Skillshare Reviews, Best Alternatives, Pricing, Offerings in 2025

Skillshare is an online learning community focused on creative skills (art, design, coding, etc.). It runs on a subscription model where members get unlimited access to thousands of on-demand video classes. Skillshare competes in the wider online learning space, often compared to tutoring or e-learning platforms.

This article provides an in-depth look at Skillshare’s services, reviews, and pricing in 2025. We cover what students and parents should know when comparing Skillshare to other learning platforms. The goal is to help readers make an informed decision when choosing an education service.

Skillshare Reviews and Testimonials

Skillshare’s reputation on review sites is mixed. On  it has an average of 3.6/5 from ~2,947 reviews. Reviewers praise Skillshare’s wide range of classes and knowledgeable instructors. However, some note issues with billing, customer support, and course quality. For example, customers mention the platform’s versatility and affordability, but also complain about hard-to-cancel subscriptions and refund problems.

• Trustpilot: ~2,947 reviews, average 3.6/5. Positive points: large class variety, self-paced learning, and some high-quality instructors. Negatives: complaints about subscription renewals, refunds, and account issues.
• Sitejabber: ~565 reviews, average 2.8/5 (mostly negative). Many users report frustration with billing, refund denials, and low-value classes (only basics). The low rating suggests overall dissatisfaction.
• Apple App Store: Rated 4.8/5 by 24.8K users. Reviews highlight that the app provides a vast library of creative courses, offline viewing, and an engaging experience. Users love the content variety, though a few mention minor app glitches.
• Google Play Store: Rated 4.1/5 by 54.2K reviewers. Positive reviews mention helpful courses and easy navigation. Critics note occasional bugs and incomplete class lists.
• G2 (software reviews): 41 reviews, overall 3.3/5. Users say Skillshare is great for creative inspiration but warn that class quality varies widely. It lacks formal accreditation, so it suits personal learning more than career credentials.
• Skillshare Site (Testimonials): Skillshare’s own site highlights success stories and creative projects from members, but it does not have a separate public review page. Official testimonials focus on creativity and community.

Is Skillshare legit? Yes. Skillshare is a well-known US-based company with millions of users worldwide. While reviews vary, there is no evidence of it being a scam. Most complaints are about service (billing or content), not legitimacy. Overall, Skillshare is a legitimate learning platform used by many people globally.

Summary of Reviews

In summary, Skillshare has a solid user base and many positive reviews for its creative content. Reviews on Trustpilot and app stores praise the platform’s variety and ease of use. However, frequent criticisms involve its pricing, refund policy, and uneven course quality (many classes are basic). Students say it works well for beginner-level creative learning, but advanced learners may find some courses too shallow. Overall, the feedback is mixed, leaning positive on class content but negative on customer service.

Skillshare Pricing

Pricing Range

Skillshare uses a subscription model rather than hourly fees. In 2025, a Premium Membership costs about $168 per year (roughly $14/month) or $32 per month. There is no per-course fee – members get unlimited access to all classes. For teams or corporate accounts, Skillshare offers a “Teams” plan at $159 per user per year (for businesses). In short, you pay a fixed monthly or annual price and can take as many classes as you want. More details are on their .

What Students Say About Skillshare Pricing

User opinion on price is divided. Some say $168/year is a good deal if you take many courses; unlimited access can save money versus buying individual classes. Others find it expensive for casual use. Reviews note that Skillshare often runs promotions (first-year discounts) and a free trial, but full price has risen in recent years. In comparison to typical tutoring rates (often $30–$60/hr or more), Skillshare can be cheaper if you use it heavily. However, users warn you must cancel in time or you will be auto-charged, and many feel the value is low if you only use it occasionally.

Hidden Costs

There are no extra mandatory fees, but watch for auto-renewal charges. Signing up requires a credit card. If you do not cancel after the free trial, you’ll be charged the yearly or monthly fee automatically. Skillshare does not have late cancellation fees, but it does not offer refunds for most cases. In practice, some users report surprise charges: for example, one user said Skillshare “charged me for an entire year” despite wanting to cancel. There are no hidden transaction fees except any standard payment processing. Overall, the main trap is forgetting to cancel before renewal – then you lose that year’s fee without refund.

