Codecademy Review
Interactive coding courses for beginners to job-ready
Overall Rating
Based on our testing
Quick Answer
Codecademy scores 8.5/10 in our testing. It's best for interactive in-browser coding and free courses available. Key strength: Interactive in-browser coding. Main weakness: Variable course quality.
Quick Summary
Codecademy is an interactive coding education platform serving 50+ million learners worldwide. Known for its hands-on approach with in-browser coding, career paths, and courses covering 15 programming languages including Python, JavaScript, and SQL.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Interactive in-browser coding
- Free courses available
- Career and skill paths
- Strong community support
- Mobile app (Codecademy Go)
- 15 programming languages
What could be better
- Variable course quality
- Some outdated content
- Certificates not widely recognized
Typical Promotions
- •Free Basic plan
- •Student discount (35% off Pro)
- •Annual plan savings
- •Holiday sales
Best time to buy: Student discount or annual plan for savings
Codecademy Pricing
- Career paths
- Interview prep
- Professional projects
- $359.88/year
- Basic courses
- Limited content
- No projects
- Community access
- All courses
- Skill paths
- Projects
- $179.88/year
- All courses
- Skill paths
- Projects
- Certificate of completion
Key Features
Codecademy In-Depth Review
Codecademy is Codecademy is an interactive coding education platform serving 50+ million learners worldwide. Known for its hands-on approach with in-browser coding, career paths, and courses covering 15 programming languages including Python, JavaScript, and SQL. With an overall rating of 8.5/10 based on our testing, it delivers strong performance across key metrics in the online learning space.
Key Findings
- Interactive in-browser coding: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Codecademy.
- Free courses available: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Codecademy.
- Career and skill paths: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Codecademy.
Performance & Speed
Codecademy performed exceptionally well in our testing. Interactive in-browser coding.
Features & Functionality
Codecademy includes certificates, mobile app, projects, free content. The feature set is comprehensive and well-implemented, covering most user needs without unnecessary bloat. We particularly appreciated interactive in-browser coding.
Pricing & Value
Codecademy offers a free tier, making it accessible for users to try before committing. Paid plans start at $34.99/month. The free option is genuinely useful, not just a limited trial.
Ease of Use
Codecademy's interface is intuitive and well-designed. New users should feel comfortable within minutes of signing up. There's room for UX improvements, but core functionality is accessible.
Our Testing Methodology
We completed at least 3 courses on each platform, evaluating instructor quality, content depth, and learning outcomes. We tested the platform's mobile experience, assessed certificate value through hiring manager surveys, and measured content retention after 30 days.
- Users who prioritize interactive in-browser coding
- Those seeking a premium, reliable solution
- Budget-conscious users who want to try before buying
- Users seeking value without sacrificing essential features
- Users who can't accept variable course quality
- Budget-restricted users who need a more affordable option
The Bottom Line
Codecademy is a solid performer that works well for most users. Its strength in interactive in-browser coding makes it worth considering, though variable course quality may affect certain users.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. Our editorial content is independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links. Read our full disclosure
Free tier available • Paid plans from
$17.49/mo
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Codecademy FAQ
How much does Codecademy cost?
Codecademy starts at $0.00/mo for the Basic (Free) plan. They also offer Plus Monthly ($34.99/mo), Plus Annual ($17.49/mo), Pro Annual ($29.99/mo).
Is Codecademy worth it in 2025?
Codecademy scores 8.5/10 in our testing. Interactive in-browser coding. However, variable course quality.
What are the pros and cons of Codecademy?
Pros: Interactive in-browser coding; Free courses available; Career and skill paths. Cons: Variable course quality; Some outdated content; Certificates not widely recognized.
Is Codecademy safe to use?
Codecademy is a legitimate online learning service. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for full details.
Does Codecademy have a free plan?
Yes, Codecademy offers a free plan with Basic courses, Limited content. Paid plans start at $34.99/mo.