Is your SkillShare subscription not living up to the hype? Do you find yourself scrolling endlessly through mediocre tutorials, desperate for something truly valuable?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are other options out there for those seeking to learn new skills and expand their knowledge.
In this article, we will review the top SkillShare alternatives that will satisfy even the most discerning learners.
I’m personally a huge fan of online learning platforms, and have tried every single one of these at one point.
So put down that overpriced latte and get ready to upgrade your learning game.
Who Am I?
My name is Jason, and I run this site which is all about mythology and ancient history. I’m also a fiction writer, with several books under my belt.
As a lifelong learner, I have always been drawn to online learning platforms. I rely on them to learn the skills I need to be an author and run this website.
I remember using some of the very first learning platforms, and it has been fascinating to see how they have evolved over the years.
I have always been a fan of SkillShare. It and Wondrium are my go-to online learning platforms. But I understand that for some people they either can’t afford it (especially since it moved to an annual subscription recently), or just want to browse other options.
And so I’ve got those options right here!
These platforms offer a wide range of courses, taught by expert instructors, and have been a great fit for me.
I am excited to see what the future holds for online learning, and am always on the lookout for new and innovative platforms to try.
My Criteria
When choosing which SkillShare alternatives to use, I have taken into account a combination of my personal preference, the price, and the value they offer for that price.
Based on these criteria, I have ordered the alternatives in a way that reflects the quality of the platform and the value it offers, starting with my favorite choice first.
Some of the platforms on my list are highly interactive and engaging, while others are more affordable but still offer high-quality learning experiences.
Ultimately, the right online learning platform for me will be one that offers a combination of these factors.
The Top 8 SkillShare Alternatives
Alright, it’s time to dive into the meat and potatoes of this article. There are 8 good alternatives to SkillShare:
- Wondrium
- Coursera
- LinkedIn Learning
- Udemy
- MasterClass
- Kahn Academy
- MindValley
- CreativeLive
Let’s start with my number one favorite…
Alternative #1: Wondrium (My Top Recommendation)
Wondrium is an online learning platform that offers courses taught by top professors from a wide range of industries. The platform offers a variety of courses in subjects such as business, finance, technology, and the arts, among others.
One of the key features of Wondrium is that it offers streaming access to The Great Courses, a popular provider of educational content. In addition to The Great Courses, Wondrium also offers courses from other leading educational platforms, including:
- Wondrium Originals
- Kino Lorber
- Magellan
- Craftsy
- Truefire
- Intelligence Squared
- And many more
The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing users to easily search for courses and access them on a variety of devices. In addition, the platform offers a range of interactive features, such as discussion forums and quizzes, to help users engage with the material and enhance their learning experience.
Where Wondrium Shines
As someone who has tried a wide range of online course platforms, I have found that Wondrium is my favorite. There are several reasons why I enjoy using this platform.
Firstly, I appreciate the reasonable price point of Wondrium, which makes it a great value for the cost.
Additionally, the platform has a huge library of content, with courses on a wide range of subjects, taught by expert instructors. This means that there is always something new to learn, no matter what my interests are.
Seriously, the diversity of topics is HUGE! And it covers a number of subjects that most online course platforms do not.
Finally, I have found that the courses on Wondrium are taught by experts in their field, which adds to the credibility and authority of the platform.
Overall, I have found that Wondrium is a fantastic online learning platform that offers a lot of value for the price.
Pricing
Wondrium has three different pricing options:
- $20/month billed monthly
- $15/month billed quarterly
- $12.50/month billed annually
This makes it a reasonably well-priced platform, especially when you consider the sheer volume of content on this platform.
This also makes it similar in price to SkillShare, which runs at $165/year.
My Recommended Courses in Wondrium
While Wondrium has a lot of courses in the same categories as SkillShare, there are a few that SkillShare lacks, which also happens to be where some of my favorite courses exist.
As a fan of ancient history and mythology, I’d have to go with the following:
- Great Mythologies of the World: If you want to learn about world mythology, this course has 60 episodes and is the place to start.
