Udemy Review: Is It Worth Your Time and Money in 2025?
Spoiler alert: There are better alternatives
Udemy Review: One minute Version
Future seems to be moving fast, continuous self-learning is a requirement to stay employable. Here you are — wondering if Udemy is the right choice.
You get a lot of courses (over 200000+) on Udemy, but big may not be better (nor what you want). The first skill you’ll need is to find the right course before learning the skill you came for! The course quality seems to vary from ‘absolute gem’ to ‘snooze fest’.
You pay per course (unless it is part of the 10% courses available via subscription), so you might end up paying for something you don’t find value from.
Recommendations:
If you want to learn usable skills: Try Skillshare first (for FREE), and move to Udemy if you must. Skillshare is a subscription model, so even if you don’t like a specific course, there is always another one that might fit your need.
Try Skillshare for FREE (30 days)
If you want inspiration from industry giants: Go for Masterclass, there is no competition.
If you want industry recognized certificates for the time & money you spent educating yourself — go for Coursera.
Try Coursera for FREE (7 days)
If you do try Udemy, google the credentials of the Udemy course instructor if you find a course tempting to click ‘pay’.
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Disclosure: Some of these may be affiliate links. I may earn a coffee or two when you buy a subscription (at no extra cost to you). I live in Denmark, and at the current discounts and the Danish prices, probably only a shot of Espresso.
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As someone who’s spent a lot of time on several online learning platforms, it’s all about digging into the good, the bad, and the “why didn’t I know this sooner,”. I can save you some time and break it down for you. Let’s explore Udemy from every angle — learner, instructor, and penny-pincher perspectives included.
What Is Udemy?
Udemy is like the Amazon of online learning — except instead of impulse-buying a garlic press, you’re snagging a course on Python or personal finance. Boasting over 210,000 courses and 73 million students worldwide, it’s a juggernaut in the e-learning space, known for its huge variety of courses.
Whether you’re a newbie coder or a wannabe yogi, Udemy promises a diverse range of affordable, self-paced learning with lifetime access. Sounds dreamy, right? But before you hit “Add to Cart,” let’s peel back the layers.
How Much Does Udemy Cost?
Let’s talk money — because who doesn’t love a good deal? Udemy courses typically range from $12 to $200, but here’s the kicker: they’re always on sale. Seriously, I’ve never seen Udemy not running a discount. You can snag Udemy courses for as low as $12.99 during these frequent promos. There’s also the Udemy Personal Plan, a subscription option around $20/month, giving you access to thousands of courses (more on that later).
Compared to competitors like Coursera ($59/month for Coursera Plus) or MasterClass ($15/month), Udemy’s one-time purchase model is a budget-friendly steal — if you don’t mind skipping the subscription hype. Are there any free courses? Of course, there are plenty but there’s always a catch isn’t there? The lack some features available in the paid courses.
How Much Do Other Online Learning Platforms Cost?
To put Udemy in context with other online learning platforms: Coursera’s individual courses can cost $49-$79, with degrees running into the thousands. Skillshare’s $168/year (roughly $14/month) is subscription-only, while LinkedIn Learning clocks in at $39.99/month.
Udemy’s pay-per-course approach, especially with sales, often undercuts the competition, which can be reflected in student ratings . But does cheaper (sometimes) mean better in terms of course quality ? Let’s keep digging.
The Pros and Cons of Udemy
Pros:
- Affordable: Those sales make learning feel like a Black Friday spree (read the first on the ‘cons’ list as well).
- Lifetime Access: Buy once, learn forever. No subscription pressure. Would you finish the course if there was no deadline though?
- Variety: From “Blockchain Basics” to “Baking Sourdough,” there’s something for everyone.
- Smooth Video Player: Buffering? Barely an issue. Plus, notes and learning reminders keep you on track.
Cons:
- Good Content, Needs a Subscription Plan for Individuals: The Personal Plan exists, but it’s not as robust as Coursera Plus.
- Cost: Only around 10% of the courses are part of the subscription, rest is pay per course.
- Quality Control Conundrum: Udemy’s a marketplace, not a curator. You’re at the mercy of third-party creators. Anyone can publish, so course quality varies wildly. Trust me, I’ve faced decision fatigues and have given up searching at times.
- Limited Interaction: Don’t expect cozy chats with instructors — it’s mostly self-guided.
- Non-Accredited Certificates: Great for skills, less so for your CV’s “official” credentials.
- Content Quality Conundrum: One course might be gold; the next, a snoozefest.
How Trustworthy Are the Course Reviews on Udemy?
Here’s where my skepticism kicks in. Every course has a shiny star rating (out of five), and reviews pile up fast — sometimes thousands of them. But can you trust them? Mostly, yes — Udemy’s review system feels legit, with detailed learner feedback.
