Softwr

LMS · head to head

Coursera vs LinkedIn Learning

Coursera logo

Coursera

LMS

Learn from top universities and companies worldwide

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LinkedIn Learning logo

LinkedIn Learning

LMS

Develop skills with expert-led courses

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Coursera has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Coursera free audit does not include certificate upon completion; LinkedIn Learning no pricing published on main site; specific subscription costs and billing periods not disclosed
  • They diverge on capability: Coursera covers Video lectures, LinkedIn Learning covers Video courses.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Coursera and LinkedIn Learning actually diverge.

Attributes where Coursera and LinkedIn Learning differ
AttributeCourseraLinkedIn Learning
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20122003

Identical on both: platforms (Web, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (LMS).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Coursera

  • Video lectures
  • Quizzes
  • Peer assessments
  • Offline access
  • Specializations
  • Degrees
  • Slack
  • Microsoft Teams

Only in LinkedIn Learning

  • Video courses
  • Learning paths
  • Skill assessments
  • LinkedIn integration
  • Offline viewing
  • Recommendations
  • LinkedIn
  • Microsoft 365

Both cover

  • Certificates
  • Mobile learning
  • SSO providers
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Coursera

  • Skill development
  • Career advancementnot LinkedIn Learning
  • Professional certificatesnot LinkedIn Learning
  • Degree programsnot LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning

  • Skill development
  • Career growthnot Coursera
  • Team trainingnot Coursera
  • Professional developmentnot Coursera

Both are used for skill development, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Coursera

  • Free audit does not include certificate upon completion
  • Limited offline access to course materials
  • Paid specializations require monthly subscription rather than one-time purchase

LinkedIn Learning

  • No pricing published on main site; specific subscription costs and billing periods not disclosed
  • Free trial available but specific trial duration not stated on homepage

Pricing, plan by plan

Coursera

Free
  • Free AuditFree
  • Coursera Plus$59/month
  • Professional Certificates$39/month

LinkedIn Learning

On request
  • Monthly$29.99/month
    • All courses
    • Certificates
    • LinkedIn integration
  • Annual$19.99/month
    • All courses
    • Offline viewing
    • Personalized recommendations
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Admin tools
    • Analytics
    • Learning paths

Which should you pick?

Choose Coursera if

  • You need video lectures.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want quizzes.
Coursera review

Choose LinkedIn Learning if

  • You need video courses.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want learning paths.
LinkedIn Learning review

Questions people ask

Is Coursera or LinkedIn Learning better?
Neither clearly leads. Coursera starts at Free and LinkedIn Learning at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Coursera or LinkedIn Learning?
Coursera has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Coursera and On request for LinkedIn Learning.
Does Coursera or LinkedIn Learning run on more platforms?
Coursera runs on Web, iOS, Android. LinkedIn Learning runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Coursera for free?
Yes. Coursera has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. LinkedIn Learning starts at On request.
What is Coursera best used for?
Coursera is most often used for skill development, career advancement, professional certificates, degree programs. Of those, career advancement and professional certificates are not what LinkedIn Learning is typically brought in for.
What can Coursera do that LinkedIn Learning cannot?
Coursera covers Video lectures, Quizzes, Peer assessments, Offline access. LinkedIn Learning covers Video courses, Learning paths, Skill assessments, LinkedIn integration. Both handle Certificates, Mobile learning, SSO providers, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Coursera: Can I audit courses for free?

Yes. Most Coursera courses can be audited for free, allowing access to videos and assignments without a certificate.

Source
LinkedIn Learning: How much does LinkedIn Learning cost?

LinkedIn Learning does not publish subscription prices on its website. Pricing is only available after clicking the 'Start free trial' or 'Buy for my team' buttons to access the purchase page.

Source
Coursera: What is Coursera Plus?

Coursera Plus is a subscription for $59/month or $399/year providing unlimited access to over 7,000 courses and specializations with certificates.

Source
LinkedIn Learning: Does LinkedIn Learning offer a free trial?

Yes, LinkedIn Learning offers a free trial option accessible from the main site, though the specific trial duration is not stated on the homepage.

Source
Coursera: Do enterprises get custom integrations?

Yes. Enterprise plans include SSO, APIs, AI-assisted Course Builder, and 30+ LMS integrations with dedicated customer success managers.

Source
Coursera: What is the cost of a degree program?

Coursera offers accredited degree programs starting at $50,000 and above, with costs varying by program and institution.

Source
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