Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning 2023: Who Is The Best Giant Platform?

In the ever-evolving world of online education, the quest for acquiring new skills and knowledge has become more accessible than ever.

With tons of learning platforms available, two prominent contenders, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, emerge as two powerful options.

But, which platform is better, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning?

Whether you’re seeking to explore personal interests or aiming to boost your professional growth, this comprehensive comparison will provide insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and unique features of both platforms.

My Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning review is full and in-depth, but if you’re in a rush the headlines are:

Udemy

Udemy offers a diverse catalog of 210,000+ courses, accessible through a pay-per-course model. Its mobile app provides flexible, offline learning, catering to a wide range of interests and learning styles. While course quality can vary due to its open platform, Udemy’s affordability and accessibility make it an engaging platform for personal growth.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning focuses on curated, industry-expert-led courses, with a subscription model granting unlimited access. Integrating with LinkedIn profiles, it elevates career prospects by showcasing certificates. The mobile app, now with offline access, empowers professionals to enhance skills anytime, anywhere. LinkedIn Learning is a dynamic platform for those committed to career advancement and skill refinement.

Let’s get started on this Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning comprising journey.

Udemy and LinkedIn Learning in a Nutshell

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s first take a look at what these platforms are about.

About Udemy

Udemy is a prominent online learning platform that offers a diverse collection of courses catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels.

With a vast library covering topics from technical skills to creative pursuits, Udemy’s community of instructors brings real-world expertise to courses, enriching the learning experience.

The user-friendly interface and lifetime access to enrolled courses make learning convenient, while the mobile app and offline access feature provide flexibility.

Udemy’s affordability and frequent discounts democratize education, making high-quality courses accessible to a global audience. Whether you’re pursuing career growth or personal interests, Udemy provides an avenue to unlock your potential and acquire new skills.

About LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning, a leading online education platform, offers a unique approach to learning by integrating seamlessly with your professional journey.

Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning provides an array of courses taught by industry experts, focusing on business, technology, and creative skills. With a focus on enhancing career prospects, courses on LinkedIn Learning are designed to align with current industry trends.

Leveraging its connection to the LinkedIn network, the platform offers valuable networking opportunities and the potential to showcase newly acquired skills to employers.

LinkedIn Learning serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to upskill, reskill, and stay ahead in today’s competitive job market.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Courses

When comparing Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, it’s essential to understand the nuances of their course offerings. Both platforms host an extensive collection of courses, but their focus and approach differ, catering to distinct learning needs.

My top tips for finding the best Courses

1. Define Your Learning Goals: Begin by clarifying your objectives. Are you looking to acquire a specific skill for your job or broaden your knowledge? Identifying your learning goals will help you narrow down the courses that align with your needs.

2. Read Course Descriptions and Reviews: Take time to read course descriptions and reviews from fellow learners. These insights provide valuable information about the course content, instructor style, and overall quality.

3. Check Instructor Credentials: Look into the credentials and expertise of the instructors. On LinkedIn Learning, many instructors are industry experts, while Udemy offers a diverse range of instructors. Choose instructors with relevant experience in the field you’re interested in.

4. Preview Course Content: Some courses offer free previews of their content. Take advantage of these previews to gauge the instructor’s teaching style, the course structure, and whether it aligns with your learning preferences.

5. Consider Course Ratings and Popularity: Both platforms typically provide course ratings and popularity metrics. Courses with higher ratings and a significant number of enrollments tend to be well-received by learners.

6. Explore Course Outlines: Look for courses with comprehensive outlines. A detailed outline gives you a clear understanding of what topics the course covers and whether they match your learning needs.

7. Focus on Practical Application: Prioritize courses that offer practical application and hands-on projects. Practical learning experiences help you apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

8. Check for Additional Resources: Some courses come with supplementary materials like quizzes, assignments, and downloadable resources. These extras can enhance your learning experience.

