TLDR
Platform Overviews
This is your first and possibly only stop to find a great place to upskill or learn a new one! We’ve carefully crafted a list of the best Online Learning Platforms (OLPs) for aspiring and current IT professionals. This page keeps it simple.
Each section will include:
- A quick intro and superlative for the learning platform
- A list of pro’s and con’s
- Two links:
- One for the OLP’s homepage
- One to a deep analysis of the Platform
If you want a huge library and know what skill you’re looking for, check out Coursera, the first in our list of candidates.
If you’re on a budget and looking for an intro or intermediate level IT course, maybe Udemy if your place.
If you’re looking for a professional acknowledgment of a new skill, LinkedIn-Learning has your name on it. We know you’re going to find what you’re looking for.

Coursera
Learn from the best minds. Offers over 5,000 courses from top universities and companies, covering diverse IT fields like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. Gain prestigious knowledge and valuable credentials.
Superlative: Most Comprehensive
Pros:
- Accredited courses and specializations: Not just accredited, but recognized by leading tech companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft. Earn credentials from esteemed institutions like Stanford, Yale, and Johns Hopkins, adding immediate value to your resume.
- Up-to-date content: Courses are constantly refreshed with industry insights from expert instructors and working professionals, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve with the latest tools and trends.
- Flexible learning: Learn at your own pace, with on-demand video lectures, self-paced quizzes, and flexible deadlines. Take your lunch break to master programming basics or conquer advanced cloud computing concepts after bedtime.
- Global community: Connect with fellow IT professionals from around the world, share experiences, collaborate on projects, and build a valuable network that extends beyond borders.
- Job placement assistance: Some specialized courses go beyond theory, offering career coaching, resume help, and direct connections with hiring managers at top tech companies. Get a leg up in your job search with expert guidance.
Cons:
- Can be expensive: While individual courses offer reasonable prices, specializations and MasterTracks can cost hundreds, and some require monthly subscriptions. Consider exploring financial aid options, scholarships, and discounts to make Coursera more accessible.
- Some courses are not as rigorous: Be mindful of beginner-friendly or introductory courses, as they might not offer the in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed for advanced roles. Look for intermediate or advanced specializations for a more comprehensive learning experience.
- Not all courses are relevant to IT: While Coursera boasts a vast library, not every course falls under the IT umbrella. Ensure you’re focusing on the technology track or specific IT-related specializations to avoid straying from your career goals.
Looking for more about Coursera? Check out our deep dive HERE.

Udemy
Explore a vast IT skills playground. Millions of courses in various specializations, catering to diverse learning styles and budgets. Beginner to advanced levels, find your perfect fit.
Superlative: Most Diverse
Pros:
- Affordable courses, often discounted, with subscription and bundling options.
- Vastly diverse IT topics for all skill levels, from popular languages to specialized areas.
- User-friendly interface with previews, progress tracking, and instructor support.
- Flexible learning with access from any device, at your own pace, and lifetime access.
- Active community fostering interaction, support, and a sense of shared learning.
Cons:
- Quality can vary, so reviews and instructor checks are important.
- Some content may not reflect the latest advancements, so update dates and reviews matter.
- No official accreditation or certification, but Udemy certificates show skills to employers.
Looking for more about Udemy? Check out our deep dive HERE.

edX
Gain prestige and knowledge. Partnered with top universities like MIT and Harvard, offering in-depth, high-quality courses for serious career advancement.
Superlative: Most Prestigious
Pros:
- Unparalleled Course Selection: Offers the most comprehensive range of IT courses, spanning diverse domains and levels of expertise.
- Flexible Learning Format: Accommodates diverse schedules and learning styles with self-paced, pre-recorded materials and interactive exercises.
- Verifiable Credentials: Provides verified certificates upon course completion, adding credibility to resumes and enhancing career prospects.
- Thriving Learning Community: Fosters a supportive and collaborative environment for learners to connect, share knowledge, and work on projects together.
- Affordable Options: Includes free courses and paid subscriptions to suit different budgets and learning needs.
- Partnerships with Leading Institutions: Collaborates with prestigious universities and industry leaders to ensure high-quality content and expertise.
Cons:
- Cost of Paid Options: While free courses are available, paid options and subscriptions can be expensive for some learners.
