A few years ago, I’d scroll past Udemy ads and think, “Just another online course site—nothing special.” I assumed it was okay for a quick hobby class, but not something that could seriously impact my skills or career. Then, on a whim, I bought my first course. Three years later, Udemy has become the main way I stay sharp in a world where skills become outdated almost overnight.
This is my real experience as someone who’s been using the platform consistently since late 2022. Think of it as a personal case study—no sponsorship here, though some links below are affiliate ones (I only share tools I actually use and believe in).
What Udemy Looks Like in 2026
Udemy is still fundamentally a huge online learning marketplace: think Netflix for courses. Instructors create and sell content on pretty much any topic, and learners can buy courses individually or subscribe for unlimited access.
The big change over the last few years is that Udemy has evolved into a proper AI-powered skills platform built for lifelong learning. That shift matters because technical skills now expire in under two years—and with AI advancing constantly, that window keeps shrinking.
Some standout numbers:
- Over 80 million learners globally
- 85,000+ instructors
- More than 250,000 courses in 75 languages
- 1,100+ generative AI courses, with over 10 enrollments every minute
The instructors are mostly real industry professionals, not just academics. Courses emphasize practical projects, coding exercises, and immediate real-world application. Plus, built-in AI tools now answer questions instantly as you learn.
How My Experience Evolved
I started with single course purchases—first web development, then data analytics. The structure and relevance surprised me; I actually used what I learned at work. But buying one by one added up quickly, especially when I wanted to explore multiple areas.
That’s when I switched to the Udemy Personal Plan—the subscription that unlocks unlimited access to over 26,000 curated, high-quality courses across technical and non-technical topics.
Current pricing (as of early 2026):
- $35/month (billed monthly)
- $240/year (works out to $20/month)
There’s a 7-day free trial with no commitment.
I’ve been on the annual plan for over a year now, and it’s fit perfectly into three distinct phases of my learning journey:
- Exploration phase I wasn’t sure what direction to go next professionally. The subscription let me try completely different fields—web dev one month, digital marketing the next, then UI/UX—without spending a fortune on individual courses.
- Growth phase Once I narrowed my focus, I needed advanced, up-to-date content to level up. The Personal Plan gave me exactly that: courses taught by people currently working in the industry, helping me close skill gaps and earn a promotion.
- Transition phase (where I am now) I’m shifting toward more AI-focused work. Instead of a lengthy traditional program, I’m efficiently building new skills on top of what I already know—all within one affordable subscription.
The value is clear: individual courses often list at $100–$200. Complete just two per month on the subscription, and you’ve already broken even. I usually finish three or four.
Who Benefits Most from the Personal Plan
In my experience, it’s perfect for three types of learners:
- Explorers – recent grads or early-career folks figuring out their path
- Growers – professionals aiming to stay current and advance
- Changers – experienced people pivoting fields or escaping burnout
If you only take a course every year or two, buying individually during sales makes sense. But if you learn regularly—which most of us need to do these days—the subscription is hard to beat.
Bottom Line
After three years, Udemy feels less like a course platform and more like a reliable partner for staying adaptable. The Personal Plan removes the biggest barriers to continuous learning: cost, commitment, and outdated content.
If you’re considering it, I’d recommend checking out Udemy. Zero risk, and you can see the full library yourself. (Affiliate link, but I’d recommend it regardless.)
What about you—are you exploring new skills, pushing for growth in your current role, or planning a bigger career shift? Let me know in the comments what you’re learning next.
Thanks for reading—if this was helpful, feel free to share it with someone thinking about upskilling this year.
