FutureLearn vs Alison

FutureLearn8.9Visit Alison8.8Visit

Higher score FutureLearn #4 in MOOC Platforms 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit FutureLearn

vs

Alison #5 in MOOC Platforms 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Alison

• FutureLearn fits best

  Learners wanting courses plus credentials

• Alison fits best

  Low-cost learners needing broad course access

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Side by side

Feature	FutureLearn 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Alison 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.8
Ranking	#4 in MOOC Platforms	#5 in MOOC Platforms
Best for	Learners wanting courses plus credentials	Low-cost learners needing broad course access
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$349.99/yr	$5/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Features FutureLearn 0/5 · Alison 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
Pros	Free limited-access enrollment for many short courses Certificates, microcredentials, bootcamps, and degrees Web, iOS, Android, and business administration tools	More than 6,000 free, self-paced courses Offline learning through iOS and Android apps LMS+ plans include paths, assignments, tracking, and reporting
Cons	Limited Access excludes certificates and test steps Unlimited access applies to eligible short courses Pricing and course availability can vary by region	Offline access is limited to English-language courses Assessments and certificate earning require an internet connection Certificates and diplomas are optional purchases
Our verdict	FutureLearn is an online learning platform for individual learners, professionals, and organisations. Its catalog includes short courses from universities, cultural institutions, and industry partners, alongside ExpertTracks,… Read the review →	Alison is a freemium online learning marketplace for learners seeking broad, self-paced skills training. Its catalog covers business, health, languages, information technology, management, and teaching, with courses organized into modules,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• FutureLearn — where it wins

  • Free limited-access enrollment for many short courses
  • Certificates, microcredentials, bootcamps, and degrees
  • Web, iOS, Android, 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

• Alison — where it wins

  • More than 6,000 free, self-paced courses
  • Offline learning through iOS and Android apps
  • LMS+ plans include paths, assignments, tracking, and reporting

  Where it doesn't

  • Offline access is limited to English-language courses
  • Assessments and certificate earning require an internet connection
  • Certificates and diplomas are optional purchases

• FutureLearn8.9/10 · Free plan

  A flexible learning catalog with free entry, subscriptions, and credential pathways.

  Visit FutureLearnFull verdict →
• Alison8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A broad, low-cost learning catalog with useful offline access and organizational LMS plans.

  Visit AlisonFull verdict →