FutureLearn vs Skillshare

FutureLearn8.8Visit Skillshare7.2Visit

Higher score FutureLearn #4 in Online Course Marketplaces 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit FutureLearn

vs

Skillshare #19 in Online Course Marketplaces 7.2/10 Paid ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Skillshare

• FutureLearn fits best

  University-style short courses and credentials

• Skillshare fits best

  Affordable creative-class subscriptions

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Side by side

Feature	FutureLearn 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Skillshare 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	7.2
Ranking	#4 in Online Course Marketplaces	#19 in Online Course Marketplaces
Best for	University-style short courses and credentials	Affordable creative-class subscriptions
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$349.99/yr	$159/user/yr
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Features FutureLearn 3/4 · Skillshare 4/4
Subscription access	✓	✓
Offline access	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Course certificates	✓	✓
Business plans	✓	✓
Specs
Mobile apps	Both	Both
Course formats	Mixed	Video
Our review
Pros	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	Unlimited access to thousands of creative and business classes Projects, galleries, feedback, and discussion boards support active learning Web, iOS, and Android access with offline mobile downloads
Cons	Limited Access excludes certificates and test steps Unlimited access applies to eligible short courses Pricing and course availability can vary by region	No free plan is available Classes are primarily pre-recorded video lessons Individual classes are not sold separately
Our verdict	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 →	Skillshare is a paid online learning community for creative and curious learners, with a catalog spanning illustration, design, photography, video, writing, freelancing, productivity, and marketing. It suits individuals who want broad… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• 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

• Skillshare — where it wins

  • Unlimited access to thousands of creative and business classes
  • Projects, galleries, feedback, and discussion boards support active learning
  • Web, iOS, and Android access with offline mobile downloads

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • Classes are primarily pre-recorded video lessons
  • Individual classes are not sold separately

• FutureLearn8.8/10 · Free plan

  A broad learning marketplace with free entry and paid access to eligible courses and certificates.

  Visit FutureLearnFull verdict →
• Skillshare7.2/10 · Paid

  A flexible subscription for learning creative skills through video classes and projects.

  Visit SkillshareFull verdict →