Discover Top LinkedIn Learning Alternatives for Skill Development

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 6 June 2023 12 min read

Are you looking for a LinkedIn Learning alternative to boost your skills? You're in the right place! In this blog, we'll explore some of the best platforms for skill development, compare their offerings, and help you decide which one meets your needs. Let's dive in!

1. Comparing Top LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

There are numerous LinkedIn Learning alternatives out there, each offering unique features and benefits. Here, we'll discuss four popular options: Udemy, Coursera, Daisie, and edX.

Udemy

Udemy is a popular LinkedIn Learning alternative that offers a vast selection of courses in various fields. Some of its key features include:

Wide range of courses: Udemy hosts over 130,000 courses, ensuring you'll find something that interests you.
Pay-per-course model: Unlike subscription-based platforms, you only pay for the courses you want to take.
Lifetime access: Once you purchase a course, you have lifetime access to the content, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Coursera

Coursera is another excellent LinkedIn Learning alternative, known for its partnerships with top universities and institutions. Here's what sets Coursera apart:

University-backed courses: Many Coursera courses are created and taught by professors from renowned universities, ensuring high-quality content.
Specializations and degrees: In addition to individual courses, Coursera offers specializations and even online degrees for a more comprehensive learning experience.
Financial aid: Coursera provides financial aid options for those who cannot afford course fees, making education more accessible.

Daisie

Daisie is a popular choice for those looking to develop creative skills. As a LinkedIn Learning alternative, Daisie offers:

Creative focus: Daisie's course catalog primarily focuses on creative disciplines such as design, photography, and writing.
Project-based learning: Many Daisie courses include hands-on projects, allowing you to apply your newfound skills in real-world situations.
Community interaction: Daisie's platform encourages collaboration and interaction with peers, fostering a supportive learning environment.

edX

edX is another reputable LinkedIn Learning alternative, founded by Harvard and MIT. Some of its standout features include:

Prestigious partnerships: edX partners with top universities and institutions worldwide, ensuring high-quality course content.
MicroMasters programs: edX offers MicroMasters programs, which are a series of graduate-level courses designed to advance your career.
Open-source platform: edX is committed to improving access to education by offering an open-source platform, enabling institutions to create and host their courses.

Now that we've introduced these LinkedIn Learning alternatives, let's explore their cost-benefits, industry-specific skills, community support, and certification opportunities in the sections that follow.

2. Cost-Benefit Analysis of LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

Understanding the cost-benefit analysis of each LinkedIn Learning alternative is crucial for choosing the right platform for your educational needs. In this section, we'll examine the pricing structure, course quality, and time investment required for these platforms, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Pricing Structure

Each LinkedIn Learning alternative has its pricing model, which can affect your overall learning experience. Let's break down the main differences:

Udemy: Udemy operates on a pay-per-course system, which means you only pay for the specific courses you want to take. The prices vary, but you can often find discounts, making it an affordable option for many learners.
Coursera: Coursera offers both individual courses and subscription-based programs. While some courses are free, others require payment or a subscription to access. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Daisie: Daisie uses an affordable subscription model, giving you access to all courses within their catalog for a fixed monthly fee. This can be a cost-effective choice if you plan on taking multiple courses.
edX: edX offers a mix of free and paid courses, with the option to pay for a verified certificate. Their MicroMasters programs and professional education courses come at an additional cost, but the investment can pay off in terms of career advancement.

When choosing a LinkedIn Learning alternative, consider your budget and the number of courses you want to take to determine the best pricing structure for you.

Course Quality

The quality of the courses offered by each LinkedIn Learning alternative varies, and it's essential to consider this when making your decision. Here's a quick comparison:

Udemy: While Udemy has a vast selection of courses, the quality can vary since anyone can create and publish a course on their platform. Be sure to read reviews and watch course previews before purchasing.
Coursera: Coursera's courses are often backed by top universities and institutions, ensuring a high level of quality and credibility. You can expect a more structured learning experience with assignments, quizzes, and peer-reviewed projects.
Daisie: Daisie focuses on creative disciplines, and the quality of courses is generally high. However, as with Udemy, be mindful of reviews and course previews to gauge course quality.
edX: edX partners with prestigious universities and institutions, so you can expect top-notch course content. Additionally, their MicroMasters programs offer in-depth learning experiences that can help advance your career.

Remember, the course quality directly impacts your learning experience, so choose a LinkedIn Learning alternative that meets your expectations.

Time Investment

Time is valuable, and understanding the time investment required for each LinkedIn Learning alternative can help you make the best choice. Let's look at each platform:

Udemy: Udemy courses tend to be shorter and more focused, allowing you to quickly learn specific skills. With lifetime access to purchased courses, you can learn at your own pace.
Coursera: Coursera courses often require more time commitment, as they include assignments, quizzes, and peer-reviewed projects. However, this structure can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Daisie: Daisie courses are typically short and project-based, so you can learn new skills quickly and apply them in real-world situations.
edX: edX courses vary in length, with some being self-paced and others following a specific schedule. Their MicroMasters programs require a more significant time commitment, but the payoff can be worth it.

