Is Coursera Plus Worth It in 2025? (Honest Review)

Coursera Plus is a great option for learners who want access to various courses, specializations, and certificates for one fixed price.

It is beneficial for both beginners and experienced professionals. The platform offers tech, business, project management, data science, and many more courses.

Coursera Plus is ideal for students, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to upskill their teams or themselves. This article will give you clear insights into how and in what ways Coursera Plus can be worth it.

Why Should You Consider Coursera Plus?

Consider Coursera Plus to upskill with affordable and flexible learning options. According to a Coursera report in 2023, around 77% of learners have gained new skills, improved pay, and found better job opportunities through Coursera courses.

Coursera-accredited certificates are from top institutions like Google, IBM, and Yale, which makes it a valuable investment in your career. Plus, Coursera offers flexibility in learning with options for tech, project management, business, and data science courses.

Difference Between Coursera and Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus gives you more freedom to access multiple courses with one subscription. It’s a better choice for those planning to take several courses or specializations.

This comparison between Coursera and Coursera Plus will help you decide the best option for your learning needs.

FeaturesCoursera (Free/Individual Purchase)Coursera Plus (Subscription Model)
Access TypePay per course or free auditUnlimited access to 10,000+ courses
Free TrialNot Available7-Day Free Trial
Free CoursesYes (Limited courses)Yes, with the certificate included in the subscription
Certificates IncludedOnly if purchased separatelyCertificates included for eligible courses
Specializations & Professional CertificatesPaid individuallyIncluded in Coursera Plus
Coursera Financial AidAvailable for individual courses Not applicable
Access to Degrees & MasterTrack ProgramsPaid separatelyNot included in Coursera Plus
FlexibilityChoose and pay as you goLearn as much as you want within the subscription period
Best ForOccasional learners or specific course needsRegular learners or multi-course learning plans

Coursera is available on various mobile, laptop, or computer platforms. This is easy to learn at any time and anywhere. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, Coursera offers convenient options for all learners.

Unlimited Features Included In Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus offers a wide range of features that make it a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their skills and career. Here are seven key benefits that come with this subscription:

Coursera Plus features
Source: Coursera
  • Access 10,000+ Courses and Specializations: Coursera Plus gives you unlimited access to over 10,000 courses and specializations from 170+ top universities and companies. This allows you to explore various fields without extra cost after your trial ends.
  • Earn Unlimited Certificates: Coursera Plus allows you to earn as many certificates as you like throughout the subscription period. After your trial, each completed course gives you a valuable credential that can enhance your resume and career prospects.
  • Learn Job-Relevant Skills and Tools: You can choose from over 1,000 applied projects and hands-on labs to teach practical, job-relevant skills. Learn directly from industry experts to gain real-world experience in areas like AI, data science, and business.
  • Professional Certificate Programs: Coursera Plus gives you access to more than 15 Professional Certificate programs from renowned industry leaders like Google, Facebook, and IBM. These certifications help you gain skills recognized by top employers.
  • Annual Plan for Flexibility and Savings: By subscribing to Coursera Plus annually, you save money compared to the monthly plan. The flexibility of the yearly plan allows you to learn at your own pace while planning for long-term career growth.
  • 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Coursera Plus comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you decide the platform isn’t right for you, you can get a full refund within the first 14 days of subscribing, offering peace of mind before committing long-term.
  • Learn at Your Own Pace with Expert Guidance: Coursera Plus offers the flexibility to learn whenever you want. You can balance work, life, and education. With expert-led courses and tools like Coursera Coach, an AI-powered guide, you receive personalized support to ensure your learning journey stays on track.

Is Coursera Plus Worth It Financially?

Coursera Plus can be a valuable financial investment, depending on your learning goals and how frequently you plan to take courses. Let’s explore how the financial aspects of Coursera Plus could benefit you.

1. Financial Aid

Coursera offers financial aid for learners who cannot afford the full price of a course. This aid can help you access many courses for free or at a reduced cost.

Coursera Financial Aid
Source: Coursera

For those who need it, Coursera financial aid provides an opportunity to study without the financial burden. However, this aid is only available for individual courses, so if you plan to access multiple courses, the subscription model might be more cost-effective.

