Many LinkedIn Learning alternatives offer at-par value education. Some of these competitors include Udemy, Coursera, CBT Nuggets, and edX.
LinkedIn Learning is a prevalent online learning platform that offers an array of courses in different fields like technology, business, and more. But there are several reasons why someone might look for LinkedIn Learning alternatives.
One such reason is that, at times, you may not find the course you need on LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, some users might find the pricing on LinkedIn Learning to be relatively high.
Further, LinkedIn has a dearth of art and life skill courses, which creative people may need. These reasons and perhaps a few more motivate people to look for websites like LinkedIn Learning.
Basis our research, we found several alternatives to this platform. These include Skillshare, Coursera, Pluralsight, edX, Codecademy, FutureLearn, Udemy, Khan Academy, Treehouse, and more.
These platforms offer courses in different fields, and some may be more specialized and affordable than LinkedIn Learning. So, continue reading as we discuss some other e-learning platforms just like LinkedIn Learning. But before that, let us look at some highs and lows of LinkedIn Learning.
LinkedIn Learning Pros and Cons
Like any other leading online learning platform, LinkedIn Learning has its share of advantages and disadvantages listed below:
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning
| Platform | Costing & Trial Period | Topics Range | Certification & Accreditation | Best for |
| Coursera | Subscription ($39-$79/month), free courses also available | Technology, business, arts, humanities, social sciences, and more | Certificates from universities, some courses offer credits | Students and professionals |
| edX | Variable ($50-$3000+), often one-time | Technology, business, arts, humanities, social sciences, and more | Certificates from universities, some courses offer credentials | Those who want to earn credit toward a degree program or advance their career |
| Udemy | Variable ($10-$200+) often one-time | Technology, business, arts, personal development, health and fitness, and more | Certificates of completion | Those who want to learn a specific skill or hobby |
| CBT Nuggets | Monthly plan: $84/month
Quarterly plan: $207/quarter Annual plan: $777/year |
IT and professional development topics | Offers certificates of completion; not accredited by any educational institution | IT professionals looking to improve their skills |
| Skillshare | Subscription ($15/month), free courses | Design, photography, film and video, music, writing, and more | Class Completion Certificate upon finishing a class | Those looking to learn creative or technical skills |
| Udacity | Subscription-based model | Technology and business topics | Offers nano degrees and certificates of completion; some courses offer credit toward degrees. | Students looking for a career change or hoping to advance in tech-related fields. |
| Khan Academy | Free | Math, science, economics, computing, arts, and humanity | Does not offer certificates or degrees | Students and lifelong learners looking for free resources |
| Alison | Free | Business, technology, creative, and personal development | Offers certificates of completion; not accredited by any educational institution | Those looking for free courses on a wide range of topics |
Competitors to LinkedIn Learning
Though LinkedIn Learning reviews are good but some of its courses may lack depth. Its subscription cost can be a barrier for some learners as well. It drives learners to hunt for replacements for LinkedIn Learning. Below we will address them.
A. Coursera
Coursera is a highly acclaimed platform that offers courses on topics ranging from technology and business to humanities, arts, and social science.
The platform partners with top institutions and universities and offers top-quality course content. Expert instructors from around the world take lessons.
Courses on Coursera are mostly self-paced and feature quizzes, video lectures, and assignments. Many classes provide a certificate upon completion. Some even offer a chance to earn a college degree or credit.
Courses also provide specializations, comprising a series of lessons focused on a particular skill or topic and guided projects that include hands-on experience in a particular field.
Some reasons why Coursera is one of the best LinkedIn Learning are:
- You will find various courses on different topics from beginner to advanced levels.
- They partner with top institutions and universities to offer top-quality course content and expert guidance.
- Many classes provide a certificate upon completion, a valuable addition to any portfolio or resume.
- Some lessons give college credit or an opportunity to earn a degree.
Pricing
Coursera tends to be pricier than LinkedIn Learning.
Cons
Even though Coursera has several pros, it might not be the best fit for all learners. Some courses need a high level of prior information or technical expertise. Their peer review system is not 100% fruitful.
In addition, the self-paced nature of the courses might not be suitable for those who cherish a more structured learning environment.
Who shouldn’t choose Coursera:
Coursera might not be the best pick for learners seeking an informal learning experience or creative professional. Further, those seeking classes in the niche or specific subjects might not find what they need on Coursera because the platform focuses predominantly on mainstream topics.
B. edX
edX is similar to LinkedIn Learning and a close second to Coursera. This MOOC offers courses and programs from renowned institutions and universities.
You will find lessons on technology, business, arts, humanities, social sciences, and more. Renowned instructors from reputed universities take their classes, and sessions may be instructor-led or self-paced.
It is one of the preferred LinkedIn Learning alternatives because it gives learners an opportunity to bag certificates from prestigious universities and institutions, some of which may be employed towards credit in degree programs.
Further, edX is committed to accessibility. Hence, you can find many free courses for learners on a budget.
Pricing
edX is more expensive than LinkedIn Learning, ranging from $50 to over $3000.
Cons
- It may not be the best option for introductory or casual learners.
