Last Updated on March, 2025
In the ever-changing world of online learning, picking the right platform for your career or learning is a significant choice. Two major players in this field are LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, each offering a variety of courses.
Whether you are an individual improving your skills or a business investing in employee development, this article is a guide to help you understand LinkedIn Learning and Coursera in depth.
In this detailed comparison, we look at different aspects like course quality, pricing, and certificates and explain the key differences between the two platforms.
Quick Summary
Both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning provide flexible learning options, such as a variety of courses, subscription and payment plans, and diverse learning formats like videos, quizzes, and assignments, to accommodate individuals with different learning needs and preferences.
One of the main differences between the two platforms is the cost structure. LinkedIn Learning offers a subscription model, while Coursera offers a variety of pricing options, including a subscription service (Coursera Plus), individual course purchases, and financial aid for select courses.
Both platforms offer high-quality courses and instructors, making it important for individuals to consider their specific learning needs and goals before choosing one over the other.
Contents
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning in a Nut Shell
- About Coursera and LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera vs. LinkedIn Learning: Top Statistics
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Courses
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning Course Structure
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Enrollment Options
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Quality and Instructors
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Costs
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Certificate Value
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Features
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Pros and Cons
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Suitability
- Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning and Coursera
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning for Business
- Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: User Opinions
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning in a Nut Shell
This table provides a detailed comparison of Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, highlighting their differences in various aspects.
| Features | LinkedIn Learning | Courses |
| Average course rating | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Number of Users | 27+ million | 92+ million |
| Number of courses | 17,000+ across 30+ categories | 90,000+ across 11+ categories |
| Prices | Individual courses- $35 Average Monthly subscription- $39.99 Annual Subscription- $299.99 | Individual courses- $49.99 Monthly subscription- $59 Annual Subscription- $399 |
| Accredited certificates | No | Yes |
| Features | High-quality video content Downloadable learning resources Tailred to both mobiles and PCs | High-quality video content Downloadable learning resources Accredited certification Education up to masters level |
| Specialization | Personal and Professional development courses | University-quality education |
| Pros | Broad scope of topics Course completion certificate | Variety of free courses Accredited certificates |
| Cons | Certificates not accredited | More expensive than LinkedIn |
| Suitable for | Professionals looking to grow their career Anyone looking to learn new skills Students looking to market their skills | Those who want to earn certificates with accreditation. Anyone looking for a promotion/job change. |
About Coursera and LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning, formerly called lynda.com since 1995, was acquired by LinkedIn Learning and has grown to serve over 27 million users with 17,000+ courses.
Specializing in in-demand professional skills, it offers a subscription model that provides access to a vast library of 16,000+ online courses. This platform caters to those interested in management and technology, allowing convenient learning from the comfort of home.
Think the LinkedIn Learning is the platform for you but want to learn more? Check out our full LinkedIn Learning review.
Coursera
Established in 2012, Coursera stands out for its certified courses led by professionals from elite institutions like Yale, Stanford, and Google. With 9,000+ courses spanning various categories, it accommodates both professional and creative disciplines.
Coursera’s flexibility allows users to buy individual courses, access free content, or subscribe monthly or annually. With 92+ million users, it is a popular choice globally, particularly for those interested in technology and programming.
Coursera offers the unique advantage of learning directly from prestigious universities, including the University of Michigan and Yale, making it an excellent platform for skill development.
Think the Coursera is the platform for you but want to learn more? Check out our full Coursera review.
Coursera vs. LinkedIn Learning: Top Statistics
| Statistics | Coursera | LinkedIn Learning |
| Registered students | 92 million | Over 27 million |
| Global presence | Four offices worldwide | 33 offices worldwide |
| Workforce | 779 employees | Over 16,000 employees |
| Revenue | 36% yearly increase | 36% yearly increase |
| Total registered users | Over 100 million | Over 100 million |
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Courses
There are a variety of different course types offered on both platforms.
