Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning: Which Online Learning Platform Leads?

The convenience and accessibility of online learning platforms have made them a trend on the rise over the last few years. 

When it comes to online learning, however, choosing the right platform is crucial! 

If you find yourself struggling to decide which online learning platform is worth your time, then stick around. 

We’ll be taking a look at Coursera and LinkedIn – two of the most popular online learning platforms – and seeing how they stack up against each other. 

From pricing to networking opportunities, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about these two platforms and helping you make an informed decision regarding which one is the best fit for you. 

Let’s go ahead and jump right into the online learning platforms comparison! 

Coursera: An Overview 

Coursera is one of the largest open online course providers on the internet. 

Founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera was created with the mission of making learning more accessible. 

This platform has grown exponentially since its conception, and these days it is partnered with over 300 leading universities and companies! 

Coursera offers over 7,000 courses, professional certificates, and degrees covering everything from language learning to data science. 

Also Read: Coursera Review

LinkedIn Learning: An Overview

LinkedIn Learning was founded as Lynda.com all the way back in 1995 as an online companion to the books of Lynda Weinman. 

In 2015, Lynda.com was bought by LinkedIn – eventually transforming the platform into what we know today as LinkedIn Learning. 

Now, LinkedIn Learning offers over 20,000 expert-led courses that cover a range of different areas and skills, from public speaking to strategic thinking. 

LinkedIn Learning aims to help users develop skills that will help them succeed and provide them with tailored career guidance. 

Also Read: LinkedIn Learning Review

Course Quality and Variety

The course quality and variety differ significantly between Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. 

Let’s go ahead and break down the most notable differences between the courses on these two platforms! 

Firstly, there is a significant difference between the number of courses that are available on these two platforms. LinkedIn Learning has over 20,000, while Coursera has around 7,000. 

LinkedIn Learning also offers courses in a broader range of categories compared to Coursera, with LinkedIn Learning having over 30 categories available and Coursera having 11 categories. 

While LinkedIn Learning has a wide range of courses available, Coursera has better variety when it comes to course structure – with some courses spanning a few hours and other degrees lasting a few years! 

The quality of course instructors on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera is comparable; however, Coursera is partnered with leading universities such as Yale and Stanford, whereas anyone can apply to become a LinkedIn Learning teacher. 

While there are respected and professional instructors on both platforms, you may notice higher levels of consistency when it comes to Coursera course quality. 

Pricing Models and Accessibility

There are a few different ways that pricing works when using both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera. 

To take a single course, LinkedIn Learning charges around $35-40, while Coursera costs anywhere from $9.99 for a guided project to $9,000 for a full degree. 

A monthly subscription to the platforms will cost you $39.99 for LinkedIn Learning and $59 for Coursera. 

When it comes to free trials, you can try LinkedIn Learning for one month or access their 8 free learning paths. Meanwhile, Coursera’s free trial period is only one week, but they offer 2,000 free courses. 

All in all, the subscription services and individual course costs are cheaper with LinkedIn Learning. 

However, you can access a great deal more free content with Coursera! Which one would be cheaper for you depends entirely on what you are looking for.

Certifications and Accreditation

Both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer certificates when completing one of their courses.

However, there is a difference when it comes to the recognition of these certificates in the academic world.

Since LinkedIn Learning is not an accredited institution, the certificates earned through the platform are not able to be used as evidence of formal accreditation.

The LinkedIn Learning professional development courses are primarily focused on providing you with skills that are relevant to the business world rather than accredited certificates. 

Coursera, on the other hand, is partnered with several accredited universities and companies. Therefore, any certificates earned through these accredited sources can be used as evidence of formal accreditation. 

User Experience and Platform Interface 

Both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera have very comparable platforms and interfaces. 

The Coursera and LinkedIn Learning websites are both accessible and easy to navigate!

The courses are simple to locate and access on each of these platforms and contain similar e-learning platform features. 

LinkedIn Learning and Coursera both have desktop websites as well as mobile apps that can be downloaded on iOS and Android. Both platforms also have active support staff to help with any platform malfunctions or user queries. 

Community and Networking Opportunities

The community and networking opportunities of both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning are also comparable, albeit functioning in different ways. 

Since Coursera is partnered with a variety of reputable universities and companies, there is more opportunity for networking with alumni of the universities or staff of the companies. 

Having these big-name universities and companies behind your certificate can also make networking with other professionals in your field much more successful! 

On the other hand, LinkedIn Learning is something that has branched off LinkedIn itself – which of course is notorious for fostering open and active networking between professionals and academics alike. 

Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison 

Do you want a simple, clear view of the different pros and cons of Coursera versus LinkedIn Learning? 

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Let’s go ahead and take a look at a couple of lists detailing the pros and cons of each platform:

LinkedIn Learning

Pros: 

• Wide range of course categories 
• Courses with real-world applications 
• Well-structured lessons 
• One month free trial
• Large number of courses available.

Cons: 

• Certificates not accredited 
• Small number of free courses.

Coursera

Pros: 

• Certificates are accredited 
• Partnered with reputable universities and companies 
• Large amount of free content 
• Wider range of course structures 
• More consistent quality.

Cons: 

• More expensive than LinkedIn Learning 
• Shorter trial period.

These are just a few of the most notable pros and cons when it comes to the LinkedIn Learning and Coursera platforms!

At the end of the day, which one is the best fit for you comes down to your personal needs and preferences. 

Real-World Application: Skills and Career Advancement 

There is a significant difference between the skills and career advancements that you can gain through LinkedIn Learning and Coursera. 

What it really comes down to is what you are looking to gain from the courses that you take!

When it comes to LinkedIn Learning, you will be able to learn a wide range of valuable skills that can boost your success in your professional life. 

There is also the opportunity to network and make professional connections in your field. However, all certificates that you earn through LinkedIn Learning are not accredited. 

Coursera, on the other hand, can provide you with accredited certificates and degrees by partnering with reputable universities and companies. 

Having these formal certificates to your name can help get your foot in the door and greatly boost your professional life and success!

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, whether you choose LinkedIn Learning or Coursera as your go-to online learning platform entirely depends on your preferences and what you want to get out of the courses that you elect to take. 

If you want useful life skills that will help you succeed in your professional life (as well as valuable networking opportunities with others in your field) then LinkedIn Learning may be the best option for you. 

If you are on the hunt for an online learning platform that is going to be able to provide you with formal, accredited certificates and degrees, then Coursera is going to be able to be your best bet!