Head-to-head · Online Course Marketplaces
edX vs FutureLearn
edX leads on 1 check, FutureLearn on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreedX · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresedX · 4 of 4
edX scores higher on our rubric for online course marketplaces: 9.0 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
edX offers offline access; FutureLearn doesn't publish it.
edX is the better fit for credentials and university-backed learning. FutureLearn is the better fit for university-style short courses and credentials.
- edX fits best
Credentials and university-backed learning
- FutureLearn fits best
University-style short courses and credentials
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Side by side
| Feature | edX 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | FutureLearn 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #2 in Online Course Marketplaces | #4 in Online Course Marketplaces |
| Best for | Credentials and university-backed learning | University-style short courses and credentials |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $50one-time | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Features edX 4/4 · FutureLearn 3/4 | ||
| Subscription access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Course certificates | ✓ | ✓ |
| Business plans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Mobile apps | Both | Both |
| Course formats | Mixed | Mixed |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | edX is an online course marketplace for students, professionals, and organizations seeking university- and industry-backed learning. Its catalog spans computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, business, finance,… Read the review → |
FutureLearn is an online learning platform for individual learners, professionals, and organisations. Its catalogue includes short courses from universities, cultural institutions, and industry partners, alongside ExpertTracks,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
edX — where it wins
- Free auditing plus paid verified certificates
- Professional certificates, microcredentials, and degree programs
- Mobile apps with offline video downloads and business plans
Where it doesn't
- Verified certificate pricing varies by course
- Audit access may be limited by course session
- Enterprise features require a custom plan
FutureLearn — where it wins
- Free limited-access enrolment across selected short courses
- 1400+ short courses with video, audio, quizzes, tests, and assignments
- Certificates, degrees, microcredentials, and business administration tools
Where it doesn't
- Limited Access excludes certificates and test steps
- Unlimited access applies to eligible short courses
- Pricing and course availability can vary by region
- edX9.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $50
A broad marketplace for learners and organizations seeking structured credentials.
Visit edXFull verdict → - FutureLearn7.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $49.99/mo
A broad learning marketplace with free entry and paid access to eligible courses and certificates.
Visit FutureLearnFull verdict →
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All online course marketplaces comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026