LinkedIn Learning Courses
LinkedIn Learning stands out for its quality, offering courses created by respected industry professionals known for success in their fields. While it provides a rich learning experience, LinkedIn Learning has a narrow variety of course types compared to Coursera.
Course structure: Primarily video-based, courses are designed by experts to provide a guided learning experience.
Navigation: During sign-in, set your interests and industry preferences. You can browse topics, search for keywords, or take courses to receive recommendations. Recommendations get personalized over time, the more you use LinkedIn Learning.
Best LinkedIn Learning Courses:
Coursera Courses
Coursera offers a comprehensive selection of over 9,000 courses across eleven categories. With diverse learning pathways, users can choose from short courses to complete degree programs, providing flexibility in learning.
Coursera also offers unique learning pathways:
Course Structure: Incorporates video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and additional resources for an immersive learning experience.
Navigation: Start by signing up for free using your email address. You can then search for specific subjects, explore different learning paths, or browse by subject.
Coursera also suggests programs based on your browsing history.
Best Coursera Courses for Each Learning Pathway:
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning Course Structure
The way courses are structured differs on both platforms.
Coursera
Coursera offers a diverse range of courses structured in various formats, including:
Each lesson typically includes video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and additional resources. Learners engage with peers and access supporting materials, making the learning experience comprehensive.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning organizes its courses differently:
LinkedIn learning has learning paths that curate sets of courses on specific skills for a holistic learning journey
Courses are primarily video-based, complemented by downloadable resources. Users can tailor their learning paths based on interests and industry. The LinkedIn Learning platform offers flexibility, allowing users to start, stop, and resume courses at their own pace.
Conclusion: Both online learning platforms prioritize a video format for learning, enhancing accessibility and engagement. Choose based on the desired depth and duration of your learning journey.
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Enrollment Options
Both platforms have different enrollment processes for both free and paid courses.
Coursera
LinkedIn Learning
Both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning provide diverse enrollment options catering to different learning preferences and financial considerations.
We’ll discuss this in detail in the cost section.
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Quality and Instructors
Quality of content and credentials of instructors are two key aspects you should consider before making a choice between these platforms.
LinkedIn Learning
Any member of the LinkedIn learning community is allowed to apply for the position of instructor.
Instructor backgrounds range from senior lecturers to real-world professionals actively practicing in their fields. Teaching quality varies among instructors, including many highly respected professionals such as Michael McDonald, Dina Shapiro, and Brad Batesole.
Courses on LinkedIn Learning undergo evaluation before being featured on the platform. LinkedIn Learning has an average course rating of 4.5, indicating positive reception from learners
Coursera
Coursera has institutional partnerships with 250+ top universities and institutions.
Instructor quality is exceptional as it includes Nobel prize winners, bestselling authors, academics from prestigious universities, executives, and industry experts from leading companies.
The partner institutions include Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Oxford, and MIT, as well as companies such as IBM, Google, and Meta.
Instructors are experienced in both traditional classroom lectures and adapting to remote learning, ensuring effective educational delivery. The average course rating is 4.7/5, highlighting the high quality and effectiveness of the courses.
Conclusion: LinkedIn Learning’s teaching quality is featuring a mix of industry professionals and university lecturers. On the other hand, Coursera offers high-quality education, with renowned instructors from prestigious universities and industry leaders
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Costs
| Feature | LinkedIn Learning | Coursera |
| Per Course | $35-$40 | Courses: Starting from $49 Guided projects: Starting from $9.99 Specializations and professional certificates: Starting from $39 per month Degrees: Starting from $9000 per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $39.99/month | $59/month (Read More about Coursera Pricings.) |
| Annual Subscription | $239.88/year | $399/year |
| Free Trial | One-month | 7-day free trial on subscriptions, specializations, and professional certificates |
| Refund Policy | 30-day refund policy on individual courses | 14-day refund policy |
Conclusion: LinkedIn Learning offers flexibility with a variety of instructors and a subscription model. Coursera provides a comprehensive range of learning pathways with diverse pricing options, including a subscription service (Coursera Plus).
