If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you’ve checked out DataCamp and want to be sure there’s no other online learning platform that is better suited to your needs before you take the plunge and pay for a subscription with DataCamp. Whether you’re interested in upskilling for a career boost or changing gears altogether to be able to work remotely, learning online can be a great way to do so.
While the world is rapidly advancing in fields like Data, Programming, and AI, these areas may seem particularly appealing to explore. So if you’re wanting to explore topics on Data Skills, DataCamp would be the obvious choice. But before you make that decision, it may be worth checking out its competitors. Read on to explore what alternatives to DataCamp have to offer.
I’ve extensively researched online learning platforms to provide you with the best DataCamp alternatives. With a Master’s in Teaching and Education and years of experience with e-learning, I’ve created this detailed and informative article.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
Platform
Pros & Cons
- Partnered Organizations
- Verified Certificates
- Free Courses
- Prior Knowledge
- Time Commitment
- Free Courses
- Certificates
- Refund Policy
- Prior knowledge
- Lack of Community
- Free Courses
- Industry Partners
- Career Advice
- Expensive
- Time Commitment
- Affordable
- Beginner Friendly
- Free Plan
- Non Accrediated
- Customer Support
- Free Trial
- Learning Checks
- Learn Offline
- Outdated Content
- Technical Issues
- Affordable
- Free Courses
- Refund Policy
- Non-Accredited Certificates
- Quality Control
DataCamp Alternatives in Detail
If you’re interested in exploring DataCamp’s competitors, keep reading to discover more about the alternative platforms.
1. Coursera
If taking a course or learning program that is partnered with a top-tier university or company is something you’re after, then Coursera may be your best option. Coursera offers degrees and certificates in collaboration with top-notch universities and companies—think John Hopkins University, Yale, Google, Microsoft, NYU, Oxford, Stanford, and the list goes on.
You can sign up for free and find plenty of free courses available. However, if you choose to audit the course (learn for free), you won’t receive credits nor a completion certificate. Saying that, being able to take as many courses as you like for free is a great place to start. Coursera pricing varies depending on what you want to do; explore courses, earn a certificate or degree, but, in general, it is very affordable.
Why Choose Coursera over DataCamp?
Both platforms are very different in what they offer and how payment works. Coursera is unique in that it collaborates with hundreds of well-respected universities and companies. I found this aspect to be essential when wanting to study something new to change careers. DataCamp is great if you need or want to upskill in Data, AI, Programming and the like. However, if you need an accredited degree or certificate, even in the field of Data and Programming, Coursera is definitely the more optimal match.
2. edX
edX is another favorite of mine which, like Coursera, is backed by universities, institutes and companies like Google, MIT, IBM and Harvard. This also means it offers accredited certificates and degrees. Its platform is rich with thousands of free courses, which certainly is a bonus if you want to learn but can’t always pay.
If you want to take courses and also earn an official certificate of completion or earn college credit, then there is the possibility to upgrade a free course by paying. Another great feature is the possibility to view course material offline. If you want to review lessons or even take an entire course during air travel, edX makes it possible. What’s more, the courses are designed to be self-paced and interactive. Having the ability to learn how and when suits you best could mean greater end results along your learning journey.
Why Choose edX over DataCamp?
edX boasts thousands of high-quality courses ranging in a much broader subject matter than DataCamp. edX pricing also varies depending on what your goals are, and most are available for free with limitations. DataCamp, which can be cheaper in some ways, it doesn’t offer thousands of free courses—you have to register as an educator or an educational institute to get free access to courses.
If your goal is to clearly upskill in data, AI, programming or analytics, and you have a tight budget, then DataCamp could be a great option, especially since their learning method is more hands on for these subjects. But if you need a broader range of subjects and or to have your course completion backed by leading universities or other big-name companies, as well, have the possibility of taking courses for free, then I would say edX is the way to go.
3. Udacity
One might think the difference between Udacity and DataCamp is so small that you could choose either one and get pretty much the same end result. But upon looking more closely and using both platforms, I found some key differences. Udacity, like DataCamp is very much data and tech focused, however with an even stronger data and programming focus and less on tech. Sadly, neither of the platforms are accredited by any institute or university. The main difference is Udacity completion certificates are recognized by some companies as they partner with industry leaders and experts to help build their Nanodegree programs.
Aspects that helped me put my newly learned skills to the test were Udacity’s graded projects and capstone projects. These exercises served as proof that I really could flex my recently acquired skills. Its courses offer consistent, high-quality content from leading field experts. But really the best part of learning at Udacity was being able to consult with a mentor. Udacity provides one-to-one mentorship for students when they enroll in one of their Nanodegree programs.