- King Arthur: History and Legend: I started my Arthurian legend research with this course, and I am glad I did. The teacher, Dorsey Armstrong, breaks down the legend of King Arthur throughout the centuries, and all of the different influences. I highly recommend this course.
- Sacred Texts of the World: This course is a fascinating overview of various religions’ sacred texts, from Hinduism to Buddhism to the Bible.
And it so happens I have a link that will get you 20% off an annual purchase!
I use Wondrium practically every day, and I’m sure you will absolutely not regret it.
Alternative #2: Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers courses, specializations, and degrees from top universities and companies.
That is the main selling factor that sets it apart: actual connection to real-life universities, giving added credit to the certifications they offer. You can even explore online Bachelor or Masters degree programs through Coursera.
It was founded in 2012 by two Stanford University computer science professors, Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, with the aim of providing universal access to high-quality education.
Coursera offers a wide range of subjects, and is one of the few platforms to include topics in history and mythology, my areas of expertise.
Students can learn at their own pace and earn a certificate upon completion of a course or specialization.
Coursera has partnerships with over 200 universities and companies and has enrolled over 60 million learners from around the world.
Pricing
Most of Coursera’s content is free to view, making it one of the best free resources around.
However, if you’d like to earn the certificate attached to the course, you will need to pay a fixed amount per course. The cost of the certificate depends on the course itself.
And obviously the degrees cost more, starting from $9000, and the price depends on the University you are getting the degree from.
My Recommended Courses in Coursera
Because Coursera is free and actually has courses on history and mythology, there are a few there that I really find fascinating (once again, these recommended courses are my personal favorites, not necessarily courses I recommend to the general public).
- Greek and Roman Mythology: This course focuses on the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, examining their nature, function, and the way the Greeks and Romans understood them. The course will explore a variety of topics, including the creation of the universe, the relationship between gods and mortals, human nature, religion, the family, sex, love, madness, and death. The goal is to understand the role of myths in individuals, societies, and nations.
- Magic in the Middle Ages: In this course, students will learn about medieval culture, beliefs, and practices related to magic. The course covers popular magic, as well as learned magic such as alchemy, geomancy, and necromancy. It also addresses the influence of eastern practices and texts on western culture, and includes a module on astrology. The course aims to help students overcome stereotypes about the Middle Ages and analyze historical documentation from the period.
- Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization: These courses cover key theories and research in the field, as well as opportunities for application. Topics include Positive Psychology, Applications and Interventions, Character, Grit and Research Methods, Resilience Skills, and a Positive Psychology Specialization Project.
Alternative #3: LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and tutorials on a variety of topics. It is aimed at professionals who want to improve their skills and knowledge in their field, and offers courses on topics such as business, technology, and creative arts.
LinkedIn Learning is a subsidiary of LinkedIn, the social networking website for professionals, and is designed to help users improve their skills and advance their careers.
Users can access the platform through a subscription, and can take courses at their own pace and earn certifications for completed courses.
I’ve used LinkedIn Learning before when I had access to it through work. It’s really great for professional skills, and its productivity course was a game-changer for me.
In a lot of way’s it’s similar to SkillShare, but with the exception that the instructors are pre-vetted by LinkedIn. So it’s a little closer to Masterclass in that respect.
Pricing
There are two pricing tiers for LinkedIn Learning:
- $39.99/month
- $239.88/year (comes out to $19.99/month)
Of the two, the annual option is definitely the better of the two, as it costs half of the monthly plan. However, this is a more expensive service.
My Recommended Courses in LinkedIn Learning
There are TONS of good courses on this platform, but one in particular was a game changer for me, and that was:
Enhancing Your Productivity by Dave Crenshaw: In this course, author and business coach Dave Crenshaw teaches how to enhance productivity by focusing on the most valuable activities and minimizing distractions. The course shows how to create a plan to manage time and effort and how to help others discover their most valuable activities.
Ultimately, LinkedIn Learning is one of the most like SkillShare, except the teachers are vetted by LinkedIn, which makes it even higher quality overall.