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Certificate Value
Certification might be necessary for some learners but not required for others. Therefore, it is important to know what kind of certificates are offered by each platform and whether or not they are accredited.
LinkedIn Learning
Coursera
Conclusion: Both platforms allow users to display certificates on their LinkedIn profiles. However, Coursera certificates hold additional value because they are awarded from accredited institutions.
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Features
There are multiple features offered by both platforms that enhance the learning experience.
LinkedIn Learning
Coursera
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Pros and Cons
It is important to analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of platforms to make an informed choice.
LinkedIn Learning Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Coursera Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Both platforms offer valuable features, but the choice depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the specific learning goals of the user.
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: Suitability
Both platforms are tailored to meet the needs of certain individuals. Therefore, it is important to understand which platform is more suitable for you.
LinkedIn Learning is suitable for:
Coursera is suitable for:
Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning and Coursera
If Coursera and LinkedIn do not suit your requirements, here are a few alternatives you could try.
edX
Overview:
Learning Type:
Strengths:
Udemy
Overview:
Learning Type:
Strengths:
MasterClass
Overview:
Learning Type:
Strengths:
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning for Business
When it comes to catering to the learning needs of businesses, both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer solutions for various team sizes.
LinkedIn Learning for Teams:
LinkedIn Learning for Teams is designed for small teams of up to 20 users. It is priced at $379.88 per user yearly. It provides a free course demonstration, allowing businesses to explore its features further before committing to a payment structure.
The payment is based on a per-seat per-year model. This plan offers access to 5,000 courses, 100 skill sets, and 1,900 guided projects.
Coursera Courses for Teams:
Coursera’s team plan is priced at $399 per user yearly. The plan is suitable for small teams and lets you access a broad range of academic disciplines.
It offers a comprehensive learning experience for team members, covering a wide array of skill sets and guided projects.
For larger teams, both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning provide customizable solutions. Such plans include special features like job-based learning tools, authoring tools, dedicated account managers, and user analytics.
Coursera Vs. LinkedIn Learning: User Opinions
Here are a few testimonials from real-time users of the two platforms taken from discussion forums like Quora and Reddit.
It is a personal choice. LL courses are mini-courses. Most Coursera courses are full-length, and you may take a few weeks to complete each class. Still, I have enjoyed learning on both platforms and on several other MOOC platforms – like edX and Khan Academy. I suggest you try out both and find out for yourself. You may also like both platforms! In short, both are great learning platforms. (Quora review of LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera)
Ultimately, the choice between LinkedIn Learning and Coursera depends on your individual learning requirements and preferences. You might consider exploring both platforms and evaluating the course offerings, instructional approach, user reviews, and course syllabi to determine which platform aligns better with your goals. Additionally, consider factors such as cost, flexibility, and the availability of multiple courses that match your specific areas of interest or professional aspirations. (Quora review of LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera)
Coursera, in my experience, has a more traditional academic approach, vs. LinkedIn Learning which has a more skills-based policy. The content on LinkedIn Learning is satisfactory, but Coursera’s content goes a lot deeper, given its educational system. (Reddit review of LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera)
Conclusion: LinkedIn Learning is usually just overviews and not a lot of depth in the course materials in general. Coursera is more in-depth and detailed. (Reddit review of LinkedIn Learning vs Coursera)
Other comparisons you might want to read:
FAQs
Conclusion
When deciding between Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, it’s important to align your choice with your specific online learning goals.
If you want to earn certificates accredited by renowned universities and a diverse range of courses, Coursera is the better fit.
If you are looking for professional development courses and require a vast library of courses, LinkedIn Learning’s courses are more suitable.
However, both these online learning platforms offer unique features and cater to different preferences, so it might be better to explore both platforms to meet all your online learning needs.
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