Why Choose Udacity over DataCamp?
Both platforms offer quite a thorough selection of practical skill learning in data, AI, programming and tech. But Udacity goes the extra mile and offers one-to-one mentorship, while DataCamp only has an online community to help you find your bearings. While Udacity is more expensive, you also get consistent high-quality content with each course and higher recognition of completion certificates. If you do have doubts on whether Udacity would meet your needs, you have access to 200 free courses to see for yourself—the free courses do not include the graded projects and capstone projects feature nor the one-to-one mentorship.
4. Codecademy
While on the search for DataCamp alternatives, I had to include Codecademy. It is probably DataCamp’s closest contender. Codecademy’s course catalog clearly is geared towards learners eager to upskill in coding, data science, AI, and various types of website engineering. Anything related to coding, Codecademy has it, including courses in 15 different coding languages.
Codecademy pricing for individuals is divided into three tiers; basic, plus and pro. Like DataCamp, the basic plan is free and this includes access to some individual courses for free. Although, if your interest is gaining skills to, then use on the job, you’ll need to pay for either plus or pro subscriptions. They can be paid monthly or yearly.
Why Choose Codecademy over DataCamp?
If I had to decide which of these two platforms provides more bite-sized learning, I’d say DataCamp—both offer courses for absolute beginners but in different ways. A lot of what DataCamp courses provide in their activities and exercises is very guided, maybe more than I would have needed even as a newbie. I appreciated that Codecademy allowed me to practice more on my own, making mistakes and getting hands-on experience without hints or some of the code prewritten for me. This type of learning usually means once the challenge is overcome, the skill becomes that much more hard won.
Although Codecamedy’s course and career tracks may seem to take longer, the content is more comprehensive. DataCamp’s courses are far more detailed and subject specific but meant to be completed at a faster pace. For tighter budgets, Codecademy is also more affordable, at $19.99 per month for their Pro plan, versus $39 per month for DataCamp’s Premium subscription. Depending on both your learning style preference and budget, Codecademy could be an option to consider.
5. Pluralsight
Pluralsight
Last but not least, another great option to consider for upskilling in the tech and data science fields is Pluralsight. Its platform offers video – based and interactive courses in similar subjects as DataCamp, however with over 7K courses to choose from rather than 490+ at DataCamp. Pluralsight courses have been created by experts around the world, as the end goal is that learners become the next generation of talent that companies like Microsoft and DellTechnologies want to hire. The platform prides itself with offering over 1,300 hands-on labs where learners can get experience and test out their new skill(s).
It also offers completion certificates which help to demonstrate a newly acquired skill. In order to complete their courses, your learning journey is accompanied by video content, interactive courses, real-life projects and tutorials. Pluralsight pricing is quite pocket-friendly, starting with the Standard subscription at $29 USD monthly or $299 annually.
Why Choose Pluralsight over DataCamp?
You might be wondering if by having a course catalog 17 times more diverse than DataCamp means Pluralsight offers courses that aren’t only Data Science specific. And yes, you’d be right in thinking so. Not only are there courses which DataCamp offers, but also in digital marketing, UX/UI design, IT administration and software engineering. Pluralsight is slightly more expensive, but the learning is much more interactive—DataCamp hands-on learning is primarily in coding, whereas Pluralsight has over a thousand learning labs to accompany courses so you get the practice you need to gain confidence in the chosen skill(s). If your focus is on Data Science and specific to coding, then sure, DataCamp would make more sense, but if you’re looking to want to explore other aspects of technology, like security, cloud, IT Ops and more, then Pluralsight would make the most sense.
Last Thoughts: DataCamp Alternatives
It goes without saying that DataCamp may be the right choice, for some learners. It is an affordable, priced online learning platform that can and does help learners upskill in topics like coding and programming.
But if you are looking for or in need of less specific niche courses, more interactive learning, a wider variety of courses, and or accredited completion certificates or diplomas, it would be best to check out the alternatives I’ve mentioned in this article.
In the end, before investing your time and money in either DataCamp or an alternative online learning, it would be wise to be certain before you make this final choice. That way, you won’t be left disappointed on your online learning journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Course variety and niches
- Certification value
- Education methodologies
- Time Commitment
- Budget
FAQs
DataCamp courses and career tracks are not accredited. However, it does offer completion certificates that may garner recognition depending on the company.
There are plenty of DataCamp Alternatives to consider, but it all depends on your budget, time and you ultimate learning goals. Platforms to consider are Coursera, edX, Udacity and Codecademy.
Codecademy is a more affordable option than DataCamp, but will take longer to compete than DataCamp. So it all really depends on your budget and time commitment.