Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer many courses and learning opportunities but cater to different needs and audiences.
I have used the two platforms for some time now, and I am writing this blog post to help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique features.
The aim is to help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your educational and professional development goals.
So read on for a detailed analysis of Coursera vs. LinkedIn Learning, covering everything from course offerings and learning experiences to pricing models and user reviews.
Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: In A Nutshell
Coursera is best for those seeking academic-style courses and accredited certificates from renowned universities and institutions. It’s ideal for learners looking for in-depth, structured programs that can lead to degrees.
LinkedIn Learning is best for professionals seeking to enhance their career-specific skills quickly. It offers practical, industry-focused courses you can immediately apply to the workplace.
| Feature | Coursera | LinkedIn Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 7 days | 30 days |
| Money Back/ Refund | 14 days | 7 days |
| Focus | Academic and professional courses | Career-oriented, skill-based courses |
| Course providers | Universities and companies | Industry professionals |
| Certification | Accredited certificates, some degree programs | Course completion certificates |
| Pricing | Mixed (free and paid) | Subscription-based |
| Target audience | Students and professionals | Working professionals |
| Course length | Varies (weeks to years) | Typically shorter (hours to weeks) |
| Learning style | Structured, academic | Flexible, practical |
Coursera Overview
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations worldwide and offers a wide range of courses, specializations, and even entire degree programs.
Its strength lies in its academic rigor and the credibility of its partners, which include institutions like Stanford, Yale, and Google.
Coursera’s target audience includes students looking to supplement their education, professionals seeking career advancement, and lifelong learners interested in exploring new subjects.
Coursera’s courses often follow a more traditional academic structure, with weekly assignments, quizzes, and peer-reviewed projects.
Note: Find out which Coursera Professional Certificate or Coursera Specialization is better.
LinkedIn Learning Overview
LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, is a skills-focused online learning platform that is now integrated with the LinkedIn professional networking site.
It offers a vast library of video courses by industry experts covering various business, creative, and technology topics.
The platform primarily targets working professionals looking to upskill or reskill in their current field or explore new career paths.
LinkedIn Learning’s courses are typically more concise and practical, designed to teach specific skills immediately applicable in the workplace.
Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Detailed Comparison
I have analyzed Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning below across 9 key parameters to provide a detailed and honest comparison.
1. Course Offerings And Subject Areas
Coursera offers a broader range of academic subjects and professional skills, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its courses are often more:
- In-depth
- It can take several weeks or months to complete.
In contrast, LinkedIn Learning focuses more on practical, career-oriented skills, emphasizing business, technology, and creative fields. Its courses are generally:
- Shorter
- More focused on specific skills or software.
2. Learning Experience And Interface
Coursera’s interface mimics a traditional classroom experience with structured weekly modules, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments. It often includes:
- Video lectures
- Reading material
- Interactive exercises
LinkedIn Learning offers a more flexible approach. Its sleek and user-friendly interface allows easy navigation between courses and topics. Most courses consist of:
- Short video lessons
- Videos can be consumed at the learner’s own pace.
3. Instructor Quality And Expertise
Both platforms boast high-quality instructors but with different focuses. Coursera’s instructors are:
- University professors.
- Industry leaders.
- They bring academic expertise.
- They bring research-based knowledge to their courses.
LinkedIn Learning’s instructors are typically:
- Industry professionals
- Experts in their fields
- They offer practical
- They bring real-world insights and skills.
4. Certifications And Accreditation
Coursera offers accredited certificates and full degrees from partner universities, which is highly valued in academic and professional settings.
LinkedIn Learning provides course completion certificates, which, while not accredited, can be easily shared on LinkedIn profiles and demonstrate commitment to professional development.
5. Corporate Training Options On Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning
Both platforms offer solutions for corporate training and seamless tracking of employee learning progress but with different approaches.
Coursera for Business provides companies:
- Access to their entire course catalog.
- Create custom learning programs.
Get a special Coursera Corporate Discount here.
LinkedIn Learning’s integration with LinkedIn makes it particularly attractive for companies already using the professional networking platform.
Linked in for companies provides:
- Personalized, data-driven course recommendations.
- Great introductory courses to train new employees.
6. Mobile App And Offline Learning Capabilities
Both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer mobile apps for on-the-go learning.
Coursera’s app supports offline learning for some courses, but the experience is generally more limited than the Coursera desktop version.
