Pluralsight Review: Is This Online Learning Platform Worth the Cost?

Pluralsight is a well-known online learning platform that offers a large variety of courses for developers and IT professionals. I have used the platform on and off over the years, with mixed results. In this review, I will break down both the pros and cons of Pluralsight and help you determine if it is a worthwhile investment for your learning needs.

Pros of Using Pluralsight

Large Variety of Courses: Pluralsight boasts an impressive library with over 6,000 courses, and on average, 80 new courses are added monthly. This ensures that there is always something new to learn. Intuitive Mobile and Desktop Apps: The platform supports both mobile and desktop apps, allowing you to access course materials offline. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer to learn on the go. Flexible Learning Options: Short self-paced quizzes are available to test your retention and understanding of the material. Premium users can also access additional features such as prep materials for professional certifications and in-browser coding challenges with guided feedback. Expert Instructors: All courses are taught by industry experts, ensuring that you receive up-to-date and accurate information. Organized Learning Experience: The platform allows you to organize your learning experience based on your goals and preferences. This can help you stay on track and make the most of your time. Community Support: The community feature on Pluralsight allows you to connect with other learners and draw support as you progress through your courses.

Cons of Pluralsight

No Lifetime Access: If you stop paying your subscription, you will lose access to all your courses. This can be a significant drawback if you want long-term access to these resources. Subscription Pricing Model: Pluralsight operates on a subscription-based pricing model, meaning you cannot purchase individual courses. This can be inconvenient if you are only interested in one specific topic. No Refunds: Once you purchase a subscription, you are not eligible for a refund. This means that you should carefully evaluate whether the platform is a good fit for you before making a purchase. Not Ideal for Beginners: While Pluralsight does offer some beginner courses, the platform is generally aimed at intermediate and advanced users. This can be a drawback if you are looking for a more beginner-friendly learning experience. Some Content Might Be Outdated: Despite the large number of courses, some may be old or outdated. For instance, finding a good, updated course on the Spring ecosystem, particularly Spring Boot, can be challenging. In such cases, platforms like Udemy might offer more up-to-date and frequently updated courses.

In September 2022, I was using Pluralsight, and while it has numerous courses, many are outdated or no longer relevant. For example, I couldn't find a good, up-to-date course on the Spring ecosystem, especially Spring Boot, which is where Udemy excels. Udemy offers more frequently updated or newer courses, making it a better choice for learning these topics.

Pluralsight Colleague Programs

Pluralsight is known for being confident in their ability to teach, which is reflected in their ten-day free trial offer. If you're considering signing up, it might be a good idea to take advantage of this trial to assess the platform's suitability for your learning needs. You can check out their different plans and see which one is best for you.

For those who want to save money, there are often shared accounts available, which provide better pricing and more flexible subscription options. If you're part of a professional organization or work with a company that already has a Pluralsight account, you may be able to benefit from this shared account and enjoy better value for your learning experience.

Overall, while Pluralsight has its strengths, it's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if it is the right fit for your learning goals and budget. While it may not be the best option for everyone, its comprehensive course library and community support make it a valuable resource for those who are committed to advancing their skills in tech and IT.