LinkedIn Learning Review: Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Are you looking for an online learning platform that will help you accelerate your professional growth? LinkedIn Learning has emerged as one of the most popular choices, providing a range of courses and tutorials on various topics. But is it the right fit for you? Our comprehensive LinkedIn Learning review will explore the pros, cons, and alternatives of this platform so that you can make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn Learning is an online education platform that offers a wide range of courses and tutorials.
• There are several advantages to using LinkedIn Learning, such as high-quality course content and convenient learning experience.
• However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including the monthly subscription cost and limited interactivity.
• If LinkedIn Learning doesn’t meet your needs, there are alternative online learning platforms available like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Pluralsight.
• Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it’s essential to compare them based on your learning goals and preferences.

What is LinkedIn Learning?

At LinkedIn Learning, we offer a vast range of courses and tutorials for professionals on various subjects like business, technology, creative skills, and more. We are an online education platform that was previously known as Lynda.com and was acquired by LinkedIn in 2015. Since then, we have been integrated into the LinkedIn platform, providing a seamless learning experience for our users.

With a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, you gain access to thousands of courses taught by industry experts, covering the latest trends and technologies. We offer courses in various formats, including videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises, and our content is updated regularly to ensure it stays current and relevant.

Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, advance in your career, or explore new passions, LinkedIn Learning can help you achieve your goals. We provide flexible and convenient learning solutions, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Our courses are designed to be engaging and interactive, providing you with real-world scenarios and practical knowledge that you can apply immediately.

Join millions of professionals worldwide who have already benefited from LinkedIn Learning and take the first step towards your professional development today.

Pros of LinkedIn Learning

At LinkedIn Learning, we believe that online education should be accessible, engaging, and effective. In this section, we will explore the advantages of using our platform for your professional development.

High-Quality Course Content

One of the biggest advantages of LinkedIn Learning is the quality of our courses. We partner with industry experts to create engaging, informative, and up-to-date content. Our library includes thousands of courses, covering a wide range of skills and topics, so you can find the perfect course to fit your needs.

Broad Range of Topics

Another benefit of LinkedIn Learning is the breadth of our course offerings. We have courses on everything from business and technology to creative skills and personal development. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, learn a new programming language, or develop your graphic design abilities, we have courses to help you achieve your goals.

Convenient Learning Experience

LinkedIn Learning also offers a convenient learning experience. Our platform is accessible from any device, so you can learn on-the-go or from the comfort of your own home. Plus, our courses are self-paced, so you can learn at a speed that works best for you. With LinkedIn Learning, you can fit professional development into your busy schedule.

Integration with Your LinkedIn Profile

Finally, one of the unique advantages of LinkedIn Learning is the integration with your LinkedIn profile. As you complete courses, your accomplishments are automatically added to your LinkedIn profile, showcasing your skills and expertise to potential employers. Plus, LinkedIn Learning provides personalized course recommendations based on your LinkedIn activity, so you can continue to grow your skills in a direction that aligns with your career goals.

Cons of LinkedIn Learning

While LinkedIn Learning offers a lot of benefits, there are also some downsides to consider before subscribing. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the cons of using LinkedIn Learning.

Limited Interactivity

One of the drawbacks of LinkedIn Learning is the limited amount of interactivity available during the courses. While the high-quality video lessons and expert instructors are beneficial, there are limited opportunities for hands-on or group learning experiences. This means that some learners may struggle to implement their newly acquired skills in the real world, which is essential for career success.

Monthly Subscription Cost

Another potential drawback of LinkedIn Learning is the monthly subscription cost. While the cost is relatively low compared to other online learning platforms, it can add up over time. Additionally, if you only need to access a few courses, subscribing for an entire month may not be the most cost-effective option.

Potential Overlap in Course Content

As LinkedIn Learning offers courses on a variety of topics, there may be some overlap in course content. This can be time-consuming and frustrating for learners who need specific information on a particular topic. It also means that learners may need to search through multiple courses to find the exact content they need.

Tip: To avoid potential overlap, make sure to check the course syllabus and preview the course content before enrolling to ensure that it meets your specific needs.

While these are some of the cons of using LinkedIn Learning, the benefits may still outweigh the downsides for some learners. However, these factors should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to subscribe to the platform.

Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning

If you’re considering online learning, but LinkedIn Learning isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry. There are several alternative platforms available that offer similar or different courses to LinkedIn Learning. Here are some popular alternatives:

Udemy

Udemy is a well-known alternative to LinkedIn Learning that offers over 155,000 courses in various fields such as technology, business, and personal development. Unlike LinkedIn Learning, Udemy allows users to purchase courses individually rather than requiring a monthly subscription. This pricing model can be more cost-effective if you’re only interested in a specific course.