- Lack of Live Instruction: Courses primarily rely on pre-recorded materials, lacking the interactive element of live classes.
- Limited Hands-on Experience: Courses often focus on theoretical knowledge and may lack extensive opportunities for practical application.
- Self-Discipline Required: Succeeding in self-paced courses requires strong motivation and time management skills.
- Technical Issues: Some users have reported occasional technical glitches and platform errors.
Looking for more about edX? Check out our deep dive HERE.
Udacity
Get career-ready with hands-on training. Industry-relevant projects and nanodegrees prepare you for specific IT jobs. Focus on practical skills and real-world experience.
Superlative: Most Practical
Pros:
- Industry-relevant curriculum: Co-developed with tech giants, ensuring the content is up-to-date and relevant.
- Structured Nanodegree programs: Provide focused learning pathways for specific job roles.
- Hands-on projects: Allow for practical application of skills and building a project portfolio.
- Career support services: Help you navigate the job market and land your dream IT role.
- Flexible learning options: Self-paced and accelerated programs to accommodate individual needs.
Cons:
- Cost: Udacity’s Nanodegree programs can be expensive, especially compared to other online learning platforms.
- Limited interaction: While some programs offer mentor support, the platform primarily focuses on self-paced learning, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Varying content quality: While some courses are excellent, others may not be as comprehensive or engaging.
Looking for more about Udacity? Check out our deep dive HERE.
Treehouse
Tired of boring coding tutorials? Treehouse crafts engaging, project-based curriculum, guiding you from beginner to job-ready developer. Build real-world applications, websites, and games while mastering languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails. Choose from structured learning paths or explore individual courses, tailored to your goals and interests. Interactive quizzes, code challenges, and peer review keep you motivated. Join a supportive community of learners and mentors, sharing tips and celebrating milestones. Dive into Treehouse and build your dream tech career, brick by brick, project by project.
Superlative: Most Structured
Pros:
- Budget-friendly bites: Learn on your terms, with plans starting at $25.
- Tech buffet: From coding to cybersecurity, explore a vast library of IT courses.
- Easy as pie: Navigate and learn with intuitive platform and clear tutorials.
- Learn anywhere: Carry your learning journey, access tutorials on any device.
- Support squad: Connect with fellow learners, ask questions, and collaborate.
Cons:
- Outdated bites: Some courses might lag behind the latest tech trends.
- Uneven bites: Course quality can vary, choose wisely to avoid duds.
- Motivation munchies: Staying on track can be challenging without external pressure.
Looking for more about Treehouse? Check out our deep dive HERE.
LinkedIn Learning
Superlative: Most Business-Oriented
Upskill for the business world. Offers IT courses aligned with professional trends and certifications, valuable for career advancement.
Pros:
- Learn IT skills from A to Z with a library bursting with courses.
- Master the craft from the best – expert instructors guide your way.
- Build your skillset and take your career to the next level with practical tools.
- Craft your own learning journey with personalized paths and learn on your terms.
- Connect with fellow IT pros and learn from each other’s experiences.
Cons:
- Newbies might feel like they’re in a maze with so many options.
- Some courses might need a refresh to stay on top of the latest trends.
- Getting direct one-on-one help from instructors can be tricky.
Looking for more about LinkedIn Learning? Check out our deep dive HERE.
Pluralsight
Deepen your technical expertise. Features advanced IT topics like software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, ideal for experienced professionals seeking mastery.
Superlative: Most Technical
Pros:
- Extensive course library: Covers a wide range of IT topics and skillsets.
- Expert-led instruction: Learn from industry professionals with real-world experience.
- Personalized learning: Adaptive technology tailors the learning journey to your needs.
- Learning paths and labs: Offer a structured approach and hands-on practice.
- Engaged community: Provides support and networking opportunities.
Cons:
- Price: Can be expensive compared to some competitors.
- Course quality: The quality of some courses can vary.
- Limited free content: Free resources are limited compared to other platforms.
Looking for more about Pluralsight? Check out our deep dive HERE.
A Cloud Guru
Master the cloud. Specializes in cloud computing certifications like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, preparing learners for in-demand cloud jobs.
Superlative: Most Cloud-Focused
Pros:
- Affordability: Budget-friendly options for individual and team learning.