Alternative #4: Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and tutorials on a variety of topics, and is the most like SkillShare. It even has a lot of the same courses from the same instructors.
The platform is aimed at professionals who want to improve their skills and knowledge in their field, and offers a wide range of topics (including a few on history and mythology, my favorite).
Udemy is a for-profit company and courses are typically offered by individual instructors, who set their own prices for the courses they offer.
Pricing
Udemy is similar to SkillShare, except for their pricing structure, which is priced individually instead of a subscription model. Some of the courses appear expensive, but Udemy offers huge deals throughout the year, and these are the times when you’d want to purchase.
My Recommended Courses in Udemy
As a fan of history and mythology Udemy is practically the only course platform (besides Wondrium, of course) that has a decent selection of courses in this area.
Some of my favorites for these subjects and others include:
- Introduction to the Study of Myth: An overview of the study of mythology and the different approaches that scholars take.
- Irish Mythology: A course about Irish Mythology, and the many tales of gods, warriors, maidens, monsters, and magic.
- The Ultimate Drawing Course: This is a course all about learning to draw like a pro. It takes you from zero to producing some decent work.
Alternative #5: Masterclass
Masterclass is an online learning platform that offers courses taught by top experts in their respective fields.
The platform offers a wide range of courses on subjects such as cooking, music, writing, and more, taught by world-renowned instructors including Gordon Ramsay, Annie Leibovitz, and Ron Howard.
Masterclass provides users with access to high-quality video lessons, interactive exercises, and other learning materials, allowing them to learn at their own pace and on their own time.
Pricing
Masterclass has several options, all billed annually:
- Individual Plan: $180/year. You can only watch on one device at a time, and there’s no offline viewing.
- Duo Plan: $240/year. Allows offline viewing and 2 devices at a time.
- Family Plan: $276/year. Up to 6 devices at a time.
While expensive in the short run, it’s not bad when you break it down into the average monthly cost.
My Recommended Courses in Masterclass
As a writer, there are some really good courses in Masterclass, even though there aren’t courses on history or mythology. Some of my favorites include:
- Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling: Neil Gaiman, the award-winning author of Stardust, Coraline, and The Sandman, offers an online writing class that teaches his approach to imaginative storytelling and helps students find their unique voice, develop original ideas, and bring their characters to life.
- N. K. Jemisin Teaches Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing: N. K. Jemisin, the winner of the Hugo Award for three consecutive years for her Broken Earth Trilogy, offers an online class that teaches students how to create a world from scratch, develop compelling characters, and get published. The class is designed to help students build their craft and share their voice with inclusive fiction that reflects their experience.
- Bob Iger: Teaches Business Strategy and Leadership: Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney, offers an online class that teaches students how to evolve their business and career through strategies for expanding a brand, leading with integrity, and making big moves. The class uses case studies and lessons from Iger’s 45 years in media to teach students about risk management, the art of negotiation, and other important topics.
Alternative #6: Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit educational organization that provides free online educational resources to learners of all ages.
The organization was founded in 2008 by Salman Khan with the goal of providing a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.
What does it offer? Khan Academy offers a variety of subjects, including math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more.
The organization’s resources are available on its website and on its mobile app, and are accessible to learners worldwide.
But how do they make money if it’s free? Khan Academy is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Pricing
Khan Academy is completely free for everyone! This is a huge plus over other online learning platforms.
My Recommended Courses in Kahn Academy
Khan Academy is largely meant for younger learners, usually from K-12, so all of the courses are geared to help them in their studies.
However, as a fan of history, there are a few courses that I enjoy on Khan Academy:
- World History Project – Origins to the Present: A really nice overview of history from as far back as we know, to the present. A great overview if you can’t afford other options like Wondrium.
- Growth Mindset: Growth mindset is a HUGE thing that most people don’t know about. It’s responsible for me making every advancement in my own life, and every form of growth I’ve head. Highly recommend this one for your kids.
Alternative #6: Mindvalley
MindValley is an education and personal growth platform that offers a variety of courses and programs on topics such as health and wellness, personal development, and spirituality.