Coursera

Coursera is another well-known online learning platform that partners with top universities and educational institutions to offer courses in various fields like business, technology, and healthcare. Unlike LinkedIn Learning, Coursera offers specialization programs that allow users to take multiple courses focused on a specific skill or subject. However, some of its courses are more academically-oriented and may not be as relevant for professional development.

Skillshare and Pluralsight

Skillshare and Pluralsight are other great alternatives to LinkedIn Learning. Skillshare specializes in creative skills such as photography and graphic design, while Pluralsight focuses on technology-related topics like software development and cybersecurity. Both platforms offer monthly subscriptions and have smaller course libraries compared to LinkedIn Learning and other alternatives.

With so many alternative options available, it’s important to assess your learning goals and preferences before choosing a platform. Consider the course topics, pricing model, and user experience before making your decision.

Udemy: A Prominent Alternative to LinkedIn Learning

Udemy is one of the most popular alternatives to LinkedIn Learning. With over 155,000 courses and 40 million students, it offers a vast selection of online courses on various topics, including business, technology, creativity, and more.

Overall, Udemy’s strengths lie in its affordability and course selection. However, the quality of courses may vary due to the open course marketplace model, and support is limited to individual instructors.

We found that Udemy is particularly useful for those looking to pick up a specific skill or learn a new tool quickly. The courses tend to be shorter and more focused on a particular topic.

If you’re considering Udemy as an alternative to LinkedIn Learning, be sure to explore the reviews and content previews before making a purchase. This will help ensure that you select a course that meets your needs.

Coursera: A Top Competitor to LinkedIn Learning

When it comes to online learning platforms, Coursera is one of the biggest competitors to LinkedIn Learning. Similar to LinkedIn Learning, Coursera offers a wide range of courses taught by top industry experts in various fields. However, there are some key differences between the two platforms to consider.

One advantage of Coursera is its partnership with top universities around the world, such as Duke University, University of Michigan, and Yale University. This means that you can take courses and even earn degrees or certificates from these prestigious institutions. Another benefit of Coursera is its specialization programs, which allow you to dive deep into a specific subject area and gain expertise.

While Coursera offers many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One potential disadvantage is the cost. While some courses are free, others require payment, and the cost can add up quickly if you’re interested in a specialization or degree program. Additionally, some users have noted that the platform can be overwhelming due to its vast offerings, and the lack of interaction with instructors and other students may be a drawback for those who thrive in collaborative environments.

As you can see from the table above, Coursera offers fewer courses than LinkedIn Learning, but its partnerships with universities and companies give it a unique advantage. Additionally, Coursera does not offer a monthly subscription option like LinkedIn Learning, so you’ll need to pay for individual courses or programs.

Our Verdict: Which Platform should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between Coursera and LinkedIn Learning will depend on your specific needs and goals. If you’re interested in earning a degree or certificate from a top university, Coursera may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive online learning platform with a wider range of courses and convenient subscription options, LinkedIn Learning may be the way to go.

Regardless of which platform you choose, both Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer valuable resources for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

Skillshare and Pluralsight: Other Alternatives to LinkedIn Learning

While Udemy and Coursera are popular options to consider, Skillshare and Pluralsight are other worthy alternatives to LinkedIn Learning. We will explore their features, pricing, and offerings to help you make an informed decision.

Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a variety of creative courses such as photography, graphic design, and illustration. In addition to creative skills, Skillshare also offers courses on business, technology, and lifestyle topics. The platform has over 28,000 classes and 12 million registered users.

Overall, Skillshare is best suited for those looking to improve their creative skills or those who prefer a more interactive learning experience.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of tech-focused courses on topics such as software development, IT operations, and cybersecurity. The platform has over 7,000 courses taught by industry experts and is aimed at professionals seeking to upskill or reskill.

Pluralsight is an excellent option for those looking to advance their tech skills and knowledge in a fast-paced industry.

Ultimately, the best alternative to LinkedIn Learning depends on your specific learning goals and preferences. We recommend taking advantage of the free trials or preview options to explore and compare the features, course offerings, and pricing before making a decision.

Conclusion

After exploring the pros, cons, and alternatives of LinkedIn Learning, we hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision.

While LinkedIn Learning offers a convenient and high-quality online learning experience, there may be other platforms that better suit your specific needs. It’s essential to consider factors such as course content, pricing, and interactivity when selecting an online learning platform.

Whether you decide to go with LinkedIn Learning or an alternative like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, or Pluralsight, remember that continued learning is key to professional development and personal growth.

Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive LinkedIn Learning review, and we wish you the best on your learning journey!