In recent years, online learning has really taken off, with many of us exploring ways to upgrade our skills or change our career paths. While you may have heard of Udemy – a popular platform that has made quite the noise with its great course collection and user-friendly interface, many other great platforms offer quality courses, flexible learning, and sometimes even free content.
In this blog, we’ll explore some really good websites like Udemy, each one serving the needs of learners. Whether you’re looking for courses offered by top universities, creative lessons, or a professional certification, you’ll be sure to find something that fits your goals.
Top Online Websites Like Udemy
We have put together a table comparing key features, costs, and focus areas of some top Udemy alternatives.
| Platform | Cost (Approx.) | Key Features | Focus Areas |
| Coursera | Free to INR 4,000+ per course* | University-backed courses, free audits, professional certificates | Academic subjects, career development |
| edX | Free to INR 4,000+ per course* | Courses from top institutions, self-paced learning, verified certificates | University-level courses, skill advancement |
| Skillshare | INR 500 – 700 per month (subscription) | Unlimited access with subscription, project-based learning | Creative arts, design, photography, entrepreneurship |
| Simplilearn | INR 15,000 – INR 80,000 per course | Instructor-led training, certification programs, hands-on projects | Digital marketing, data science, IT, business |
| UpGrad | INR 30,000 – INR 200,000 per program | Live classes, mentorship, career support, industry tie-ups | Postgraduate programs, professional courses |
| Unacademy | INR 600 – INR 1,200 per month (subscription) | Live classes, interactive sessions, extensive test series | Competitive exam preparation, skill enhancement |
* Prices are indicative and may vary based on courses, discounts, and exchange rates.
1) Coursera
If you are looking for courses offered by top universities and institutions, Coursera might be your best bet. With Coursera, you can pursue many courses for free or pay a fee if you’re keen on getting a certificate once you’re done with the course. The platform covers a wide range of subjects that are prepared to help you build a professional portfolio and can be a great boost if you’re planning a career switch or seeking to improve your skills for a current job.
- Popular Courses at Coursera: Google Professional Certificates, IBM Professional Certificates, Meta Professional Certificates, AWS (Amazon Web Services), and DeepLearning AI Certificates
- Discounts: Just like Udemy discounts, you can also find exclusive Coursera coupon codes on GrabOn for additional savings on your certifications.
Which courses are free on Coursera?
- The Science of Well-Being – Yale University
- Learning How to Learn
- Financial Markets – Yale University
- Computer Science – Princeton University
- Computer Architecture – Princeton University
2) edX
Similar to Coursera, edX offers courses from globally recognized institutions. One of the great things about edX is that it allows you to learn at your own pace. Whether you want to explore the basics of a subject or understand advanced topics, you’ll find something that you like. While many courses can be found for free, you’ll need to pay for a verified certificate if you wish to show your achievement on your resume. The platform is best for learners who appreciate structure and academic rigor in their learning experience.
- Popular Courses at edX: Analytics: Essential Tools and Methods, Project Management, The Science of Happiness, CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Discounts: If you want to get a verified certificate, use an edX promo code and apply it before making the payment.
Which courses are free on edX?
- How to Learn Online
- AI Applications & Prompt Engineering
- Intro Course: Spreadsheets & Statistics
- Intro Course: Data Storytelling
- Learning How to Learn
3) Skillshare
Skillshare takes a different approach by focusing on creativity and practical skills. You have a monthly subscription where you get unlimited access to thousands of courses that teach everything from graphic design and photography to writing and entrepreneurship. Skillshare is especially popular among those who enjoy hands-on projects and want to learn by doing. If you have a creative passion or are looking to turn your hobby into a side hustle, Skillshare’s project-based learning model could be a great fit.
- Popular Courses at Skillshare: Graphic Design, Photography, Web Development, and more.
- Discounts: Save on your subscriptions with exclusive Skillshare coupon codes available on GrabOn.
