Top Online Learning Platforms

I first heard about online platforms back in early 2010, and I thought that’s a cool and convenient way to learn, from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. However, I didn’t really look into them properly until I started considering a new career path in graphic design a couple of years later.
Being 100% honest, I was pretty confused with all the available online learning platforms out there, with its different pricing plans and features. Plus, I had my natural concerns about the quality of courses – Like Will an online course actually teach me anything? or Will it be recognized by a future employer?

You may have similar questions and doubts, and perhaps you aren’t sure which platform you should choose. To help you pick the right online learning platform for your needs (and budget), I’ve created this in-depth guide.

Quick warning: this article will be a long one. So if you are in a rush and don’t have 20 minutes to read it all, please check out our top recommendations below in our Online Learning Platforms Ranking Table.

Pricing

Individual courses: $29 to $100 per course

Specializations: $39 to $89 a month

Yearly subscription: $399

Degrees: $15,000+

Coursera Plus: $59 monthly or $399 annually

Pros & Cons

• Partnered Organizations
• Verified Certificates
• Free Courses
• Affordable Degrees
• Offline Learning
• Prior Knowledge
• Confusing Pricing

Pricing

Annual Membership: Offers 3 different annual plans; Individual costs $180,  Duo costs $240 & Family costs $276 all are billed annually.

Pros & Cons

• Entertaining
• VIP Instructors
• Affordable
• Refund Policy
• No Free Classes or Trials
• No Certificates

Udacity.com

Pricing

Udacity Nanodegrees: Starting at $399 a month. If learning is for 5-6 months, the cost can be $2,000+.

Pros & Cons

• Top-Quality Content
• Free Courses
• Globally Recognized Partners
• Career Services
• You’ll need some budget
• No Udacity App
• Limited Topics

Skillshare.com

Pricing

Skillshare Premium: $167.88 billed annually (working out at $13.99 a month).

Pros & Cons

• Free trial
• Affordable
• Engaged Community
• Big Pool of Classes
• No Certificates
• Only English

DataCamp.com

Pricing

Standard Subscription: $300 billed annually (working out at $25 a month)

Premium Subscription: $399 billed annually (working out at $33.25 a month)

Pros & Cons

• Interactive & Engaging Content
• Clear Pricing Plans
• Experienced Teachers
• No Accredited Certificates
• Limited to Data Science Topics

Udemy.com

Pricing

Individual courses: $12.99 to $199.99

Pros & Cons

• Affordable
• Free Content
• Lifetime Access
• Choice
• Refund Policy
• Official Certificates
• Quality Control of Courses

edX.org

Pricing

Individual courses: From $50+

Professional Programs: From $300+

Degrees & Master’s Degrees: From $10,000+

Pros & Cons