That said, some courses have suspiciously glowing positive reviews paired with dated content. My tip? Sort by “most recent” and skim for specifics (e.g., “the instructor explains X well” vs. vague “great course!” fluff). Cross-check X posts or Reddit threads for unfiltered vibes if you’re still unsure.
What Sorts of Courses Does Udemy Offer?
Udemy’s catalog is a buffet of options: tech (coding, AI), business (leadership, marketing), creative skills (photography, music), personal and professional development (meditation, productivity) etc. It’s less academic than Coursera and more practical, with a “learn it now, use it tomorrow” vibe, thanks to its variety of courses . No degrees here — just skills and know-how.
Lifetime Access and Course Gifting
One of Udemy’s biggest flexes? Lifetime access. Pay once, and the course is yours forever — updates included. Want to gift a course to your buddy who’s still talking about learning guitar? Udemy’s got a gifting option, too. It’s a thoughtful (and sneaky) way to nudge someone into self-improvement and a successful career.
But do remember that many courses lie outside of the ‘lifetime free’ offer — do review what courses you want and then choose (wisely)!
Top Udemy Courses For Less
Some heavy hitters consistently top the charts — and they’re dirt cheap during sales. Think “The Complete 2025 Web Development Bootcamp” by Angela Yu or “Python for Data Science” by Jose Portilla. These gems often hover around $15 on discount for specific courses , offering 20+ hours of content. Bargain hunters, rejoice!
The Learner’s Perspective
As a learner, Udemy feels like a treasure hunt. The smooth video player, downloadable resources, and mobile app make it a breeze to study on the go. But the lack of instructor interaction can leave you feeling like a lone wolf. If you’re self-motivated, it’s a dream.
If you crave hand-holding from independent instructors , you might miss Coursera’s forums or Skillshare’s community vibe. Also, there’s the 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t like a course.
Community Features and Interaction
Speaking of community — there isn’t much. You get Q&A sections where instructors might reply, but don’t expect lively debates or study groups, highlighting the limitations of Udemy’s support . It’s a solo journey, which works for some but feels isolating for others; you might want to explore Udemy alternatives .
The Instructor’s Perspective
Instructors love Udemy’s reach — anyone can upload a course and tap into millions of learners. But the trade-off? Razor-thin margins (sales slash their profits) and minimal quality oversight. Some X posts grumble about outdated courses still raking in cash, which raises eyebrows. Good instructors shine; lazy ones coast.
Udemy Personal Plan
The Personal Plan ($12/month, can vary) unlocks 11,000+ courses, but it’s a curated slice of the full catalog and not all the courses. It’s ideal if you’re indecisive or want to binge-learn, but die-hard fans of lifetime access might scoff. Compared to competitors’ all-in subscriptions, it’s a middle ground.
Udemy VS Competitors: The One-on-One Ring Matches
Coursera’s got degrees and prestige; Udemy’s got affordability and a variety of courses. Skillshare wins on creative vibes; Udemy dominates tech and business, especially when considering Udemy cost. LinkedIn Learning ties into careers; Udemy’s broader but less polished.
That’s the quick rundown, but let’s step into the ring for some one-on-one showdowns involving learning paths to see how Udemy stacks up against the competition. Pick your fighter — here’s the blow-by-blow, especially when considering Udemy alternatives :
Udemy vs. Coursera: The Budget Brawler vs. The Academic Ace
Udemy’s Jab: Pay once ($12.99-$200, often on sale), get lifetime access to practical, skill-focused courses that can lead to various career paths . No subscription nonsense — perfect for quick upskilling on a budget.
Coursera’s Hook: Subscription ($59/month for Coursera Plus) or pricier per-course fees ($49-$79), but you’re paying for university-backed courses, accredited certificates, and a more structured, academic vibe.
The Clash: Udemy’s the scrappy underdog — tons of courses (210,000+), taught by real-world pros, which begs the question: is Udemy legit? but quality varies. Coursera’s the polished contender — fewer courses (7,000+), higher consistency, and résumé-worthy cred. If you want fast, cheap skills, Udemy lands the punch. Need a degree or formal cert? Coursera’s got the knockout.
Winner: Udemy for affordability and flexibility; Coursera if prestige is your game.
Udemy vs. Skillshare: The Jack-of-All-Trades vs. The Creative Crusader
Here’s my view review of Skillshare — https://youtu.be/ckjhLw8CgmI?si=MfRzdEaCfxhccHXR
Udemy’s Jab: One-time purchases with a massive catalog — tech, business, hobbies, you name it. Lifetime access keeps you in the driver’s seat.
Skillshare’s Hook: $168/year (~$14/month) subscription for unlimited access to 40,000+ courses, heavy on creative skills like design and photography, with a community feel.