2. Free Trial

Coursera Plus offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform and explore courses without any upfront cost.

Coursera Plus homepage
Source: Coursera Plus

This free trial gives you full access to all courses so that you can evaluate if Coursera Plus fits your learning needs. Moreover, you can cancel the trial period anytime before the end of the week if you do not want to upgrade the plan.

3. Annual Discount

Coursera Plus offers a 25% discount on the annual subscription, reducing the cost from $399 to $300 per year.

Coursera Plus discount page
Source: Coursera Plus

This discount is valid until April 14, 2025, making it a great opportunity for learners to save on a one-year subscription. However, the Coursera pricing structure is quite flexible for individual learners and businesses. Even though an annual plan saves you a significant amount, if you want to take only one course, an individual plan is also best to consider.

Pros And Cons Of Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus offers various advantages and some limitations that every learner should consider before subscribing. Below are the pros and cons of Coursera Plus.

Pros Of Coursera Plus

Coursera Plus offers Learners many benefits, which help them enhance their skills and learning experience.

  • Coursera Plus learners can access over 10,000 courses without worrying about additional costs, providing endless learning opportunities.
  • After completing courses, you receive certificates, which can help boost your resume and increase job opportunities.
  • You can study at your own pace, making it easier to balance your education with work and personal commitments.
  • Coursera Plus includes numerous professional certificates from leading companies like Google and IBM, making it easier for learners to upskill for specific job roles.
  • Coursera Plus provides access to various courses and specializations for an all-inclusive price, which is cost-effective compared to purchasing individual courses.

Cons Of Coursera Plus

While Coursera Plus has many advantages, it also has some limitations that might affect certain learners.

  • Coursera Plus does not include access to full degree programs, so learners seeking degrees will need to pay separately.
  • Specific high-demand specializations or niche topics may not be available with the Coursera Plus subscription.
  • While the annual plan provides significant savings, it requires an upfront payment, which may not be ideal for learners seeking short-term access.

Coursera Plus Reviews

Here’s what some users on forums like Reddit and Quora have to say about Coursera Plus based on their personal experiences.

1. Users on Reddit have mixed opinions about Coursera Plus. Some find it worth the cost due to access to numerous courses and certifications, while others feel it’s only beneficial for those looking to learn multiple courses over a year. Some suggest using the free trial first to evaluate its value.

Coursera Plus Reddit Review
Source: Reddit

2. Jahan Zebedee on Quora shared that Coursera Plus is a great investment for learners seeking to enhance their skills across various topics. The subscription offers excellent flexibility and a variety of courses, making it a strong choice for individuals looking to upskill or change careers.

Coursera Plus Quora Review
Source: Quora

Conclusion: Coursera Plus Is Worth It For Beginners and Professionals

Coursera Plus offers significant value for those serious about learning and career advancement.

It has partnered with 350+ leading universities and companies, which is the best opportunity for you to learn and earn professional certificates with good credentials.

If you plan on taking multiple courses or need career-focused upskilling, Coursera Plus is worth it. Consider starting with a free trial and then plan to upgrade so that you will get time to evaluate Coursera courses.

FAQs

Is the Coursera Plus free trial worth it for students?

The free trial allows students to explore the platform, access various courses, and decide whether it meets their learning needs. It provides full access for 7 days.

What does Coursera Plus not cover?

Coursera Plus does not cover degree programs, MasterTrack™ Certificates, or certain high-demand specializations. However, it includes most courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates available on the platform.

How much discount does Coursera offer?

Coursera Plus offers a 25% discount on the annual subscription, reducing the cost from $399 to $300. The discount is valid until April 14, 2025.

Does Coursera Plus include all courses?

Coursera Plus provides access to over 90% of the platform’s courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates, but excludes degrees and MasterTrack™ Certificates from the subscription.

Which is the best alternative to Coursera?

Udemy, edX, and LinkedIn Learning are excellent alternatives to Coursera. Each offers a variety of courses with different pricing models, allowing learners to explore specialized subjects.

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