- Some edX courses might demand more time commitment than other platforms.
- Some certificates are not recognized by traditional universities, which could impact their value in the job market.
Who shouldn’t choose edX?
- Individuals seeking pocket-friendly courses might want to skip edX, as many of their lessons are pricier.
- Those not interested in pursuing a certification or degree might not find edX worthy because of its focus on credit-bearing courses and programs.
C. Udemy
Udemy is one of the renowned platforms with great reviews. You will find sessions on technology, business, personal development, health and fitness, music, and more.
Industry professionals, subject matter experts, and entrepreneurs with real-world experience take these courses.
One of the reasons why Udemy stands out for people interested in websites like LinkedIn Learning is because of its affordability.
Several courses are available for a one-time fee, which is relatively less expensive than similar courses on the platforms. Further, Udemy has frequent discounts and sales, making it an attractive option for learners seeking affordable classes.
You can find recorded, live and on-demand lectures. Once you complete the courses, you will earn a certificate of completion.
Pricing
Their pricing varies widely depending on the course. In general, it tends to be less expensive than LinkedIn Learning. You pay per course ranging from $11 to $199 and above. A subscription model is also there but not available in all zones.
Cons
- Since anyone can create a course on Udemy, you have no guarantee of quality.
- Educational institutions do not accredit the courses.
- While you will uncover several topics, they may lack the depth you find on other platforms.
Who shouldn’t choose Udemy?
Udemy may not be one of the best alternatives to LinkedIn Learning for those seeking a comprehensive higher education program. Also, if you need accredited degrees or certifications, you can skip Udemy.
D. CBT Nuggets
CBT Nuggets is an online platform specializing in professional development and IT-related topics. The courses help IT professionals better their skills and advance their careers.
The instructors are industry experts who offer different course types, including video-based training, practice exams, and virtual labs.
One of the reasons it is a better site similar to LinkedIn Learning is because it focuses on professional development and IT. The platform has a variety of courses in networking, security, cloud computing, project management, and leadership.
Hence, it is perfect for IT professionals hoping to learn new skills or stay current with the latest technologies.
They have industry experts from their respective fields as their instructors who offer real-world insights, practical examples, and more to simplify complex concepts. You will earn a certification after completing the course. However, CBT Nuggets is not accredited by any educational institution.
CBT Nuggets has video-based training to allow learners to progress at their pace. You will find many practice exams and virtual labs for hands-on experience in a simulated environment.
Pricing
Generally, CBT Nuggets is pricier than LinkedIn Learning, with monthly plans ranging from $84 to $777 per year, depending on the subscription length.
Cons
- They focus more on technical and IT skills, so learners from other fields won’t find it beneficial.
- Beginners may struggle to keep up.
- Pricing is somewhat steep.
Who shouldn’t choose CBT Nuggets?
Learners seeking a vast variety of topics or a structured learning experience can give them a pass.
E. Skillshare
Skillshare is a well received online learning community with design, photography, writing, and entrepreneurship, music, cooking, business classes.
Experts and professionals in their respective fields take the lectures, and learners can access them via a monthly or annual subscription. The courses are usually shorter than the ones on other platforms.
So, learners looking for LinkedIn Learning alternatives that help them acquire new skills will appreciate Skillshare.
It does not have a traditional degree or certification, but you can bag a certificate of completion for every course you take.
You can add this to your portfolio to present your achievements and skills. Skillshare has both on-demand courses and live workshops. You can take the former at any time, whereas live workshops will have specific start and end dates.
Pricing
It is generally less expensive than LinkedIn Learning, with a monthly or annual subscription fee that grants unlimited access to all courses.
Cons
- The course selection is not as extensive as other e-learning platforms.
- Skillshare may have inconsistent course quality.
- It lacks accreditation.
- You have limited interaction with other learners or instructors.
Who shouldn’t choose Skillshare?
Skillshare is not for learners seeking comprehensive and in-depth courses. Further, Skillshare functions on a subscription model. So, learners might have to pay an upfront fee to browse the lectures. It is not apt for those who prefer to learn individual courses.
F. Udacity
Udacity has courses in technology field taught by industry experts. You can opt for self-paced learning or a guided experience through a nano degree program comprising mentorship and project-based learning. The platform is ideal for those hoping to advance their careers in the tech domains.
Pricing
Udacity’s pricing is similar to that of Coursera, with some courses available for free and others requiring a fee. Overall, it tends to be pricier than LinkedIn Learning.
Cons
- They have limited topics basically focussed on tech, AI, machine learning, etc.
- The cost is higher than many websites like LinkedIn Learning.
Who shouldn’t choose Udacity?
Udacity is a no for creative professionals and hobbyists or anyone looking for subjects out of the tech zone.
G. Khan Academy
It is a non-profit educational platform with several free resources and courses on different subjects. They have instructional videos, interactive exercises, and personalized learning tools. Their instructors are subject matter experts who offer self-paced classes.
You do not get any certification, but it can be similar to LinkedIn Learning website to better your knowledge on different topics.
