Should you subscribe or stick to buying individual courses? If you’ve found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Ever since Udemy rolled out its Personal Plan, learners everywhere have been debating whether it’s a smart investment — or just another subscription collecting dust.
As someone who’s been using Udemy for years, and who frequently hears this question from readers, I’m breaking it all down: who it’s for, when it makes sense, and when you’re better off sticking to the classic “buy-on-sale” approach.
What Is Udemy’s Personal Plan?
The Udemy Personal Plan is a subscription-based service offering unlimited access to over 11,000 of Udemy’s most popular and highly-rated courses — all for around $30/month.
Think of it like the Netflix of learning. Instead of buying each course individually, you pay a monthly fee and get access to a curated library that covers everything from programming and business to design, marketing, and personal development.
It’s Udemy’s version of Coursera Plus or Educative Unlimited, designed to give learners flexibility, freedom, and a cost-effective way to explore multiple topics without breaking the bank.
Is the Udemy Personal Plan Cheaper Than Buying Courses?
Short answer: Yes — but only if you actually use it.
Here’s the math:
- Average Udemy course price during a sale: ~$10–15
- Udemy Personal Plan: ~$30/month
If you typically buy 2–3 courses a month, the Personal Plan already pays for itself.
But here’s the catch…
If you subscribe and only take one course every few months, you’re better off buying courses individually, especially during frequent sales. It’s like paying for a gym membership you never use — it only makes sense if you show up regularly.
Who Should Consider the Udemy Personal Plan?
1. Ideal For:
- Active learners who study regularly or are on a learning streak
- Interview prep mode — brushing up on data structures, algorithms, system design, etc.
- Career switchers diving deep into new skill areas (like data science, development, or UI/UX)
- Students and professionals with dedicated learning time each week
- Freelancers or entrepreneurs wanting to explore multiple areas (marketing, business, coding, etc.)
2. Better Off Buying Individual Courses If You:
- Only take courses occasionally (once every 2–3 months)
- Prefer to own courses forever and revisit them years later
- Rely on Udemy’s sales to pick up one or two specific courses
- Don’t currently have the time or motivation to consistently study
Time Is the Real Currency
It’s not just about how much you pay — it’s about how much you learn.
A common trap? Subscribing to the Personal Plan with the best intentions… and then letting it sit idle. You’ve probably done this with Netflix or a gym membership, right?
I’ve personally bought over 100 Udemy courses in the past — and there are at least 20 that I’ve never even opened. That’s why I recommend the Personal Plan only if you’re ready to actively learn. If not, you’re just throwing $30/month into a black hole.
Key Benefits of the Udemy Personal Plan
1. Unlimited Access to Premium Courses
Access to 11,000+ top-tier courses means you can jump between topics without worrying about spending more. Learn Python this month and switch to digital marketing next — all included.
2. Explore Without Commitment
Not sure if a topic is right for you? Start learning without hesitation. Unlike buying individual courses, you don’t risk wasting money if a course isn’t what you expected — just move on to another.
3. Build Skills Faster
The Personal Plan works especially well if you want to upskill quickly. Preparing for a job switch? Want to boost your freelance game? The subscription gives you the freedom to binge-learn across different subjects.
4. Curated Quality
Udemy curates the library for Personal Plan subscribers. This means you’re not digging through outdated or low-rated content — you’re getting access to high-quality, well-reviewed courses taught by experienced instructors.
5. Great for Lifelong Learners
If you’re the kind of person who always wants to learn something new — whether it’s Python, productivity, or photography — the Personal Plan helps feed that curiosity without draining your wallet.
Personal Plan vs. Individual Course Purchases: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Personal Plan | Individual Purchase |
| Access | Unlimited (to selected courses) | Lifetime (for purchased courses) |
| Cost | $30/month | ~$10–20 per course (on sale) |
| Best For | Intensive learners & binge learners | Casual or long-term learners |
| Flexibility | Switch courses anytime | Must buy each course individually |
| Long-Term Value | Great if you use it regularly | Better if you’re learning slowly |
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes — if you’re in active learning mode.
If you’re preparing for a big career move, working toward certification, or just dedicated to learning several topics this year — the Udemy Personal Plan is a fantastic value. At just $30/month, it gives you room to explore, experiment, and grow without worrying about course-by-course costs.
But if you’re a casual learner, or someone who just grabs a course every now and then during Udemy’s sales — you’re probably better off purchasing courses individually and keeping them for life.
Final Tip: Try Before You Commit
Udemy often offers a 7-day free trial for the Personal Plan. Give it a spin! You’ll know quickly whether it’s a good fit for your lifestyle and learning pace.