DataCamp vs Udacity – Which Is Better?

Data Science skills are in high demand by different industries across the globe.

This is because Data Science empowers businesses to make better decisions from interpreted, modeled, and deployed data. It makes data visualization easy, allowing companies to build roadmaps and trajectories for the future.

Any business that looks to grow requires skilled data scientists to help make sense of its data through machine learning. Now companies are building up a data science workforce to ensure proper planning and high efficiency.

The job market in the data science field keeps increasing each day, making people seek massive open online courses (MOOCs). Such courses offer the flexibility to learn anywhere, anytime.

Datacamp and Udacity are two such tools that let you learn data science from the comfort of your device, wherever you are.

Read on to find out which of the two education platforms is good for you.

What’s DataCamp?

DataCamp is an interactive, online learning platform with a focus on data science and analytics. It’s a place where students can go and learn various data science courses from their preferred browser.

The learning on this platform is self-paced, making it a popular choice for aspiring data scientists.

The learning platform has a collection of data-related courses, particularly on Python, R, and SQL. However, you can also find courses on Bi, Spreadsheets, Tableau, and more. You can take a course separately or take several as a set in the form of career tracks or skill tracks.

DataCamp has over 350 courses consisting of videos and practice tests, over 50 real-life projects, and 50+ curated learning paths.

In terms of evaluation, the platform offers skill assessments to help you measure the current level of a specific skill. Besides, you can access DataCamp on an Android or iOS device and start trying any of their five-minute coding challenges.

While anyone can benefit from the courses on this platform, they are most suited for people who plan to venture into a data-based career as data analysts, data scientists, or Python software developers.

DataCamp is also ideal for those who would like to sharpen their skills in fields such as online marketing. As an online marketer, this platform will improve the way you visualize, analyze, and report relevant marketing data in addition to helping you make good data-driven decisions.

Additionally, the platform targets those who want to upgrade certain skills that’ll make them more proficient when doing data-related work. For instance, if you’re a digital analyst interested in gaining or improving your knowledge in Tableau or BI, you may find DataCamp a good fit.

DataCamp charges both monthly and annually to let you access their premium courses. But most courses have a free first chapter to give you a feel of the content before paying.

Check Out: Best Alternatives To DataCamp

What’s Udacity?

Udacity is an online-based learning platform that offers MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). The courses on this platform are interactive and informative.

Both beginners and advanced learners will find something to learn. You select a level depending on the knowledge level you have about a particular course.

The courses at Udacity are designed in a manner that meets the industry-wide standards developed in sync with platforms like Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Autodesk, Cloudera Hack Reactor, MongoDB, and others.

In other words, you can rest assured that the courses on this platform equip you with the latest and most relevant technological information.

It’s worth knowing that the instructors teaching courses at Udacity are professionals with extensive experience in programming and computer science.

In addition to their paid courses, Udacity has several free courses that you can learn at your pace and from any location.

But here’s the catch: to be certified, you will need to enroll with a paid Nanodegree program. Some courses are charged monthly, while others require a one-off payment.

Curriculum

DataCamp

The platform has 350+ courses that are bite-sized for the needs of learners. The courses are a combination of videos and interactive exercises for an immersive learning experience.

DataCamp’s courses fall into three major categories: learning a new technology, starting a career (career tracks), and mastering a particular skill (skill tracks).

The first category is for those who want to learn a new skill. The courses come in the form of short videos spearheaded by experienced instructors.

After learning from the videos, you go through interactive exercises to practice what you learned. The most popular courses in this category include SQL, Python, and R.

Career tracks comprise various courses created by subject matter experts to help you improve your data skills and grow your career. The most popular career track courses are Data Scientist, R Programmer, Python Programmer, Statistician, Machine Learning Specialist, Data Analyst, and more.

On the other hand, a skill track is a set of courses. You can select from 50+ skill tracks whose duration is approximately 15 hours each.

They are similar to career tracks, although with different intents. Courses in a skill track provide you with hands-on keyboard exercises for mastering a particular skill set like Data Manipulation, Text Mining, Data Visualization, and more.