Consider your available time and learning style when choosing a LinkedIn Learning alternative, ensuring you can effectively balance your education with other life commitments.

3. Industry-Specific Skills Offered by LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

Now that you've got a grasp on the cost-benefit analysis of these platforms, it's time to explore the industry-specific skills they offer. In this section, we'll delve into the tech, business, and creative skills provided by these LinkedIn Learning alternatives. Knowing what each platform specializes in will help you find the perfect match for your learning goals.

Tech Skills

When it comes to tech skills, each LinkedIn Learning alternative has something unique to offer:

Udemy: Udemy has a broad selection of tech courses, ranging from web development and programming languages to data science and machine learning. With a wide variety of topics and instructors, you're sure to find the right fit for your tech learning needs.
Coursera: Coursera excels in providing tech courses backed by renowned universities and institutions. You can expect to find in-depth courses on subjects like computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Plus, the structured learning experience ensures you gain a solid understanding of the material.
Daisie: While Daisie is primarily focused on creative skills, they also offer some tech courses, such as web design and coding basics. If you're looking for a more casual approach to tech learning, Daisie might be a good option.
edX: Similar to Coursera, edX partners with top institutions to offer high-quality tech courses. Their MicroMasters programs in fields like data science and robotics can help you advance your career and gain specialized knowledge.

So, which LinkedIn Learning alternative is right for your tech skills journey? That depends on your preferences, learning style, and the depth of knowledge you're seeking.

Business Skills

Developing your business skills is essential for professional growth, and each LinkedIn Learning alternative can help you in different ways:

Udemy: Udemy offers a wide range of business courses, covering topics like marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, and more. Many of these courses are taught by industry professionals, giving you real-world insights and practical knowledge.
Coursera: Coursera's business courses are often created in partnership with top business schools, providing a more academic approach to learning. You can find courses on subjects like finance, management, and leadership, as well as more specialized topics such as digital marketing and business analytics.
Daisie: Daisie's business offerings focus primarily on creative entrepreneurship and marketing skills. You can find courses on social media marketing, branding, and building an online presence to help you grow your business or personal brand.
edX: edX's business courses and MicroMasters programs are developed in collaboration with leading institutions, ensuring a strong foundation in core business concepts. You can explore areas like supply chain management, corporate finance, and innovation to boost your career prospects.

When choosing a LinkedIn Learning alternative for business skills, consider the type of learning experience you're after and the specific topics you want to explore.

Creative Skills

Looking to unleash your creativity? Let's see what each LinkedIn Learning alternative has in store for you:

Udemy: Udemy has a diverse selection of creative courses, including topics like graphic design, photography, and music production. With a wide range of instructors and topics, you can find courses tailored to your creative interests.
Coursera: While Coursera is more focused on academic and professional subjects, they do offer some creative courses in areas like art, design, and music. These courses often include a more structured learning experience with assignments and peer-reviewed projects.
Daisie: Daisie is a go-to platform for creative learning, with a vast catalog of courses on topics like illustration, writing, animation, and more. Their project-based approach allows you to learn by doing, applying new skills to real-world scenarios.
edX: edX has a limited selection of creative courses, but you can find offerings in areas like architecture, design thinking, and digital media. If you're looking for a more academic approach to creative learning, edX might be the right choice for you.

When it comes to creative skills, consider the specific disciplines you want to explore, and choose a LinkedIn Learning alternative that aligns with your interests and learning style.

4. Community and Support in LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

Now that we've covered the industry-specific skills each platform offers, let's discuss another important aspect of the learning experience: community and support. Having access to a network of peers and instructors can make a significant difference in your learning journey. In this section, we'll explore the forums, peer feedback, and instructor support provided by each LinkedIn Learning alternative.

Forums and Discussion Boards

Engaging with fellow learners and exchanging ideas can deepen your understanding and make the learning experience more enjoyable. Here's how each LinkedIn Learning alternative approaches forums and discussion boards:

Udemy: Udemy features a Q&A section for each course, where students can ask questions and discuss course-related topics. It's a great way to clarify doubts and learn from others' experiences, but the level of engagement varies depending on the course and instructor.
Coursera: Coursera offers well-organized discussion forums where learners can engage with each other and course staff. These forums often foster lively debates, and you might even see instructors jumping in to provide guidance and insights.
Daisie: Daisie encourages community interaction through project galleries and class-specific discussion boards. You can share your work, provide feedback, and ask questions — all in a supportive environment.
edX: edX includes discussion boards within each course, allowing for easy communication with peers and course staff. The platform also encourages collaboration through group projects and team-based assignments.

When choosing a LinkedIn Learning alternative, consider the level of interaction and support you desire from your fellow learners and the platform's community.

