DataCamp Review (2024 Upd.) Is the Platform Really Worth it?

Last Updated on December, 2024

Everything we do involves data. Everything. No one really understands the power of data until they learn to make use of it.

You will find hundreds of learning platforms that offer courses in data science, but they can get too advanced, and you’ll end up wasting time and losing that enthusiasm.

To AVOID this, I have researched and picked one platform to give you what you want, DataCamp. 

DataCamp is an excellent resource if you’re into data science and data engineering or want to fancy a new skill.

In this article, you will learn ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about DataCamp and how you can get started.

 Overall: 4.8/5
datacamp learning platform logo
4.7
Easiness
4.8
Effectiveness
4.8
Price
Features
  • Covers R, Python, SQL, machine learning, and more
  • Hands-on learning with code execution in the browser
  • Structured learning paths for specific skills or career roles
  • Regular quizzes and practice
  • Platform for discussion and peer/instructor interaction
  • SEE WHAT’S MORE
Brand Information
  • DataCamp was founded in 2013
  • Was founded by Jonathan Cornelissen, Martijn Theuwissen, and Dieter De Mesmaeker
  • Headquartered in New York City, USA
  • Mission is to Democratize data science education
  • Collaborates with various organizations and institutions
Product Benefits
  • User-friendly and budget-friendly
  • Free courses
  • Has a super active Expert-led courses for comprehensive understanding.
  • Easy-to-understand content with clear instructions
  • Simplifies learning data science
  • Flexible online training

What is DataCamp?

datacamp logo

DataCamp is a super popular way to learn data science, growing fast since it started in 2020. 

Founded by a group of data scientists, they aim to help companies worldwide by giving everyone access to data skills. 

They have over 350 courses all about data science, making learning data science extremely fun. For those new to data science, DataCamp offers a great learning experience. 

Their courses are easy to understand, using videos and interactive exercises to keep things interesting. DataCamp is mainly for people who don’t know a general-purpose programming language or computer science but want to learn. 

DataCamp is focused on data science and data engineering fields. They cover Python, SQL, R, machine learning, and more. Because DataCamp’s courses are hands-on, you start learning to program, analyze data, and engineer databases right away.

Now that’s an intro about what DataCamp is; keep reading this DataCamp review to learn all about it…. 

How Does DataCamp Work?

a screenshot of the datacamp webpage on how the platform works

To get up and running on DataCamp, you must register yourself and create a DataCamp account first. When you sign in, you can either learn for free and get a taste of the platform or if you’re confident enough, you can directly opt for the DataCamp premium plan.

I will discuss all the plans in detail in this article, so stick with me.

When you start a DataCamp course, you’ll see a screen with an exercise and a compiler. You solve the exercise, and the system guides you through it. 

A data science expert leads every course; you can see the instructor and course length on the course page. It’s PERFECT for building your portfolio and getting ready for coding interviews. 

Still, you’ll need to be motivated because it’s a self-paced learning journey, and DataCamp keeps track of your progress. Once you complete a course, you will receive a DataCamp certificate. (Wow!)

Who is DataCamp for?

Are you ready to give what it takes to learn new skills and become a PRO in data science?

If the answer is yes, you’re in for a journey that will change your life. 

Considering how data science is becoming more critical every day, there are plenty of folks who could give it a shot and gain some valuable skills. 

If your dream job is to become a machine learning engineer, machine learning scientist, or data engineer, DataCamp is like the roadmap that will help you get there. 

DataCamp is the right fit for:

  • Individuals seeking a career change to enter the field of data.
  • Beginners wanting a gradual introduction to data science.
  • Data scientists in search of platforms for practicing and experimenting with projects. 
  • Learners who prefer a mix of hands-on exercises and instructional lessons. 

DataCamp welcomes anyone with a general curiosity about coding and data science! 

Who Teaches DataCamp Courses?

some of the instructors who teach in datacamp

On DataCamp, there are excellent teachers, including professional data scientists, outside experts, and sometimes even the founders of DataCamp. 

This means you’re learning from the best in data science. You can check who’s teaching a course before you start, so you know you’re getting top-notch instruction. 

How to Open a DataCamp Account?

Opening a DataCamp account is very easy, and I’ll walk you through it step by step:

  • Visit DataCamp
  • You can sign up for free using your Google , LinkedIn, or Facebook account, or create an account with your email.
  • Once you’re in, just complete a basic profile, and you’ll land on My Progress.
  • There you can explore options like Career Tracks, Skill Tracks, Courses, Projects, and more on the left sidebar. 

