11 Sites Like Udemy for Online Courses and Learning

Online learning has transformed how you acquire new skills and knowledge, making education more accessible than ever before. Udemy stands out as a popular choice, offering a vast array of courses across various disciplines. But Udemy isn't your only option.

Several platforms cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. These alternatives not only broaden your educational options but also help align your learning journey with your career goals and personal interests.

Each site offers a unique approach to online education, so you'll have the flexibility to choose one that aligns best with your learning style and objectives.

Why Look for Udemy Alternatives

Here's why it might be a smart move to look for other platforms like Udemy:

Diverse Quality: Udemy's marketplace model means anyone can create and sell a course. This leads to a varied quality in course material. You're likely seeking a platform with more consistent, high-quality content validated by educational institutions or industry professionals.

Specialization: If you're looking for courses tailored to a specific industry or skill, niche platforms offer more focused and in-depth material. Shifting to a platform that specializes in your area of interest can provide you with a more relevant learning experience.

• Certification Recognition: You may want stronger recognition for your learning efforts. Platforms like Coursera and edX collaborate with universities, which means their certifications are often more recognized by employers.
• Learning Community: An engaged community can greatly enhance your learning. Some platforms offer more interactive opportunities with peers and instructors, fostering a more immersive and supportive environment.
• Financial Model: Udemy operates on a per-course payment model. However, you might prefer a subscription-based service, which could be more cost-effective if you’re an avid learner.

1. Coursera

Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to provide a variety of online courses, specializations, and degrees. Unlike platforms that solely focus on technology or creative subjects, Coursera offers a wide range of classes, including hard sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Course Structure

Courses on Coursera are structured similarly to college courses. They typically include video lectures, reading materials, peer-reviewed assignments, and community discussion forums. You're also often allowed to gain hands-on experience through projects.

Credentials

After completing a course, you'll receive an electronic course certificate. For more comprehensive learning, you might consider a specialization ( a series of related courses designed to help you master a skill). Moreover, Coursera offers full degree programs, which are recognized by employers just like an on-campus degree.

Pricing

While individual courses are available for free (minus the certificate), Specializations and degrees require a subscription or a one-time payment. This platform can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional education, especially with the added convenience of learning at your own pace.

Learning Experience

You benefit from courses designed by instructors from renowned institutions such as Stanford, Duke, and Yale. Learning on Coursera is interactive and engaging, with a mix of peer collaboration and expert feedback to help you deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

2. Skillshare

Skillshare offers a user-friendly platform focused on interactive learning. It’s a community-based service where you can both learn and teach. While Skillshare mainly specializes in creative courses, it's continuously expanding into other fields.

Course Structure:

• Short, project-based classes
• Emphasis on ‘learning by doing'

Course Topics Include:

• Illustration
• Photography
• Design
• Business

Accessibility: You’ll find hundreds of free courses available on Skillshare. There’s also a premium membership that gives you unlimited access to an extensive library.

Community Interaction:

• Opportunities to interact with other learners
• Feedback on projects

Pricing Model:

• Free courses available
• Premium membership offers additional features

When you use Skillshare, you're not just going through tutorials; you're joining a creative community. Here's what makes it a go-to for many online learners:

• Learn at Your Own Pace: Pick up skills as quickly or as leisurely as you prefer.
• Share Your Projects: Upload your work to get insights and feedback from a supportive community.
• Find Inspiration: Regular challenges and prompts help spark your creativity.

Skillshare is best for anyone looking to enhance their creativity or pick up new skills in a social and practical online environment. Whether you're starting out or looking to refine existing skills, this platform adapts to your needs and helps unlock your potential.

3. Khan Academy

Khan Academy, often abbreviated as KA, offers a new dimension to free online learning, which you might find quite appealing. It started in 2006 when founder Sal Khan began creating educational videos to tutor his cousins, and it has since grown into a comprehensive nonprofit educational platform.

Here’s what you need to know about Khan Academy:

• Subjects: You can dive into a wealth of subjects spanning from math to science, engineering, humanities, and more. Each subject is broken down into focused topics, allowing you to target your specific areas of interest or need.
• Content Format: The lessons are primarily video-based, enhanced with practice exercises and instructional articles to reinforce learning.
• Level of Education: It caters to learners of all ages, with content available for kids, teens, and adults. You’ll find material that aligns with K-12 education, early college, and upskilling courses.
• Accessibility: One of Khan Academy's key strengths is its accessibility. Since it’s a nonprofit, all courses are completely free, making education accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
• Recognition: While you won’t get formal accreditation for courses, the knowledge gained is practical and can be applied in real-world scenarios – a plus for casual learning and reinforcing concepts.

