Linkedin Learning vs Udemy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Linkedin Learning and Udemy comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Udemy wins this matchup. Hoxhunt is our overall Learning & Training pick. Mindtickle is our free Learning & Training pick. Pick Linkedin Learning if you need learning & training.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Linkedin Learning
Professional courses by LinkedIn
Best for you if:
- • You want professional courses
- • You want good quality content
Udemy
Affordable online courses on virtually any topic
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want huge course library
- • You want affordable sales
| At a Glance | Linkedin Learning | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $19.99/monthAnnual | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Learning & Training | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Linkedin Learning or Udemy?
Choose Linkedin Learning if
Professional courses by LinkedIn
- You want professional courses
- You want good quality content
- Budget matters ($19.99/month vs Free)
- Your work is learning & training-shaped, not online course platforms-shaped
Choose Udemy if
Affordable online courses on virtually any topic
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want huge course library
- You want affordable sales
- Your work is online course platforms-shaped, not learning & training-shaped
| Feature | Linkedin Learning | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 896 reviews | ★3.3/5 2,610 reviews |
| Categories | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms | Online Course PlatformsEducation & Learning |
In-Depth Analysis
Linkedin Learning
Professional courses by LinkedIn
LinkedIn Learning's pricing is fair, especially with the Annual plan at $19.99/month, offering significant savings over the $29.99/month Monthly plan.
Strengths
- +Professional courses
- +Good quality content
- +LinkedIn integration
- +Certificates
- +Wide topic range
Weaknesses
- -Subscription expensive
- -Quality varies
- -LinkedIn required
- -Limited depth
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Udemy
Affordable online courses on virtually any topic
Udemy's pricing for instructors is generous, offering a free tier with a 37% revenue share, which is competitive for a marketplace.
Watch out
Instructor revenue share can drop to 37% without promotion.
Strengths
- +Huge course library
- +Affordable sales
- +Lifetime access
- +Mobile app
- +Many topics
Weaknesses
- -Quality varies greatly
- -No curation
- -Constant sales tactics
- -No subscription model
- -Certificate value low
Key features
Pricing: Linkedin Learning vs Udemy
| Plan | Linkedin Learning | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $29.99 month Monthly | Free Free (Instructor) |
| Tier 2 | $19.99 month Annual | $30 user/month Team |
| Tier 3 | Custom Teams | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Linkedin Learning pricing and Udemy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Udemy has a free tier. Linkedin Learning is paid only.
Go with: Udemy
Want the highest-rated option?
Linkedin Learning: 4.5/5 (896 reviews). Udemy: 3.3/5 (2,610 reviews).
Go with: Linkedin Learning
Value user reviews?
Linkedin Learning: 896 reviews (4.5/5). Udemy: 2,610 reviews (3.3/5).
Go with: Udemy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Linkedin Learning is paid. Udemy is freemium. Udemy lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Linkedin Learning is a learning & training tool. Udemy is in online course platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Linkedin Learning is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 3.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Udemy
- Larger review base (2,610 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Linkedin Learning
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 3.3/5
- Better fit for learning & training
The Bottom Line
Udemy wins this matchup. Hoxhunt is our overall Learning & Training pick. Mindtickle is our free Learning & Training pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linkedin Learning or Udemy better?
Udemy is rated in our evaluation. Linkedin Learning is paid and Udemy is freemium.
What are Linkedin Learning and Udemy used for?
Linkedin Learning: Professional courses by LinkedIn. Udemy: Affordable online courses on virtually any topic.
What does Linkedin Learning cost vs Udemy?
Linkedin Learning is a paid tool. Udemy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.