From there, you can start checking out different courses. They have a cool feature, so you can pick the technologies or topics you’re interested in or sort courses by relevance or newest. 

a screenshot of the datacamp website homepage

It’s a straightforward process to get started on your learning journey!

Career and Skill Tracks

Every learning platform has that unique feature that stands out from the rest, and on DataCamp, this is that feature. 

If you have always wanted to get into the data science field but needed help figuring out the path to becoming one, don’t worry.

Career and skill tracks offer structured learning paths to prepare individuals like you to enhance your skills in specific areas.

A career track guides you for a particular career in data science, comprising a curated series of courses that encompasses all the necessary skills and knowledge for your dream role. 

On the other hand, a skill track is a focused learning path designed to help you acquire a specific set of skills within a particular domain.

Both tracks feature hands-on exercises, video lessons, and real-world applications, delivering a thorough and captivating educational journey. 

Whether aiming for a specific career or looking to develop targeted skills, DataCamp’s career tracks and skill tracks offer systematic approaches to achieving your learning goals. 

BEST DATA SCIENCE LEARNING PLATFORM

Best Courses on DataCamp: DataCamp Review

DataCamp has a lot of data science courses to help you get better at data science.

Learn a general-purpose programming language like Python from beginner courses, and watch yourself transform from a beginner Python programmer to an expert Python programmer.

Choosing the right online course can be tricky, so I filtered out the best ones they have.

Let’s look at the BEST online courses on DataCamp to see what other learners like the most.

1. Introduction to R

a screenshot of "introduction to R" course

R courses are a trendy pick on DataCamp. And this particular one stands out for me. In this introduction to R course, you’ll learn the basics of this open-source language.

Gain data science skills and be prepared to analyze your data in R. 

Instructed by Jonathan Cornelisseen, co-founder of DataCamp, this course promises a quick grasp of the essentials in one of the most popular open-source programming languages.

Join the growing community of R users, increasing by 40% each year, in less than 4 hours with this 4.7-star rated INTRODUCTION COURSE. 

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Intro to basics
  • Vectors 
  • Matrices
  • Factors
  • Dataframes
  • Lists

2. Introduction to Python

a screenshot of the 'introduction to python' course

Learn the basic skills of data analysis with Python in four hours. This 4.7 star-rated introduction to Python course for beginners introduces the Python interface and explores popular packages. 

Python is the top programming language for data analysts and data scientists. Companies seek data skills to gain insights from their data. 

This introduction to Python course focuses on mastering the basics of Python, teaching you to store and manipulate data with one of the most popular programs, even if you have yet to gain experience. 

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Python basics
  • Python lists 
  • Functions and packages 
  • NumPy

3. Understanding Data Science

a screenshot of the 'understanding data science' course

This straightforward course helps you understand the exciting field of data science without any complicated technical stuff or coding. You won’t need to write a single line of code. 

With hands-on exercises, you’ll learn about different jobs in data science and critical subjects like machine learning. 

Find out how data scientists use real-world data to get knowledge and insights. Sara Billen, the course manager, guides you with practical exercises on the role of a data scientist. 

If you’re curious about data science but too shy to ask questions, this 4.8-star rated 2-hour course is for you. 

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Introduction to data science 
  • Data collection and storage 
  • Preparation, exploration, and data visualization 
  • Experimentation and prediction

4. SQL Fundamentals

a screenshot of the 'SQL Fundamentals' course

In this 4.8-rated skill track, you’ll pick up the basics of SQL to boost your data skills in just 26 hours.

With hands-on activities, you’ll explore the fundamentals of SQL in real-world situations, such as organizing and asking questions about relational databases. 

You’ll use these basics to summarize and connect tables as you go along quickly. You’ll also employ window functions and built-in PostgreSQL functions to analyze your data.

By the end of this skill track, you’ll have a solid understanding of SQL essentials and the confidence to use them on your own data sets. 

You’ll be all set to start working on various SQL projects and enhance your data science portfolio.

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Introduction to SQL by Izzy Weber 
  • Intermediate SQL by Jasmin Ludolf
  • Joining data in SQL by Maham Khan
  • Data manipulation in SQL by Mona Khalil
  • PostgreSQL summary stats and window functions by Fernando Gonzalez Prada

5. Data Scientist with Python

a screenshot of the 'data scientist with python' course

Embark on a career track to gain the Python skills needed for success as a data scientist, even if you haven’t coded before. 

