Last updated on November 12, 2025
1. Codecademy (Coding)
Codecademy is one of those rare platforms that makes coding feel less like studying and more like playing. It’s super interactive — you write code right inside your browser and get instant feedback. No setup stress, no downloads, just straight learning.
I started my first Python lesson here years ago, and honestly, it was addictive. You can learn everything from Python, JavaScript, HTML & CSS, to React and SQL.
Why I Recommend Codecademy:
- Great for beginners — it explains things in plain English.
- Hands-on coding from the very first lesson.
- Free basic plan available (with optional Pro version for projects).
You can check it out at
Codecademy’s official site.
2. Coursera (Coding & AI)
Coursera is like a library of mini-universities. You can take real college-level courses from schools like Stanford, MIT, and Google — all without actually being there (or paying college tuition).
For coding, Coursera’s “Google IT Automation with Python” is amazing if you’re starting out or trying to level up. And for AI, Andrew Ng’s “Machine Learning” course is basically legendary.
Why Coursera Works:
- You can earn certificates from world-class universities.
- Most courses are free to audit (you only pay for certificates).
- Flexible schedule — you learn at your own pace.
The best part? It’s trusted by employers worldwide. I know a few friends who landed jobs by listing Coursera certifications on their resumes.
Explore the catalog on
Coursera.
3. Udemy (Coding & Design)
If you’ve ever searched for a course on YouTube and wished it had more structure — Udemy is for you. It’s packed with courses taught by real people who’ve actually done what they’re teaching.
The best part about Udemy is the variety. Whether you want to build websites, design in Figma, or train AI models, there’s a course for it. And they’re constantly discounted — I’ve seen $200 courses drop to $12 during sales.
My Personal Picks on Udemy:
- “The Complete Web Development Bootcamp” by Dr. Angela Yu (a favorite among beginners).
- “UI/UX Design with Figma” if you’re into modern design tools.
- “Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp” by Jose Portilla — a must for AI enthusiasts.
Browse their full library at
Udemy.
4. Domestika (Design)
Domestika is a creative paradise. It’s perfect for designers, illustrators, and digital artists who want to push their creativity. The visuals, production quality, and storytelling in their courses are top-notch — it honestly feels like watching a Netflix series on creativity.
The courses are taught by professionals working in real design industries, and many come with subtitles in multiple languages.
Some Fantastic Domestika Courses:
- Graphic Design Fundamentals.
- Brand Identity Creation.
- Illustration Techniques for Beginners.
If you’re more of a visual learner who loves aesthetics, this platform will feel like home.
Check out Domestika.
5. Google Digital Garage (Free & Beginner-Friendly)
This one’s totally free and surprisingly good. Google’s Digital Garage offers mini-courses on digital skills — including coding basics, design thinking, AI, and digital marketing.
The best part is that it’s straightforward and beginner-friendly. You can complete most lessons in a day, and even earn certificates from Google.
Why I Love It:
- Free, verified courses from Google.
- Short, easy-to-understand lessons.
- Perfect if you’re exploring tech for the first time.
You can access it here:
Google Digital Garage.
6. Brilliant (For Logic, Math & AI Thinking)
Okay, this one’s a bit different — it’s not your typical video course platform. Brilliant teaches you through interactive problem-solving. It’s like learning math, logic, and AI concepts by actually playing with them instead of watching someone talk.
It’s especially good if you’re trying to understand how AI and algorithms think. You don’t just memorize formulas — you explore how they work.
Great For:
- Developing strong problem-solving and logic skills.
- Understanding the core concepts behind coding and AI.
- People who prefer learning by doing.
Take a look at
Brilliant.
7. Skillshare (Creative Coding & Design)
Skillshare is perfect for people who love creativity but also want practical coding and design skills. It’s packed with short, project-based lessons that help you build something real — like a website, logo, or animation.
The cool part? You can learn from creators who actually work in the field — not just teach theory.
Some Great Skillshare Classes:
- “Intro to UX Design” — for those curious about digital design strategy.
- “Creative Coding for Beginners” — learn to code visuals and animations.
- “AI Tools for Designers” — how to integrate AI into creative projects.
Try it out at
Skillshare.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” course — it really depends on you. Some people thrive on structure (like Coursera), others prefer interactive, hands-on learning (like Codecademy or Brilliant), and some love creative freedom (like Domestika or Skillshare).
The trick is to just start. Pick one course, even if it’s free, and give it a week. That small step could turn into a skill that changes your career, or even your life.
So go ahead — grab your coffee, plug in your headphones, and dive in. You might just surprise yourself with how much you can learn from your own room.