Udemy vs Coursera: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Udemy and Coursera 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Udemy
Online learning marketplace
Best for you if:
- • Udemy is an online learning marketplace with courses on any topic
- • It offers thousands of video courses from expert instructors
Coursera
Online learning platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.9/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • Coursera is an online learning platform offering courses from top universities and companies
- • It provides certificates, degrees, and professional development in technology, business, and more
| At a Glance |  Udemy |  Coursera |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Learning & Training | Learning & Training |
Rating | 76/100 | 79/100 |
| Feature | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 79 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms |
How Udemy and Coursera Compare
Udemy
Online learning marketplace
Free tier available · 76/100 score
Coursera
Online learning platform
Free tier available · 79/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Udemy
Want the highest-rated option?
Udemy: 76/100. Coursera: 79/100.
Go with: Coursera
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Coursera
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are learning & training tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Coursera scores higher: 79/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Coursera
- Higher score: 79/100 vs 76
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Udemy
The Bottom Line
Coursera (79/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Udemy or Coursera better?
Coursera scores 79/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Udemy and Coursera used for?
Udemy: Online learning marketplace. Coursera: Online learning platform.
What does Udemy cost vs Coursera?
Udemy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Coursera is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.