- Course Depth: Diverse cloud tech courses across AWS, Azure, GCP, and more.
- User-Friendly Platform: Easy navigation, clear content, and responsive design.
- Learning Support: Interactive exercises, practice exams, and active community.
- Community Strength: Large and supportive network of learners and instructors.
Cons:
- Outdated Courses: Occasional need for course refresh to stay current.
- Course Quality Variation: Not all courses created equal, some lack depth.
- Community Overwhelm: Large community can feel daunting for some learners.
- Limited Free Content: Mostly paid subscription access, few free offerings.
- Individual Focus: Primarily caters to individual learning, less emphasis on teamwork.
Looking for more about A Cloud Guru? Check out our deep dive HERE.
Codecademy
Learn coding the fun way with interactive exercises and gamified learning. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to brush up on fundamentals.
Superlative: Most Interactive
Pros:
- Variety of courses for diverse IT needs: From web development to cybersecurity, Codecademy caters to various career aspirations.
- Interactive and engaging learning format: Keeps you motivated and promotes active learning.
- Adaptive learning: Tailors the learning experience to your individual needs.
- Flexible learning options: Learn at your own pace and schedule.
- Free access to introductory content: Allows you to test the platform before committing.
Cons:
- Limited depth for advanced topics: May not be sufficient for in-depth specialization.
- Limited community interaction: Can feel isolating compared to platforms with more active forums.
- Pricing structure: Subscription fees can be a barrier for some users.
- Limited hands-on projects: Some courses lack real-world project applications.
Looking for more about Codecademy? Check out our deep dive HERE.
DataCamp
Dive into data science and analytics. Provides courses and projects for aspiring data analysts and scientists to master in-demand skills.
Superlative: Most Data-Focused
Pros:
- Variety of courses: Wide range of courses on data science, machine learning, and related technologies
- Knowledgeable instruction: Experienced instructors and industry experts
- Hands-on: Practical and interactive courses
- Professionally Recognized: Variety of certifications
- Highly Available: Affordable and accessible
Cons:
- Challenge Level: Some courses can be challenging for beginners
- Pay Wall: Some features are only available to paid subscribers
Looking for more about DataCamp? Check out our deep dive HERE.
Codementor
Stuck on a coding problem? Codementor connects you with experienced developers for real-time, one-on-one mentorship. Get personalized guidance, debug code collaboratively, and accelerate your learning curve. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, Codementor offers instant access to expert advice and support, tailoring sessions to your specific needs and goals. Unleash your coding potential with on-demand mentorship, available anytime, anywhere.
Superlative: Most Personalized
Pros:
- Unmatched breadth and depth of course offerings
- Personalized learning with expert mentors
- Flexible scheduling and adaptable learning styles
- Career coaching and interview preparation resources
- Thriving and supportive online community
Cons:
- Pricing can be higher than some online courses
- Availability of specific mentors may vary
- Focus on paid services, limited free resources
Looking for more about Codementor? Check out our deep dive HERE
Cybrary
Cybersecurity threats evolve, but your defense can stay ahead. Cybrary offers a free, gamified platform packed with cybersecurity courses, labs, and certifications. Master ethical hacking, penetration testing, and other security skills through interactive learning. Level up your cybersecurity knowledge with bite-sized video lesson s, hands-on challenges, and real-world scenarios. Join a thriving community of security professionals, collaborate on projects, and test your skills in Capture the Flag competitions. Cybrary empowers you to become a cybersecurity warrior, protecting your future and the digital world.
Superlative: Most Security-Focused
Pros:
- Extensive and free course library
- Expert-led instruction and high-quality content
- Engaging video lectures, hands-on labs, and interactive exercises
- Vibrant community for networking and collaboration
- Career resources and guidance
- Flexible and accessible learning platform
Cons:
- Some courses may be outdated or lack depth
- Limited access to hands-on labs in the free plan
- Community can be overwhelming for beginners
- Limited career support compared to paid platforms
Looking for more about Cybrary? Check out our deep dive HERE
Not what you were looking for?
We are always workings on new platform reviews and more will be added soon so please check back in with us! Also, if you’re curious about a online-learning platform, leave a note in the comments section and we will take a look as soon as we can!
Comments? Questions?
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