How Skillshare’s Pricing Works

Payments are typically made by credit card or PayPal. You can sign up and get a free trial (see below) before paying. After the trial, you are billed the subscription fee (monthly or yearly). You remain a member (and billed) until you cancel. There is no option to “pay as you go” for single classes – only subscription or team plans. Skillshare does not charge commission on tutoring (except its 10% fee for 1-on-1 Sessions, see below) because tutors earn by royalties, not student fees. There are no volume discounts for paying more, but team plans lower the per-person cost for businesses. The pricing page has details on all payment options.

Free Trial

Skillshare offers a free trial for new users. Usually this is a 30-day trial (sometimes 7 days) of Premium membership. During the trial, you have unlimited access to all classes. If you cancel before the trial ends, you pay nothing. If not cancelled, after the trial you are charged the regular subscription. (Note: You must remember to cancel manually to avoid the charge.) For the latest trial terms, see Skillshare’s sign-up page. In short, you can try Skillshare for free for about a month, then pay or cancel.

Refund Policy

Skillshare’s official refund policy is strict. They only allow refunds within 30 days of the first charge after a trial. If you miss that window, no refund is given. For renewals, no refunds are allowed. In practice, many users complain that even within the refund window support is slow or unhelpful. For example, one student said Skillshare refused to cancel his mistaken renewal and would not refund him. Another noted that contacting customer service after being charged can yield no response. In summary, Skillshare’s policy says very limited refunds, and users report having to fight for any refund. This can be a drawback compared to some competitors with more lenient guarantees.

Skillshare Alternatives

Students may look for alternatives to Skillshare if they need features Skillshare lacks. For example, someone might want accredited courses, live tutoring, or different subject focus. Below are several popular alternatives. My Engineering Buddy is included as one option focused on STEM tutoring.

Key alternatives and how they compare:

Udemy

Pros: Udemy has a massive catalog (over 260,000 courses as of 2024). Courses are sold à la carte, often priced $10–$200 each. You get lifetime access to each course you buy. This is good for targeted learning if you want just one specific topic. Udemy’s courses cover many subjects (not just creative skills), and instructors set their own prices (often on sale). Quality varies widely, but there are ratings to guide you. Udemy often has big discounts, so you can pay only a few dollars for many courses.

Cons: You pay per course, so costs can add up if you take many. There is no unified subscription. Unlike Skillshare, there is no free trial or free classes (though some free courses exist). Udemy courses are generally self-paced without built-in projects or community feedback. Tutor quality varies; some courses may be outdated or low quality. Udemy is not focused on live interaction or guaranteed support.

Coursera

Pros: Coursera partners with universities and companies to offer high-quality, accredited courses. Many courses can be audited for free or taken in specialization programs. You can earn certificates or degrees (for a fee) that are recognized by employers. In 2025, a Coursera Plus subscription costs $399/year, but it includes 90% of their courses. Individual courses or certificate programs often cost from ~$10 to several hundred dollars. Coursera covers a broad range of academic and professional topics (computer science, data, business, etc.), more so than Skillshare’s mainly creative content.

Cons: Coursera has fixed schedules for some courses (weekly assignments, deadlines). It is less casual and more academic. If you just want short hobby tutorials, Coursera may be too formal. Not all content is free (you often need to pay for certificates). It’s also geared toward career learning rather than artistic hobbies, so you won’t find as many creative or craft classes as on Skillshare. Pricing can be higher if you pay per course. Compared to Skillshare’s unlimited model, Coursera is pay-per-course or expensive annual.

Chegg

Pros: Chegg Study (not to be confused with Chegg Tutors) is a popular tool for homework help. For about $15–$20/month, you get step-by-step solutions and expert Q&A for textbook problems. Chegg has millions of solved problems and a Q&A forum. It’s great for getting quick answers or guidance on math, science, and engineering homework. Chegg covers many STEM subjects at the college level. Students like that it is always on-demand and easy to use for tricky homework.

Cons: Chegg is not a video course platform – it’s more like a paid study aid. It does not offer video lectures or interactive learning. Some consider it just a homework shortcut. Quality depends on the community and available solutions, and its ethics can be debated. Chegg does not have one-on-one live tutoring (Chegg Tutors shut down). Unlike Skillshare, Chegg’s model is monthly subscription for answers, not creative classes. It’s very niche for homework, not broad learning.