This track, with a 4.5-star rating, takes 90 hours to complete. Learn the versatility of Python as you import, clean, manipulate, and visualize data – crucial skills for any aspiring data scientist. 

Starting with Python essentials, engage in interactive exercises testing your abilities. Dive into popular Python libraries with real-world datasets.

Progress to learn statistical and data science and machine learning techniques for predictive models. 

Take this career track, enhance your data science skills, and apply them to real-world projects. Embark on the path to becoming a skilled data scientist with Python. 

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Python by Hugo Bowne-Anderson
  • Intermediate Python by Hugo Bowne-Anderson
  • Investigating Netflix movies by Jasmin Ludolf
  • Data manipulation with pandas by Richie Cotton 
  • Joining data with pandas by Aaren Stubberfield

6. Data Scientist with R

a screenshot of the 'data scientist with r' course

Hop on to a career track designed to equip you with the essential R skills for a successful adventure in data science, with no coding experience needed! 

With a 4.5 star rating, this 88-hour journey immerses you in popular R packages, letting you tackle real-world datasets hands-on. Master the art of data cleaning, data engineering, and data analytics. 

Engage in interactive exercises, exploring tidyverse gems like dplyr. Unleash your creativity by crafting your functions and diving into foundational statistical and machine-learning techniques. 

Ready to kickstart your exciting journey to becoming a data scientist? Start the career path now!

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Introduction to R by Jonathan Cornelisseen
  • Intermediate R by Filip Schouwenaars
  • Introduction to the Tidyverse by David Robinson
  • Data manipulation with dplyr 
  • Joining data with dplyr 

7. Data Analyst with Python

a screenshot of the 'data scientist with python' course

Dreams of becoming a DATA ANALYST? Even if you’ve never coded, this 36-hour career path is designed for you. 

Dive into nine courses, where interactive exercises provide hands-on experience with popular Python libraries. Starting from scratch, you’ll learn to import, clean, manipulate, and analyze data – crucial skills for any data analyst. 

Explore why Python is famous for data analysis and work with real-world datasets to enhance your data manipulation and exploratory data analysis skills. 

These courses cover everything from the basics to advanced topics like data manipulation and analysis. Start today, strengthen your data skills, and transform into a professional data analyst. 

Chapter Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Python by Hugo Bowne-Anderson
  • Intermediate Python by Hugo Bowne-Anderson
  • Data manipulation with pandas by Richie Cotton 
  • Joining data with pandas by Aaren Stubberfield
  • iOS Developer
  • Data Scientist

Is DataCamp Worth it?

a screenshot of the learning paths available in datacamp learning platform

So now, let’s get to the inevitable part of this article. 

Is DataCamp worth your money?

Let me put it this way. If you’re already experienced and are looking for more advanced courses, it’s better to find specific courses elsewhere to fill your knowledge gaps. 

But for beginners and intermediates looking to learn data science and track progress to become an entry-level Python programmer, DataCamp is the right place for you. 

Here, you learn the technology and discover how to apply it to real-world concepts like statistics and finance. Exciting, right?

Get unlimited access to all the courses and community support for top-notch training in Python, SQL, and R. And guess what? There’s even a mobile app. 

DataCamp focuses on offering the practice you need to gain confidence in your chosen field or quickly upskill employees in a business. 

With that said, let’s now talk about a frequently asked question. “How much does DataCamp cost?”

How Much Does DataCamp Courses Cost?

a screenshot of the pricing plans available in datacamp

DataCamp’s pricing is not just affordable; it’s downright cheap for the value you receive. 

With two plans to choose from, the basic plan is free, and the premium goal, available monthly or yearly, is incredibly budget-friendly. Opting for the yearly plan even helps you save some extra bucks. 

Considering the extensive range of courses and hands-on practice, the cost is a mere fraction of what you’d spend on traditional education or other platforms. It’s a steal, especially for businesses aiming to upskill employees in Python, SQL, or R. 

The investment in your learning and professional growth is minimal compared to the immense knowledge and practical skills you gain. 

It’s not just cheap; it’s a wise financial move for your career development as a data scientist. 

DataCamp Basic

The basic plan gives you limited access to various individual data science courses and other free courses. Get every first chapter for free, allowing you to dive into the content at no cost. 

