Key Differences Between Udemy and Skillshare

  • Udemy provides an integrated learning solution with immersive and cohort-based learning, whereas Skillshare offers an online learning platform community for real-world skillsets.
  • Udemy’s platform is customizable with unique URLs and brand identity; Skillshare does not emphasize this feature.
  • While both platforms provide courses in diverse fields, Udemy also offers “Learning Paths”, a tool stringing together multiple courses for step-by-step learning.
  • Udemy mostly generates its revenue from instructors, whilst Skillshare compensates teachers through enrollments, video lessons, and student referrals.
  • Skillshare offers a free version and scholarships.Skillshare also provides Teams memberships for corporations; Udemy does not offer a free version but has Udemy for Business, specifically catered towards professional adults.

Between Udemy and Skillshare, decision leans towards Udemy for in-depth, structured learning, especially for businesses requiring professional training. Skillshare, with its free version and diverse course offerings, sits well for hobbyists or those aiming to learn real-world skills.

Detailed comparison: Udemy vs Skillshare

ComparisonUdemySkillshare
DescriptionIntegrated learning solution offering on-demand, immersive, and cohort-based learning.Online learning platform, community for students and teachers of real-world skills.
Use CaseUsed globally across various industries, for employee training, professional development.Used for professional development, creative outlet, team training, building new skills.
Course TopicsTechnology, marketing, design, personal development, photography, IT and others.Design, business, marketing, technology, photography, film, fashion, music, gaming, cooking, writing, DIY, crafts.
PriceNo free version available. Prices range from free to $200.Free version available; Skillshare Premium Monthly $12/month, Premium Annual $8/month.
PlatformAvailable on iOS, Android, laptops, desktops, tablets.Accessible via Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone/iPad, Mac, web-based deployment.
Key FeaturesTracking learner activities, creating/sharing learning paths, course completion certificates.Flexibility to grow, reassign seats; offline access with Skillshare mobile app, tools for teachers to create, publish classes.

What Is Udemy Business and Who’s It For?

Udemy Business is a powerful, customizable, learning solution aimed at assisting organizations to future-proof their workforces and increase employee engagement. Primarily aimed for a scale of 2-10,000+ employees, it provides insights, metrics and allows for tailoring of unique learning paths depending on the specific needs of a business.

This platform has a truly global reach, with courses being taught in 60 languages in 190 countries. Highly praised by Fortune 100 companies, Udemy Business plays a crucial role across different industries worldwide, right from technology, marketing, design to personal development and IT.

Colorful snap of a tech professional navigating Udemy Business on her laptop in her modern office.

Pros of Udemy Business

  • Customizable platform tailored to brand identity
  • Wide range of course topics
  • Courses taught in 60 languages
  • Used globally
  • Unlimited course access once purchased

Cons of Udemy Business

  • No free version available
  • Quality disparity across course offerings
  • Not accredited and does not transfer to college credit
  • Criticisms regarding refund policies and hidden costs

What Is Skillshare and Who’s It For?

Skillshare is a creative online learning platform designed to foster a community for students and teachers by offering real-world skills across a multitude of industries. Founded by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, it provides engaging, brief yet comprehensive courses offering progressive difficulty in a broad spectrum of topics.

Skillshare has meticulously crafted a platform aimed at both individual learners seeking professional development and organizations looking to train and upskill their workforce. From design, business, technology to music and crafts, Skillshare ensures a diverse learning experience for all its users.

Colorful image showing a group of creative professionals engrossed in a Skillshare course in a co-working space.

Pros of Skillshare

  • Offers Teams memberships for organizations
  • Classes can be viewed offline with Skillshare app
  • Brief, comprehensive courses
  • Integration with popular software applications

Cons of Skillshare

  • Varying course quality
  • High cost for small businesses
  • Limited advanced courses

Deciding Between Udemy and Skillshare

As you venture into the world of learning platforms, it boils down to one paramount decision – Udemy or Skillshare? Let’s dissect this choice for distinct audience segments.

Professional Corporates and Teams

Skillshare is your preferred option if you’re chiefly on the lookout for a team solution. With its feature of Teams membership – an integration with numerous software, it offers flexibility for growth and ability to reassign seats, along with access to detailed analytics. Conversely, Udemy’s Business platform requires a different subscription, albeit it boasts of being tailored for corporate training.

A team of professionals discussing a Skillshare project

Language and Content Variety Seekers

If you appreciate language diversity and learning content diversity, Udemy wins the race. With courses taught in 60 languages within 190 different countries and diverse topics from technology to personal development, Udemy provides a worldly palette of knowledge.

Multiple students accessing Udemy on various devices from different parts of the world

Cost-sensitive Learners

For learners cognizant of price, both platforms have something to offer. Skillshare offers free classes and scholarships besides its paid selections. Udemy presents a price range from free to $200 and provides unlimited access for purchased courses. Do pay heed to Udemy’s cryptic pricing matrix and hidden costs.

Cost-conscious student comparing Udemy and Skillshare on a laptop

When blanketed under the umbrella of learning platforms, Udemy presents more diversity, language options,and specific business-focus, albeit with unpredictable pricing. Skillshare offers team-focused learning, free and scholarship classes but faces critiques for course quality disparity. The verdict hinges on your specific needs and value you seek in these platforms.