Pricing
Khan Academy is completely free of charge, making it an excellent option for those who want to learn without spending any money.
Cons
- It is not the best fit for students seeking specialized or advanced learning opportunities.
- Courses are not accredited or certified.
Who shouldn’t choose Khan Academy?
- Students hoping to acquire advanced or specialized learning in a particular field may not like Khan Academy.
H. Alison
Alison is an online learning platform. You can find free online and diploma courses in business, technology, health, and more. They have self-paced classes with assessments.
Some of their sessions offer certifications upon completion. Their instructors are industry professionals and experts in their respective fields.
Pricing
Alison is a free platform. So, it wins over LinkedIn Learning in this aspect.
Cons
- The Alison courses online may not be as comprehensive as those on other LinkedIn Learning alternatives.
- You get no official recognition or accreditation of completion.
- The platform is not as user-friendly or visually appealing as other e-learning platforms.
Who shouldn’t choose Alison?
- It will not be ideal for those seeking an interactive and structured learning experience, as courses lack interactive elements.
- You cannot find advanced or specialized learnings on Alison.
Some Other Competitors To LinkedIn Learning
Beyond the eight platforms listed above, you can find a few other alternatives too. Let us quickly address them below:
1. FutherLearn: It has an extensive selection of business, tech, health, and more courses. Most of their courses are free, but some will need payment to access full content and certification.
At FutureLearn, you will have self-paced learning and scheduled sessions from leading university professors and industry experts.
2. DataCamp: It is another one of the alternatives to LinkedIn Learning, where you can find courses on Python, SQL, and machine learning. DataCamp has monthly and yearly subscription plans.
You can access them anytime, anywhere, and bag a course completion certificate. The platform has an interactive learning environment with coding challenges and projects.
3. Pluralsight: It has software development, IT operations, and cybersecurity courses available on monthly and annual subscription plans.
It is taught by experienced professionals. Pluralsight also offers a certificate on completion and interactive learning tools such as coding challenges and virtual labs.
4. Treehouse: It specializes in tech studies, including web development, coding, and design. You will find a monthly subscription plan with access to over 300 courses and over 260 projects. You can get the course completion certificate.
5. Simplilearn: It has self-paced and live instructor-led business, tech, and marketing lectures. You can get the course completion certificate. Pricing is variable and depends on the class, but you will get a job guarantee for some programs.
Who Should Choose LinkedIn Learning, and Who Shouldn’t?
LinkedIn Learning courses are meant for:
- Those looking to improve their skills and knowledge in various areas, from business and technology to creative fields
- Professionals seeking career development and growth opportunities
- Businesses or entities looking to provide their employees with quality training and development resources.
- Those who prefer a subscription-based model for learning, with access to unlimited courses for a fixed monthly fee
- Individuals who appreciate the ability to learn at their own pace, with the flexibility to stop and start courses at any time
Who should not choose LinkedIn Learning?
- Those who prefer live instructor-led courses with set schedules and timelines
- Individuals seeking in-depth and comprehensive training in a specific area, as LinkedIn Learning courses tend to be more introductory or broad in nature
- Those not comfortable with online learning prefer in-person training or traditional classroom settings.
- Individuals on a tight budget because LinkedIn Learning pricing can be higher compared to other online learning platforms
LinkedIn Learning information and FAQs
A. Who is the biggest competitor of LinkedIn?
Coursera is one of the biggest competitors to LinkedIn Learning in the e-learning industry. It has a similar range of courses and certifications. Other equally relevant competitors include edX and Udemy.
B. Is LinkedIn Learning as good as Coursera?
Both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera have pros and cons, and the choice primarily depends on your preferences.
Coursera primarily focuses on traditional academic degrees and lectures with a vaster selection of university-level courses.
On the contrary, LinkedIn Learning is more focused on professional development and career-oriented skills. They have many shorter, video-based courses taught by industry experts.
Hence, if you need a vaster selection of academic degrees and courses, Coursera might be a better fit, but if you hope to build practical skills for your career, LinkedIn Learning may be more suitable.
C. Which is best, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning?
Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some factors to consider while choosing LinkedIn Learning alternatives when Udemy is your preferred choice:
1. Course selection: Both have a variety of courses, but Udemy has more offerings, and LinkedIn’s classes are more focused on professional skills and career development.
2. Instructor quality: You will learn with industry experts on both platforms, but LinkedIn Learning has a more rigorous vetting process for its instructors.
3. Course quality: Both have good quality sessions, but LinkedIn Learning’s classes have higher production values and are more polished.
4. Pricing: You will find Udemy lessons cheaper than LinkedIn, but LinkedIn’s subscription model can be cost-effective for those who take a lot of courses.
D. What’s better, LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare?
Overall Skillshare is a close second to LinkedIn Learning. LinkedIn has a vaster selection of business and technology courses. However, Skillshare focuses more on creative skills, such as graphic design, photography, and illustration.
Both have experienced trainers, but LinkedIn Learning has well-known industry experts. LinkedIn courses are on-demand, and you can take them anytime, anywhere, whereas Skillshare classes are project-based, with assignments you must finish within a timeframe.