Peer Feedback and Collaboration

Receiving feedback from your peers can be invaluable for improving your skills and learning from different perspectives. Let's see how each LinkedIn Learning alternative encourages peer feedback and collaboration:

Udemy: While Udemy doesn't have a formal peer review system, students can still interact with one another through the Q&A section and provide feedback on each other's questions or projects.
Coursera: Coursera incorporates peer assessments into many of their courses, requiring students to review and provide feedback on each other's work. This collaborative approach not only helps you learn from others but also improves your critical evaluation skills.
Daisie: Daisie's project-based approach encourages students to share their work in project galleries, where classmates can provide feedback and suggestions. It's a great way to learn from one another and build a supportive network of like-minded learners.
edX: While peer feedback is not as structured as in Coursera, edX still offers opportunities for collaboration through group projects and team-based assignments. You can also engage with peers in the course discussion boards to share insights and feedback.

As you explore LinkedIn Learning alternatives, consider how important peer feedback and collaboration are to your learning experience and choose a platform that aligns with your preferences.

Instructor Support

Having access to knowledgeable instructors can significantly enhance your learning experience. Here's what you can expect from each LinkedIn Learning alternative in terms of instructor support:

Udemy: Instructor involvement varies widely on Udemy, as some are very active in the Q&A section, while others may not be as responsive. Be sure to read course reviews to get a sense of the instructor's level of engagement and support.
Coursera: Coursera's courses often include support from course staff, who can answer questions and provide guidance in the discussion forums. Some courses even feature live video sessions where learners can interact directly with instructors.
Daisie: Daisie instructors typically provide feedback on student projects and engage with learners in class discussion boards. However, the level of support may vary depending on the instructor's availability and course popularity.
edX: edX instructors and course staff often participate in the discussion boards, answering questions and providing additional resources. While direct interaction with instructors may be less frequent than on Coursera, you can still expect a high level of support.

As you search for the perfect LinkedIn Learning alternative, keep in mind the level of instructor support you desire and choose a platform that meets your needs.

5. Certifications and Credentials from LinkedIn Learning Alternatives

As we've explored the community and support aspects of each platform, it's time to dive into another key factor that can influence your decision when choosing a LinkedIn Learning alternative: certifications and credentials. The value of the certificates you receive upon completing a course can play a crucial role in advancing your career. In this section, we'll discuss the recognized certificates, micro-credentials, and career advancement opportunities offered by each LinkedIn Learning alternative.

Recognized Certificates

Certificates from reputable platforms can help you showcase your skills and stand out in the job market. Here's what each LinkedIn Learning alternative offers in terms of recognized certificates:

Udemy: Udemy provides a completion certificate for each course you finish. However, keep in mind that these certificates are not widely recognized by employers, as Udemy courses can be created by anyone without strict quality control.
Coursera: Coursera partners with top universities and institutions, so their certificates carry more weight. Many of their courses offer certificates from the partnering university, which can be a valuable addition to your resume.
Daisie: Daisie does not offer certificates upon course completion. The platform focuses more on hands-on projects and learning by doing, rather than formal recognition.
edX: edX offers verified certificates for their courses, especially for those associated with prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. These certificates can be a great way to showcase your skills and boost your credibility.

When evaluating LinkedIn Learning alternatives, consider the importance of recognized certificates for your career goals and choose a platform that aligns with your needs.

Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials are smaller, more focused certifications that can help you gain specific skills and showcase your expertise in a particular area. Let's see how each LinkedIn Learning alternative approaches micro-credentials:

Udemy: Udemy doesn't offer micro-credentials, as their courses are typically standalone and not part of a larger program.
Coursera: Coursera offers Specializations, which are a series of related courses designed to help you master a specific skill. Upon completion, you'll receive a Specialization Certificate that can be a valuable addition to your resume.
Daisie: Daisie doesn't offer micro-credentials, focusing more on practical projects and learning through experience.
edX: edX provides MicroMasters and Professional Certificate programs, which are designed to help you develop in-depth knowledge in a specific field. These programs can boost your resume and even count towards credit for a full degree program in some cases.

As you search for the perfect LinkedIn Learning alternative, think about the value of micro-credentials in your industry and choose a platform that offers the right options for your career path.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Finally, let's discuss how each LinkedIn Learning alternative can help you advance in your career:

Udemy: While Udemy can be a great resource for learning new skills, the lack of widely recognized certificates may limit its impact on your career advancement. However, the practical knowledge you gain can still be valuable in your day-to-day work.
Coursera: Coursera's partnerships with top universities and institutions make their certificates more valuable in the job market. Additionally, their Specializations can help you build a strong foundation in a particular field, increasing your chances of career advancement.
Daisie: Daisie's focus on hands-on projects and practical learning can help you improve your skills and apply them in real-world situations. While the lack of certificates may not directly translate to career advancement, the skills you acquire can still be beneficial in your professional growth.
edX: edX's verified certificates and MicroMasters programs can enhance your resume and increase your chances of career advancement. Additionally, the platform's strong focus on rigorous, university-level courses can help you develop a deep understanding of your chosen field.

In conclusion, when looking for the perfect LinkedIn Learning alternative, consider the potential impact on your career advancement. Choose a platform that not only offers valuable certifications and credentials but also equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your industry.