Wyzant

Pros: Wyzant is a one-on-one tutoring marketplace. You search for a tutor in any subject (math, science, languages, etc.), view tutor profiles, and book lessons by the hour. Tutors set their own rates. On average, Wyzant tutors charge about $35–$60 per hour, though top experts can charge more. You get personalized face-to-face help, which can be very effective. There is no subscription fee; you only pay for actual tutoring sessions. Wyzant covers a wide range of subjects at all education levels.

Cons: Prices vary a lot by tutor skill and demand. It can get expensive if you need frequent help. Session quality depends entirely on the tutor you pick, so there is risk in choosing an untested tutor. There is also no centralized curriculum or course content – it’s ad-hoc help. Scheduling depends on both parties’ availability. In terms of scope, Wyzant is narrower than Skillshare (only tutoring on demand), but it offers real human interaction that Skillshare lacks.

My Engineering Buddy

Pros: My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is focused on STEM and engineering subjects. It offers live 1:1 tutoring and homework help by vetted experts. Compared to Skillshare’s broad creative classes, MEB provides personalized attention in math, physics, and engineering. Pricing is often per session, with competitive rates. Students can directly ask questions and get guided solutions. The content is tailored – if you are stuck on an engineering problem or need advanced tutoring, MEB excels. It also features round-the-clock help (unlike Skillshare’s fixed content library).

Cons: MEB has a narrower subject range (STEM only), so it’s not useful for creative arts or general hobbies. It’s typically more expensive per hour than Skillshare’s effective per-minute cost (because you pay for a live tutor instead of a flat subscription). There is less of a large content library; each session is one-on-one, so you cannot watch an on-demand class at any time. Also, unlike Skillshare, MEB does not offer a monthly membership – you pay for each tutoring session.

How it Works?

A. For Students

Students start by creating a free account on Skillshare’s website or app. You usually enter an email or use Google/Facebook to sign up. New users get a free trial of Premium membership. Once logged in, you browse thousands of class topics. There is no formal “tutor matching” – instead, you find classes by searching topics or instructors. Each class is a series of video lessons plus a project. You simply start a class anytime; there is no schedule. Learning is self-paced – you pause and resume lessons at will. You can take any number of classes, watch them on-demand, and even download them for offline viewing. There are no live sessions to schedule, so you don’t have to book times. Classes come with optional community boards and projects to practice what you learn.

B. For Tutors

Anyone can become a Skillshare teacher (tutor) for free. You sign up on the Skillshare website under “Teach”. You propose a class idea by filling out a form. Approval is fast (often instant if your topic fits their guidelines). Then you film video lessons and create a class project. Skillshare provides a class creator tool to upload your videos and project guide. Once your class is published, it becomes part of the platform. Teachers do not set hourly rates; instead, earnings come from a royalty pool based on how many minutes students watch your classes. (Skillshare pays out approximately 20% of subscription revenue to teachers, divided by watch time) Good projects and engagement help drive views, which increase your pay. Unlike fixed-price tutoring, this means income can fluctuate. There is no cost to host classes, but Skillshare takes a 10% fee on any paid 1:1 sessions you offer (see below). For more details on teaching, Skillshare’s Teach page has a helpful guide.

Can tutors set up their own fee or is it fixed? On Skillshare, tutors don’t set a per-hour fee like a private tutor. Instead, teachers earn money from the minutes watched by students in their classes. For the new 1-on-1 Sessions (see below), teachers do set a price per session (typically $50–$250).

How much can a tutor expect to earn per hour? Earnings vary widely. Skillshare highlights that top teachers have earned over $100,000 per year. However, this is exceptional. Most teachers earn far less, since pay is based on class popularity. There is no guaranteed hourly rate. If you only get a few views, your earnings might be just a few cents per hour of watch time. In effect, successful teachers can make tens of dollars per hour of content viewed, but many make much less.

How many hours of work can a tutor get per month? There are no fixed hours. Skillshare is not an hourly tutoring service – it’s passive income based on class views. A teacher could have hours of class watched if many students enroll, or very few if not. It depends on how your classes are marketed and how popular they are.