Which courses are free on Skillshare?
- Intro to UX: Designing with a User-Centered Approach
- Board Game Design for Creatives: From Idea to Prototype in 1 Day
- The Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit
- Waterbrush Lettering Essentials
- Transform Your Travel Photos: Editing on Lightroom Mobile
4) Simplilearn
For those who are eager to take their professional skills to a new level, Simplilearn offers courses that focus on certifications and real-world applications. It could be digital marketing, data science, or project management – Simplilearn provides intensive courses that often include live sessions, interactive projects, and hands-on training. Although the prices here tend to be higher than some other platforms, many learners find that the quality and career support offered make it worth the investment for long-term career growth.
- Popular Courses at Simplilearn: Data Science, Digital Marketing, Artificial intelligence (AI), Business Analytics, Blockchain technology, Ethical Hacking, and many more.
- Discounts: If you’re looking to invest in certifications, use Simplilearn coupon codes and save on your purchases.
Which courses are free on Simplilearn?
- DevOps
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
5) UpGrad
UpGrad is an Indian platform that focuses on long-term programs aimed at boosting your career. With courses designed by industry experts, UpGrad offers live classes, one-on-one mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to meet market demands. The platform is largely useful for working professionals who want to gain advanced knowledge in fields like technology, management, and data analytics. While the programs are more expensive compared to casual online courses, the in-depth learning experience and career support provided by UpGrad can significantly help in advancing your career.
- Popular Courses at UpGrad: Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, and more.
- Discounts: Get exclusive UpGrad discounts from GrabOn and use them to get courses of your interest at a lower cost.
Which courses are free on UpGrad?
- Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel
- Learning Basic Python Programming
- Analyzing Patterns in Data & Storytelling
- JavaScript Basics from Scratch
- Basics of Search Engine Optimization
6) Unacademy
Unacademy is well-known for its extensive collection of courses aimed at competitive exam preparation, a key area for many Indian learners. In addition to exam prep, Unacademy offers a wide range of courses to improve your skills in various subjects. With interactive live classes and regular assessments, the platform ensures that you stay engaged and motivated throughout your learning journey. Whether you’re preparing for government exams or simply looking to enhance your knowledge, Unacademy’s community-driven approach and affordable subscription plans make it a popular choice.
- Popular Courses at Unacademy: Free live classes, IIT JEE courses, Indian history courses, Courses on UPSC CSE, and more.
- Discounts: Save more and use exclusive Unacademy deals for your subscription plans.
Which courses are free on Unacademy?
- Free recorded or live lectures for UPSC & NEET
- Principles of Inheritance
- Free live and recorded classes for Unacademy X
- Sentence for General English
- Discrete Maths GATE Computer Science Engineering
Which Platform Should You Choose?
When deciding which platform to use, think about your learning goals. Here are a few questions to consider:
1) What are you aiming to achieve?
If you want a certificate from a top university, platforms like Coursera and edX may be the best choice.
2) What is your budget?
If you prefer paying a monthly subscription for unlimited access, Skillshare or Unacademy might be more suitable. You may also want to take a look at the top education promo codes to save on your subscriptions.
3) Do you need industry-specific skills?
For professional certification and practical training, Simplilearn and UpGrad are worth exploring.
Each of these platforms has its own strengths. You can start by taking a free trial or auditing a few courses to see which one fits your style and needs best. Remember, the best platform is the one that keeps you motivated and helps you grow.
Final Thoughts
Courses and certifications from platforms like Coursera, edX, Skillshare, Pluralsight, and FutureLearn are becoming more popular and changing how we learn. Thanks to a plethora of offers on online courses, learning has become more convenient and affordable than ever. As AI becomes more common in our lives and work, it’s important to keep our skills and certifications up-to-date. Using these platforms can help you improve your resume and learn how to work smarter with AI. This approach helps you stay competitive and adaptable in a constantly changing world.
