Last updated: June 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: Start with The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking from Google (4.7★, 52,000+ reviews) — it’s the best beginner course and part of a recognized Google certificate. If you’re a developer, Grokking Computer Networking fits better. For the CompTIA Network+ exam, the Pluralsight pick is built for it.
- Best overall & for beginners: Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking (Google)
- Best for developers: Grokking Computer Networking (Educative)
- Best for Network+ prep: the Pluralsight networking course
See Our Top Pick on Coursera →
Computer networking is the foundation under IT, cloud, security, and DevOps — and the one topic people most often try to skip and later regret. The good news is that the best networking course is also one of the most popular courses on the internet, so the beginner path is well worn.
We picked a small, deliberate set rather than a long list, because networking courses vary wildly in quality. We checked each was live and current before recommending it — and dropped several dated or low-rated courses the old version of this page included. We earn a commission if you enroll through our links, which never changes the order.
HOW WE PICKED
We weighed who the course serves (beginner, developer, or certification candidate), how current the material is, instructor and provider authority, and learner ratings at scale. We left out courses tied to retired exams and anything we couldn’t confirm was still maintained.
1. Best overall & for beginners — The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
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Part of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, this is the clearest beginner introduction to networking you’ll find — the TCP/IP model, protocols, troubleshooting, and a primer on cloud, all explained for people starting from zero. With a 4.7★ rating across more than 52,000 reviews, it’s one of the most validated courses anywhere, and it ladders into a recognized Google credential.
Best for: anyone learning networking from scratch, especially aspiring IT support staff. Worth knowing: it’s foundational — certification candidates will want the targeted prep below as well.
Enroll on Coursera (free trial) →
2. Best for developers — Grokking Computer Networking for Software Engineers
Software engineers need a different angle on networking — enough to build and debug client-server systems and answer the networking questions that come up in interviews. This text-based, hands-on Educative course is built exactly for that, with Python socket programming and practical tooling. It holds a 4.7★ rating and was updated recently.
Best for: developers and engineers who want networking for building software. Worth knowing: it’s reading-and-coding rather than video — ideal if you prefer that format.
RECOMMENDED PARTNER — COURSERA
Networking, then a Google IT credential
The Bits and Bytes course sits inside the Google IT Support certificate — one Coursera subscription covers the whole program if you want the full credential.
Affiliate partnership — we may earn commission when you sign up via this link. We only recommend courses we’d send a friend to.
3. Best for CompTIA Network+ prep — Networking Concepts & Protocols (Pluralsight)
Ross Bagurdes’s Pluralsight course covers TCP, UDP, and application-layer protocols mapped directly to the CompTIA Network+ objectives, and it was last updated in 2024. If a certification is your goal, structured exam-aligned material like this beats a general overview. It’s the best pick for anyone working toward Network+.
Best for: CompTIA Network+ candidates and IT pros wanting protocol depth. Worth knowing: it needs a Pluralsight subscription, so it’s best value if you’ll use the platform for more.
Networking courses compared
| Course | Best for | Provider | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking | Beginners + credential | Coursera / Google | 4.7 (52k+) |
| Grokking Computer Networking | Software engineers | Educative | 4.7 |
| Networking Concepts & Protocols | CompTIA Network+ prep | Pluralsight | Subscription |
Networking certifications, explained
If a credential is your goal, two certifications matter far more than any course certificate:
- CompTIA Network+ — the standard vendor-neutral entry credential. It’s where most IT careers in networking begin, and the Pluralsight course above is mapped to its objectives.
- Cisco CCNA — the most in-demand networking certification, vendor-specific to Cisco but widely respected across the industry. It’s a step up from Network+ in depth.
A sensible path: build the fundamentals with the Google course, then target Network+ first and CCNA later if you’re heading into network engineering. Course completion certificates are fine for showing effort, but employers hire on Network+ and CCNA.
Networking is the base of the IT stack. Build on it with our guides to the best cloud certifications, best Linux courses, and best programming certifications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best computer networking course for beginners?
The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking from Google (4.7★, 52,000+ reviews) is the best beginner course. It assumes no experience, explains networking clearly, and counts toward the Google IT Support certificate.
Which networking certification should I get first?
CompTIA Network+ first — it’s the standard vendor-neutral entry credential. Cisco’s CCNA is the common next step and is the most in-demand networking certification for network engineering roles.
Do developers need to learn networking?
Enough to build and debug networked applications, yes. Grokking Computer Networking for Software Engineers is aimed precisely at that level and is also useful for technical interviews.
How much do networking courses cost?
The Coursera and Educative courses run on monthly subscriptions, and you can audit the Coursera course free without the certificate. The Pluralsight course needs a subscription. Certification exams (Network+, CCNA) are paid separately to CompTIA and Cisco.