Udacity

Udacity has categorized its courses for three types of users: individuals, enterprises, and government. There are several major programs with a list of courses under each.

The programs include Artificial Intelligence, Business, Autonomous Systems, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Programming and Development, Product Management, and Career.

To get started, you can choose the program you want and select a suitable course under it. Each course has its own duration and cost.

In addition to individual programs, Udacity offers Nanodegree programs. A Nanodegree program refers to a skills-based and credential learning program.

In simple terms, it’s a program where you enroll, learn a suite of specific skills, complete a specific number of projects to prove your mastery of the skills, and receive a credential (certificate) that affirms your mastery of the skills.

Udacity’s Nanodegree programs are built with industry leaders, such as Facebook, Salesforce, Google, GitHub, AT&T, and more.

The platform offers beginner, intermediate and advanced programs in different fields, including iOS and Android development, Web Development and Data Science, Digital Marketing, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning, Business Analytics, and more.

Verdict

DataCamp offers a straightforward curriculum to its users, making it easy to get started. Depending on your needs, you can select career tracks, skill tracks, or a Data Science course.

Also Read: Best Alternatives To Udacity

Course Structure

DataCamp

DataCamp has 350+ courses, 12 career tracks, and 51 skill tracks. It also provides practice assignments and projects.

The career tracks are for roles like Data Scientist with R, Data Scientist with Python, Analyst with Python, and much more. There are three programming languages to choose from including SQL, R, and Python.

The 29 courses in the career track include basic skills through to advanced Data Science skills. Therefore, if you just enrolled, career tracks will guide you in the right direction. DataCamp’s career tracks are very cost-effective.

The skill tracks are almost similar to career tracks, but the intent is different. They are intended for helping you acquire specific Data Science skills such as data statistics, data visualization, data manipulation, text mining, and so on. They come with hands-on keyboard exercises to enhance your skill set.

DataCamp offers video-based courses. Once you complete the video lecture and exercises, you can move to the next level.

Udacity

Udacity has free courses and Nanodegree programs. Nanodegree programs are online certification programs you can complete in four to ten months.

The programs take ten to twenty hours every week, and they are designed to help you acquire skills in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Cybersecurity, Cloud computing, Business, Programming, and more.

Udacity’s Nanodegree programs include experiments, case studies, real-world projects, and test cases. They help learners advance their skill set. Before heading to the courses at Udacity, you’ll undergo onboarding that entails:

• Filling the questionnaire
• Reviewing the course syllabus
• Setting up your exam updates and a personal report plan.

This approach to learning allows you to actively participate in the learning process as you focus on your studies. With each Nanodegree program, you’ll find a set or sets of courses and lessons designed in ten to twenty-minute videos.

Besides video tutorials, you are required to take quizzes and graded projects which you’ll submit. Graded projects are often reviewed by expert Udacity mentors. They are meant to enhance your practical exposure and test your excellence.

Verdict

Both DataCamp and Udacity have a comprehensive, appealing, and interactive course structure.

Data Science Course Offerings

DataCamp

DataCamp offers Data Science Courses in:

• Programming
• Data engineering
• Probability & statistics
• Data Import & cleaning
• Data manipulation
• Data visualization

The platform also covers technological courses, including;

• SQL
• R
• Python
• Shell
• Git
• Tableau
• Spreadsheets
• Scala
• Power BI
• Theory
• Excel

Udacity

Udacity offers the following Data Science Courses;

• Machine learning
• Data visualization
• Programming
• Data wrangling
• Statistics
• Business analytics
• Database management
• Data analytics
• Data engineering

Verdict

Both these platforms provide almost all the knowledge in Data Science. But DataCamp seems to have more detailed Data Science and technology courses.

Free Courses

DataCamp

DataCamp has a free plan that gives you access to all the introductory chapters of its courses. It also provides three practical challenges, a skill assessment, and seven projects. It is a pretty limited plan.

Udacity

Udacity provides about 200 free courses. Their courses are excellent since they cover concepts in detail to ensure learners get more value.

The free courses make it easy for learners to get the basics of Data Science before climbing up to other learning levels. They cover industry-level content, just like what is offered in Nanodegree programs.

