Udemy Review: Is It Worth Your Money and Time?

Before you dive headfirst into Udemy, consider these key aspects. We've rated some of the most important features to help you make an informed decision:

Course Variety

From tech skills to creative hobbies, Udemy has a massive selection of topics to explore.

Price/Affordability

Frequent sales and generally low prices make Udemy a budget-friendly option.

Instructor Quality

A mixed bag – some are amazing, others less so. Check reviews carefully!

Course Depth

Varies greatly – some are deep dives, others offer a quick overview of a topic.

Project-Based Learning

Depends on the course – some offer hands-on projects, others are more lecture-based.

Formal Certifications

Courses don't come with official credentials, though some employers still recognize their value

Community Support

Some courses have active forums, others feel a bit empty.

Self-Discipline Required

You're the boss of your learning, so motivation is key!

Refund Policy

Udemy's got a generous 30-day refund policy for most courses.

Overall Rating

A great option for flexible, affordable learning if you're self-motivated.
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Want to learn a new skill, build up your resume, or just get your brain working on something fresh? You've probably heard about Udemy. It's one of the biggest online learning platforms out there, packed with thousands of courses on practically everything. 

But is it actually worth dropping your hard-earned cash on? Let's break it down and see if Udemy has what you need.

Pros of Udemy

Udemy covers everything from coding to cooking, and you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. There's always something new and exciting to dive into on Udemy. Let’s dig a little deeper into the pros of the platform.

A Course for Every Curiosity

Udemy's course catalog is like a giant buffet for your brain. That’s over 210,000 online video courses to choose from! They cover everything from the super practical to the delightfully niche.

Whether you're itching to learn Python, level up your photography skills, get business savvy, or figure out if beekeeping is for you – chances are, Udemy's got something tucked away just for you.

Learning That Fits Your Budget

If dropping serious cash on education stresses you out, Udemy has your back. Their prices tend to be way lower than what you'd pay at a traditional school. Plus, those sales! Snag a course for the price of a fancy coffee? Yes, please!

Own Your Learning Timeline

On Udemy, the classroom is wherever you are. Forget rigid schedules and fighting rush hour traffic – learn on your own terms. Need to study at midnight? Cool. Want to learn a chunk on your commute? Do it! The flexibility is a major perk.

Course Creators – The Good and the Great

One of the coolest parts of Udemy is that anyone can create a course. That means you get a huge variety of instructors—from university professors to self-made experts with real-world experience. It also means you need to be a savvy shopper. 

Those reviews and ratings really are your best friend when it comes to finding those hidden gems.

Cons of Udemy

As with any learning platform, Udemy courses can sometimes be a little hit or miss, depending on the instructor's teaching style or the course's depth.

 Plus, if you prefer a more structured learning environment, the self-paced nature of Udemy might not be your cup of tea. Let’s take a closer look at some of the platform’s potential downsides.

Quality Can Be a Mixed Bag

While there's awesome stuff on Udemy, remember, there's no fancy school board making sure everything is top-notch. Just like that restaurant with mixed reviews, sometimes you land a dud.

Before you buy, dig into those ratings and see what other students are saying.

You're (Mostly) On Your Own

Udemy isn't the same as having a real live teacher in the room. You won't get much personal attention or in-depth feedback. If hand-holding and structured learning are your thing, Udemy might feel a little lonely.

Motivation is Key

That freedom to learn anytime? Yeah, it's both awesome and a potential trap. If you're the kind of person who thrives on deadlines and needs a push to finish things, staying on track with Udemy courses takes extra self-discipline.

Certificates Aren't Official

Most of the time, finishing a Udemy course gets you a cool certificate, but it might not hold much weight with employers.

It's great for personal knowledge or bragging rights to friends, but if you need formal credentials, you’d be better off learning on an accredited platform.

Pricing: It's Complicated (But in a Good Way)

Udemy doesn't have a one-size-fits-all subscription like some other learning platforms. Instead, you pay for each course individually. Prices technically range from around $12 to upwards of $200. But here's the thing... they're almost ALWAYS on sale.

The Wonderful World of Udemy Discounts

Think of Udemy's pricing like the weather – it changes a lot. They run massive sales all the time, dropping prices by 50% to 70% – sometimes even more. Here's the breakdown:

  • Sitewide Sales: Several times a year, nearly every course gets a major discount. Keep an eye on your inbox, as Udemy loves to promote these.
  • Flash Sales: Randomly, Udemy will run short sales on specific categories (think "All Marketing Courses $15 This Weekend")
  • Instructor Promotions: Sometimes individual instructors offer their own discounts, especially for new courses.

Pro Tip: The website GlassIt.co tracks Udemy prices, so you can see if a course has ever been cheaper in the past. They also offer a convenient browser extension.

Do the Prices Really Change That Much?

