Linkedin Learning vs skillsoft: Which is Better?
If you’re deciding between LinkedIn Learning and Skillsoft, the best choice depends on your learning goals.
- LinkedIn Learning is great for professionals looking to improve business, technology, and creative skills, with the advantage of LinkedIn integration for career growth.
- Skillsoft is more focused on corporate training, leadership development, IT certifications, and compliance training for businesses.
Let’s compare them in detail.
1. Overview of Platforms
LinkedIn Learning
- Best for: Business professionals, tech learners, and creatives.
- Topics Covered: Business, marketing, leadership, productivity, technology, software, and creative skills.
- Learning Style: Video-based courses, quizzes, and downloadable content.
- Recognition: Certificates can be added to LinkedIn profiles for credibility.
- Subscription Model: Monthly or annual plans with unlimited access.
Skillsoft
- Best for: Enterprise-level training, IT certification prep, leadership development.
- Topics Covered: IT & software development, leadership, business, cybersecurity, cloud computing, compliance, and project management.
- Learning Style: Video courses, interactive modules, hands-on practice (Percipio platform).
- Recognition: Prepares learners for industry certifications like AWS, CompTIA, CISSP, and PMP.
- Subscription Model: Enterprise and individual subscriptions available.
✅ Winner: Depends on your goals – LinkedIn Learning for career-oriented skills, Skillsoft for IT certifications and corporate training.
2. Course Quality & Content Depth
LinkedIn Learning
- Offers high-quality, well-structured courses.
- Covers general tech, business, and soft skills.
- Short, practical courses (1-5 hours long).
- Suitable for beginners and mid-level professionals.
Skillsoft
- Provides in-depth, technical training for IT professionals.
- Includes interactive learning, hands-on projects, and certification preparation.
- Strong focus on corporate training, leadership, and compliance courses.
- Uses Percipio learning platform for AI-driven learning paths.
✅ Winner: Skillsoft for deep IT & corporate training; LinkedIn Learning for well-rounded career skills.
3. Certification & Recognition
LinkedIn Learning
- Completion certificates can be added to LinkedIn profiles.
- Not accredited but recognized by employers for soft skills & tech knowledge.
Skillsoft
- Prepares learners for certifications like AWS, Microsoft, PMP, CompTIA, CISSP, and Six Sigma.
- Used by corporate teams for compliance training.
- More valuable for IT & corporate professionals needing certifications.
✅ Winner: Skillsoft for industry certification prep; LinkedIn Learning for career visibility.
4. Learning Features & Hands-on Practice
LinkedIn Learning
- Video-based courses with quizzes.
- No hands-on coding environments.
- Ideal for self-paced learning.
Skillsoft
- Interactive labs, real-world projects, and AI-driven learning paths.
- Hands-on coding practice for IT learners.
- Corporate learning solutions for teams.
✅ Winner: Skillsoft for interactive learning & IT training.
5. Pricing & Subscription Plans
LinkedIn Learning
- $39.99/month or $239.88/year (unlimited access).
- One-month free trial available.
- 16,000+ courses included.
Skillsoft
- Pricing varies by learning path (individual or enterprise plans).
- Percipio platform subscription for IT & business training.
- Enterprise pricing is custom-based.
- No standard public pricing, but corporate teams get bulk discounts.
✅ Winner: LinkedIn Learning is more affordable for individuals; Skillsoft is better for businesses & certification seekers.
6. Mobile & Offline Learning
Both platforms offer:
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Offline downloads for learning on the go.
✅ Tie: Both offer good mobile learning options.
7. Pros & Cons
LinkedIn Learning – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Best for business, leadership, marketing, and creative skills.
✔ Professional-quality courses from industry experts.
✔ Certificates can be added to LinkedIn profiles.
✔ Affordable with a free trial.
✔ Covers a wide range of topics.
❌ Cons:
✖ No hands-on labs or IT certification focus.
✖ Not as deep for advanced IT training.
Skillsoft – Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Best for IT certification prep & corporate training.
✔ Hands-on labs & real-world exercises.
✔ AI-driven personalized learning paths.
✔ Enterprise solutions for team training.
✔ Helps with career growth in IT & management.
❌ Cons:
✖ More expensive (no standard pricing for individuals).
✖ Limited soft skills training compared to LinkedIn Learning.
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
🏆 Choose LinkedIn Learning if:
✔ You need business, marketing, leadership, or general tech skills.
✔ You want to enhance your LinkedIn profile with certificates.
✔ You are an individual learner looking for affordable pricing.
🏆 Choose Skillsoft if:
✔ You need IT certification training (AWS, CompTIA, CISSP, PMP, etc.).
✔ You want interactive learning with hands-on labs.
✔ You are a corporate professional or part of a business team.
Best of Both? If you have the budget, use:
- LinkedIn Learning for career skills & soft skills.
- Skillsoft for IT certifications & corporate training.