The Clash: Udemy’s got broader reach and deeper dives into technical topics, but Skillshare’s subscription model and polished, project-based creative courses pack a punch. Udemy’s for the solo learner who wants variety; Skillshare’s for the artsy binge-learner who loves peer vibes.
Winner: Udemy for sheer scope, especially for newly acquired skills ; Skillshare if creativity’s your ring.
Udemy vs. YouTube: The Course King vs. The Free-For-All
When it comes to online learning platforms, Udemy and YouTube stand out as giants in their own right, each offering a diverse range of educational content. To determine which platform reigns supreme, let’s explore their strengths and how they cater to personal and professional development. Warning: this section is a bit longer since they are platforms with a huge variety of courses.
Udemy’s Jab: Structured courses with expert instructors, downloadable resources, and certificates — $15 gets you 20+ hours of curated content.
Accessibility and Support
Udemy offers a seamless registration process and a robust Udemy support system, ensuring learners can easily create courses or manage their Udemy account. The platform’s course landing page is designed to showcase specific courses, helping users navigate the variety of courses available. Additionally, Udemy provides Udemy certificates upon completion, which can boost professional skills for career paths.
YouTube, while not offering a personal subscription plan, allows on-demand learning with no cost barrier. However, it lacks an instructor dashboard or Udemy alternatives like paid courses, which Udemy provides for those seeking more in-depth study. Student reviews on YouTube often mention the platform’s success in delivering newly acquired skills, though it doesn’t match Udemy’s focus on accredited certificates.
Cost and Value
When comparing Udemy cost to YouTube’s free model, Udemy stands out with its paid course options during Udemy sales, offering great courses at competitive prices. This makes it ideal for self-improvement and professional development. YouTube, while free, relies on ad revenue, which can interrupt the learning experience, whereas Udemy’s self-paced structure ensures a focused approach to taking courses.
YouTube’s Hook: Free, endless videos on everything from coding to cat grooming. No cost, no commitment — just hit play.
The Clash: Udemy’s a paid heavyweight with organized, in-depth learning — think bootcamp vibes. YouTube’s the scrappy lightweight: free, chaotic, and hit-or-miss. Udemy wins on reliability and depth; YouTube’s the champ for beginners who don’t mind digging through noise.
Winner: Udemy for quality and structure; YouTube if your wallet’s yelling “nope.”
Udemy vs. LinkedIn Learning: The Everyday Expert vs. The Career Climber
Udemy’s Jab: Affordable one-offs ($12.99-$200), such a huge variety, and lifetime access — great for picking up random skills fast.
LinkedIn Learning’s Hook: $39.99/month (or $19.99/month annual), slick career-focused courses tied to your LinkedIn profile, with a professional polish.
The Clash: Udemy’s the wildcard — more courses (210,000+ vs. 16,000+), cheaper upfront, but less curated. LinkedIn Learning’s the suit in the ring: pricier, subscription-based, and laser-focused on job-ready skills. Udemy’s for the DIY learner; LinkedIn’s for the résumé-builder.
Winner: Udemy for cost and variety; LinkedIn Learning for professional skills and career cred.
Udemy’s the budget-friendly, versatile brawler — scrappy and packed with options. It doesn’t always land the cleanest punches, but it’s hard to beat for the price. Pick your contender based on your goals — Udemy’s ready to rumble if affordability and flexibility are your cornerstones.
7 Tips To Find Your Udemy Course
With over 210,000 courses, picking the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Don’t sweat it — here are seven trusty tips to snag a winner:
- Personal Development Focus: Match the course to your goals (e.g., “time management”).
Think about what you actually want to improve — coding chops, stress-busting skills, or maybe just baking a killer cake. A course that aligns with your “why” is way more likely to keep you hooked than some random trendy pick. - Read Reviews at Udemy: Dig into recent ones for honesty.
Scroll past the generic “awesome!” hype and look for reviews from the last few months — they’ll spill the tea on whether the course still holds up. Bonus points if they mention specific wins or gripes, like “fixed my résumé” or “audio’s a mess.” - Check Out the Instructor: Google their creds or X presence.
A quick search can reveal if they’re a legit pro or just some rando with a webcam — think LinkedIn profiles or X posts showing real expertise. You’re investing time (and a few bucks), so make sure they’re worth it. - Quality of the Course Preview: Watch it — does it click?
Udemy lets you peek at a few lessons — use it! If the instructor’s energy vibes with you and the content looks clear, not cluttered, you’re on the right track. A dud preview usually means a dud course. - Filter by Ratings: Aim for 4+ stars.
High ratings (especially with tons of reviews) are a solid bet — think 4.5 stars with 1,000+ votes. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a quick way to weed out the flops and spot the crowd-pleasers. - Look for Updates: Check the “last updated” date.