LinkedIn Learning’s app allows offline viewing of all courses, making it convenient for learning during commutes or in areas with poor internet connectivity.
7. Community Features And User Engagement
Coursera fosters community engagement through discussion forums for each course, where learners can interact with peers and sometimes instructors.
LinkedIn Learning’s community features are more integrated with the LinkedIn platform, allowing learners to connect with instructors and other professionals in their field.
8. Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Recent Update
As of 2024, Coursera has made the following updates and additions to help learners make the best of their platform:
- Added more degree offerings.
- It has introduced more flexible learning paths.
- It added “Micro-Credentials” courses that stack towards full degrees.
Here are a few of the recent updates and additions made to LinkedIn Learning:
- Enhanced its AI-powered course recommendations.
- Its courses have introduced more interactive elements, such as coding exercises for tech-related content.
9. Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Unique Selling Points
Coursera’s Partnerships With Universities And Companies:
Coursera’s standout feature is its partnerships with top-tier educational institutions and companies. This allows learners to access:
- High-quality, university-level education from anywhere in the world.
- Coursera is available at a fraction of the cost of traditional education.
LinkedIn Learning’s Integration With Professional Networking:
LinkedIn Learning’s integration with the LinkedIn platform is its key advantage. The unique things that I found beneficial on LinkedIn learning are:
- Completed courses can be added directly to a user’s LinkedIn profile.
- Boost your professional visibility and job prospects.
Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Pricing Models And Plans
Coursera offers a mix of free and paid content. Many individual courses can be audited for free, while certificates and specializations come with a fee. Prices for individual courses and specializations vary widely.
They also offer a Coursera Plus subscription model for unlimited certificate access and most of their catalog. If you are considering going with Coursera, here is Coursera pricing in an easy-to-understand table:
| Coursera Subscription Type | Coursera Cost/ Details |
|---|---|
| Coursera Free Courses | 3000+ Coursera Free Courses |
| Coursera Individual Courses | Starting $49/ month |
| Coursera Monthly Price | $59 |
| Coursera Annual Price | $399 |
| Coursera Free Trial | Coursera 7 days Free trial |
| Coursera Refund | 14 days Money Back Guarantee |
You can learn about Coursera Cyber Monday Discount & Coursera Black Friday here.
LinkedIn Learning operates on a subscription model. As of 2024, they offer monthly and annual plans, with the yearly plan providing better value. The subscription gives unlimited access to their entire course library.
Here is how much LinkedIn Learning would cost you:
| LinkedIn Learning Subscription Type | LinkedIn Learning Cost/ Details |
|---|---|
| LinkedIn Learning Free Courses | Free LinkedIn Courses |
| LinkedIn Learning Individual Courses | Starting $29/ Course |
| LinkedIn Learning Monthly Price | $29.99 |
| LinkedIn Learning Annual Price | $299 |
| LinkedIn Learning Free Trial | LinkedIn Learning 30 days Free trial |
| LinkedIn Learning Refund | 7 days Money Back Guarantee |
Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: User Reviews
Here are some recent user reviews from G2:
Coursera User Reviews:
LinkedIn Learning User Reviews:
Check what Reddit users are saying about Coursera here in more detail.
Common Criticisms For Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning
Coursera is criticized for the length and intensity of its courses, which can be challenging for working professionals to commit to. Some users also report inconsistencies in course quality across different providers.
LinkedIn Learning faces criticism for lacking depth in some of its courses and lacking formal accreditation. Some users also feel the subscription model can be expensive if not fully utilized.
Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Which One Is Worth Your Time And Investment?
When deciding between Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, consider the following:
- Your learning goals
- Available time
- Preferred learning style
If you’re looking for in-depth, academic-style courses or accredited certificates, Coursera might be the better choice.
LinkedIn Learning could be more suitable if you need to acquire practical skills for your career and value flexibility quickly.
Conclusion: Linkedin Learning For Quick Learning, While Coursera Wins For Academic Depth!
In conclusion, both platforms have their strengths. Coursera offers academia-focused and accredited certifications, making it ideal for those seeking comprehensive education in specific fields.
Whereas, LinkedIn Learning provides practical, bite-sized courses perfect for busy professionals looking to expand their skill sets.
The decision is ultimately yours, but you must remember that whatever you choose should align with your personal and professional goals.
If you are still confused, get Coursera if you are serious about getting an education. You can also add your Coursera certification to your LinkedIn profile.
However, if you only want to enhance your LinkedIn profile, consider LinkedIn Learning.
