Introduction to Udemy
With over 210,000 courses, Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms available. Whether you want to pick up a new skill or refine an existing one, Udemy has a wide range of options. But before you dive in, let’s take a closer look at how Udemy works, its pricing, and what to expect in terms of course quality.
Are Udemy Courses Legit?
The short answer is yes—Udemy courses are legitimate. However, the quality varies. Some courses priced at $10–$20 offer great instruction, sometimes even better than what you’d learn in a college semester. On the flip side, some courses are subpar. Generally speaking, the top-rated courses tend to be well worth the investment.
Are Udemy Courses Worth It?
- For personal development? Absolutely. Udemy has a vast selection of courses that make self-learning accessible and engaging.
- For formal education? It depends. Most Udemy courses are geared toward casual learners rather than professionals seeking accredited certifications.
- Is it cost-effective? Definitely. Udemy frequently offers discounts, slashing prices by up to 90%, meaning you’ll rarely pay full price.
How Much Do Udemy Courses Cost?
Udemy offers several pricing models, including individual course purchases and subscription plans:
- Personal Plan – Starting at $25.83/month, users gain access to over 12,000 courses. If you’re someone who spends money on streaming services, this is a bargain when compared to investing in your own learning.
- Team Plan – For $41/month, businesses can provide up to 50 employees with access to Udemy’s extensive course catalog.
- Enterprise Plan – Pricing varies, but this plan offers access to over 27,000 courses and additional features tailored for large organizations.
The best part? You can try both the Personal and Team plans for free before committing.
Popular Udemy Courses Worth Considering
While trading courses may not be Udemy’s strong suit, it excels in other areas. Many learners turn to Udemy to build their coding skills, and some of the most highly-rated courses include:
- Web Developer Bootcamp – Colt Steele
- Modern JavaScript – Brad Traversy
- JavaScript Bootcamp – Andrew Mead
- Complete JavaScript Course – Jonas Schmedtmann
- Junior to Senior Web Dev Roadmap – Andrei Neagoie
- Advanced CSS and Sass – Jonas Schmedtmann
Understanding Udemy’s Course Rating System
Udemy uses a 5-star rating system to help students evaluate course quality. However, some reviews may not be entirely reliable. Here’s why:
- Many courses have overwhelmingly 4-5 star reviews, which might make you skeptical about their authenticity.
- Udemy’s system prompts students to leave a review after just 12-15 minutes of learning—sometimes less than 5% into the course.
- Some students write quick, generic 5-star reviews just to remove the prompts and continue the course.
- Course creation dates are hidden, so even though an instructor updates a course, the core content might be outdated.
How to Find Honest Reviews?
- Pay attention to 1-2 star reviews—they tend to be more detailed and provide genuine feedback.
- Look for longer reviews that discuss specific course weaknesses rather than generic praise.
- Watch the preview videos to assess the instructor’s teaching style before purchasing.
Udemy Refund Policy
Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. This makes trying out courses relatively risk-free.
Pros of Udemy
✔ Affordable Pricing – Most courses are discounted regularly, and savvy buyers can often find courses for $10–$20.
✔ Free Trial Option – Udemy’s Personal Plan comes with a 7-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform without spending a dime.
✔ Lifetime Access – Once you buy a course, you can access it indefinitely.
Cons of Udemy
✖ Inconsistent Course Quality – Some courses are excellent, while others fall short. Checking reviews and preview lessons is crucial.
✖ Inconsistent Course Materials – Some courses include helpful PDFs and workbooks, while others only offer video lectures.
✖ Manipulative Pricing – Udemy frequently fluctuates course prices, sometimes advertising a $300 course for $9.99 just days later.
✖ Surface-Level Content – Many courses provide a good starting point but lack depth, making them less useful for advanced learners.
✖ Potentially Misleading Reviews – The rating system encourages students to leave quick reviews early on, which can inflate ratings.
Final Thoughts: Is Udemy Worth It?
Overall, Udemy offers great value for the money, but you need to do your homework before purchasing a course. Here are a few final tips:
- Check the preview lessons to see if the instructor’s style suits you.
- Don’t get caught up in course length—more hours don’t always mean better content.
- Look for courses that include practical exercises and workbooks to reinforce learning.
- Be patient with pricing—if a course is full price today, it might be on sale tomorrow.
If you approach Udemy strategically, it can be a fantastic learning resource. Happy learning!