Choosing between Udemy and Skillshare depends on your learning goals and preferences. I’ve used both platforms, and here’s what I’ve noticed.
Udemy is perfect if you want to learn at your own pace and own the courses forever. You pay per course, so you only buy what you need. Plus, Udemy covers everything—from coding and business to photography and personal development. The course quality can vary, but reviews and ratings make it easy to pick the best ones.
Skillshare, on the other hand, is subscription-based. You pay a monthly or annual fee for unlimited access to all courses. It’s great for creative learners, with classes in design, illustration, writing, and entrepreneurship. The courses are often shorter and project-based, which keeps learning practical and engaging.
So, which is better? If you prefer lifetime access and a broader range of topics, Udemy wins. But for affordable, creative learning with unlimited classes, Skillshare shines.
Let’s dive deeper to help you decide!
Udemy
Udemy is a global online learning platform offering courses across diverse fields like technology, business, design, and personal development.
It connects learners with expert instructors through an extensive library of on-demand video courses. Designed for flexibility, Udemy allows users to learn at their own pace, anytime, and anywhere.
Its offerings range from beginner to advanced levels, catering to professionals seeking career advancement, students supplementing their education, or individuals pursuing hobbies. Instructors can monetize their expertise by creating and selling courses.
With affordable pricing, frequent discounts, and a community-driven approach, Udemy democratizes education and empowers individuals worldwide to acquire new skills.
Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform offering thousands of video-based classes on creative and professional skills, including design, photography, writing, marketing, and technology.
Aimed at fostering creativity and growth, it connects learners with industry experts who teach through engaging tutorials and projects.
The platform operates on a subscription model, providing unlimited access to its library. Classes cater to beginners and advanced learners, emphasizing practical skills and hands-on learning.
Community interaction, such as class discussions and peer feedback, enhances the experience. Ideal for lifelong learners, freelancers, and professionals, Skillshare encourages creative exploration and personal development in a flexible, self-paced environment.
Features Comparison: Udemy vs Skillshare
Here’s a detailed comparison of Udemy and Skillshare based on their features, presented in a table format:
| Feature | Udemy | Skillshare |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-course model; one-time payment gives lifetime access. | Subscription model; monthly or yearly fee for unlimited access to all classes. |
| Course Library | Over 200,000 courses covering diverse topics (business, tech, design, etc.). | Thousands of classes, primarily focused on creative and artistic skills (design, writing, etc.). |
| Access to Content | Lifetime access to purchased courses. | Access ends if subscription lapses. |
| Course Quality | Varies significantly; user reviews and ratings help identify quality courses. | Generally high-quality content due to curated and specialized classes. |
| Target Audience | Broad: Beginners to professionals across industries. | Niche: Creative individuals, hobbyists, and freelancers. |
| Instructors | Diverse instructors, including professionals, professors, and subject-matter experts. | Primarily industry practitioners and creatives. |
| Learning Format | Pre-recorded video courses, some with additional resources like quizzes and exercises. | Project-based learning with community feedback opportunities. |
| Certification | Offers certificates of completion for most courses. | No formal certificates; focuses on learning and skill-building. |
| Course Depth | Deep, structured, and comprehensive courses. | Short and concise, focusing on specific skills. |
| Flexibility | Choose and own only the courses you need, saving costs for targeted learning. | Unlimited access allows exploration of multiple topics without added cost. |
| Mobile App | Highly functional, supports offline access to purchased courses. | Offers offline access for subscribers, but only while subscribed. |
| Refund Policy | 30-day money-back guarantee for most courses. | No refunds; only cancellation of future subscription payments. |
| Community Interaction | Limited; discussion boards exist but aren’t always active. | Active community engagement with discussions and peer feedback on projects. |
Why Udemy is Better:
1. Lifetime Access: Udemy’s pay-once model allows lifetime access to purchased courses, offering long-term value compared to Skillshare’s subscription.
2. Diverse Topics: While Skillshare focuses mainly on creative fields, Udemy offers courses in nearly every category, from technical skills to personal development.
3. Course Depth: Udemy provides comprehensive and in-depth courses, making it suitable for learners looking for mastery.
4. Certifications: Udemy offers certificates of completion, adding professional credibility.
5. Refund Policy: Udemy’s 30-day refund policy ensures a risk-free purchase experience.
6. Flexibility: Pay only for the courses you need instead of recurring subscription fees.
For those who want ownership of specific courses and a broader range of subjects, Udemy stands out as the better choice.
Pricing Comparison: Udemy vs Skillshare
Here’s a detailed pricing comparison of Udemy vs. Skillshare, along with reasons why Udemy may be considered better:
Udemy Pricing
1. Pay-Per-Course Model:
- Courses are individually priced, typically ranging from $10 to $30 during sales (frequent discounts).
- Standard pricing for most courses without discounts is between $50 and $200.
- Lifetime Access: Once purchased, you own the course forever, with no recurring fees.
2. Free Courses:
- Offers a selection of free courses in various categories.
3. No Subscription Commitment:
- No monthly or annual payments required unless choosing optional course bundles or Udemy Business.
Skillshare Pricing
killshare is an online learning platform offering a vast array of classes across various disciplines. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its pricing structure:
1. Individual Membership:
- Annual Subscription: Approximately $165 per year, equating to about $13.75 per month when billed annually.
- Monthly Subscription: Previously, Skillshare offered a monthly plan at $32 per month, but this option has been discontinued, leaving only the annual Premium plan.
2. Free Trial:
Skillshare provides a 7-day free trial for new users, granting full access to its extensive library of classes.
3. Team Plans:
Designed for businesses and organizations, this plan costs $159 per user annually, offering unlimited access to all classes, administrative tools, and team-oriented features.
Why Udemy is Better:
1. Lifetime Access: Udemy allows you to pay once and access the course forever, offering long-term value without recurring fees.
2. Frequent Discounts: Udemy regularly offers discounts, allowing users to purchase courses at steep discounts (as low as $10–$15), making it cost-effective compared to Skillshare’s ongoing subscription fees.
3. Pay-Per-Course Flexibility: Udemy’s pay-as-you-go model ensures you only pay for what you need, ideal for those who aren’t interested in a subscription.
4. No Recurring Fees: Skillshare requires continuous payments to retain access, which can become expensive over time. Udemy eliminates this concern with a one-time payment.
5. Targeted Learning: For learners with specific goals, Udemy’s one-time payment structure for individual courses is more cost-efficient than Skillshare’s generalized access.
In summary, Udemy is better for learners looking for affordable, long-term access to specific courses without committing to ongoing subscription fees.
The Final Verdict
In the Udemy vs. Skillshare comparison, Udemy stands out as the better platform due to its flexibility, course variety, and value.
Udemy offers a vast library of courses across diverse subjects, from technical skills to personal development, with a pay-per-course model that includes lifetime access. Skillshare’s subscription model requires continuous payments, limiting long-term access.
Udemy caters to all skill levels, and course previews, user reviews, and frequent discounts ensure quality and affordability. For flexibility, ownership, and a broader learning experience, Udemy is the clear winner.
FAQ’s
Which is more affordable?
Udemy is more affordable with frequent discounts and one-time payments.
Who has broader course topics?
Udemy offers a wider range of topics, from creative skills to professional and technical courses.
Which platform offers certificates?
Udemy provides certificates of completion; Skillshare does not.
Do courses expire on these platforms?
Udemy courses offer lifetime access; Skillshare access ends when the subscription lapses.
Is there a free trial?
Skillshare offers a 7-day free trial; Udemy has free courses but no trial.