Khan Academy is distinct from Udemy in that it is entirely cost-free and nonprofit, empowering you with a platform for academic learning without the pressure of costs. It’s built as a supplementary educational tool, aiming to democratize access to quality education globally. While you won't get recognized certifications, you’ll certainly gain valuable knowledge across a spectrum of subjects.

4. edX

edX is a massive open online course (MOOC) provider that partners with over 160 renowned institutions including Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, and others to bring a wide variety of university-level courses directly to your screen. You'll encounter a mix of free and paid course options, providing flexibility in your learning journey.

Courses on edX span across numerous subjects such as computer science, language, data science, business and management, engineering, and humanities. The platform also offers Professional Certificate Programs and MicroMasters Programs which are series of graduate-level courses designed to advance your career.

Here's what you can expect with edX:

• University-Level Courses: Learn from top-tier universities with the option to earn certificates.
• Flexible Learning: Study on your own schedule, balancing your work or personal commitments.
• Diverse Programs: Choose from individual courses, professional certificates, or MicroMasters programs.

If you're looking to earn academic credit or a degree, edX also provides Online Master's Degrees from select universities, which are fully accredited and recognized. In a nutshell, edX brings prestigious higher education to your fingertips, whether you're looking to improve your skill set, change careers, or pursue lifelong learning.

5. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, is another go-to platform for professional development. With it, you gain access to a vast library of courses in three primary categories: Business, Creative, and Technology.

Courses to Enhance Your Skills:

• Business: Leadership, Project Management, Marketing
• Creative: Design, Photography, Writing
• Technology: IT, Software Development, Cloud Computing

Differentiator: What sets LinkedIn Learning apart is its integration with your LinkedIn profile. After completing a course, you can easily add the new skill to your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your expertise to potential employers.

Pricing Model:

• Subscription-based: Offers a monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to its courses.
• Free trial available: Try before you commit to a subscription.

Integration with Udemy: LinkedIn Learning is distinct from Udemy, focusing more on professional enhancement with a subscription model, while Udemy sells individual courses.

6. Codecademy

If you're keen on diving into coding, Codecademy offers an interactive platform that focuses primarily on teaching you programming and technical skills. Their approach is hands-on, meaning you'll be writing code from the get-go.

Course Pathways:

• Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Data Science: Python, SQL, Data Visualization
• Computer Science: Java, Bash/Shell, Git
• And more: Including courses on cybersecurity, machine learning, and code foundations.

Membership Options:
Codecademy offers a few different plans, including:

• Free Plan: Access basic courses and limited mobile practice.
• Pro Plan: Peek into real-world projects, step-by-step guidance, and additional practice and quizzes.

Why Codecademy?

• Interactive Learning: Directly apply what you're learning in real-time through an in-browser code editor.
• Structured Curriculum: Their courses are well-structured, making it simpler for you to follow along and measure progress.
• Community Support: Benefit from a community of learners and forums for any doubts you might encounter.

Certifications:
While Codecademy does offer certificates on completion of their Pro Plan courses, they're a way to showcase what you've learned. It's wise to remember that not all employers may recognize these certifications as formal qualifications.

Exclusive Features:

• Mobile App: Practice on-the-go with their mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices.
• Codecademy Go: Supplement your learning with quick practices and summaries available through their app.

If programming is your focus, Codecademy can be a strong contender for interactive, skill-based learning.

7. Educative

Educative is a specialized platform that serves as a robust alternative to Udemy, particularly if you're focused on enhancing your software development and programming skills. Unlike traditional video-based learning, Educative provides an interactive, text-based learning experience that allows you to edit code and see results in real time within your browser.

Courses Available:

• Interactive programming courses
• Coding interview prep
• Language-specific deep dives (Python, Java, etc.)

Key Features:

• Hands-on Coding Environments: No need to install additional software to get started with coding.
• Skimmable Content: Text-based lessons are designed to be easy to skim, saving you time.
• Illustrated Explanations: Complex concepts are broken down with visuals to aid understanding.
• Interview Prep: Courses are crafted to help you ace coding interviews.

Pricing: Educative offers a subscription model for full access, with the option for a free account that gives you access to select courses.