Additionally, enjoy the perks of a complimentary professional profile and access the job board, providing valuable opportunities. 

DataCamp Premium

Unlock the complete content library, including all certificates and projects. Take the journey from beginner to job-ready with the top courses in Python, SQL, or R. 

Discover various ways to learn to code and access all these benefits at just $29 monthly or a thrifty $6.17 per month when billed annually, saving you a generous $12.

DataCamp Teams

This plan gives you everything from the Premium plan and more. DataCamp Teams allows you to manage your group, keep tabs on learning activities, and track your progress.

Benefit from license management tools to streamline your team’s experience. All this comes at a cost of $12.42 per user per month, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their learning journey. 

DataCamp Enterprise

Upgrade to the Enterprise plan for all the benefits of teams and more like managing your group, license management tools, etc. 

Enjoy personalized and adaptive learning paths for your team members, complemented by advanced analytics and reporting integrations. Enable Single Sign-On (SSO) through platforms like Okta, Auth0, Azure, and others. 

Integrate seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP). 

Reach out to their sales team for pricing details.

What I Liked About DataCamp?

  • Wide Range of Courses

I know that every review on learning platforms boasts about the range of courses. But on DataCamp, it’s a whole other level.

With a SINGLE SUBSCRIPTION, you gain access to a whopping 350+ courses. Imagine over 350 courses covering Python, SQL, R, and many other valuable data science skills and concepts. 

A crazy amount of learning material, totaling thousands of hours across fascinating topics. It’s so extensive that you could stay engaged for months without running out of things to learn. 

  • Career Tracks and Skill Tracks

This is by far my favorite feature of DataCamp. 

These tracks cover relevant chapters that industry experts teach and give you all the essential skills you need for a career in a data science field of your choice.

And the best part? Once you finish the track, you’re often ready for an entry-level job. Cool, right?

You can take assessments, join competitions, work on projects, use practice spaces, and more. DataCamp has something for everyone. 

  • User and Beginner Friendliness 
a screenshot of the datacamp website course catalog

DataCamp is super friendly for beginners. Many of their popular courses are designed just for beginners, making grasping new concepts and ideas easy. 

The site does a fantastic job of connecting the world of data science with everyone else, and they do it well. 

The user experience on DataCamp is unmatched. It’s incredibly easy to get started, and you’re smoothly guided through everything.

The course interface is very beginner-friendly – on the left, you get explanations, and on the right, there’s a workspace for problem-solving. It couldn’t be simpler. 

Everything is laid out clearly, allowing beginners like me to choose the suitable courses at my own pace. 

What Could Be Improved on DataCamp?

  • Lack of Advanced Courses

I know that DataCamp’s primary focus is to introduce students to the basics of data science, like natural language processing and non-coding essentials.

But obviously, there’s room for improvement. DataCamp should create more courses specifically for data science professionals and skilled individuals. 

This means adding courses in new languages and data science applications, ensuring they cover everything. 

This way, DataCamp can fulfill its goal of turning students into successful data scientists and data engineers. The new courses should target experienced data scientists to provide more advanced content. 

a screenshot of the resources page of datacamp website
  • Courses Are Limited to the Data Science Field 

Currently, DataCamp primarily focuses mainly on courses in data science. 

To enrich their platform, DataCamp could diversify by adding courses from other tech niches like computer science, AI, and software engineering. 

Additionally, they can expand into different fields, such as arts and business. It will help them broaden their student base. 

As a learning platform, giving equal priority to all fields, rather than solely focusing on data science, is essential to provide students with a more well-rounded learning experience. 

BEST DATA SCIENCE LEARNING PLATFORM

Alternatives to DataCamp

We have already talked about how much people care about data science. That’s why many other alternatives besides DataCamp for teaching similar things exist. 

Let’s look at some of the most popular ones.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight provides various plans with access to 7000+ hands-on content, coding projects, and certification preparation.

You can learn at your own pace, and they offer a free trial.

It’s a top learning platform instructed by a network of 1500+ expert instructors.

Focused on tech-related subjects like data science, Pluralsight offers on-demand courses and hands-on real-world projects. 

For more details, check out our full review for the Pluralsight!

pluralsight logo

Udemy

Udemy is a widely used learning platform with 200,000+ courses that cover diverse academic subjects, not just technology-focused topics. 

