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.
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.
Comparison
Skillsoft
Udemy Business
Focus
Learning management system software and content
On-demand, immersive, and cohort-based learning
Founded
1998
Unspecified
Usage
Over 45 million users, across 45,000 companies
Users across various industries. Used by 80% of Fortune 100 companies
Delivery System
Cloud-based learning management system
Online platform
Adaptive Technology
Yes, tailors content to user’s skill level
Dependent on strategic usage
Learning Paths
Role-based or skills-based curated learning paths
Allows managers to create/share learning paths
Course Topics
Leadership, compliance, technical skills, etc.
Technology, marketing, design, personal development, IT, etc.
Integration
Microsoft, Saba, Cornerstone, Moodle, Google workspace, SCORM Cloud
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.
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% of Fortune 100 companies.
Pros of Udemy Business
A pool of course topics in various languages
Customizable learning paths and unlimited course access
Wide user base including 80% 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.
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.
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.
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.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
