FutureLearnFutureLearn

The 7 Best FutureLearn Alternatives
(May 2025)

Find the best alternatives to FutureLearn based on our research and user reviews. Dive into our in-depth analysis and compare the platforms side-by-side.

ReviewAlternatives
Janosch Herrmann

Written by
Janosch Herrmann

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FutureLearn is a British online learning platform founded in 2012, offering a diverse range of courses developed by over 175 university partners globally. With more than 10 million learners, it's designed for students seeking full online degrees or university-level courses without the need for individual instructors.

Advantages of FutureLearn

FutureLearn stands out with its wide array of courses from top universities around the world, making it a prime choice for those looking to expand their knowledge with high-quality educational content. The platform is also known for its affordability, offering free access to many courses initially, with an option to upgrade to paid courses for extended features and certifications.

Disadvantages of FutureLearn

While FutureLearn offers many advantages, its limited free course access might be a drawback for users seeking long-term free educational resources. Additionally, the platform's course catalog, though extensive, may not cover all niche subjects, prompting some learners to seek alternatives with more specialized offerings.

FutureLearn logo

FutureLearn

Course Marketplace

8.5

Course quality9.2
Course catalog8
Affordability8
Customer support7.5
Usability9
Career value8.4
Visit FutureLearn

FutureLearn alternatives

CourseraCoursera
7,000+ courses

Coursera

8.8

8.8

Coursera is a popular online learning platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses, specializations, and degrees. Similar to FutureLearn, Coursera provides access to university-level education, but with a larger course catalog and more comprehensive offerings in professional and technical skills.

Best for:
StudentsProfessionalsLifelong learners
What you'll like
  • Extensive course catalog
  • Offers professional certificates
  • Flexible learning schedules
What you might not like
  • Subscription can be pricey
  • Some courses only in English
Compare with FutureLearnMore about CourseraVisit Coursera
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit Coursera
edXedX
4,000+ courses

edX

8.6

8.6

edX is a massive open online course provider created by Harvard and MIT. It hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines to a worldwide student body, including some courses at no charge. It also offers MicroMasters, Professional Certificates, and Master's Degrees.

Best for:
StudentsProfessionalsLifelong learners
What you'll like
  • Courses from prestigious universities
  • Free courses available
  • Offers full degrees and professional certificates
What you might not like
  • Some courses can be expensive
  • Limited personal interaction
Compare with FutureLearnMore about edXVisit edX
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit edX
UdemyUdemy
210,000+ courses

Udemy

9.0

9.0

Udemy is a global online learning platform that offers a vast array of courses across various fields, from technology and business to personal development and hobbies. Unlike FutureLearn, which focuses on university-led courses, Udemy allows anyone to create and publish a course, making it a hub for practical, real-world skills and self-paced learning.

Best for:
Casual learnersProfessionalsHobbyists
What you'll like
  • Wide variety of courses
  • Self-paced learning
  • Frequent discounts
What you might not like
  • Variable course quality
  • No accredited degrees
Compare with FutureLearnMore about UdemyVisit Udemy
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit Udemy
LinkedIn LearningLinkedIn Learning
16,000+ courses

LinkedIn Learning

8.7

8.7

LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses focused on professional development. It provides courses in business, technology, and creative fields, designed to help users enhance their skills and advance their careers. Unlike FutureLearn, which focuses on university-style courses, LinkedIn Learning offers more practical, skill-based courses that are often shorter and more focused on specific skills.

Best for:
ProfessionalsJob seekersStudents
What you'll like
  • Skill-based courses
  • Courses for career advancement
  • Flexible learning schedule
What you might not like
  • Less academic focus
  • Subscription required
Compare with FutureLearnMore about LinkedIn LearningVisit LinkedIn Learning
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit LinkedIn Learning
SkillshareSkillshare
28,000+ courses

Skillshare

8.3

8.3

Skillshare is an American online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos. The courses, which are not accredited, are available through subscription. The majority of courses focus on interaction rather than lecturing, with the primary goal of learning by completing a project. Skillshare is particularly useful for artists, designers, and other creative professionals who are looking to improve their skills or learn new techniques.

Best for:
Creative professionalsHobbyistsLifelong learners
What you'll like
  • Project-based learning
  • Wide variety of creative courses
  • Supports learning by doing
  • Affordable pricing
  • Community-driven learning
What you might not like
  • Not accredited
  • Limited offerings outside creative fields
Compare with FutureLearnMore about SkillshareVisit Skillshare
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit Skillshare
UdacityUdacity
400+ courses

Udacity

8.2

8.2

Udacity is an online learning platform that specializes in technology and data science courses, offering 'Nanodegree' programs designed to provide job-ready skills. Unlike FutureLearn, which offers a broad range of university-partnered courses, Udacity focuses on tech-specific skills in collaboration with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft.

Best for:
Career-focused learnersTechnology enthusiastsProfessionals seeking skill advancement
What you'll like
  • Industry-relevant tech courses
  • Partnerships with tech giants
  • Project-based learning
What you might not like
  • Higher cost
  • Narrower course focus
Compare with FutureLearnMore about UdacityVisit Udacity
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit Udacity
Khan AcademyKhan Academy
200+ courses

Khan Academy

7.2

7.2

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free online courses, lessons, and practice exercises. It covers a wide range of subjects from mathematics to arts and humanities. The platform is well-known for its comprehensive, easy-to-understand tutorials and interactive exercises that cater to learners of all ages.

Best for:
Students of all agesSelf-learnersEducators
What you'll like
  • Free access to all content
  • Interactive exercises
  • Self-paced learning
What you might not like
  • Less focus on higher education courses
  • No accredited degrees
Compare with FutureLearnMore about Khan AcademyVisit Khan Academy
Compare with FutureLearnRead the reviewVisit Khan Academy

Additional questions

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