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 is our overall pick for online course platforms workflows. 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 to try before committing
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Udemy is an online learning marketplace with courses on any topic
- • It offers thousands of video courses from expert instructors
Linkedin Learning
Professional courses by LinkedIn
Best for you if:
- • You need learning & training features specifically
- • LinkedIn Learning is a professional development platform with video courses
- • It offers thousands of courses on business, technology, and creative skills
| At a Glance |  Udemy |  Linkedin Learning |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $19.99/monthAnnual |
Best For | Online Course Platforms | Learning & Training |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Udemy or Linkedin Learning?
Choose Udemy if
Affordable online courses on virtually any topic
- Huge course library
- Affordable sales
- Lifetime access
- Your work is online course platforms-shaped, not learning & training-shaped
Choose Linkedin Learning if
Professional courses by LinkedIn
- Professional courses
- Good quality content
- LinkedIn integration
- 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 | ★4.4/5 920 reviews | ★4.5/5 853 reviews |
| Categories | Online Course PlatformsEducation & Learning | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms |
In-Depth Analysis
Udemy
Affordable online courses on virtually any topic
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
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: 4.4/5 (920 reviews). Linkedin Learning: 4.5/5 (853 reviews).
Go with: Linkedin Learning
Value user reviews?
Udemy: 920 reviews (4.4/5). Linkedin Learning: 853 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 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Udemy
- Larger review base (920 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Linkedin Learning
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for learning & training
The Bottom Line
Udemy is our pick.
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.