’s even supported by the US government.

To keep lessons from getting dry, Codecademy uses gamification to keep students engaged and having fun, as well as educated.

Optionally, you can pay $199 to get a certificate at the end of more advanced courses.

If you’re looking to break into the world of programming and technology, Codecademy is the platform I’d recommend to learn everything you need.

edX is another e-learning platform that offers a huge number of free courses. Learn about all kinds of different topics like languages, business, management, humanities, engineering, languages, data science, and more.

Much like Coursera, edX collaborates with organizations and distinguished universities to bring you some of the best training that’s available online.

There are also some paid courses offered on edX, which can range from $50 to $300 or more each.

Upon completion of these premium courses, you’ll get certifications from the university or institution that is associated with the course.

If you’re looking for impressive certifications from MIT, Harvard, or other organizations that you can put on a resume or CV when you’re done, edX is a great way to go.

Unlike some other e-learning platforms, edX offers a lot of two-way dialogue.

You can get feedback from your instructors on assignments, and even communicate with other students. So it’s a much more interactive learning environment compared to Udemy and some other sites.

8. Pluralsight

Pluralsight is another site like Udemy that’s worth considering when you’re evaluating different online learning platforms.

Like Udacity or Codecademy, Pluralsight’s course content is mostly focused on IT and other computer-related subjects.

They do have some courses aimed at business and creative professionals, but the platform is most well-known for its technology courses.

Like most online learning platforms, they cover topics ranging from beginners all the way up to advanced levels.

Pluralsight requires a subscription of $29 per month or $299 per year. There are no free courses available, although Pluralsight is unique since it lets you look at courses for free before you decide to pay.

As with most subscription-based platforms, you can take as many courses as you want.

Learn the main differences between Udemy and Pluralsight .

9. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers a world-class education. Its courses make use of a combination of video and text formats, with a large number of topics to choose from.

The courses even provide you with assignments and tasks as part of your lessons. This allows you to get a practical understanding of the courses you’re studying, besides just focusing on theory.

Most lessons are very short and specific, so they’re easy to digest. These mini-lessons can often be more engaging than what you’d find on other e-learning sites like Udemy.

You can choose from a large variety of topics including various mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, electrical engineering, computer programming, history, economics, entrepreneurship, and more.

Khan Academy also offers test prep for SATs, LSATs, and more.

Courses are available in 20 different languages. They even have a separate Khan Academy Kids website, which is specifically tailored for teaching kids.

It’s a great resource for parents and includes activities, coloring books, educational videos, and books.

Best of all, Khan Academy is a non-profit organization and all of its courses are completely free.

10. Iversity

Iversity is often described as the European equivalent of Coursera.

Coursera focuses on partnerships with North American universities and institutions like Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, and Stanford.

Iversity has European partners like University of Buckingham, Jacobs University, the European University Institute, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and others.

Much like Coursera, Iversity offers a wide range of completely free programs. Students are only charged upon completion of a course if they wish to receive an official certificate.

A unique feature of Iversity is that it approaches online learning in the form of a social network. You can receive peer review of your work, in addition to automatic instant feedback on some tasks and assignments.

If you live in Europe, I’d recommend looking into Iversity as an alternative to Coursera.

The certifications it offers may seem more relevant or applicable on your CV or resume compared to receiving certificates from American institutions.

11. Stanford University, Open Yale Courses, and Other Institutions

Instead of using sites like Udemy or similar online platforms, you may choose to go directly to the source. Many universities around the world are now offering large amounts of their course material online for free.

Learn from Stanford University about aeronautics or engineering. Brush up on some chemistry, geology, or history from Yale. Or choose from hundreds of full recorded lectures on MIT’s OpenCourseWare Youtube channel.

Most of these universities offer high-quality downloadable materials, suggested readings, video lectures, and even exams and problem sets to test what you’ve learned.

This material may be a bit more dry and academic compared to what you find on some other sites like Udemy.

But don’t underestimate how much amazing free information is being offered online by some of the world’s best educational institutions.

If you’re looking to go the academic route, one final honorable mention that I’ll give is for a platform called Academic Earth .

This site like Udemy has partnered with dozens of different universities and offers a wide range of online college courses. The best part is that they’re all available completely free.

