| Course Cost | 100% free to access (sometimes optional paid certificate) | Requires payment or subscription (e.g., Udemy, Coursera Plus, Skillshare) |
| Depth of Content | Usually covers fundamentals and introductions | Goes in-depth with practical projects, case studies, and advanced topics |
| Instructor Quality | Often taught by volunteer educators or organizations | Usually led by verified professionals, experts, or industry practitioners |
| Certification | Some offer free certificates (Google, HubSpot, Alison), others charge extra | Certificates are generally included and widely recognized |
| Support & Mentorship | Limited or community-based (forums, Discords, etc.) | Direct instructor interaction, Q&A sessions, or mentorship |
| Course Material | Basic videos, readings, and quizzes | Includes assignments, downloadable resources, lifetime access, and updates |
| Career Value | Great for self-learning and hobbyists | More valuable for professionals, portfolios, and resumes |
| Learning Path | Often single-topic or stand-alone | Usually part of a complete structured learning path or bundle |
| Affiliate Potential (for you) | Typically informational — no commission | Paid courses allow affiliate linking and monetization |