9. Take Advantage of Recommendations: Both platforms provide personalized course recommendations based on your interests and learning history. Explore these suggestions to discover courses you might not have considered.

10. Consider Course Format and Duration: Different courses may have varying formats—video lectures, interactive assignments, quizzes, etc. Also, consider the course duration and whether it fits your schedule.

Udemy Courses

Udemy is known for its vast course library covering an expansive range of topics, from technical skills to personal development and hobbies. With over 155,000 courses, Udemy’s diverse catalog ensures you’ll find something aligned with your interests. 

Courses are often created by independent instructors, allowing for a broad array of teaching styles and perspectives. This variety can be advantageous, as it allows you to choose courses that resonate with your learning preferences. 

Additionally, Udemy’s pricing model typically involves one-time purchases, granting lifetime access to enrolled courses.

Best Udemy Courses

Here is a list with the best Udemy courses from my best Udemy courses article.

• Best course for Web Development: The Complete 2023 Web Development Bootcamp
• Best course for Data Science: Machine Learning A-Z™: AI, Python & R + ChatGPT Bonus [2023]
• Best course for Business and Entrepreneurship: An Entire MBA in 1 Course: Award-Winning Business School Prof
• Best course for Digital Marketing: Digital Marketing Masterclass – 23 Marketing Courses in 1
• Best course for Graphic Design: Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn GREAT Design
• Best course for Photography: Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography
• Best course for Language Learning: Spanish for Beginners. The Complete Spanish Course. LEVEL 1.
• Best course for Personal Development: Professional Life Coach Certification & Guide (Accredited)
• Best course for Music and Audio Production: Pianoforall – Incredible New Way To Learn Piano & Keyboard
• Best course for Health and Fitness: The Complete Fitness & Health Masterclass – 21 Courses in 1

LinkedIn Learning Courses

LinkedIn Learning takes a more targeted approach by offering courses that emphasize professional development, business skills, and technology-related topics. 

Courses are carefully curated and taught by industry experts, ensuring the content remains relevant and aligned with current trends. 

The platform excels in providing courses that empower individuals to upskill and enhance their careers. 

One significant benefit is the integration with LinkedIn, enabling you to add completed courses to your profile, showcasing your continuous learning to potential employers and connections. 

LinkedIn Learning’s subscription model provides unlimited access to its course library, making it suitable for those who seek ongoing skill development.

Best LinkedIn Learning Courses

• “Become a Project Manager” by Bonnie Biafore: A comprehensive project management course covering essential skills for successful project management.
• “Excel Essential Training” by Dennis Taylor: Improve your Excel skills and data management efficiency.
• “Programming Foundations: Fundamentals” by Annyce Davis: Learn fundamental programming concepts for beginners.
• “Digital Marketing Foundations” by Brad Batesole: Explore digital marketing strategies, including social media and online advertising.
• “Data Science Foundations: Data Mining” by Barton Poulson: Delve into data mining techniques to extract insights from data.
• “Learning Python” by Joe Marini: Introduction to Python programming language for beginners.
• “Photography Foundations: Exposure” by Ben Long: Master exposure in photography and understand the impact of light and settings.
• “Leadership Foundations” by Dr. Shirley Davis: Develop leadership skills including communication and team dynamics.
• “Graphic Design Foundations” by Sean Adams: Learn graphic design principles and tools for creating visually appealing designs.
• “Learning Full-Stack JavaScript Development: MongoDB, Node.js, and React” by Samer Buna: Create dynamic web applications using MongoDB, Node.js, and React.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Teachers and Course Quality

When it comes to online learning platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, the quality of instructors and course content plays a crucial role in your learning experience. 

Let’s take a closer look at how these platforms handle instructors and ensure course quality.

Udemy Teachers and Quality

Udemy embraces a diverse range of instructors, allowing practically anyone to create and offer courses. This inclusivity brings forth a wide spectrum of expertise and teaching styles. 

