Head-to-head · MOOC Platforms
edX vs Udemy
edX leads on 1 check, Udemy on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreedX · 9.2/10
- Free planonly edX
edX scores higher on our rubric for mooc platforms: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
edX offers free plan; Udemy doesn't.
edX is the better fit for professional certificates and university learning. Udemy is the better fit for marketplace learners seeking flexible course access.
- edX fits best
Professional certificates and university learning
- Udemy fits best
Marketplace learners seeking flexible course access
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Side by side
| Feature | edX 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Udemy 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in MOOC Platforms | #3 in MOOC Platforms |
| Best for | Professional certificates and university learning | Marketplace learners seeking flexible course access |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $349/user/yr | From $19.99 |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Features edX 0/5 · Udemy 0/5 | ||
| Completion certificates | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Degree programs | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Enterprise plans | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Offline learning | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Course access model | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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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 → |
Udemy is an online learning marketplace for individuals, instructors, and organizations. Learners can browse courses in business, programming, academics, arts, health, language, music, and other categories. Course content may combine video… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
edX — where it wins
- Free auditing for many courses, with verified certificates available
- Professional certificates, microcredentials, and degree programs
- Offline mobile learning plus LMS and single sign-on integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan; paid access starts at $50 one time
- Verified certificate pricing varies by course
- Business plans require annual billing
Udemy — where it wins
- Broad marketplace search across many learning categories
- Lifetime access, offline mobile downloads, and mixed media lessons
- AI tools, labs, coding exercises, and team reporting
Where it doesn't
- No free plan for learners seeking zero-cost access
- Course quality and format can vary across instructors
- Personal Plan covers a curated collection rather than every course
- edX9.2/10 · Free plan
A broad learning platform for certificates, university courses, and organizational training.
Visit edXFull verdict → - Udemy9.0/10 · From $19.99
A broad course marketplace with flexible access, practice tools, and team options.
Visit UdemyFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update