Is it easy to get students? Since Skillshare has millions of members, there is potential audience for every class. However, competition is stiff. Popular topics and well-known instructors attract most views. New or niche teachers often need to promote their classes (via social media or their own networks) to get initial traction. Skillshare does feature many classes on its website and newsletters, but they focus on already-popular content. In short, you get a built-in pool of learners, but you must also actively market your class.

Tips for getting more students: Create high-quality, project-based classes (these rank better). Use clear titles and thumbnails. Share your class link on social media and with your contacts. Encourage students to leave reviews. Engage on Skillshare’s community boards for visibility. Skillshare also offers teacher resources and tips on promotion. Being active and responsive (answer questions, update content) can help your classes get noticed by the algorithm.

What tutors like about Skillshare: Many teachers appreciate the creative freedom. There is no fixed curriculum; you teach what you know best. Successful instructors mention the passive income model – once a class is live, it can earn royalties indefinitely. Top teachers earn substantial amounts (some six figures). In reviews, tutors have praised Skillshare’s large audience and the satisfaction of helping learners worldwide. The community atmosphere and possibility to reach many students are also cited as positives.

What tutors do not like about Skillshare: Common complaints include unpredictable pay and policy changes. For example, teachers complained that Skillshare cut its royalty payout by ~50%, making it “too much work for the little payout”. Some report strict content rules and sudden class removals without clear explanations. Others mention payment delays or complexity in the payout system. Overall, issues often cited are low earnings for smaller creators and frequent changes to the royalty model which can reduce income. (See tutor forums for details.)

Skillshare: Company Information

Skillshare was founded in 2010 in New York City by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong. The site officially launched in 2011. Michael and Malcolm started it after working in tech (Facebook and OMGPop backgrounds) and raised venture funding to grow the platform. The company’s mission is to “create decentralized and democratized learning so that education is affordable and accessible”. Skillshare’s vision is summed up in its motto “Inspiring discovery through creativity”. It aims to help people learn by doing creative projects, empowering both students and teachers.

Today, Skillshare is headquartered in New York City and serves a global audience. The CEO is Matt Cooper (as of 2025). While exact tutor counts aren’t public, Skillshare has over 35,000 courses taught by thousands of instructors worldwide. In 2016 it had 5 million users, and today it is likely much larger. The platform offers service globally, with key markets in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond.

Skillshare focuses on on-demand video classes. It added new services like 1-on-1 video sessions, live workshops, and digital product sales (templates, etc.) for teachers. It does not offer typical 24/7 homework help or test prep like some tutoring sites. Instead, its features include a robust mobile app (with offline mode), community discussion boards, and a project gallery. There are no physical locations – everything is online.

• Types of services: Online video classes, project-based learning, community feedback, 1-on-1 video sessions (paid), live streaming sessions, and a marketplace for digital products. (No in-person or phone tutoring.)
• Subjects offered: Focus is on creative and tech skills. Popular topics include illustration, graphic design, photography, animation, web development, marketing, music, writing and more. We counted ~35,000 courses in areas like art, coding, business, film, and crafts. High-demand subjects are UI/UX design, digital art, and coding languages. Academic subjects (e.g. calculus) are rare.
• Unique features: Project-driven classes (each course includes a student project), empowering a creative community. Mobile apps with offline viewing (so you can learn on the go). A wide variety of instructors, from hobbyists to industry experts. Some features are teacher-focused, like “Teacher Festivals” and playlists of curated content.

USP of Skillshare

• Vast course library: Over 30,000 classes on creative skills. This broad catalog is a selling point. Students report that Skillshare delivers on its promise of variety – you can find classes in nearly any creative niche you can think of.
• Project-based learning: Every class includes a project assignment to apply what you learned. This hands-on approach is widely promoted by Skillshare and many users appreciate it, saying it helps cement skills in a practical way.
• Free trial with full access: Skillshare allows a free trial of Premium membership, giving instant access to all classes. Many reviews note that this free trial is generous and lets users “try before they buy,” which is a positive differentiator from pay-per-course services.
• Mobile and offline support: The Skillshare app is highly rated (4.8★ on iOS). It allows downloading classes for offline viewing. Students enjoy learning on the go without needing an internet connection.
• Community and creativity focus: Skillshare emphasizes creative exploration and a community of artists. Its tagline “Inspiring discovery through creativity” and emphasis on giving and earning (teachers “share expertise, earn money”) appeals to both learners and creators. Many loyal users cite the community vibe as a plus.