If you aren’t sure or don’t mind which institution you take online courses from, Academic Earth is great at matching you up with the course you’re after.

Why Consider Other Sites Like Udemy?

Udemy ranks in the top results when you search for lots of online courses.

That’s no surprise, seeing as they offer over 100,000 courses in total. Many of them are free, or there are often Udemy sales promotions running which means you can access a lot of low cost online learning on the platform.

However, Udemy isn’t without its own problems. Since anybody can create and publish a course on Udemy, the quality can vary greatly.

While the best Udemy courses are fantastic resources taught by world renowned experts in their field, others are not so thorough or in-depth.

Since Udemy’s courses are inexpensive or even free, many of them are obviously used by authors to upsell more expensive products.

At their worst, some of the courses can feel more like an advertisement than a class.

Udemy courses also don’t provide any kind of certification to go along with their training.

Luckily there are many other great sites like Udemy for online learning.

They offer many of the same features and level of quality that you’d expect from Udemy. Sometimes they can even far exceed what Udemy offers.

If you’re eager to learn online, Udemy can be a great choice.

But nowadays there are a bunch of other sites like Udemy that you should also consider as well.

Quality of course material, price, and topics offered can vary widely from one platform to another. So it’s worth spending at least an hour or two to go over your options.

A little research will ensure that you’re happy with your chosen e-learning platform for months or years to come.

Some courses specialize in a certain area of interest or topics. So one platform I’ve discussed above may be better for you than another depending if you want to learn about business, creative arts, programming, or other topics.

While sites like Udemy that offer individual courses for sale are great, I’d also highly recommend checking out sites that offer you a one-time annual or monthly subscription to access their full catalog of courses.

If you’re an avid learner, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.

Finally, if you don’t have much money to spend on online learning, definitely prioritize platforms that offer high-quality free courses as well.

Adam Sayner

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Udemy Alternatives: 10 Best Online Learning Sites Like Udemy

Aug 22, 2024• Proven solutions

People who are eager to learn new skills online might have heard about Udemy. This website offers unlimited access to courses for free or at a very reasonable amount. From past few years, Udemy has become the most desirable platform for learners in the business world as well as for students who want to gain additional knowledge beyond their university curriculum. The only trouble with Udemy is that they do not offer certification for courses. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot avail certificate type courses online; there are many other learning platforms that work like best alternatives to Udemy with lots of additional features. In this article, we have picked top ten Udemy alternatives for you; hope! You will be able to choose the best one:

Top 10 Websites like Udemy for eLearning:

1. khan academy :.

Main Features:

• Khan Academy offers short and specific lessons with a wide range of topics that are popular among learners these days.
• All tutorials are arranged in a user-friendly way, and you can find something unique for all age groups.
• These courses force learners to complete certain tasks during the lesson; it means you can learn by doing things practically.

Khan Academy is serving a wide range of learners with its miniature lessons that ensure more engagement for practice assignment. The professionals here keep a regular track of the performance of all learners, and the exercises are adjusted as per skill level of an individual. The great news for learners is that Khan Academy offers courses in 20 different languages and they are available free for students and teachers as well.

2. Coursera :

Cost: One-time payment between $15 to $200.

• Courses are available from real professors with post-secondary education quality of most top universities.
• This platform also offers certificates for paid courses.
• Learners can take several courses for free.

Coursera is considered as the best alternative for Udemy; although it has lesser number of courses comparatively, they are tough to be top university professors. You can join most courses for free to boost your learning and even if you want to receive certification for your skills, you can get it by paying a reasonable amount. You will be happy to know that Coursera even offers full-time masters and bachelor’s degrees from best institutes. You can join the classes online for technical training as well as academic programs.

3. Skillshare :

Cost: Few courses are for free, and Premium collection can be accessed with payment of $100 per year or $12 per month.

• Classes in these courses are taken by industry professionals, and they make their living by teaching students.
• You can also find some notable industry icons taking few special lectures.
• Instead of lecture style reading; these courses are oriented towards action-based learning.

Those who love to learn new things by actually practicing them will find Skill Share best platform for learning. They provide courses on a wide range of creative fields including fine arts, music production, photography, design, and marketing. Many courses are available for free, and all others can be accessed with a subscription on the monthly and yearly basis.