While this openness allows for unique insights, it also means course quality can vary significantly. To counter this, Udemy provides course ratings and reviews by learners, helping you gauge the course’s value and the instructor’s effectiveness.

LinkedIn Learning Teachers and Quality

LinkedIn Learning takes a more curated approach. Courses are often led by recognized industry experts, practitioners, and educators with proven track records. 

This emphasis on quality ensures that course content remains relevant and up-to-date, aligning with industry trends. The platform maintains a reputation for consistently high course standards.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Features

Let’s see what features Udemy and LinkedIn Learning have to offer.

Udemy Features

Udemy prides itself on its user-friendly interface and accessibility. Key features include:

• With over 210,000 courses, Udemy covers an extensive array of topics, allowing you to explore various interests.
• Once you enroll in a course, you’ll get lifetime access, enabling you to learn at your own pace.
• Udemy’s open platform means a wide range of instructors with diverse teaching styles and perspectives.
• Transparent reviews and ratings from fellow learners aid in course selection.
• Udemy’s mobile app and offline access allow learning on the go, catering to your schedule.

LinkedIn Learning Features

LinkedIn Learning focuses on professional development and continuous learning. Notable features include:

• 21,000+ Courses led by real industry experts.
• Courses are taught by recognized industry experts, providing practical insights and current knowledge.
• Completed courses can be showcased on your LinkedIn profile, demonstrating your commitment to learning.
• Some courses offer skill assessments to check your progress and competence.
• Structured learning paths guide you through a series of courses to master a particular skill.
• Their subscription model grants unlimited access to the entire course library, encouraging ongoing learning.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Pricing

When considering the right online learning platform for your needs, understanding the pricing models of Udemy and LinkedIn Learning is crucial. 

Let’s explore the pricing structures of both platforms to help you make a well-informed decision.

Udemy Pricing

Udemy mainly operates on a course-by-course pricing model. Each course on Udemy comes with its own price tag, which can vary significantly based on factors like course length, content complexity, and instructor reputation. 

Udemy also frequently offers discounts, promotions, and special deals, making courses more accessible, while still maintaining lifetime access.

Courses on Udemy can vary from $15-$199, depending truly on the instructor’s expertise and recognition on the platform.

Udemy also offers “The Personal Plan” which costs $27.99 / month giving you access to the top 8000 most popular courses on Udemy. 

Udemy Refund Policy

Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all their courses. This leaves you with basically no risk at all.

Plus, Udemy has a 7-day free trial on “The Personal Plan”, which is the subscription model giving you access to the top 8000 Udemy courses.

LinkedIn Learning Pricing

LinkedIn Learning adopts a subscription-based model, giving you access to 100% of LinkedIn Learning courses. 

For a monthly fee of $39.99 or an annual fee of $24.99 / month (billed annually), you gain access to the entire course library, which includes thousands of courses taught by industry experts. 

This subscription model encourages continuous learning and exploration across various topics. Subscribers also benefit from new courses added regularly and can revisit previously completed courses as needed.

LinkedIn Learning Refund Policy

LinkedIn Learning offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its monthly and annual subscription plans. If you’re not satisfied with the service within the first 30 days, you can request a full refund. 

This policy allows you to explore the platform, try out courses, and determine if the content aligns with your expectations. In my opinion, this is really valuable, since you can just try the courses you’d like to take and then cancel your subscription without any costs!

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Pros, Cons, and Best For

When comparing Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning, we’ll have to look at their respective strengths and weaknesses to find the best fit for your learning needs. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each platform, along with identifying the ideal scenarios for their usage.

Udemy Pros

• Diverse course selection covering a wide range of topics and interests.
• Affordable pay-per-course pricing and frequent discounts.
• Flexibility with lifetime access and a mobile app for learning at your pace.
• Varied instructors with diverse teaching styles.

