1. Quick Overview
Udemy is a powerhouse in the online learning space, offering thousands of video-based courses on just about everything – from software development and graphic design to leadership training and baking sourdough. It’s designed for learners of all kinds, but its sweet spot lies in professional and personal development.
Instead of a monthly subscription like many other platforms, Udemy sells courses individually. Alternatively, businesses can opt for a team plan to give employees unlimited access to a vast course library, but only if they’ve got at least five people to enroll.
2. Udemy Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fantastic mix of hard and soft skill courses
- Wide variety of topics from tech to personal growth
- Excellent support and tools for instructors
Cons
- No subscription option for individuals (yet!)
- Business plan pricing starts high with a 5-person minimum
3. Pricing: One-Off or All-In for Teams
Udemy’s pricing structure is unique, but not always in a good way. Here’s how access works:
- Individual Purchases:
You pay for courses one by one. This can be liberating – no recurring fees – but also frustrating if you like exploring different subjects without constantly opening your wallet. Occasionally, users may be offered a personal subscription (currently in beta), but there’s no official public plan available just yet. - Business Plans:
- Team Plan: $360/user/year (minimum 5 users). Includes a 14-day free trial (with business info required).
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing with advanced features like course assignments and performance tracking.
- Team Plan: $360/user/year (minimum 5 users). Includes a 14-day free trial (with business info required).
Both business tiers offer access to over 14,000 courses focused on upskilling in tech, soft skills, and even wellness.
Nonprofits, take note: special pricing is available if you qualify!
4. How Udemy Compares to Other Learning Platforms
While Udemy has its strengths, the competition is fierce and sometimes cheaper.
- Coursera: Offers both free and paid courses (some even lead to degrees), and a business plan at $399/user/year.
- MasterClass: $180/year for unlimited access to celebrity-led, in-depth courses.
- LinkedIn Learning: $29.99/month or $239.88/year after a 1-month free trial, focusing on both business and tech.
- Skillshare: Creative-centric content with a Premium plan at just $8.03/month.
- Khan Academy: 100% free and focused on academic subjects.
- Wondrium: Educational TV-style content starting at €18/month.
Udemy lands somewhere in the middle. It has the breadth, but its pricing model could be more user-friendly, especially for solo learners.
5. What Can You Learn on Udemy?
Pretty much anything. Seriously.
Udemy organizes its content into 13 main categories, including:
- Development
- Business
- IT & Software
- Personal Development
- Design & Marketing
- Lifestyle & Hobbies
- Photography, Music, Academics, and more!
You’ll find everything from mastering Photoshop and improving public speaking to niche topics like pet CPR, gold prospecting, and even beginner psychic development.
The core of Udemy’s value is in its professional development courses, which make up the bulk of business subscriptions. But if you’ve got an oddball interest? Udemy probably has something for you.
6. What Are the Courses Like?
Udemy courses are video-based and generally well-structured. Each course is broken into bite-sized chunks (usually under 10 minutes each), making it easy to follow, pause, and revisit as needed.
Course quality varies, but most are solid. You’ll find:
- Clear, engaging video instruction
- Occasional slides or summaries
- Closed captions and subtitles in multiple languages
- Speed controls, note-taking features, downloadable resources
Some instructors are fantastic. Others… not so much. Student reviews help separate the gold from the fluff.
7. Interaction & Community Features
Most courses include:
- Q&A forums where students can post and upvote questions
- Notes section linked to video timestamps
- Instructor announcements about new content or events
- Occasionally, assignments or discussions to boost engagement
Student interaction levels depend on the instructor’s effort. In some popular courses, the Q&A buzzes with activity. In others, it’s a ghost town.
8. For Instructors: A Platform That Supports You
Thinking of teaching on Udemy? It’s one of the most accessible platforms out there.
Udemy offers powerful tools for course creation:
- Topic insights based on current trends and demand
- Keyword search analytics
- Income estimates per niche
- Tips on course structure, recording, and promotion
Earning breakdown:
- 97% revenue if a student signs up through your personal link or coupon
- 37% if they find your course organically on the site
- If your course is included in the Business plan, you’re paid based on minutes watched, from a 25% monthly revenue pool
Keep in mind, Udemy often runs heavy discounts to drive enrollment, so listed course prices might not reflect actual earnings.
9. Final Verdict: Great, But Could Be Greater
Udemy offers a fantastic catalog of content with impressive variety and solid quality. It’s especially strong for learners looking to upskill for work, but hobbyists and curious minds will also find gems.
However, the lack of a public-facing subscription plan for individuals limits its appeal in a world where unlimited learning for a flat monthly rate has become the norm.
Best for:
- Professionals looking to develop specific skills
- Businesses investing in team learning
- Aspiring instructors with knowledge to share
Not ideal for:
- Lifelong learners wanting to explore a broad range of topics via subscription
- Students looking for structured academic pathways or degrees
Want better value? Check out MasterClass for inspiration, Coursera for career-focused certificates, or Khan Academy for academic excellence – all without needing to pay per course.
But if you’re craving a flexible, one-off way to learn something new, Udemy’s still got you covered.