Udemy falls short in the quality of its courses. Some courses excel, while others might not meet expectations.

Despite this inconsistency, Udemy remains a strong contender in the online learning space.

udemy logo

Codecademy

Codecademy provides 12 programming languages and diverse resources like challenges, blogs, articles, and videos.

DataCamp, on the other hand, focuses specifically on data science with a practical approach. 

Both platforms employ a hands-on learning style, considering their skill tracks and career paths almost like a boot camp. 

Codecademy’s library is more expensive, offering over 60 free introductory courses for comparison.

codeacademy logo

Datacamp Student Testimonials

I checked what people say about this online learning platform to give a fair review. 

Most people seem to like it a lot. However, it’s good to know that while DataCamp is helpful, it might not go super deep into training. 

Here are some essential points from what I found from Trustpilot, for which DataCamp is rated 4.5 stars overall. 

I have been learning in DataCamp for the last 2 years. Love the quality of the platform and the courses are very simple and interactive. I also love the practice exercises at the end of each course. It’s fun learning too. Highly recommend DataCamp for continuously learning and growing!

Brindha says she has been learning in DataCamp for two years. She mentions that she loves the quality of the platform and that they offer interactive courses while keeping it very simple.

I recently completed the Power BI Data Analyst track on Data Camp and my experience was wonderful. Videos were to-the-point and they covered a lot of important topics. Exercises were great as well to apply what I learnt. Although, just going over the course content won’t cover everything, yet it gives you a pretty solid foundation so that you can do further research and become proficient at things by practicing.

Nishant talks about how DataCamp is a good starting point for beginners to learn new skills.

He has completed the Power BI and Data Analyst skill track and shares his experience. He says it gives you solid foundational skills to start your learning journey.

DataCamp is the best platform for learning data skills. I went from knowing nothing about SQL to becoming the go-to-guy for database queries in my organization. The lessons on DataCamp are so well compiled, well explained, and easy to understand even to people with no prior experience in the course of study. Workspace is also a gem since it helps you practice your skills with real datasets straight from the datacamp website and app. Literally the best platform for studying, period.

So, Gareth has gone from knowing nothing about SQL to learning all about it. All thanks to DataCamp. 

As mentioned in the above testimonials, he talks about how incredible the user-friendliness and beginner-friendliness of the platform is.

Pros and Cons: DataCamp Review

Pros

User-friendly and budget-friendly.
Free courses.
Career and skill tracks.
Flexible online training.
Engage in practice challenges and practical learning within a dedicated environment.
Specialized focus on data science courses.
Easy-to-understand content with clear instructions.
Cost-effective entry into the field.
Simplifies learning data science.
Accelerated proficiency in Python, SQL, and R programming.
Expert-led courses for comprehensive understanding.

Cons

Inconsistency of quality in course material.
Insufficient theoretical application.
Limited to the field of data science.
No reminder before renewing the subscription.

Other e-learning platforms reviewed:

Final Thoughts: DataCamp Review

No matter your background, DataCamp is an EXCELLENT RESOURCE to equip yourself. 

It doesn’t stop at practical data skills; DataCamp delves into the theory of data science and machine learning, explaining how these concepts apply to various fields.

What’s even cooler is they have skill and career paths that let you keep learning and new certificates to show off your skills. 

And that’s all you need to know about DataCamp. What are you waiting for? Go check it out.

FAQs

No, DataCamp does not have accreditation. However, they do offer certificates upon completing their courses.

Yes, DataCamp certificates are recognized by employers and are an industry-recognized way to prove your skills and stand out in a competitive job market.

No, while employers do recognize DataCamp certification, completing a course will not guarantee a job in the industry.

BEST data science LEARning PLATFORM
DataCamp
datacamp learning platform logo
Easiness
Effectiveness
Price

4.7

4.8

4.8

Overall Score

4.8

visa master amex paypal
Pros
User-friendly and budget-friendly.
Free courses.
Flexible online training.
Accelerated proficiency in Python, SQL, and R programming.
Easy-to-understand content with clear instructions.
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of December
Cons
Inconsistency of quality in course material.
Limited to the field of data science.

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Author
Carlos Eduardo
Hey there, I’m Carlos Eduardo, the Founder and Author of Scorebeyond. Delving deep into 20+ years of education transformation through innovative e-learning, I’ve poured my expertise into this platform. My enduring legacy continues to drive the path towards a future empowered by knowledge!

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