Udemy vs Linkedin Learning: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Udemy and Linkedin Learning 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. Our overall Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Our free Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. 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:
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
Linkedin Learning
Professional courses by LinkedIn
Best for you if:
- • You want professional courses
- • You want good quality content
| At a Glance | Udemy | Linkedin Learning |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $19.99/monthAnnual |
Best For | Online Course Platforms | Learning & Training |
Rating | 3.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Udemy or Linkedin Learning?
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
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
| Feature | Udemy | Linkedin Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.3/5 2,610 reviews | ★4.5/5 896 reviews |
| Categories | Online Course PlatformsEducation & Learning | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Udemy vs Linkedin Learning
| Plan | Udemy | Linkedin Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free (Instructor) | $29.99 month Monthly |
| Tier 2 | $30 user/month Team | $19.99 month Annual |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | Custom Teams |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Udemy pricing and Linkedin Learning 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?
Udemy: 3.3/5 (2,610 reviews). Linkedin Learning: 4.5/5 (896 reviews).
Go with: Linkedin Learning
Value user reviews?
Udemy: 2,610 reviews (3.3/5). Linkedin Learning: 896 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Udemy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Udemy is freemium. Linkedin Learning is paid. Udemy lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Udemy is a online course platforms tool. Linkedin Learning is in learning & training. 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. Our overall Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse. Our free Online Course Platforms pick is SendPulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Udemy or Linkedin Learning better?
Udemy is rated in our evaluation. Udemy is freemium and Linkedin Learning is paid.
What are Udemy and Linkedin Learning used for?
Udemy: Affordable online courses on virtually any topic. Linkedin Learning: Professional courses by LinkedIn.
What does Udemy cost vs Linkedin Learning?
Udemy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Linkedin Learning is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.