Udemy Cons 

• Quality variation due to the open platform.
• Lack of professional focus for strictly career-oriented content

Udemy Best For

• Learners seeking a diverse range of affordable courses.
• Individuals exploring personal interests and hobbies.
• Those who prefer learning at their own pace and choosing specific courses.
• Students with limited budgets looking for high-quality courses without subscription commitments.

LinkedIn Learning Pros

• Quality assurance with industry-expert-led courses.
• LinkedIn integration to showcase completed courses on your profile.
• Unlimited access through a subscription model.
• Structured learning paths for mastering specific skills.

LinkedIn Learning Cons

• Professional emphasis may not suit hobby-focused learners.

LinkedIn Learning Best For

• Professionals aiming to enhance their career skills and prospects.
• Individuals seeking curated, career-focused courses taught by industry experts.
• Those interested in continuous skill development through a subscription model.
• People looking to showcase completed courses on their LinkedIn profiles to attract employers and connections.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

While Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer valuable learning opportunities, there are alternative online learning platforms that might align better with your preferences and objectives. Let’s take a look at some noteworthy alternatives.

Skillshare

Skillshare focuses on creative skills such as art, design, writing, and more. It thrives on a community of creative professionals who teach and learn from one another. If you’re interested in honing artistic skills or exploring hands-on creativity, Skillshare might be a great fit.

Do you want to know which platform is better, Skillshare or Udemy? Check out my article on Skillshare vs Udemy for more information.

Coursera

Coursera features courses from renowned universities and institutions worldwide. It offers both individual courses and specialization programs. Coursera’s partnership with universities lends credibility to its content, making it suitable for those seeking a formal and structured learning experience.

Check out my full and in-depth article comparing Udemy vs Coursera for more information.

Udacity

Udacity emerges as a specialized alternative to Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, focusing on bridging the gap between traditional education and modern workforce needs. 

With a strong emphasis on technical skills, Udacity is an ideal choice for individuals seeking to explore programming, data science, artificial intelligence, and other tech-related fields. 

The platform’s collaboration with industry experts ensures that courses align with current job demands, while its project-based learning approach immerses learners in hands-on experiences, preparing them for practical challenges they might encounter in their careers.

These are just some of the Udemy and LinkedIn Learning Alternatives. Check out my full article on the best Udemy Alternatives for more information.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Certifications and Recognitions

When it comes to online learning platforms, the certifications and recognitions they offer can significantly impact the value of your acquired skills. 

Let’s explore how Udemy and LinkedIn Learning handle certifications and the recognition of your achievements.

Udemy Certifications

Udemy offers certificates of completion for most courses. These certificates serve as proof that you’ve successfully finished a course. However, it’s important to note that Udemy certificates might not always carry the same weight as those from accredited institutions. 

They can be valuable for showcasing your commitment to learning on platforms like LinkedIn, but they might not hold the same formal recognition as degrees or professional certifications.

LinkedIn Learning Certifications

LinkedIn Learning provides certificates of completion for all its courses. These certificates can be displayed directly on your LinkedIn profile, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers, clients, and connections. 

The connection to your professional profile enhances the credibility of the certifications and increases their visibility within your network.

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning Mobile App and Offline Access

The convenience of mobile apps and offline access is a crucial consideration when evaluating online learning platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning. 

Let’s explore how these platforms enable learning on the go and offer offline access to their content.

Udemy Mobile App

Udemy offers a user-friendly mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to access your enrolled courses anytime, anywhere. 

With offline access functionality, you can download course materials, videos, and resources while connected to the internet and then continue learning even when offline. This feature is particularly beneficial for learners who want to utilize their commuting time or travel downtime for productive learning.

LinkedIn Learning Mobile App

LinkedIn Learning also offers a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. The app provides easy access to the platform’s course library. 

Moreover, the app now offers offline access, allowing you to download course content while online and continue your learning journey offline. This feature enhances flexibility and productivity, enabling learning during commutes or in areas with limited connectivity. 

Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning My Personal Experience

Having explored both Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, I’d like to share my personal experience with these platforms to help you gain insights into what they offer and how they can benefit your learning journey.

My Experience with Udemy

Udemy’s diverse course selection is impressive, covering a wide array of topics. I found the pay-per-course model convenient, allowing me to choose courses that aligned with my interests. 

The affordability and frequent discounts made it easy to explore various subjects without breaking the bank. The mobile app and offline access were valuable features that let me continue learning even during my daily life. 

However, I did notice some variability in course quality due to the open platform, and I had to rely heavily on reviews and ratings to make informed choices.

My Experience with LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning’s focus on professional development and industry experts resonated with me as a professional looking to enhance my career skills. 

The integration with LinkedIn allowed me to showcase my completed courses on my professional profile, enhancing my online presence. 

The subscription model provided unlimited access to a wealth of courses, making it an ideal choice for continuous learning. Comparing this to buying a single course on Udemy, where it is way easier to make a bad course choice and lose your money, I think the subscription model is my way to go. 

If you want a subscription-based platform but don’t like LinkedIn Learning, you can check out Skillshare in my Skillshare vs Udemy article. 

I appreciated the certificates of completion that could be shared directly on my LinkedIn profile, reinforcing my skills and knowledge to potential employers and connections.

So, which platform is the Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning winner? Udemy or LinkedIn Learning? Well, to answer this question you have to keep some things in mind. Your choice between Udemy and LinkedIn Learning should align with your learning objectives and preferences:

If you’re seeking a broad range of affordable courses and enjoy exploring various subjects, Udemy might be your go-to. 

On the other hand, if you’re focused on career growth, professional recognition, and continuous skill development, LinkedIn Learning could be the better fit.

But, for me personally, when comparing Udemy vs LinkedIn Learning, Udemy comes out on top. Although I like a subscription-based model so you can try out lots of courses, I think if you buy Udemy courses in their frequent sales, you’ll save some money and get great quality in return.

Wrap Up 

In the world of online learning, the choice between Udemy and LinkedIn Learning hinges on your specific goals and preferences. 

While Udemy offers a vast array of courses for diverse interests and budgets, LinkedIn Learning stands out as a hub for curated professional content and career-oriented skill enhancement. 

Whether you’re looking to dabble in a new hobby or chart a path to professional excellence, evaluating the features, pros, and cons of both platforms will empower you to embark on a fulfilling learning journey that aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which platform offers a wider variety of courses? 

Udemy boasts an extensive library with over 210,000 courses spanning diverse subjects, making it a go-to for those seeking a wide range of topics. LinkedIn Learning, while focused on professional development, offers a curated collection of 21,000+ courses taught by industry experts.

2. Are the certificates from Udemy and LinkedIn Learning recognized by employers? 

Udemy’s certificates of completion are recognized as proof of course completion, but they don’t carry the same formal recognition as degrees or professional certifications. LinkedIn Learning’s certificates, displayed on your LinkedIn profile, can be valuable for demonstrating skills to potential employers and connections within a professional context.

3. Which platform is more suitable for professionals seeking career growth? 

LinkedIn Learning is tailored for professionals looking to enhance their career skills and prospects. Its industry-expert-led courses and integration with LinkedIn profiles make it an ideal choice for those seeking career-focused content.

4. Can I access courses offline on both platforms?

Both Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer offline access through their mobile apps, allowing you to download course materials and learn even without an internet connection. 

5. How does pricing differ between the two platforms?

Udemy operates on a pay-per-course model, offering individual course purchases with frequent discounts. In contrast, LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription model, granting unlimited access to its entire course library for a monthly or annual fee.

6. Which platform is best for skill enhancement and continuous learning?

LinkedIn Learning’s subscription model and emphasis on professional development make it an excellent choice for continuous learning and skill enhancement because you can try all courses without having to make an investment with every course you try.