Coursera and Udemy completed their merger on July 6, 2026. Both companies have stated there are no changes to pricing or subscription terms for existing customers as of this writing — this review reflects the platform as currently offered; we will update pricing and features here if the merger changes them.
7,000+
Courses
$33/mo
Annual plan
300+
University partners
7 days
Free trial
Luctura verdict
Best for: career changers, credential seekers, tech professionals, data analysts.
Not for: creative skills, hobbyists, budget learners taking one course.
Key strengths
- Google, IBM, Meta Professional Certificates with 150+ employer partners
- University courses from Stanford, Yale, Michigan, and 300+ partners
- Free audit on most courses — full video access at no cost
One caveat
Expensive without Coursera Plus. Per-specialisation pricing adds up fast.
Features
✓ Mobile app✓ Offline downloads✓ Free audit✓ Business plan✓ Certificates✓ Employer recognised✓ Degrees
Content focus
TechDataBusinessHealthcare
Certificate partners: Google, IBM, Meta, Salesforce, DeepLearning.AI
Pricing
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free audit | Available on most courses |
| Monthly plan | $59/month |
| Annual plan | $399/year ($33/month) |
| Free trial | 7 days |
Frequently asked questions
How much does Coursera cost?
Coursera costs a free audit option or $399/year ($33/month) on the annual plan.
Is Coursera worth it?
Coursera is worth it primarily for career changers. Google, IBM, Meta Professional Certificates with 150+ employer partners The main caveat: Expensive without Coursera Plus. Per-specialisation pricing adds up fast.
Are Coursera certificates recognised by employers?
Yes — Coursera certificates carry meaningful employer recognition, particularly through partnerships with Google, IBM, Meta. Recognition is strongest in roles directly related to the platform's core subject areas.
Can I use Coursera for free?
Yes — Coursera lets you audit courses for free. A 7-day free trial is also available for the full paid plan.
Who should avoid Coursera?
Coursera is not well suited for creative skills, hobbyists. If that describes your goals, consider alternative platforms better matched to those needs.