For individuals & organizations focused on advanced technical training and AI-powered learning paths, Skillsoft’s robust and personalized learning management system is superior. However, those seeking broad knowledge from partnered universities with free and paid certificate offerings should opt for Coursera’s expansive course library.
Key Differences Between Skillsoft and Coursera
- Skillsoft specializes in industry-specific training with robust tracking, while Coursera offers a wide array of courses across disciplines.
- Skillsoft uses adaptive AI to customize learning paths, whereas Coursera follows a more traditional course and specialization approach.
- Skillsoft integrates with numerous third-party applications, while Coursera focuses on internal integrations with university systems.
- Coursera offers a more flexible and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. Skillsoft, however, lacks such specialized accessibility features.
| Comparison | Skillsoft | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Cloud-based Learning Management System | Online content library and learning platform |
| Adaptive Learning | Yes, tailors content to user’s skill level | Offering customized learning paths |
| Topics | Leadership development, compliance training, technical skills | Arts, business, computer/data science, engineering, health, humanities, languages, logic, math, personal development, physical science, social sciences |
| Third-Party Integration | Microsoft, Saba, Cornerstone, Moodle, Google workspace, SCORM Cloud | University systems, learning and central administration programs |
| Course Delivery | Virtual or in-person classes | Online classes |
| Sector Usage | Government agencies, education, healthcare, non-profit, military and defense, financial services | Business, education, enterprise, government, technology |
| Course Recognition | Digital badges upon completion | Certificates, Degrees, MasterTracks upon completion |
| Acquisitions | Books24x7, NETg, Element K, MindLeaders, SumTotal, Vodeclic SAS, Codecademy, Global Knowledge technical training platform | Primarily organic growth and partnerships |
| Pricing | Individual and Team plans from $19/month, Enterprise plan custom pricing | Free and paid courses, customized business plans |
| Audience Reach | 45 million users in over 45,000 companies | Over 53 million students partnered with more than 190 universities and companies |
What Is Skillsoft and Who’s It For?
Skillsoft is an American educational tech company founded in 1998, specializing in the development of learning management systems and educational content. This cloud-based system is currently under the leadership of CEO Jeff Tarr and is used by various sectors, such as government agencies, education, healthcare, non-profit, military and defense, financial services. Skillsoft houses over 45 million users across over 45,000 companies.
The company strives to empower organizations with its adaptive learning technology and a wealth of course topics, including leadership development, compliance training, and technical skills. Its platform, Percipio, delivers a personalized learning experience that adapts to the user’s skill level. Additionally, it integrates with third-party applications such as Microsoft, Saba, Cornerstone, Moodle, Google workspace, and SCORM Cloud.
Pros of Skillsoft
- Adaptive learning technology for personalized learning experience
- Does third-party integrations
- Offers social learning, collaboration tools, and mobile offline learning
- Massive user base and widespread adoption across sectors
Cons of Skillsoft
- Had filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Complex pricing plans that may not suit smaller organizations
What Is Coursera and Who’s It For?
Launched in 2012, Coursera is a revered online content library and learning platform offering over 4,100 classes, 430 specializations, and 17 degrees. Designed to feed the insatiable curiosity and closer-to-need learning requirements of over 53 million students across the globe, Coursera partners with some of the best academia and corporates in the world.
It caters to numerous languages and can comfortably land on PCs or mobile devices. It allows businesses to teach new skills to staff via customized learning paths, thereby saving time and money that could have been invested in external training. It also enables users to flaunt their mastery of new skills through professionally recognized certifications and degrees.
Pros of Coursera
- Vast array of courses, specializations, and degrees
- Offers industry-related programs taught by experts
- Enables in-house training for businesses
- Plagiarism control and customizable assignments
Cons of Coursera
- Perceived more suitable for student education than workplace learning
- May be challenging for some students to keep pace with the course schedule
Skillsoft vs Coursera: Pricing
While Skillsoft has both individual and team plans starting at $19/month with custom pricing for Enterprise-level needs, Coursera presents a diverse range of free and paid courses.
Skillsoft
Skillsoft implements a tiered pricing strategy. For individuals and small teams, the pricing starts at a competitive $19 per month. However, for larger teams or corporations—the so-called “Enterprise” level—the pricing becomes a custom affair, reflecting tailored content and functionality needs. Exact figures for this category are available upon request, as they are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Coursera
Coursera sets itself apart with a hybrid model offering both free and paid courses. Its inclusive approach offers access to knowledge at no cost for many, democratizing learning in a way previously unattainable via traditional learning methods. For further professional development and certification, it provides paid courses, specializations, professional certificates, MasterTrack certificates, and even degrees. The pricing for these options varies due to the scale and in-depth nature of the content.
The Final Verdict – Skillsoft vs Coursera
In the technological gladiator arena of learning management systems, only one can emerge as the champion. Who will it be? Skillsoft or Coursera?
Learning and Development Managers
Skillsoft, with its decades of presence and highly-customizable learning paths tops the choice for L&D Managers. Its adaptive learning technology combined with tangible certification and compliance management ensures organizations get precisely what they need. Moreover, the Percipio, Skillsoft’s AI-driven platform, delivers a seamless learning experience that’s hard to beat.
Individual Learners
For the lone wolf in pursuit of self-improvement, Coursera stands tall. With 430 specializations and 4,100 classes on offer, the possibilities for learning are endless. Moreover, Coursera’s strength lies in its partnership with renowned universities and companies, providing a learning experience that’s both enriched and credible.
Small to Medium Businesses
Skillsoft’s enterprise plan, with its custom pricing, offers an economical solution for small to medium business owners seeking to beef up their teams’ skills. Through Skillsoft, SMBs can execute budget-friendly, impactful, and customized training programs that yield significant business results.
Large Enterprises
Lastly, Coursera for Business, with its prolific course portfolio tops the list for large enterprises. The ability to nicely weave in-house training into the talent development process, coupled with superior analytics and tracking features, makes Coursera a beast of an LMS for large corporations.
With Skillsoft’s extensive customization and Coursera’s diverse course catalog, your choice between these two tech titans boils down to individual preferences and specific needs. For corporations and L&D managers tailoring courses for organizational goals, Skillsoft stands out. Conversely, for individual learners and companies seeking vast course offerings, Coursera takes the lead.