Overall, Skillshare delivers on its marketing claims of diverse, creative-focused content and user-friendly trial. The unlimited class access and project-driven structure are benefits that users often mention positively. Its free trial and mobile app also stand out as user-loved features.

Drawbacks of Skillshare

• Many classes are at a basic level. Several users say the content often covers only introductory material. For example, one review noted Skillshare “provides really short lessons that give you the bare bones” and that advanced learners won’t gain much from them. In practice, this means if you already know a topic, Skillshare may feel too shallow.
• No official accreditation or recognized certificate. Skillshare certificates are not formally acknowledged by employers or schools. One review bluntly said Skillshare certificates are just “proof you finished the video” and have no real-world recognition. Students seeking credentials will find nothing here.
• Auto-renewal and refund issues. Many students complain that it’s hard to cancel or get a refund. Reports of unexpected charges are common. There is no money-back guarantee after the trial. Users describe the cancellation process as confusing and the refund policy as unfair.
• Subscription cost vs. value. For occasional learners, the all-you-can-watch subscription can feel expensive. As one writer put it, if you only use it occasionally or want just one course, Skillshare isn’t a great fit. Some users, after paying $168, felt the value wasn’t there for the average quality offered.
• Quality varies by instructor. Skillshare has hundreds of thousands of videos, so naturally quality is inconsistent. Some classes have excellent content; others are poorly filmed or outdated. Unlike peer-reviewed courses, anyone can publish, so it’s a mixed bag.
• Limited to creative topics. Skillshare is strong in art/design/tech, but it has almost no academic tutoring (no math, science classes, etc.). For core subjects (like advanced math), students must look elsewhere.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) and Skillshare serve somewhat different needs. Skillshare is great for broad, self-paced creative learning, whereas MEB specializes in one-on-one STEM tutoring. MEB excels in areas like math, engineering, and coding homework help – subjects Skillshare largely omits. Pricing-wise, MEB typically charges per session, which can be competitive for in-depth tutoring (especially for complex subjects) but different from Skillshare’s flat subscription. Quality-wise, MEB provides personalized tutor matching and homework support, whereas Skillshare’s quality depends on which class you watch.

MEB highlights: Users report that MEB tutors provide quick, personalized solutions for difficult problems. Many students appreciate the direct interaction and ability to ask clarifying questions – something Skillshare’s video classes can’t offer. MEB’s platform also has specialized expert tutors (often with advanced degrees) for technical topics. Several testimonials mention fast response times and thorough explanations from MEB tutors. Compared to Skillshare’s group learning style, MEB provides tailored guidance for each student’s problem.

For example, one student said MEB saved them weeks of time on a tough calculus assignment by explaining concepts step-by-step. Another noted that unlike Skillshare, MEB could adapt to their learning pace and answer specific homework queries. In summary, MEB is better for advanced STEM learning and homework help, while Skillshare is better for general creative exploration. Students should consider MEB when they need expert help on complex engineering problems or personalized tutoring that Skillshare’s one-way video lessons cannot provide.

Customer Support and Policies

Skillshare has a help center with articles, but live support is limited. Users report slow or unresponsive customer service. For example, one user wrote that after being accidentally charged, they emailed support and “have yet to get a response”. Trustpilot reviews often mention long wait times or unresolved tickets. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers real-time support and direct chat with tutors, which many find more helpful for urgent questions.

Skillshare’s refund/guarantee policies are very strict (as discussed above). They do not offer satisfaction guarantees. My Engineering Buddy, by comparison, provides better support on refunds: most of their sessions can be refunded or retried if the tutor doesn’t show up or answer questions, according to user reports. In short, Skillshare’s customer support is seen as mediocre, whereas MEB emphasizes responsive help for scheduling and payments.

Global Reach and Localization

Skillshare is a global platform. It is headquartered in the USA but serves students worldwide. In 2022, Skillshare expanded its interface to support multiple languages – the site is now available in Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese besides English. Many class videos also include subtitles in these languages, and teachers can create content in those languages. This broad language support helps non-English-speaking learners. My Engineering Buddy primarily operates in English but also has some multilingual support. Both platforms are accessible globally, but Skillshare has taken explicit steps to localize its interface and classes for international users.

