Skillshare vs Udemy

February 10, 2026
Skillshare ($136.8M)
Skillshare
Udemy ($511.4M)
Udemy
Skillshare and Udemy are both American online learning platforms which provide video courses. They enable self-paced learning across a wide range of subjects and specialties, from technology to art. For convenience, users are provided with a mobile app. Upon completion, you can earn a certificate confirming your competencies. Both platforms allow instructors to create their own courses and use ratings and reviews to help with course selection.

However, Skillshare (founded in 2010) operates on a subscription model (you pay a fixed fee for access to all courses). Courses are typically shorter than Udemy's and focus on real projects and practical skills. Instructors - are often practicing professionals and there is also an active community to support learning. The service is more suitable for designers, artists and freelancers.

Udemy (founded in 2010) allows you to purchase individual courses or take free ones. The service is more focused on professional and technical development and is suitable for IT specialists, managers and educators. Corporate subscription (Udemy Business) is also available. Courses are often longer and more thorough.
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Editor: Nadia Neveu
Nadia Neveu is a senior editor for EdTechStartups. She is a writer covering early childhood education, K-12, higher education and edtech business, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, BBC and Vice. Nadia holds a degree in mass communication from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Nadia is also a student in the Master of Science in Data Analytics program at the University of Houston-Downtown. Nadia seeks to uplift all teachers in the work that they do and support them as leaders and agents of change. You can contact Nadia at neveu(at)edtechstartups(dot)com