edX review

edX takes second place because it is the clearest pay-per-credential option for learners who do not want a subscription. Many courses can be audited free, and edX says a verified certificate for an individual course starts at around $50, while multi-course professional certificates start at around $500 and take 2 to 10 months. Its catalog leans on universities and business schools such as Harvard University, MIT, Georgia Tech and LSE Executive Education. The strongest certificate value is in MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs, which earn college credits that may transfer to a full degree, though edX warns that some MicroMasters credits do not transfer. edX reports that 82% of professional certificate completers felt the program had a positive impact on their careers. Learners planning many certificates may pay more than on a subscription. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

Learners who want a university credential without a subscription

Price

Audit many courses free; verified certificate for one course from around $50; professional certificates from around $500.

you can audit many courses for free or earn a verified certificate for an individual course starting at around $50
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Many courses can be audited for free
• Verified certificates for a single course from around $50
• Professional certificates of several courses from around $500, taking 2 to 10 months
• MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs with credits that may transfer to a degree
• Courses from Harvard University, MIT, Georgia Tech, LSE and others

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: You pay only for the credential you want, with no recurring fee
• Strength: Credit-bearing microcredentials can count toward a bachelor's or master's degree
• Strength: edX reports 82% of professional certificate completers felt a positive career impact
• Weakness: No catalog-wide subscription like Coursera Plus
• Weakness: Prices vary by course and program, so totals add up across several certificates
• Weakness: Some MicroMasters credits do not transfer to institutional graduate programs

Key facts

• Audit option: Many courses free to audit
• Verified certificate: From around $50 for one course
• Professional certificates: From around $500, 2 to 10 months
• Learners: 100M global learners

Where it ranks

edX is No. 2 in our Best Online Course Platforms For Learners verdict.