You bet! Here's an example. That fancy web development course listing for $199? Chances are, with a little patience, you'll snag it for way cheaper. This is where Udemy's pricing can feel a bit... deceptive, honestly. But if you're savvy, you can score great deals.

Are the Prices Different for Different Topics?

Somewhat. Tech courses often lean towards the pricier end, as do super in-depth ones. But again, sales level the playing field. You can find courses on photography, writing, or even stuff like yoga for rock-bottom prices.

Factors That Affect Udemy Course Pricing

Let's get into why some courses cost more than others:

  • Length: Naturally, a 30-hour mega course will cost more than a 2-hour quickie.
  • Instructor: Well-known experts or instructors with tons of positive reviews tend to charge more.
  • Topic: In-demand skills like data science might come with a higher price tag than a course on... say, the history of origami.

Popular Udemy Courses to Future-Proof Your Skills

Let’s uncover the most popular courses on Udemy, why they're in such demand, and what you can expect to gain.

Tech Domination

Let's be real, tech skills are where the money's at. No surprise that courses like these always top the charts:

  • The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp (Dr. Angela Yu): The go-to course if you want to build websites and apps. Dr. Yu is a rockstar instructor who makes coding fun with over 1.25 million students enrolled and a near-perfect 4.7-star average rating.
  • Machine Learning A-Z™: Hands-On Python & R In Data Science (Kirill Eremenko, Hadelin de Ponteves): Dive into data science, the hottest field around. Learn how to analyze data and create those fancy prediction models. This course boasts over 1 million enrollments and thousands of glowing reviews.
  • The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero (Jose Portilla): Python is the versatile language everyone's learning. This course is loved for its beginner-friendly approach.

Business Boosters

Wanna climb that corporate ladder or launch your own side hustle? These courses are mega-popular:

  • An Entire MBA in 1 Course (Chris Haroun): Like getting a crash course in business from a top exec. Great for anyone who wants the big picture of how businesses work. With over 450,000 enrollments and a 4.5-star rating, this course is a proven pathway to business acumen.
  • The Complete Digital Marketing Course - 12 Courses in 1 (Rob Percival, Daragh Walsh): Master the art of selling stuff online. This course overs everything from social media ads to search engine marketing. With over 750,000 students and 4.5-star rating, Percival and Walsh are doing it right.

Unlocking Creativity

Tap into your creative genius with these in-demand picks:

  • Adobe Illustrator CC - Essentials Training Course (Phil Ebiner, Daniel Walter Scott): Go from design newbie to pro. Learn Adobe Illustrator CC graphic design, logo design, and more! With well over 100,000 enrollments and a stellar 4.7-star rating, this course unlocks the designer in anyone.
  • THE Photography Masterclass: Complete Course on Photography (Chris Parker): Level up your photography skills, even if all you've got is your smartphone. Thousands of students have upgraded their photo game with this highly-rated course.

Soft Skills FTW (For The Win)

Don't underestimate the power of being a good communicator, negotiator, or leader:

  • The Complete Communication Skills Masterclass for Life (TJ Walker): The perfect course if you get tongue-tied in meetings or have to give presentations. Over 175,000 students have found their voice and boosted their confidence with TJ Walker's guidance.
  • The Complete Financial Analyst Course 2024 (365 Careers): Not just for Wall Street wannabes. This course teaches you to master Excel, Powerpoint, and analyze those spreadsheets that make your head spin. A whopping 430,000+ enrollees are proof that anyone can conquer Excel and financial math with this course.

Getting Started with Udemy (Signup to Find Courses)

Step 1: Create Your Account

Hit up Udemy.com. You'll see a big ol' "Sign Up" button, can't miss it. You've got a few options:

  • Email and Password: The classic. Pick a good password, no one needs their Udemy account hacked!
  • Social Login: Link your Google or Facebook if that's easier.
  • Apple Login: If you're on an Apple device, this can be super convenient.

Step 2: Tell Udemy about Yourself (But Not Too Much)

Udemy asks a few questions about what you're into. This helps them personalize course recommendations. Be honest, but you don't need to give your life story.

Step 3: Boom, You're In!

Welcome to the Udemy dashboard! Now for the fun part – exploring all those courses.

Browsing for Learning Gold

  • Search Bar is Your Friend: Got a specific skill in mind? The search bar at the top is the way to go. Keywords are key! (Ex: "Python basics", "Excel for beginners").
  • Categories for the Curious: Under "Categories", you can explore stuff like "Development", "Business", "Design" – great if you're open to ideas.
  • Filters to the Rescue: On the left side, you'll see filters for level (Beginner, etc.), price, features (like subtitles), and more. Use those to narrow things down.

Pro-Tip: Don't just grab the first course that pops up! Always check:

  • Ratings: Lots of stars = other students loved it.
  • Reviews: Scroll past the stars for actual comments. These can tell you a LOT.
  • Instructor: A quick Google of the instructor's name can tell you if they're a legit expert.

Is Udemy Right for You? 

