In this post I compare two of the largest websites for online learning. With this Udemy vs Coursera comparison, I have tried to give you a clear picture as to which one is the best for learners. When combined, these two online courses marketplaces cater to around 500 Million learners.
One can join any of these to learn in demand and career building skills. However, the real question is, which one of the two is the biggest in terms of number of students, courses and instructors! I see, vast majority of the learners don’t really know the answer to this question.
Through this detailed post, I have tried two draw a clear image, that will help you decide, whether you want to go ahead and Udemy or Coursera. This comparison comes from someone who has experienced both the platforms personally.
Over the years, I have learned various skills from both websites. Therefore, after some research, I went ahead and put together stats that give the clear picture.
So, before I get into the numbers game, please know this comparison is just to spread the information I find interesting. I personally have used both the platforms and have learned number of skills. Therefore, please do not take this in a negative way. I love Udemy and Coursera both equally, their service towards online education is extraordinary!
Udemy vs Coursera comparison side by side
| Udemy | Coursera |
| Founded in 2010 | Founded in 2012 |
| Has 100 Million+ students on the platform as of July 2024 and is only behind Coursera in terms of number of students learning | With 110 million+ students, Coursera is the number two website in terms of students enrolled in their programs |
| Hosts over 215,000 courses on 1000+ topics | Coursera hosts about 7100 courses, 100+ specializations and 15+ online degrees, Guided Projects and Professional Certificate Programs |
| A 100% online platform. Learn from the comfort of your desired place | Coursera programs are also 100% online. Anyone can take their programs from anywhere. |
| Offers courses in 75+ languages | Offers content in: English, Hindi, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Hebrew, German, Italian |
| 75K+ instructors from 190+ countries with professional experience. Anyone can launch a course on Udemy | Instructors from top business schools, organisations and universities. |
| Udemy courses range from $10 to $200 for the most part. They have also launched Personal Plan that consists of featured courses with minimum 4.4/5 rating. | Courses range from $29-$99, Specializations/certificates $39-$79 per month, Degrees $15-$25,000, Guided projects from $9-$10 |
| Udemy Courses can be bought for lifetime access by paying one time for each course. Recurring fee on in the case of Personal Plan. | Coursera Programs are FREE for Audit and have recurring monthly fee if you need certificate of completion for the course. You can also opt for Coursera Plus monthly or annual. |
| Udemy courses are affordable for anyone as the website runs so many offers and deals throughout the year, the price of the courses often come down by 95% – View this website for udemy coupon and deals | Coursera courses, specializations and degrees may not be affordable for everyone. Though they have a financial aid programs for he deserving, you may want to check that out. Also they offer 14 day free trial for their Cooursera Plus subscription |
This comparison is based on what I have researched in a short span of time. There may be many things many things about both Udemy and Coursera I may have missed, kindly excuse me for that.
Apart from this, both the website offer advanced subscriptions. While Udemy offers Personal Plan & Udemy For Business, Coursera offers Coursera Plus (View here). Both the marketplaces have attained great popularity and have even listed their stocks on the stock exchange.
Udemy and Coursera are the pioneers of online learning space
If I talk about the online learning revolution, two of the websites that always come to my mind are Udemy and Coursera. These two are the websites that revolutionized online learning space!
I know some of you may argue that YouTube has also been the best for online learning. I kind of agree to that, but, if you compare, you will realize, when it comes to organized and well knitted content, YouTube comes up short.
Therefore, with all due respect to all the websites for online learning, I put Udemy and Coursera at top of the ladder!
Final Verdict
If I have to pick one, I would go ahead with Coursera! The reason is very simple, Coursera has collabrations with Top Universities, Colleges and Oganizations, their courses are taught by industry recognized professionals. Therefore the value of Coursera courses an certs is far more as compared to Udemy.
Let me know what you think, I look forward to your comments 🙂