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Software · head to head

Skillshare vs edX

Skillshare logo

Skillshare

Software

Online learning community for creative skills

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
edX logo

edX

Software

Online courses from the world's top universities

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Skillshare has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Skillshare limited language support available compared to Udemy which offers 75 languages; edX individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view
  • They diverge on capability: Skillshare covers Video classes, edX covers Video lectures.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Skillshare and edX actually diverge.

Attributes where Skillshare and edX differ
AttributeSkillshareedX
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
Founded20102012

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), platforms (Web, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Skillshare

  • Video classes
  • Class projects
  • Discussions
  • Offline viewing
  • Workshops
  • Curated paths
  • Teacher studio
  • Mobile apps

Only in edX

  • Video lectures
  • Interactive exercises
  • Discussion forums
  • Certificates
  • MicroMasters
  • Professional certificates
  • Degrees
  • LMS integrations

Both cover

  • Mobile learning
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Skillshare

  • Skill developmentnot edX
  • Creative projectsnot edX
  • Career growthnot edX
  • Side hustlesnot edX

edX

  • Learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (MIT, Harvard, Cambridge)not Skillshare
  • Career changers pursuing MicroMasters or professional certificatesnot Skillshare
  • Individuals in regions with limited access to higher educationnot Skillshare

Where each one falls short

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

Skillshare

  • Limited language support available compared to Udemy which offers 75 languages
  • Focus on creative skills means limited technical or professional development courses
  • Video quality and instructor expertise varies across courses

edX

  • Individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view

Pricing, plan by plan

Skillshare

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Select free classes
    • Class projects
  • Premium$13.99/month
    • All classes
    • Offline viewing
    • No ads
  • Teams$undefined/month
    • Team management
    • Analytics
    • Custom content

edX

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the edX review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Skillshare if

  • You need video classes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want class projects.
Skillshare review

Choose edX if

  • You need video lectures.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want interactive exercises.
edX review

Questions people ask

Is Skillshare or edX better?
Neither clearly leads. Skillshare starts at Free and edX at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Skillshare or edX?
Skillshare has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Skillshare and On request for edX.
Does Skillshare or edX run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Skillshare for free?
Yes. Skillshare has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. edX starts at On request.
What is Skillshare best used for?
Skillshare is most often used for skill development, creative projects, career growth, side hustles. Of those, skill development and creative projects are not what edX is typically brought in for.
What can Skillshare do that edX cannot?
Skillshare covers Video classes, Class projects, Discussions, Offline viewing. edX covers Video lectures, Interactive exercises, Discussion forums, Certificates. Both handle Mobile learning, Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Skillshare: How much does Skillshare cost?

Skillshare Premium membership costs $167.88 per year (about $13.99 per month) when billed annually, or $17.99 to $32 per month when paying month-to-month. New members receive a free trial before billing begins.

Source
Skillshare: What topics does Skillshare cover?

Skillshare offers more than 30,000 project-based classes in design, illustration, photography, video, writing, marketing, and productivity. Courses often include downloadable resources like templates, brushes, and design files.

Source
Skillshare: Can I download Skillshare classes for offline viewing?

Yes, Skillshare Premium members can download classes for offline viewing, allowing you to watch content anywhere without an internet connection.

Source
Skillshare: Does Skillshare offer certificates?

Yes, Skillshare classes include certificates of completion as part of the project-based learning model, allowing you to track and share your learning progress.

Source
Skillshare: Is there a free tier on Skillshare?

Skillshare offers a free one-month trial to new users who provide card details. After the trial, a paid subscription is required for continued access.

Source
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Related pages

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