Udemy is like the Amazon of online courses. Massive selection, great deals... but sometimes overwhelming if you don't know what you need.

The big question for most people is: "Will this actually work for me?" Let's break down the types of folks who thrive on Udemy, and who might be better off elsewhere.

Skill Builders: Filling in the Gaps

Udemy excels when you need to zero in on a specific skill. Consider it like a laser-focused training session. Need to learn Python to snag that hot new job? Got a presentation coming up, but it's been years since you've wrestled with Excel? 

Udemy is your friend. It's also a fantastic resource to finally tackle that passion project you've always dreamed of. Whether it's learning to draw, brushing up on your photography skills, or even taking your first steps with a musical instrument – Udemy's likely got just the course to get you started.

Self-Starters: Driving Your Own Learning

Udemy thrives on self-motivation. There are no looming deadlines like in a traditional class, and if you get stuck on a tough concept, you won't have a teacher right there to provide extra explanation. 

This means success on Udemy relies heavily on your willingness to re-watch videos, seek out additional information online, and actively participate in the course community (if there is one).

This flexibility is amazing for some, but if you know you're a procrastinator, you might struggle to get the most out of the platform.

Supplemental Learners: Udemy as a Power-Up

Udemy can be a fantastic sidekick to your existing education or work-based training. Maybe that college course isn't clicking, and you need a different perspective – Udemy can be a lifesaver. Sometimes, on-the-job training leaves much to be desired. 

Supplementing with Udemy lets you dive deeper and get ahead of the pack. And hey, if you're thinking about a career change, but hesitant to commit fully, Udemy is a low-risk way to dip your toes into a new field before making any major life decisions.

Budget-Conscious Learners: Skills without the Loans

Let's face it, higher education is an investment, sometimes a scary one. Udemy stands out as a budget-friendly way to pick up valuable skills.

Their frequent sales can make high-quality courses shockingly affordable. It's a great way to test drive a subject area without committing to a full-blown degree program. 

However, it's important to remember Udemy isn't free. Before you dive in, take a moment, and consider whether the price of a few courses is the best use of your money, or if there are other options that might better suit your needs.

Udemy Alternatives

Udemy's a powerhouse in online learning, with a mind-boggling number of courses on just about anything. However, it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

If that sounds like you, don't worry! There are plenty of other great platforms to help you reach those learning goals. Let's dive into a few of the top contenders:

Coursera: For the Academically-Minded

Coursera's got a more serious vibe, often partnering with major universities to offer courses. Think of it like taking online college classes, but without the crazy tuition fees.

Here's the thing, instead of paying per course, you usually subscribe to Coursera itself. 

This can be great if you want access to a bunch of courses, but if you only need one or two, it might not be the most cost-effective.

Skillshare: Unleash Your Creativity

If you're a creative type, Skillshare is worth checking out. It leans heavily into graphic design, photography, writing... that kind of thing.

Skillshare also follows a subscription model. This makes sense if you're constantly trying new creative skills.

But if you just need to, say, brush up on your video editing, it may not be the best bang for your buck.

edX: Knowledge with a Side of Altruism

Founded by big names like Harvard and MIT, edX is a non-profit out to make awesome education more accessible. They offer tons of free courses, which is fantastic! 

The catch is that if you want a fancy certificate to prove you completed a course, they'll charge for that. edX also has a subscription option, giving you access to more in-depth programs

Platform Showdown: Udemy vs. Coursera vs. Skillshare vs. edX

FactorUdemyCourseraSkillshareedX
Pricing ModelPay-per-course (with frequent sales)Individual courses OR subscriptionSubscriptionFree to audit, pay for certificates or programs
Course FocusWide mix of academic, tech, and hobby topicsMore academic leaning, often university-backedHeavily focused on creative skills and hobbiesMix of academic and practical, some free programs
Reputation for QualityVaries wildly by instructorCourses from reputable institutions, generally high qualityInstructor quality can vary, strong community focusWell-regarded, especially university-affiliated courses
Certification OptionsCompletion certificates, value variesOften offer recognized certificates, good for resume buildingProject focused, less emphasis on formal certificatesPaid certificates available, may hold less weight than Coursera

Quick Summary

  • Udemy: Best for budget-conscious learners seeking specific skills, quality can be hit or miss.
  • Coursera: Solid pick for those craving more structured, academically-minded courses.
  • Skillshare: Ideal for creative types who love to try new things and want project-based learning.
  • edX: Great for the altruistic learner, awesome for dabbling in high-level subjects for free.

Further Reading:

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Your one-stop shop for everything online learning. We take the guesswork out of choosing courses by providing in-depth, unbiased reviews of popular platforms like Udemy, Masterclass, Coursera, and more. Our team of experts dives deep into course content, instructor quality, and student feedback to help you discover the perfect fit for your interests, skill level, and budget. 

Whether you're looking to upskill, change careers, or simply explore a new passion, We will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.
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