However, Udacity’s free courses don’t come with assessment projects, mentorship support, career services, and certification.

Verdict

Overall, Udacity’s free courses offer more value compared to DataCamp’s.

Course Instructors

DataCamp

DataCamp has more than 250 instructors, some of which are employees and others from higher learning institutions like the University of Washington and Newcastle University. Some of the instructors are specialized experts, co-founders, and founders of tech companies.

The idea of bringing in tutors from different fields is beneficial to learners as this allows them to experience different learning methods and styles.

Udacity

Udacity has some of the best instructors too. They are industry professionals with vast experience. Most of them come from reputable firms like Google, Amazon, YouTube, and Facebook.

One of the requirements by Udacity for their instructors is to have real-world experience in their field of specialty.

Verdict

Both Udacity and DataCamp have vast experience and skills, with credentials that support their proficiency.

Course Quality

DataCamp

DataCamp provides excellent quality courses. However, some of their video tutorials are short and lack in-depth details on the topics.

The best thing about DataCamp courses is that their instructors spend about 10 to 30 hours for six to eight weeks creating the course. They take time to research and present the material needed for each level of learning.

Udacity

Udacity’s Nanodegree programs are well crafted, with quality content that enhances the learners’ knowledge. Their quality surpasses other MOOCs platforms.

What enhances the course quality is the platform’s practical-based learning approach. When learners implement their lessons with practical cases, the impact becomes stronger and lessons remain memorable for the long term.

The best part is that all its Nanodegree programs come with capstone projects and graded projects for students’ practical exposure.

Verdict

Udacity has higher course quality than DataCamp. This is because it ensures up-to-date content with graded projects and capstone projects for maximum exposure to real-life experiences.

Course Mentorship

DataCamp

DataCamp has a community that allows learners to discuss their questions, doubts, and concerns with their peers. You’ll also find other resources in the community, including podcasts, tutorials, cheat sheets, and news about data science. The resources are curated by industry experts.

The DataCamp community is available 24/7 with round-the-clock support to the students.

Udacity

Udacity offers one-on-one mentorship for their Nanodegree program. This mentorship starts the moment you get enrolled on the platform. Your mentor will be with you, guiding you through the entire program.

At Udacity, you can ask any questions with the mentor, especially when working on your projects. Usually, during projects is when you need assistance the most.

And with a mentor within reach, you can ask your mentor any question and receive an immediate response. Their mentor support feature is pretty impressive.

Verdict

Udacity wins for giving learners a chance to ask questions in real-time through mentorship. DataCamp doesn’t have such a feature, and it’s also pretty challenging to talk to instructors.

Certification

DataCamp

DataCamp has a new certification that helps you land a job in Data Science or upskill yourself. To access certification on DataCamp, you have to be an individual subscriber or a member of the business subscription.

However, only those who’ve completed Data Science with R, SQL Fundamentals, and Data Science with Python can attempt certification. The rest may receive a statement of accomplishment from DataCamp.

To get a Statement of Accomplishment, you have to enroll in a track and complete it. Once completed, you’ll go to your account, select My Profile and click on Completed tracks. Select your track from the dashboard to view your statement.

Udacity

Udacity also offers certification for its courses. The certificates may not be University accredited, but they are very much valued by some tech companies.

Once you’ve completed your Udacity course, click on the Welcome menu to access your My Transcript page. Click on the Complete Course button right next to the course, and you’ll have your certificate ready in minutes. Then you can download and print.

Verdict

Both platforms offer certification that can get you a job in your Data Science course specialization.

Pricing

DataCamp Prices

Besides the Free plan, DataCamp also has a Standard Plan and Premium Plan. Their pricing for the Standard Plan is $12/month for 335+ courses, unlimited skill assessments, 14 career tracks, and three practical challenges.

The Premium Plan costs $15/month, and you get to access all perks in the standard plan plus over 80 projects, Power BI, Tableau, and Oracle content. You also get priority support. They offer a $1 perk during the first month.

Visit their pricing page here.