The company was founded in 2003 by Vishen Lakhiani, with the goal of offering transformative learning experiences that can help people improve their lives.
The platform is used by millions of people around the world, and is supported by a community of trainers, teachers, and experts.
As someone who is passionate about personal development, this is a big one for me. I love some of the instructors on here, because they walk the walk, and are just as knowledgeable in their fields as anyone on SkillShare.
Pricing
Mindvalley has two pricing options:
- $99/month
- $499/year (which comes to about $41/month)
Of these two, the yearly is definitely the better deal, however, this is a pricy program, and much more expensive than SkillShare.
However, if you’re serious about personal development, there’s no better platform out there. These guys are the best of the best.
My Recommended Courses in MindValley
There are some quality courses on MindValley, but some of my favorites include:
- Superbrain: The Superbrain Quest with Jim Kwik is a learning curriculum designed to help activate the brain’s limitless potential and improve memory, focus, and productivity. The course is intended for professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone looking to unlock the full power of their mind.
- The Mastery Of Sleep: The Mastery Of Sleep program with Dr. Michael Breus is designed to help people overcome chronic sleep problems and improve their sleep. The program is based on the latest discoveries in sleep science and offers a personalized, effective, and permanent solution to a good night’s sleep.
- The Quest For Personal Mastery: The Quest For Personal Mastery is a program that teaches participants how to embrace a philosophy that empowers them to flow through life and tap into their inner potential to achieve mastery of themselves. The program is led by Professor Srikumar Rao, one of the world’s most in-demand MBA lecturers.
Alternative #7: CreativeLive
CreativeLive is an online education platform that offers a wide range of courses and workshops on topics such as photography, design, business, and personal development.
The platform is aimed at creative professionals who want to improve their skills and knowledge in their field, and offers courses taught by experts in their respective fields.
CreativeLive courses are available online and on mobile devices, and can be accessed through a subscription or by purchasing individual courses.
The platform also offers live broadcasts of classes, which users can watch for free and interact with the instructors in real time, which is something kind of unique to CreativeLive.
Pricing
With CreativeLive, you have the option to buy courses individually (don’t do that), or get access to everything for $13/month.
This makes CreativeLive one of the more affordable options, especially given that they have virtual classes taught by huge titans in various industries, people like Tim Ferris, Mel Robbins, and Richard Branson.
My Recommended Courses in CreativeLive
One of the advantages to CreativeLive is that there are periodic live classes, which is one of the more attractive aspects. There will likely be new classes every week that I might recommend.
That said, here are a few of my favorites from viewing the material thus far:
- Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life: In this class, Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans teach how to apply design thinking principles to making life decisions. They show how to closely examine the “life story” that has brought you to where you are today, shift your thinking to focus on life as a journey, align your “life” and “work” views, fix dysfunctional attitudes, and understand what gives you energy and what drains you.
- Wired for Story: How to Become a Story Genius: In Lisa Cron’s class, aspiring writers can learn how to write a novel or memoir capable of riveting readers. The class teaches students what readers crave in a story, how to write a successful novel without innate talent, how to write a first draft that reads like a fifth draft, and how to become a more confident writer.
- How to Break the Habit of Self-Doubt and Build Real Confidence: In this course, motivational instructor Mel Robbins helps participants overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence. The course covers the science behind self-doubt, how to overcome negative emotions, how to build self-esteem and competency skills, and how to stop living with worry. The course includes actionable advice and steps for practicing new habits and overcoming self-doubt to achieve goals.
Final Thoughts on These SkillShare Alternatives
SkillShare is a great online learning platform, but it’s not the only one out there.
There are many other options available for those looking to learn new skills and expand their knowledge.
Each of these platforms offers a unique blend of features and pricing, making them suitable for a wide range of learners.
Ultimately, the right online learning platform for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and learning goals.
Whether you’re a lifelong learner like me or just starting out on your learning journey, I hope this article has helped you discover some great new options for online learning.
For me personally, I still use Skillshare, but Wondrium is my favorite online learning platform out there. I highly recommend you check it out if you like broad and thorough learning on a broad selection of subjects.
