Is Skillshare better than Open edX?

Skillshare ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#7 against #10, score 78.0 against 71.5). Open edX is best for: institutions running their own course platform. Skillshare is best for: creative classes and project-based learning.

Which is cheaper, Open edX or Skillshare?

Open edX: Free open-source software; hosting and support cost extra. Skillshare: Single paid subscription; no free tier listed on the site.

Do Open edX and Skillshare run on the same platforms?

Open edX supports Web, Self-hosted. Skillshare supports Web, iOS.

Comparison · Online course platforms

Open edX vs Skillshare: which is better in 2026?

Open edX71.5#10 in best online course platforms

Skillshare78.0#7 in best online course platforms

Skillshare ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#7 against #10, score 78.0 against 71.5).

How we rank Share

71.5
Editorial score
78.0
2
Platforms
2
Yes
Free to use
No
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Open edX if you want

Institutions running their own course platform.

Open-source platform for institutions that want to run their own courses, under AGPL-3.0 with no licensing fees. It is software for operators, so learners will not find courses here.

Choose Skillshare if you want

Creative classes and project-based learning.

Project-based creative classes taught by working professionals, with a community of students. It lists no free tier and is less useful for formal credentials.

The main differences

Only Skillshare runs on iOS.
Open edX is open source; Skillshare is not.
Open edX can be used for free; Skillshare requires payment.

Side by side

	Open edX	Skillshare
Score	71.5	78.0
Rank in list	#10 of 10	#7 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree open-source software; hosting and support cost extra	SubscriptionSingle paid subscription; no free tier listed on the site
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted	WebiOSWeb, iOS
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Credentials offered	Set by the operator	Class projects
Strongest subjects	Whatever the operator teaches	Creative skills
Who teaches	Each institution's staff	Working professionals
Self-hosted option	Yes	No
Best for	Institutions running their own course platform	Creative classes and project-based learning
Strengths	AGPL-3.0 open-source code No licensing fees, per the project's site Extensible, with a marketplace of add-ons	Project-based classes in creative subjects Community of students who share their projects
Limits	Needs technical staff to host and run Brings no course audience of its own	Subscription needed for access Less suited to formal credentials
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Open edX vs Skillshare

Is Skillshare better than Open edX?: Skillshare ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#7 against #10, score 78.0 against 71.5). Open edX is best for: institutions running their own course platform. Skillshare is best for: creative classes and project-based learning.
Which is cheaper, Open edX or Skillshare?: Open edX: Free open-source software; hosting and support cost extra. Skillshare: Single paid subscription; no free tier listed on the site.
Do Open edX and Skillshare run on the same platforms?: Open edX supports Web, Self-hosted. Skillshare supports Web, iOS.