Skillshare is a better option for those interested in creative skills and project-based learning at a lower cost. Coursera Plus is more suitable for users seeking academic and professional development with accredited certificates and instructors from top universities and companies.
| Attribute | Skillshare | Coursera Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Course Variety and Depth | Offers a wide array of courses across various categories, including creative arts, business skills, technology, and lifestyle. It has over 35,000 courses. Skillshare classes cover diverse and niche areas, including creative writing, graphic design, web development, SEO, and professional product photography. Learning paths are available, providing curated class sequences to build skills progressively in various fields, from basic to advanced levels. However, most Skillshare classes are under 60 minutes and focus on a single topic, which may not suit learners seeking in-depth, structured courses. | Provides access to over 10,000 courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, and Professional Certificates covering data science, business, computer science, health, social sciences, arts and humanities, and more. |
| Subscription Cost and Value | Operates on a membership model, offering both free and premium options. As of July 2025, Skillshare provides a 7-day free trial for new users. After the trial, a premium subscription is required to access the full course catalog. The annual subscription costs $168, averaging $14 per month. A monthly subscription option is also available. Skillshare also has a team plan for businesses, costing $159 per user annually. | Monthly: $59 per month (7-day free trial). Annual: $399 per year (14-day money-back guarantee). Can be more cost-effective than paying for individual courses. |
| Instructor Quality and Expertise | Offers informative and engaging courses created by experts passionate about teaching. Instructors are often experienced professionals who bring real-world experience to their teaching. However, Skillshare has an open teaching policy, meaning formal qualifications aren't required. | Taught by professors from top universities (e.g., Stanford, Yale, Duke) and industry leaders from companies like Google, IBM, and Meta. Instructors are generally knowledgeable and articulate. |
| Hands-on Projects and Assignments | Courses often include interactive class projects, which are integral to the learning experience. These projects offer learners a chance to apply their newfound knowledge in a practical, hands-on manner. Learners can share these projects within the Skillshare community, receiving valuable feedback and insights from peers and instructors. The platform's project-based learning approach makes the educational experience more engaging and practical. | Many courses include practical projects and assignments to apply the concepts learned. Offers Guided Projects for structured learning of practical skills. |
| Community Support and Interaction | Fosters a strong sense of community and collaborative learning. Learners can share their projects and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors. Discussion boards and forums provide learners with a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other students. Skillshare leverages its project-based learning structure to foster a highly interactive community environment where users can engage, share, and receive feedback on creative projects. | Courses typically include discussion forums for student interaction and questions. |
| Learning Path Customization | Learning paths give a clear structure to follow, so you're not left wondering where to start or what's next. With Skillshare Learning Paths, you can focus on key areas like design, illustration, business, and more, each crafted by experts to ensure every class adds value. | Allows choosing courses and specializations based on skill level and goals. |
| Mobile App Availability and Features | Offers a mobile app that allows users to access courses from their smartphones or tablets, providing the flexibility to learn on the go. Through the mobile app, you can download classes for offline viewing, making learning possible without an internet connection. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. | Mobile app available for accessing course materials, tracking progress, and engaging in learning activities on the go. Offers features such as offline access and enhanced text-to-speech functionalities. |
| Offline Viewing Options | Allows users to download classes for offline viewing through the mobile app. This feature is perfect for learning on the go without an internet connection. | Mobile app allows downloading course content for offline viewing. |
| Certificate of Completion | Skillshare courses are not accredited. | Provides course certificates upon successful completion of courses, which can be shared with employers and professional networks. |
| Skill Development Focus (Creative vs. Academic) | Seems to focus more on creative skills like writing, graphics design, and photography. However, there are a wide areas of interest covered, including technology/software development and career-related courses. | Offers courses in both creative skills (e.g., design, photography, creative writing) and academic subjects (e.g., science, math, engineering). |
| Trial Period Availability | Offers a free trial period for new users. Currently, Skillshare offers a 7-day free trial for new users. | Offers a 7-day free trial for new users. |
| Cancellation Policy | You can cancel a Skillshare membership at any time to avoid a future charge. To cancel, log in to your Skillshare account, access account settings, select "Membership & Payments," and click "Cancel membership". After you cancel, you will have access to all of Skillshare's content until your paid period ends. | You can cancel at any time. Cancelling within 14 days of payment may make you eligible for a refund. After two weeks, cancellation stops future payments, but past payments are not refunded. |