Udacity Prices

Udacity offers different pricing structures depending on the course duration. Their Nanodegree courses range from two to six months. The payment per month is the same $399.

Good news for those enrolling at this time. Udacity is offering a 70% discount on their Nanodegree programs. Take advantage of this enticing offer and get an excellent bargain.

Verdict

DataCamp is more generous on price than Udacity. Their courses aren’t just comprehensive; they come with a budget-friendly cost.

Support

DataCamp

The platform offers several avenues to find support. To begin with, you can visit their Help Center to find an answer on anything related to your DataCamp account, individual subscriptions, DataCamp for Classrooms, DataCamp for Business, and DataCamp for Mobile.

If you’d like to contact DataCamp support, there’s a page where you can submit a request related to learning, workspace, certification, data privacy, or something else. They also have Facebook and Twitter pages where you can reach support if you have an issue.

There’s also a page for instructors to access support on anything, including getting started, creating courses and projects, maintaining live content, editing courses, and more.

Besides, DataCamp offers live chat support to individual subscribers and DataCamp for Business users during business hours.

Udacity

Udacity is one of the learning platforms with excellent one-on-one support. As a student, you can have one-on-one chats with technical mentors who provide progress tracking, custom learning plans, and advice.

The platform offers personal career coaching to its students and graduates at no cost. For example, as a coding student, you can get feedback from experienced developers to ensure you’re on the right track.

On top of that, there’s a Help Center full of frequently asked questions, a knowledge page, and a page for submitting requests. There’s also a support email to contact Udacity directly.

Verdict

DataCamp has a more elaborate support service that incorporates live chat and social media. They also have a platform for instructors to get support. Udacity doesn’t have that.

Pros and Cons

DataCamp

Pros

• Interactive and engaging learning: The platform uses videos and exercises to engage students.
• Experienced experts: There are at least 270 experts from the Analytics and Data Science community.
• Transparent pricing: DataCamp has a simple pricing plan. Most online platforms aren’t that open with pricing.
• Free plan: You can get started for free and access a program’s initial chapters and exercises.
• Something for everyone: The platform caters to both beginners and advanced learners.
• Reasonable pricing: DataCamp’s subscription prices are cheaper compared to its competitors.
• Constant updates: The platform releases new courses often to offer something new to its users.
• Certification: This learning platform provides certification, although their certificates aren’t verified by an affiliated organization or university. They also offer a Statement of Accomplishment.

Cons

• DataCamp’s free courses are not as comprehensive as expected.

Udacity

Pros

• Top-notch content: This learning site partners with industry-leading experts, such as Google, Nvidia, Amazon, and Facebook to develop content.
• Free courses: There are 200+ free courses, making it easy for anyone to get started.
• Career services: Students who enroll in Nanodegree programs can access Udacity’s career services, such as Resume and Cover Letter Reviews.
• Intuitive interface: It’s easy to navigate the platform and find your favorite course in no time.
• Certification: If you complete Udacity’s Nanodegree, you’ll get a certificate, but remember this certificate has no accreditation.

Cons

• Udacity’s courses aren’t cheap, so you need to set aside some budget.
• There are no Android or iOS apps.

Similarities

• Both have courses focusing on Data Science.
• Both offer certification upon course completion.
• Both are beginner-friendly.
• They both hire industry-standard instructors.

Differences

• DataCamp has iOS and Android apps, but Udacity doesn’t.
• Udacity offers career mentorship, but DataCamp doesn’t.
• DataCamp is less expensive than Udacity.
• Udacity’s courses target government agencies in addition to individuals and businesses. On the other hand, DataCamp’s courses target individuals and businesses only.
• Unlike DataCamp, Udacity partners with Silicon Valley baked providers, such as Facebook, Google, and Salesforce, to develop its course material,

Which is Better Between DataCamp and Udacity?

Both DataCamp and Udacity offer Data Science Related Courses. But DataCamp offers more benefits to learners. It has a straightforward curriculum and a well-structured course program with more courses than Udacity.

Unlike Udacity, DataCamp’s courses are pretty much affordable. This gives students more chances of advancing their skills.