Both LinkedIn Learning and Coursera Plus offer valuable online learning experiences, but they cater to slightly different needs. LinkedIn Learning is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and network within the LinkedIn ecosystem, while Coursera Plus is better suited for those looking for university-backed courses and in-depth specialization programs. The choice depends on individual career goals and learning preferences.
| Attribute | LinkedIn Learning | Coursera Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Course Content Quality | High-quality course content, with instructors who are experts in their fields. Vetting process for instructors. Quality can vary, and some courses may be too short or lack in-depth information. | Partners with top universities and companies, well-structured programs in in-demand tech skills. |
| Breadth of Course Library | Vast library with over 18,000 courses covering business, creative, and technology topics. | Over 10,000 courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates, covering over 90% of Coursera's catalog. Topics include business, computer science, data science, health, IT, and arts and humanities. |
| Depth of Specialization Options | Learning paths and role guides to help users develop specific skills for career advancement. | Specialization courses bundle related courses to build comprehensive skills. Each includes practical projects and a capstone project, generally taking 3-6 months to complete. |
| Instructor Expertise | Experienced professionals in their respective fields. LinkedIn profiles are usually accessible. | Partners with prestigious universities and companies, instructors known for expertise and accuracy. |
| Hands-on Projects and Exercises | Integrates hands-on exercises and real-time feedback. Partners with tools like CoderPad and GitHub Codespaces. | Access to guided projects to help prepare for the job market and develop industry-related skills. Over 1,000 applied projects and hands-on labs are available from industry experts. |
| Certification Opportunities | Offers certificates upon completion of courses and learning paths. Certificates can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile and resume. | Unlimited certificates of completion, valid worldwide. Certificates can be shared on job boards and professional networks. |
| Skill Assessment Tools | Offers skill assessments to help users gauge their proficiency and receive personalized course recommendations. | LevelSets tool to help learners enroll in recommended, targeted courses and develop skills faster. Assesses proficiency in high-demand skills. |
| Personalized Learning Paths | Provides personalized learning paths based on career goals, skills, and interests. The "My Career Journey" feature helps you set career goals and receive tailored content recommendations. | Personalized learning paths designed to tailor learning experiences to individual needs, skills, roles, and career interests. |
| Integration with LinkedIn Profile | Connect your LinkedIn Learning account with your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and certifications. Allows for personalized course recommendations and easy access to learning content. | Allows you to add courses and certificates to your LinkedIn profile. |
| Mobile App Availability | Offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. These apps allow for offline access to course materials. | Free, user-friendly mobile app. Most videos can be downloaded for offline viewing. Quizzes can generally be taken via the app. |
| Subscription Cost | Monthly and annual subscription plans. As of March 2024, the annual subscription costs $323.88 (or $26.99 monthly), while the monthly subscription is $39.99. A one-month free trial is available. | $59 per month or $399 per year |
| Community Support and Forums | Provides a supportive community where you can connect with peers and instructors. | Coursera generally has community features where learners can interact. |