4. Udacity :

Cost: Most courses are available for free; subscription for nano degree cost $199+ per month.

• The nano degrees are offered to improve knowledge of learners in a specific subject area.
• Udacity has a major focus on skill improvement and technical training.
• It has a partnership with many top-ranked institutions that offer cutting-edge course structures.

Here is a small yet useful alternative to Udemy where you can access almost 100 courses for free, but the special nano degree scheme makes it stand out among all other online learning platforms. These courses and technical training programs are provided with the assistance of some leading companies like Salesforce, Facebook, and Google. One can begin with basic courses to get an idea about technology and then switch to the advanced level to boost confidence.

5. LinkedIn Learning :

Cost: Pay $19.99 for Basic and $29 for Premium

• All courses at LinkedIn Learning are dedicated to improving real skills of the students so that they can apply this learning in a workplace
• Most of these courses are able to improve your ability to get a suitable job in your field of interest.
• This website focuses on wide range of business and marketing courses.

Lynda doesn’t offer anything for free, but it is considered as a potential alternative to Udemy due to its advanced course delivery practices. Most of these courses are dedicated to improving employability skills of learners around the world, and the areas of interest include presentation management, office software proficiency, videography, graphic design, audio engineering, computer programming and many other digital workplaces. They offer most of the courses by using video-based lectures and users are also allowed to access video transcripts to clear their doubts.

6. Masterclass :

Cost: $180 per year or $90 per class

• Courses are taken by famous celebrities and industry professionals.
• Target specific topics so learners can collect valuable information of their interest.
• Cheap subscription as compared to many other alternatives

Masterclass.com allows students to learn skills specific to their interests with its wide range of courses. Simply scroll down to choose a course of your field and sig in to start listening people who can really inspire you to achieve your goals in your area of interest. It is the most budget-friendly platform to learn whatever you want.

7. Pluralsight :

Cost: Premium subscription at $299 per year and $29 per month.

• Many courses on Pluralsight are available for free, so you can check the offers before you make payment.
• Courses on this website focus more on the computer and IT-related
• Courses are designed with clear instructions about skill levels that are essential to join them.

If you are looking for some professional assistance to improve your computer related skills, we advise you to join classes at Pluralsight. Even with the monthly subscription, users are able to access complete library for desired resources, materials, and courses. You can take as many courses with your one-time subscription whether it is for one month or one year. As their major target is to build practical skills of the learner, the courses are divided into three different categories as advanced, intermediate and beginner level.

8. Codecademy :

Cost: Free, pay $199 for advanced courses.

• Specifically dedicated to building skills in technology and coding field.
• Courses range from basic skill improvement to advanced level programming.
• It also offers certification-based courses.

Codeacademy can help you to learn skills in the field of coding and technology, and the great news is that you can even start from the basic level. This learning platform is supported by US Government so you can ensure trustworthy learning experience. This website follows game-based training approach to add fun to the learning process and ultimately helps to develop a zeal for faster and competitive learning.

Cost: Pricing range from $50 to $300.

• Get certification for courses from reputed education institutes.
• Paid members can also communicate with other students.
• Professors provide time to time feedbacks for assignments.

edx is an active learning platform with premium courses that are proven much better as compared to Udemy platform. This web-based learning platform has tie-ups with leading universities, lvy League colleges and top educational institutes that help to provide the best training to learners online. You can register for a wide range of professional courses ranging anywhere between behavior psychology, meteorology to medicine. Paid learners can enjoy active interactions with other students and collect feedbacks from professors.

10. Alison :

• Skill building courses with practical level training.
• Certificate courses are also available.
• Self-paced courses with the incredible learning experience.

Alison offers more than 1000 high-quality courses with 9 distinctive categories for learners worldwide. Learners can access certificate courses, diploma courses and learning paths with long hour training. All these courses follow unique learning pattern with different durations of learning hours. The courses are entirely free, and you can mention your certification in a resume to get your dream job in future.

If you are eager to learn and want to enhance your skills in your area of interest; it is right time to choose one of the most advantageous platforms from the list above. You can join courses depending upon your area of specialization, and soon these professional lectures will help you to get your dream job in the market. Most websites offer courses for free, and the certificates are provided to learners for paid courses; you can choose your class as per your dedication level in the subject.

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