Skillshare’s Future Plans

Skillshare is actively evolving. They have embraced new content formats and technology:

• AI and partnerships: Skillshare is exploring AI to help its community. It has published “AI Principles,” promising not to replace teachers with AI. Instead, they plan to use AI for searching and recommending classes, and to find “AI-powered licensing” opportunities that give teachers extra revenue. In short, they aim to use AI to benefit creators and learners without undermining the platform’s human-driven model.
• Skillshare TV: In late 2024 Skillshare launched Skillshare TV, a free ad-supported channel on smart TVs. This lets members watch curated classes on TV without a subscription. It’s initially in North America and planned for expansion. Skillshare will share 30% of ad revenue from this channel with teachers whose classes are featured. This broadens Skillshare’s reach to living rooms and generates new earnings for instructors.
• Digital Products Marketplace: In 2024, Skillshare added the ability for teachers to sell digital products (templates, e-books, toolkits) alongside their classes. This lets creators earn additional income and provides students with practical resources. Skillshare’s long-term goal is to become a hub for various educational offerings, not just videos.
• Quality enhancements: Skillshare is tightening its content standards. Starting in 2023, new teachers must be approved to join. They now limit teaching languages to English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese. Unpopular or irrelevant content is being removed to improve overall quality. These measures aim to make the class catalog more useful for members and help good teachers get discovered.
• Community focus: Skillshare continues to invest in community features, such as live workshops, teacher events, and a fast channel. They emphasize the irreplaceable value of human instructors and creative collaboration. Overall, Skillshare’s roadmap shows a blend of new tech (AI, FAST channels) and a commitment to its community-driven roots.

FAQs About Skillshare

How does Skillshare compare to My Engineering Buddy? Skillshare provides a broad library of creative video classes by subscription, while My Engineering Buddy offers live 1:1 STEM tutoring and homework help. Skillshare is self-paced and casual; MEB is personalized and focused on advanced STEM. (Skillshare is better for art/design learning; MEB is better for engineering or math help.)

Does Skillshare have a mobile app? Yes. Skillshare has apps for iOS and Android. On the Apple App Store it’s rated 4.8/5 by 24.8K users, and on Google Play 4.1/5 by 54K users. The app lets you watch classes on your phone or tablet, and even download them to watch offline.

Does Skillshare have a free trial? Yes. New users get a free trial (usually 7–30 days) of Premium membership. During the trial you can access all classes. If you cancel before the trial ends, you won’t be charged. If not, you will be billed for the membership.

Are Skillshare certificates or credits recognized? No. Skillshare courses are unaccredited. Completing a class gives you a Skillshare completion certificate, but these have no formal academic or professional standing. Reviews note that certificates are just proof you watched the videos, and employers or schools generally won’t recognize them.

How many classes does Skillshare have? Over 35,000 classes (as of 2021). The library continues to grow. There are courses in art, design, tech, business, and more. Skillshare’s motto says thousands of classes are available for “creative and curious people”.

Is there an offline mode? Yes. Premium members can download classes on the mobile app for offline viewing. The iOS app description explicitly mentions “convenient offline viewing” for lessons. This lets you watch classes without internet.

What languages does Skillshare support? The site is fully available in English, and since 2022 it also supports Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. Many classes have subtitles in those languages. Teachers can publish classes in any of these languages. Skillshare is working to add more localization in the future.

Conclusion

Skillshare’s strengths are its vast library of creative courses, project-based learning, and generous trial. It is easy to use and inspires creativity. Its weaknesses include variable course quality, strict billing policies, and lack of formal accreditation. The platform is ideal for hobbyists and beginners in art, design or coding, but may disappoint advanced learners or those needing academic instruction.

My Engineering Buddy is a great alternative for students needing in-depth, personalized help. MEB shines in advanced STEM topics where Skillshare has no content. For complex math, science, or engineering problems, MEB’s live tutors and homework support make it a better choice. In short, Skillshare is a strong platform for creative learning, but for rigorous STEM tutoring needs, My Engineering Buddy is often the superior option.