meta_description: "LinkedIn Learning vs. Great Learning: A comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, and course quality to help you choose the best learning platform in 2026."
LinkedIn Learning vs Great Learning: Which Is Better in 2026?
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
In the ever-expanding world of online education, choosing the right platform to invest your time and money in can be a daunting task. Two popular contenders in the professional development space are LinkedIn Learning and Great Learning. Both offer a vast array of courses to help you upskill and advance your career, but they cater to slightly different needs and learning styles.
This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences between LinkedIn Learning and Great Learning, covering everything from course quality and pricing to user experience and instructor credentials. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which platform is the better fit for your professional growth in 2026.
At a Glance: LinkedIn Learning vs. Great Learning
| Feature | LinkedIn Learning | Great Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Subscription-based (approx. $30/month) | Varied (Free courses, subscriptions, and individual program fees) |
| Course Count | 25,200+ | 1,000+ free courses, plus paid programs |
| Certificate | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | 1-month free trial | Free courses available |
| Best For | Individuals and teams looking for a wide range of business and tech skills | Learners seeking in-depth, university-partnered programs and career support |
Overview of LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, is a well-established online learning platform integrated into the world's largest professional network. It boasts a massive library of over 25,200 courses taught by industry experts. The platform is primarily geared towards individual professionals and corporate teams looking to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones in areas like business, technology, and creative fields. Its key value proposition lies in its vast course catalog, integration with LinkedIn profiles, and a straightforward subscription model that provides unlimited access to all content.
Related: Best Project Management Courses
Overview of Great Learning
Great Learning is a global ed-tech company that offers a blended learning experience, combining online courses with mentorship and career support. It partners with renowned universities like MIT, Stanford, and the University of Texas at Austin to provide postgraduate programs and certificate courses. Great Learning's focus is on delivering in-depth, career-focused programs in high-demand domains such as data science, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. While it offers a selection of free introductory courses, its core offerings are comprehensive, paid programs designed to equip learners with job-ready skills.
Course Quality and Instructor Expertise
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning maintains a high standard of quality across its extensive library. Courses are well-produced, with clear audio and video, and are taught by vetted industry experts, professionals, and academics. The platform's strength lies in its consistency; you can generally expect a professional and polished learning experience regardless of linkedin. However, some critics argue that the sheer volume of courses can lead to a lack of depth in certain niche subjects.
Great Learning
Great Learning's course quality is directly tied to its partnerships with prestigious universities. The curriculum is often designed and delivered by the same faculty who teach on-campus, ensuring a rigorous and academically sound learning experience. This is particularly true for their postgraduate and certificate programs. The emphasis is on in-depth knowledge and practical application, with many programs featuring hands-on projects and case studies. The trade-off is a more limited selection of courses compared to LinkedIn Learning, but with a greater focus on specialized, high-demand fields.
Pricing Comparison
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning operates on a simple subscription model. An individual subscription typically costs around $29.99 per month, with a discount for annual billing. This provides unlimited access to the entire course library. A one-month free trial is also available, allowing you to explore the platform before committing. This model offers excellent value for learners who plan to take multiple courses throughout the year.
Great Learning
Great Learning's pricing is more varied. It offers a range of free introductory courses through its Great Learning Academy. For its more comprehensive postgraduate and certificate programs, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the university partner and the depth of the curriculum. While this is a significant investment, it reflects the academic rigor and career support provided. They also offer a subscription called Academy Pro+ for around $15/month, which gives access to a subset of their courses.
Certificates & Credentials
LinkedIn Learning
Upon completing a course on LinkedIn Learning, you receive a certificate of completion that can be easily added to your LinkedIn profile. While these certificates are not accredited, they serve as a valuable way to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development to your network and potential employers. The platform also offers Professional Certificates in partnership with companies like Microsoft and Zendesk, which provide more in-depth training and assessment.
Great Learning
Great Learning's certificates carry more weight, especially those from their university-partnered programs. These are often co-branded with the university, lending them a higher degree of credibility. For example, completing a program with the University of Texas at Austin through Great Learning will result in a certificate from the university itself. This can be a significant advantage for those looking to make a substantial career move or transition into a new field.
User Experience
LinkedIn Learning
The LinkedIn Learning platform is known for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. Courses are well-organized, and the integration with your LinkedIn profile makes it easy to track your progress and showcase your accomplishments. The platform also provides personalized recommendations based on your skills, industry, and career goals. The mobile app is robust, allowing for on-the-go learning.
Great Learning
Great Learning's platform is also well-designed, with a focus on a structured and supportive learning journey. The user experience is enhanced by the inclusion of mentorship sessions, group discussions, and hands-on projects. This creates a more interactive and engaging environment than the self-paced video lectures on LinkedIn Learning. However, the platform can feel more complex due to the variety of program formats and the emphasis on a more guided learning path.
Pros & Cons
| LinkedIn Learning | Great Learning |
|---|---|
| Pros: | Pros: |
| Massive library of 25,200+ courses | In-depth, university-partnered programs |
| Consistent, high-quality production | Strong focus on career outcomes and support |
| Affordable subscription model | Certificates from prestigious universities |
| Excellent integration with LinkedIn profile | Blended learning with mentorship and projects |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| Courses can sometimes lack depth | High cost for postgraduate programs |
| Certificates are not accredited | Smaller course selection than LinkedIn Learning |
| Less focus on hands-on projects | Platform can be more complex to navigate |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose LinkedIn Learning if:
- You want access to a vast and diverse library of courses on a wide range of subjects.
- You are a self-motivated learner who prefers a self-paced, flexible learning environment.
- You are looking for an affordable way to continuously upgrade your skills.
- You want to easily showcase your learning accomplishments on your LinkedIn profile.
Related: Best Leadership and Management Courses
Choose Great Learning if:
- You are seeking an in-depth, structured program in a high-demand field like data science or AI.
- You value the credibility of a certificate from a top-tier university.
- You thrive in a more guided learning environment with mentorship and peer interaction.
- You are looking for a program with a strong focus on career support and job placement.
Related: Great Learning Data Science Program Review
Final Verdict
Both LinkedIn Learning and Great Learning are excellent platforms, but they serve different purposes. LinkedIn Learning is the clear winner for individuals and teams looking for a comprehensive, affordable, and flexible learning solution. Its massive course library and seamless integration with the LinkedIn ecosystem make it an unbeatable value for continuous professional development.
Great Learning, on the other hand, is the ideal choice for those who are serious about making a significant career change or want to gain a deep, university-level understanding of a specific domain. The investment is higher, but the potential return in terms of career advancement and earning potential is also greater.
Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your individual learning style, career goals, and budget. We recommend taking advantage of LinkedIn Learning's free trial and exploring Great Learning's free courses to see which platform feels like a better fit for you.
See Also
Ready to Start Learning?
Whether you're looking to brush up on your skills or embark on a new career path, the right online learning platform can make all the difference.