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LMS · head to head

D2L Brightspace vs Udacity

D2L Brightspace logo

D2L Brightspace

LMS

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Udacity logo

Udacity

LMS

Nanodegrees for in-demand tech skills

From
$249/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: D2L Brightspace no pricing tiers, subscription costs, or feature pricing published; requires contacting sales; Udacity expensive compared to many online learning alternatives at $249/month or annual commitments
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which D2L Brightspace and Udacity actually diverge.

Attributes where D2L Brightspace and Udacity differ
AttributeD2L BrightspaceUdacity
Starting priceOn request$249/month
Pricing modelquoteUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android
FoundedUnknown2011

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 D2L Brightspace

Nothing recorded that Udacity does not also cover.

Only in Udacity

  • Nanodegree programs
  • Real-world projects
  • Mentorship
  • Code review
  • Career services
  • Industry partnerships
  • Mobile learning
  • Enterprise platforms

What people use each for

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

D2L Brightspace

  • Learning management system for educational institutionsnot Udacity
  • Online course management and deliverynot Udacity
  • Student engagement and retention trackingnot Udacity
  • Course content creation and distributionnot Udacity
  • Learner achievement and certification managementnot Udacity

Udacity

  • Tech skill developmentnot D2L Brightspace
  • Career transitionnot D2L Brightspace
  • Upskillingnot D2L Brightspace
  • Team trainingnot D2L Brightspace

Where each one falls short

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

D2L Brightspace

  • No pricing tiers, subscription costs, or feature pricing published; requires contacting sales
  • Quote-based pricing model with no transparent cost information available
  • Multiple add-on modules (Lumi, Creator+, Achievement+, Performance+, Course Merchant, D2L Link) available but pricing not disclosed

Udacity

  • Expensive compared to many online learning alternatives at $249/month or annual commitments
  • Course certificates lose value after subscription ends if not continuously maintained
  • Limited offline access to course materials
  • May lack breadth of non-tech courses compared to general learning platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

Udacity

$249/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Udacity review.

Which should you pick?

Choose D2L Brightspace if

Nothing in the data separates D2L Brightspace from Udacity on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

D2L Brightspace review

Choose Udacity if

  • You need nanodegree programs.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want real-world projects.
Udacity review

Questions people ask

Is D2L Brightspace or Udacity better?
Neither clearly leads. D2L Brightspace starts at On request and Udacity at $249/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, D2L Brightspace or Udacity?
D2L Brightspace starts at On request and Udacity at $249/month.
Does D2L Brightspace or Udacity run on more platforms?
D2L Brightspace runs on Web. Udacity runs on Web, iOS, Android.
What is D2L Brightspace best used for?
D2L Brightspace is most often used for learning management system for educational institutions, online course management and delivery, student engagement and retention tracking, course content creation and distribution. Of those, learning management system for educational institutions and online course management and delivery are not what Udacity is typically brought in for.
What can D2L Brightspace do that Udacity cannot?
Udacity covers Nanodegree programs, Real-world projects, Mentorship, Code review.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

D2L Brightspace: How much does D2L Brightspace cost?

D2L Brightspace does not publish pricing on its website. Prospective customers must request a demo or contact D2L sales to receive pricing quotes customized to their institution's needs.

Source
Udacity: How is Udacity priced?

Udacity offers subscription-based pricing: $249/month or $846 for 4 months (approximately $212/month with 15% discount). One subscription covers 500+ courses and all 80+ Nanodegree and Executive programs. Month-to-month subscriptions are cancellable anytime.

Source
D2L Brightspace: What add-on modules does Brightspace offer?

Brightspace offers multiple add-on modules including D2L Lumi, Creator+, Achievement+, Performance+, Course Merchant, and D2L Link. Specific pricing and features for each are available by contacting D2L.

Source
Udacity: Does Udacity offer degree programs?

Yes, Udacity offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence ($199 enrollment fee plus subscription) and MBA in AI Product Management, both priced under $5,000 total, approximately 90% cheaper than traditional programs.

Source
D2L Brightspace: What is D2L Brightspace's retention rate?

D2L reports an 82% retention rate among customers, though this does not reflect pricing or costs.

Source
D2L Brightspace: Can I see D2L Brightspace before purchasing?

D2L Brightspace is available by demo request only. Contact D2L directly to schedule a demo and discuss pricing options for your institution.

Source
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