For Whom is it Ideal? If you enjoy learning at your own pace and need a platform that supports interactive text-based learning without the fuss of setting up a development environment, Educative is tailor-made for you. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced developers looking to sharpen their skills or prepare for technical interviews.

8. Springboard

Unlike platforms with a vast array of courses in multiple disciplines, Springboard zeroes in on in-depth, career-focused programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for the tech industry. Their offerings are more specialized, with a focus on fields such as data science, UI/UX design, and coding.

Courses and Mentorship:

• Data Science Career Track
• UX Design Career Track
• Software Engineering Career Track

Each program includes one-on-one mentorship with industry experts, which can be a game-changer for your learning experience. You'll get personalized feedback and guidance that's hard to find in self-paced courses. Moreover, Springboard's courses are built around a project-based learning approach, helping you build a portfolio as you learn.

Support Options:

• Weekly mentor calls
• Unlimited mentor Q&A
• Career coaching

Springboard's pricing is in line with the depth and quality you get, so expect it to be an investment in your education and future career. They also offer a job guarantee for some tracks, which promises a tuition refund if you don’t land a job in your field within six months of graduation.

9. FutureLearn

When you're looking to expand your knowledge and skills, FutureLearn offers a diverse platform where you can find high-quality courses. Think of it as your gateway to learning alongside top universities and cultural institutions. They're known for a social and interactive approach which makes the learning process not just insightful but enjoyable too.

The catalog is comprehensive, covering subjects from business and technology to arts and science. You'll find a variety of course types on FutureLearn, including:

• Short courses: Perfect for getting a taste of a subject.
• Online degrees: More substantial commitments to help you achieve your long-term goals.
• Microcredentials: These boost your professional profile and are industry-recognized.

Flexibility is a key advantage; you can learn at your pace and fit your studies into your busy schedule. While many courses on FutureLearn offer free access, certain programs and exams come with a fee. Yet, this investment often includes features like certificates of completion, which can add value to your professional credentials.

The platform's layout is user-friendly, so you'll have no trouble navigating to what you need. And with the community aspect of learning, you get to interact with peers and educators, enhancing your understanding through meaningful discussions.

10. GetSmarter

When you're seeking high-quality education from some of the world's top universities, GetSmarter presents itself as a great platform. It's a distinctive online learning platform that collaborates with leading higher education institutions, offering short courses designed for professionals.

Here's a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Institution Partnerships: GetSmarter partners with universities like MIT, Harvard, and Oxford.
• Course Focus: The courses are career-oriented, aimed at enhancing your skills and knowledge for professional advancement.
• Certification: Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate from the partnering institution, which can be an attractive addition to your resume.

Course Structure:

• Learning: Modules are released weekly, requiring your active engagement.
• Support: You'll have access to one-on-one support from a success manager.
• Networking: The platform fosters community interactions, allowing you to connect with peers globally.

Pricing: Courses on GetSmarter are typically premium priced due to the involvement of esteemed educational institutions. You're paying for the quality and the certificate, which carries the university's name.

User Experience:

• The website is user-friendly, making it easy to find and enroll in courses.
• Resources are rich in multimedia, ensuring interactive and engaging learning.

In summary, GetSmarter is suitable if you're looking to invest in your professional development with courses that boast credibility from recognized universities.

11. Pluralsight

As you explore options similar to Udemy for online learning, you'll likely come across Pluralsight. It's a platform that offers a wealth of courses, particularly known for specializing in technology and development subjects. Your interest in expanding your technical skills makes it a strong contender.

Course Content:
Pluralsight courses are tailored for IT professionals. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, you'll find content ranging from software development to IT operations.

• Strengths:
  • Depth in tech and creative subjects
  • Skill assessments
  • Courses crafted by industry experts
• Structure:
  • Learning Paths: Organized series of courses to master a skill.
  • Skill IQ: Benchmark your skills and measure progress.
  • Role IQ: Assess your qualifications for specific job roles.

Pricing:

• Individual plans offer flexibility for personal growth.
• Corporate plans are available for team training initiatives.

Community and Support: Interactive features such as discussion boards and mentoring services foster a supportive learning environment. If you're stuck on a complex coding issue, you might find the help you need from the community or experts.

In essence, Pluralsight stands out for its focused tracks in technology and creative fields, offering a robust platform for professionals looking to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in their respective industries.