For businesses aiming at scalable, customized learning experiences, Thinkific Plus is the preferred pick. However, for organizations valuing diversity in course material and easy accessibility, Udemy Business‘s vast course library is undeniably appealing.

Thinkific vs Udemy comparison

Key Differences Between Thinkific and Udemy

  • Thinkific offers a custom-built course with a drag-and-drop builder and course templates, whereas Udemy emphasizes ready-made, diverse content topics.
  • Thinkific starts from $39-$499/month, providing varied pricing options. In contrast, Udemy’s pricing is based on annual subscriptions.
  • Integration capacity is higher in Thinkific, providing third-party marketing tool integration. Udemy lacks this expansive integration capability.
  • Thinkific provides multilingual and open API support for customization, while Udemy focuses on extensive device accessibility and language coverage.
Comparison Thinkific Plus Udemy Business
Primary Function An all-in-one online learning platform aimed at bringing value quickly, and empowering the creation of engaging learning experiences An integrated learning solution offering on-demand, immersive, and cohort-based learning
Price Starts from $39-$499/month depending on the plan Based on an annual subscription, measured by total number of users and billed annually
User Rating 4.5/5 4.6/5
Course Selling Efficiency Highly efficient Depends on strategic usage
Mobile Learning Supports with custom-branded educational app Supports on Android, iOS, laptops, desktops, tablets, and offline. Viewable with Chromecast, Apple TV
Customizability High with open API for customization High with customizable platform
Integration Capacity With third-party marketing tools like Google Analytics, PayPal, Shopify, Stripe, MailChimp, CovertKit No Specific Data
Negative Feedback Limited options for testimonials layouts on sales/landing pages Refund policies, hidden costs, quality disparity
Scalability Suits mid-level to large enterprises Suits 2-10,000+ employees across various industries
Course Access No specific data Unlimited once purchased
Learning Path Support No specific data Supports with new “Learning Paths” tool
Certificate Provision Upon completion of courses Upon completion of courses
Courses Include Surveys for feedback, voice-over presentation recording Practice tests, quizzes, coding exercises

What Is Thinkific Plus and Who’s It For?

Thinkific Plus is a comprehensive, all-in-one online learning platform designed for tech-forward companies that need quick, flexible solutions. Equipped with essential functionalities like drag-and-drop builder, course templates, and bulk content imports, Thinkific Plus fosters efficient and engaging learning experiences across platforms without the legacy LMS hassle. Its core audience includes mid-level to large enterprises aiming to drive their businesses forward with robust eLearning implementations.

Beneficial for employee training and compliance training use cases, Thinkific Plus extends scalable learning management solutions to consulting firms, academic programs, enterprises focusing on revenue and lead generation, and SMEs aiming for an optimized use of resources.

Colorful snapshot of Thinkific Plus in action on a company's employee training module

Pros of Thinkific Plus

  • Drag-and-drop builder and intuitive interface optimizes ease-of-use.
  • Capability to create and import a variety of multimedia lessons promotes learner engagement.
  • Provides robust third-party integration options with marketing tools like Google Analytics, PayPal, Shopify, Stripe, MailChimp, CovertKit.
  • Differing pricing options ranging from $39 to $499/month depending on plan, suits varied budgets.
  • Application supports high scalability, ideal for mid-level to large enterprises.

Cons of Thinkific Plus

  • Limited options for testimonials layouts on sales/landing pages.

What Is Udemy Business and Who’s It For?

Udemy Business is an integrated eLearning solution delivering on-demand and immersive, cohort-based learning. Specially designed to foster a future-ready workforce, it increases employee engagement and leverages strategic metrics to meet business outcomes. The platform is customizable, facilitating creation/sharing of learning paths, and monitoring learners’ trends and behaviors. It is ideally structured for professional adults and corporates, including Fortune 100 companies.

Udemy Business resonates with businesses across industries and organizational scales, particularly those having between 2 to 10,000+ employees. The platform firmly stands within the corporate training domain, offering a selective library of over 2000 courses tailored to fill corporate learning gaps.

Colorful montage of Udemy Business interface on a corporate professional's desktop

Pros of Udemy Business

  • Wide array of course topics in various languages, catering to a globally diverse workforce.
  • Once purchased, unlimited course access.
  • Provision of course completion certificates bolsters learners’ motivation.
  • Works across multiple platforms including iOS, Android, laptops, desktops, tablets.
  • Includes unique tool, “Learning Paths”, that strings multiple courses together for a comprehensive study experience.

Cons of Udemy Business

  • Refund policies and hidden costs are a point of contention for some users.
  • Course adaption into organizations may vary, based on strategic usage.
  • Lack of detailed analytics cited as problematic.
  • Udemy’s courses are not accredited and do not transfer to college credit.

Thinkific vs Udemy: Pricing

Thinkific and Udemy offer multiple pricing options with Thinkific pricing starting from $39-$499/month depending on the plan and Udemy’s courses ranging from free to $200 with a separate platform solution, Udemy for Business, billed annually.

Thinkific

Thinkific offers a comprehensive range of LMS solutions with pricing options starting from $39 to $499 per month depending on the chosen plan. The flexibility of these options aligns with different budgetary requirements, accommodating SMEs to large-scale enterprises. The platform charges $49/month for the Basic Plan; this includes a seamless course experience, integrated payment portals, and compatibility with multiple marketing tools like Google Analytics, PayPal, Shopify, and others.

Udemy

Udemy widely caters to different learning needs with the pricing of its courses ranging from free to $200. The revenue from courses, contributing to 94% of its total income, is primarily generated by its instructors. Furthermore, Udemy for Business, a meticulously curated library of over 2,000 corporate training courses, operates on an annual subscription model. The price is determined by the total number of users and is charged annually.

Thinkific vs Udemy: The Contest For Your Content

Which platform will serve your needs best? Let’s find out.

1. SMEs and Large Enterprises

Thinkific, with its scalable options, interactive content support, efficient student management, and multilingual support, makes for an ideal pick. Its open API for customization aligns well with complex corporate requirements and high-scalability needs. The platform aligns well with payment and marketing tools, serving businesses with their revenue generation.Verdict: Thinkific

An executive in suit planning revenue generation strategy on a broad white board

2. Online Educators and Course Creators

Where Thinkific exhibits strong e-commerce backbone, and delivers seamless learning experiences, Udemy ticks a different box. Udemy, with its widespread access, diverse course content, and international presence, serves as a dynamite for online educators.Verdict: Udemy

An enthusiastic online mentor teaching global audience via his high-tech laptop

3. Individual Learners and Professional Adults

While Thinkific offers an intuitive interface, multimedia lessons and efficient mobile learning, Udemy proves its prowess with personal development courses, wide language access, and offline capability. Its ‘Learning Paths’ tool holds a special mention, stringing together multiple courses for easy step-by-step learning.Verdict: Udemy

An independent adult learning is viewing a growth course on his iPad

Aiming at running a compliant, scalable, and efficient learning management for your business, Thinkific might be your answer. However, if you’re aiming to broaden your impact as a course creator or looking to enrich your personal development, Udemy wears the crown.”

Grant Sullivan

Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.