The Best Coursera Alternatives for Online Learning

Coursera is a popular platform for e-learning, which is great for both people with and without degree programs.

This service allows customers to create educational courses.

These courses can then be sold to make a profit.

If you are searching for some alternatives to Coursera, you’ve come to the right place!

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best Coursera alternatives, including their advantages and disadvantages.

So without further ado, let’s dive into some of the platforms that can be used instead of Coursera!

Coursera Alternatives You’ll Love

As a course creation and e-learning platform, there are tons of different alternatives to Coursera.

They offer similar features and services but tend to have a different focus.

For instance, they tend to cover different topics.

Here are the best substitutes for Coursera:

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn is a popular social networking site that has a digital learning platform, which is called LinkedIn Learning.

Originally known as Lynda.com, this platform was taken over by LinkedIn in 2015.

This alternative to Coursera has a more limited focus than some of the other platforms on this list.

LinkedIn Learning is focused on business and technology. (Check out our detailed article ‘Coursera Vs Linkedin Learning‘)

There is also a section dedicated to creative topics, though this tends to be smaller than the business and technology sections. 

Among the most popular courses on LinkedIn Learning are the ones that cover subjects like data analysis, data science, computer skills, and time management.

So if you believe that these topics could be valuable to you, it may be worth signing up for LinkedIn Learning. 

There are more than 20,000 courses on LinkedIn Learning.

This number is continuously growing, as courses are added to the platform constantly.

This platform is particularly great if you’re a LinkedIn user, as any certifications that you warm will automatically appear on your profile.

Pros Of LinkedIn Learning

• LinkedIn Learning is ideal for people interested in technology and business courses.
• You can pick up skills related to the world of industry and employment. Consequently, you will learn very practical skills. 
• There’s a solid connection between LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning. 
• Students can earn certificates when they complete a course.
• High-quality lessons that are taught by knowledgeable teachers.
• Quizzes and learning exercises are a part of many of these online courses.

Cons Of LinkedIn Learning

• The content is more limited than its e-learning rivals. As mentioned, it primarily focuses on technology and business. 
• The pricing model could have more versatile options.
• Not many advanced courses. Instead, the courses are more aimed at beginners.

Udemy

Up next, Udemy is another commonly used alternative to Coursera.

Udemy is used by more than 50 million people across the world.

The digital learning platform is home to more than 210,000 courses. 

Like other platforms, Udemy houses courses that cover an assortment of different topics.

Yet, it’s worth considering that many of these courses are related to employment. (Check out our detailed article ‘Which Is Better Udemy Or Coursera?‘)

As a consequence, Udemy covers work-related topics like finance, business, marketing, and personal development.

However, there are other subjects found on this platform, including design, photography, and music.

So whether you are looking for a professional or personal development course, Udemy will likely cover it.

It’s something of a Swiss army knife, as it’s a good general e-learning site that’s suitable for most people.

This includes students and teachers alike.

On the other hand, one could make the case that Udemy is best suited for people who are looking to grow from a professional perspective.

Pros Of Udemy

• Some of the courses on Udemy are incredibly cheap. There’s even a plethora of free classes on Udemy. 
• Udemy’s content is extensive. It covers a wide range of subjects, so you’re sure to find something suitable for you!
• When you buy a course, you will gain access to it forever. 
• Many of the instructors are well-informed and passionate about the content.
• There are regular sales and discounts applied so you can grab a real bargain.

Cons Of Udemy

• Courses vary in price dramatically. As a result, you can end up spending a lot of money on the online course of your dreams. 
• There aren’t any accredited courses on this platform. 
• Course quality can also differ dramatically. 

Skillshare

The chances are that you’re already familiar with Skillshare.

This is one of the most famous and widely-used online learning platforms on the market.

Founded in 2010, Skillshare is one of the oldest entries on this list.

Though its courses are not accredited, they can nonetheless teach students valuable skills and information. (Check out our detailed article ‘Which Is Better Skillshare or Coursera?’)

There are thousands of courses on this platform.

These massive open online courses cover a broad spectrum of topics. 

Yet, many of them are centered around creative endeavors, such as graphic design, music, creative writing, and photography.

But some courses cover business and technology.

So if you are interested in any of these subjects, Skillshare may be the perfect option. 

The courses on Skillshare can be taught by anyone, which means that their quality varies drastically.

The good news is that many of the course creators are leaders in their industry, meaning that customers can receive invaluable advice. 

One of the benefits of this e-learning platform is that you may take classes whenever you fancy.

As a result, it’s super simple to organize them around your schedule.