For comprehensive, adaptive training, choose Skillsoft – ideal for corporations, it provides detailed analytics, extensive integration and a highly customisable LMS. Alternatively, Udemy is impressive for its diverse, multi-lingual content and practical approach to learning, better suited to individual users and small teams.

Skillsoft vs Udemy

Key Differences Between Skillsoft and Udemy

  • Skillsoft is cloud-based and offers extensive integrations with third-party applications, while Udemy has no known external integrations.
  • Udemy offers courses in 60 languages; Skillsoft operates primarily in English.
  • Udemy’s course access is unlimited once purchased. Conversely, Skillsoft operates on a subscription basis with continued access contingent on continued payment.
  • Skillsoft offers adaptive learning technology to tailor content to user’s skill level; Udemy lacks this feature.
  • Udemy’s courses are created by a variety of instructors worldwide, leading to potentially inconsistent quality. Skillsoft’s courses are professionally created and consistently high quality.
ComparisonSkillsoftUdemy Business
FocusLearning management system software and contentOn-demand, immersive, and cohort-based learning
Founded1998Unspecified
UsageOver 45 million users, across 45,000 companiesUsers across various industries. Used by 80{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of Fortune 100 companies
Delivery SystemCloud-based learning management systemOnline platform
Adaptive TechnologyYes, tailors content to user’s skill levelDependent on strategic usage
Learning PathsRole-based or skills-based curated learning pathsAllows managers to create/share learning paths
Course TopicsLeadership, compliance, technical skills, etc.Technology, marketing, design, personal development, IT, etc.
IntegrationMicrosoft, Saba, Cornerstone, Moodle, Google workspace, SCORM CloudUnspecified
PricingFrom $19/monthPrice range from free to $200
SectorsGovernment, education, healthcare, non-profit, defense, financial servicesUsed globally across various industries
Learning CertificateDigital badgesCourse completion certificates
User RatingsUnspecified4.6

What Is Skillsoft and Who’s It For?

Skillsoft, an American educational tech company founded in 1998 by Charles Moran, dominates the Learning Management System (LMS) software and content space. Maintaining its headquarters in Nashua, NH, the company is heralded by CEO Jeff Tarr. With an impressive user base exceeding 45 million across 45,000 companies worldwide, Skillsoft’s cloud-based LMS aims to fortify organizations through meticulous management of training and development initiatives.
Integrated with leading third-party applications such as Microsoft, Google workspace, and Cornerstone among others, Skillsoft’s target audience sprawls across diverse sectors including government, education, healthcare, and financial services. From offering a rich course library to customized learning paths, Skillsoft is specifically designed for aspiring learners keen on enhancing their skillset and organizations bent on fostering employee development.

Colorful image of Skillsoft's Nashua headquarters with a busy CEO Jeff Tarr

Pros of Skillsoft

  • Over 45 million users across diverse sectors
  • Adaptive learning technology personalizes the learning experience
  • Strong third-party application integrations for seamless user experience

Cons of Skillsoft

  • Limited pricing transparency for enterprise plans
  • Brief bankruptcy stint in 2020 may concern some users

What Is Udemy Business and Who’s It For?

Udemy Business, an integral learning solution, provides immersive and dynamic learning experiences that are designed to prepare employees for the future. This customizable platform not only facilitates managers to create learning paths but also promotes employee engagement, thereby realizing business outcomes.
Catering to businesses of varying sizes, Udemy is utilized by numerous industries globally. With its courses delivered in 60 languages across 190 countries, Udemy is tailored for international businesses seeking employee training and individuals striving for personal development. It currently boosts employee insights for an impressive 80{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of Fortune 100 companies.

Colorful scene of global Udemy Business users with company logos, engaged in on-demand courses

Pros of Udemy Business

  • A pool of course topics in various languages
  • Customizable learning paths and unlimited course access
  • Wide user base including 80{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of Fortune 100 companies.

Cons of Udemy Business

  • Disparity in course quality and refund policies may deter users
  • Courses lack accreditation and do not transfer to college credit.

Skillsoft vs Udemy: Pricing Battle

The pricing modus operandi for Skillsoft and Udemy reveals a structure carefully attuned to their respective target consumers.

Skillsoft

The pricing plan for Skillsoft follows a stratified structure. The Individual and Team plans commence at $19/month, delivering a cost-effective solution for small enterprises and solo pursuers. However, the Enterprise plan adheres to a custom pricing model — catering to large-scale corporations with custom requirements. Business-specific customizations usually demand hefty investments, leading to larger purchases.

Udemy

Udemy adopts a distinctive pricing strategy, offering courses at rates from zero up to $200. The approach covers a broad spectrum, ensuring it caters to various levels of affordability. Always on-point, Udemy’s price range enables it to ensnare learners from diverse economic slabs. Additionally, there’s Udemy for Business —an annual subscription service with the pricing heavily influenced by the total number of users and billed yearly— giving corporations a separate platform solution designed particularly for professional adults.

The Verdict: Udemy or Skillsoft?

In the arena of e-learning, brand names reign supreme. For today’s verdict, Skillsoft and Udemy wrestle for the crown. Let’s dissect.

Large Scale Corporations

Skillsoft with its vast range of topics spanning leadership development to technical skills best suits multi-sector organizations, making it a reliable choice. Its cloud-based system allows for seamless third-party integrations like Microsoft, Google workspace, enhancing overall operational feasibility.

Large corporation employees attending a virtual Skillsoft training session

Small to Medium Businesses

Packed with business-friendly learning resources, Udemy for Business, offers flexible paths for employee training, topping it with a vast language span, thus broadening its outreach. A superior choice for businesses poised for rapid growth.

A group of SMB employees engaged in a Udemy Course

Independent Developers and Tech Enthusiasts

The competitive pricing of Udemy combined with its platform variety plays well into independent developers or tech enthusiasts’ hands. Its selective library and updated monthly courses keep pace with rapidly changing tech trends.

Individual developer working on a Udemy Course on his laptop

Between Skillsoft and Udemy, the choice falls to user needs. Skillsoft works best for large organizations with cross-sector needs, Udemy for SMBs and developers seeking frequent updates and variety at a competitive price.