Thinking about taking an online course but unsure whether Udemy is the right platform for you? You’re not alone. Every month, thousands of curious minds type into Google:
- “Is Udemy legit?” (2,600+ searches)
- “Is Udemy worth it?” (1,400+ searches)
- “Is Udemy a scam?” (160+ searches)
Clearly, people are skeptical – and for good reason. With its massive library of courses at bargain prices, Udemy sounds almost too good to be true.
In this ultimate review, we’ll break it all down – the good, the bad, the weird – and answer your burning questions from both a student and instructor’s perspective. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or start teaching online, this guide has got you covered.
🚀 What Is Udemy? (In Case You’re New Around Here)
Think of Udemy as the Amazon of online courses. It’s a global marketplace for e-learning with over 130,000 courses, covering everything from programming to photography, yoga to Excel.
Here are the basics:
- 📚 Courses in everything from coding, design, marketing, health & fitness, to music, lifestyle, and more.
- 🧑🏫 Anyone – yes, anyone – can become an instructor.
- 🧑🎓 Anyone can enroll – no prerequisites, no entry exams.
- 🎓 Courses don’t offer degrees or formal accreditation (though a few have certificates).
- 💸 Prices usually range from $12 to $50, but can go up to $200. Sales are frequent, and some courses are even free.
- 🔄 Lifetime access to courses you buy.
- 💰 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 🏢 Udemy for Business offers subscription plans for teams and companies.
💸 Why Is Udemy So Cheap? Is That a Red Flag?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – why are Udemy courses so ridiculously affordable?
Here’s the scoop:
- Udemy encourages instructors to keep prices low to increase visibility and sales.
- It’s a competitive platform where pricing wars are common. Think of it like the discount rack of an academic bookstore – gems are hidden among the fluff.
- Frequent sales and promo codes slash prices by up to 90%, so that $200 course? You might snag it for $12.
But Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean “Low Quality”
Some instructors are industry pros – think Seth Godin, Rob Percival, or Angela Yu – who offer high-value content at budget-friendly prices to build audience trust and reach. But, let’s be honest, there are duds in the mix. That’s why it’s crucial to read reviews, preview the course, and check the instructor’s bio before hitting “Buy.”
👩🏫 For Learners: Is Udemy Legit and Worth It?
Let’s dive into your biggest questions.
✅ Is Udemy Legit?
Absolutely. Udemy is a legally operating, global company that has helped millions of students around the world. It’s not a diploma mill. It won’t spam you. And you won’t get charged without consent.
But: Legit doesn’t mean perfect. And it doesn’t mean that every single course on Udemy is amazing.
🎯 Are Udemy Courses Worth It?
It depends on:
- What you want to learn (beginner to intermediate topics are best here)
- Your expectations (don’t expect Harvard-level rigor)
- The course and instructor you choose (read reviews!)
You can get 20+ hours of quality content for less than the price of a pizza – and sometimes, that’s all you need to get started in a new skill.
What’s Good About Udemy:
- ✔️ Lifetime access to your course
- ✔️ Learn at your own pace – no time limits!
- ✔️ Frequent course updates included in the price
- ✔️ Downloadable resources and quizzes
- ✔️ Direct Q&A access to instructors
- ✔️ Some courses are good enough to help you upskill or even career switch
- ✔️ Ideal for self-starters, hobby learners, and those wanting to explore new fields without pressure
Real Student Review:
“I bought a $12 Excel course that literally helped me land a job. The instructor was super clear and even replied to my questions. It felt like a one-on-one class – at Starbucks prices!”
😬 But… What Are the Downsides?
Like every platform, Udemy has its flaws:
❌ No Accredited Certificates
While you do get a certificate of completion, it’s not recognized by universities or many employers. Don’t rely on Udemy for resume credibility – it’s more about the learning than the paper.
❌ Instructor Quality Can Vary Wildly
Because anyone can create a course, quality control isn’t always tight. You might stumble upon:
- Monotone instructors reading slides
- Outdated content
- Poor audio/video production
Pro tip: Look for courses with 4.5+ stars, detailed student feedback, and preview lessons.
❌ Occasional Tech & Support Issues
Some users have experienced login bugs or delays in refunds. Others complain about shady pricing tactics (like raising course prices after you log in). While rare, these issues have been noted in reviews – so keep screenshots and use coupons wisely.
🧪 Is Udemy a Scam?
No. Udemy is not a scam.
But it’s important to approach it with the right mindset. You’re buying access to a course, not a guarantee of success. Some courses are amazing. Some are… well, let’s say “educationally adventurous.”
If a course doesn’t meet your expectations, you have 30 days to request a full refund – no questions asked. That alone should offer peace of mind.
🔐 Is It Safe to Pay on Udemy?
Yes. Udemy supports secure payment methods including:
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Google Play / Apple App Store
- Bank transfers (in some countries)
You can shop confidently, and if something goes wrong, customer support does respond – though sometimes slowly.
🔎 Final Tips for Maximizing Udemy
Want to make the most of your Udemy journey? Here’s how:
- Use coupon tools like [Teachinguide’s Udemy coupon finder] to grab the best discounts.
- Read both the good AND bad reviews to get the full picture.
- Preview lessons before purchasing.
- Try free courses to test the platform and instructors.
- Watch on desktop, not mobile, for better experience.
- Stick to high-rated courses with lots of reviews (1,000+ students is a good sign).
- Use it to complement other learning – not as a full replacement for formal education.
🎯 Final Verdict: Is Udemy Worth It?
✅ YES – if you want affordable, self-paced learning on almost any topic.
❌ NO – if you’re looking for official certification, college credit, or guaranteed job placement.
Udemy is a fantastic platform for hobbyists, side-hustlers, career changers, and curious learners. Just do your homework before you enroll – because on Udemy, your learning experience is only as good as your course choice.