Tech moves fast, so a course from 2018 might be teaching you ancient JavaScript tricks. Aim for something updated in the last year or two — fresh content means fewer “this doesn’t work anymore” headaches. - Start Small: Grab a short, cheap course to test the waters.
New to Udemy? Snag a $12.99, 2-hour course first — low risk, low commitment. It’s like dipping your toe in the pool before cannonballing into a 40-hour bootcamp.
Udemy Instructors: The Wild Cards of the Platform
Udemy’s instructor pool is a mixed bag — think of it like a talent show where pros and amateurs share the stage. Anyone can sign up to teach, which means you’ll find seasoned experts dropping gold (like coders with 20 years in tech) alongside enthusiastic newbies who might’ve just bought their first tripod.
This open-door policy fuels Udemy’s massive course variety — over 210,000 options! — but it also means you’re rolling the dice on polish and depth. Some instructors bring slick production and real-world insights; others lean on passion but skimp on structure.
It’s less curated than platforms like Coursera, where instructors often have academic cred, so your mileage varies — wildly. Peek at their course count and student reviews and feedback to gauge their vibe — rockstars tend to shine through the noise.
Final Thoughts: Is Udemy Worth It?
Udemy’s a mixed bag of brilliance and “meh.” If you’re self-driven, budget-conscious, and chasing practical skills, it’s a no-brainer. The lifetime access and killer sales sweeten the deal. But if you need accreditation, deep interaction, or guaranteed quality, you might peek at competitors.
I’ll repeat!
If you want to learn usable skills: Try Skillshare first (for FREE), and move to Udemy if you must.
If you want inspiration from industry giants: Go for Masterclass, there is no competition.
If you want industry recognized certificates for the time & money you spent educating yourself — go for Coursera.
FAQ: Your Burning Udemy Questions Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers. Here’s what people tend to wonder about Udemy:
How good is Udemy’s customer support?
Udemy support is solid but not spectacular. They’ve got a help center, email support, and a refund policy (30 days, no questions asked). Response times vary — some users rave about quick fixes, while others grumble about delays when looking for free courses. If you’re stuck, expect decent help, not a concierge.
Can I download courses to watch offline?
Yep! Most courses are downloadable via the Udemy app for offline viewing — perfect for plane rides or spotty Wi-Fi. Just check the course details; a few instructors opt out.
Are Udemy courses good for beginners?
Absolutely. Udemy’s got a ton of beginner-friendly options, especially in tech and creative fields. Look for “beginner” in the title or preview the intro — good instructors ease you in.
What’s the deal with refunds?
Udemy’s got your back with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course flops (bad audio, outdated lessons), request a refund via your udemy account here. No haggling required.
Can I become an instructor on Udemy?
Yes! Anyone can sign up to teach — just upload your content and set a price. No credentials needed, but standing out takes effort. Pros say it’s a grind; newbies love the low barrier.
Does Udemy offer free courses?
Kinda. There are freebies (usually short intros), but the best stuff costs money. Filter by “free” on the site to review and learn some free courses. You could be taking a bet with your time though with the free courses.
How often do sales happen?
All. The. Time. (in BOLD). Udemy’s sales are so frequent, paying full price feels like a rookie move. Check back monthly — or just wait 48 hours.
FAQ: Udemy App vs. Web Version
The Udemy app’s a big deal for on-the-go learners — but how does it compare to the trusty web version? Let’s break it down with some FAQs:
Is the Udemy app as good as the web version?
Pretty darn close! The app (iOS and Android) mirrors most of the web’s core features — course videos, quizzes, and certificates — with a slick mobile twist. You get offline downloads and podcast-style audio, which the web can’t touch. That said, the web version’s better for managing your account or browsing the full catalog — bigger screen, more control.
Can I access all my courses on the app?
Yep, anything you’ve bought or enrolled in via the web shows up on the app, synced across devices. The catch? Some older courses might glitch on mobile if they’re not optimized — rare, but it happens. Web’s more reliable for quirky edge cases.
What’s the offline feature like on the app?
A game-changer. Download lectures (if the instructor allows) and watch without Wi-Fi — think commutes or camping trips. The web version doesn’t offer this; you’re tethered to an internet connection there. App wins for flexibility.
Is browsing for new courses better on the app or web?
Web takes the crown here. The app’s search and filters work fine, but the desktop layout lets you skim previews, ratings, and details faster. App’s more about diving into what you already own than hunting for newbies.
Can I buy courses through the app?
Yes, but watch out — prices might differ slightly due to Apple/Google’s payment systems (they set their own tiers). Web often snags you the best sale deals, and coupons apply smoother. If you’re deal-hunting, start on the site, then sync to the app.
Does the app have any exclusive perks?
Kinda! Beyond offline mode, you get push notifications for learning reminders and audio-only playback — great for multitasking. Web’s got no equivalent for those. Still, it’s not a total knockout — core learning’s solid on both.
