edX Review
University courses from Harvard, MIT, and top institutions
Overall Rating
Based on our testing
Quick Answer
edX scores 8.9/10 in our testing. It's best for courses from harvard, and free audit option. Key strength: Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities. Main weakness: Verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300).
Quick Summary
edX is a nonprofit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT, offering courses, professional certificates, MicroMasters programs, and online degrees from 160+ world-renowned universities and companies including Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, and IBM.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities
- Free audit option for most courses
- MicroMasters and MicroBachelors programs
- Accredited online degrees available
- Financial assistance available
- Mobile app with offline access
What could be better
- Verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300)
- Customer support issues reported
- Less courses than some competitors (3,500+ vs 7,000+)
Typical Promotions
- •Free audit for most courses
- •Financial assistance available
- •Bundle discounts on programs
Best time to buy: Apply for financial aid or wait for program bundles
edX Pricing
- Single course
- Verified certificate
- Graded assignments
- Lifetime access
- Access course content
- No certificate
- Limited features
- Self-paced learning
- Per user (annual)
- 1 Academy (16 courses)
- Self-paced learning
- Team features
- Program of courses
- Professional credential
- Career-focused skills
- $200-$1000 range
Key Features
edX In-Depth Review
edX is edX is a nonprofit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT, offering courses, professional certificates, MicroMasters programs, and online degrees from 160+ world-renowned universities and companies including Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, and IBM. With an overall rating of 8.9/10 based on our testing, it delivers strong performance across key metrics in the online learning space.
Key Findings
- Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of edX.
- Free audit option for most courses: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of edX.
- MicroMasters and MicroBachelors programs: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of edX.
Performance & Speed
edX performed exceptionally well in our testing. Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities.
Features & Functionality
edX includes certificates, degrees, mobile app, offline access. The feature set is comprehensive and well-implemented, covering most user needs without unnecessary bloat. We particularly appreciated courses from harvard, mit, and top universities.
Pricing & Value
edX offers a free tier, making it accessible for users to try before committing. Paid plans start at $50/month. The free option is genuinely useful, not just a limited trial.
Ease of Use
edX'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 courses from harvard, mit, and top universities
- 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 verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300)
- Budget-restricted users who need a more affordable option
The Bottom Line
edX is a solid performer that works well for most users. Its strength in courses from harvard, mit, and top universities makes it worth considering, though verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300) 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
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edX FAQ
How much does edX cost?
edX starts at $0.00/mo for the Free Audit plan. They also offer Verified Certificate ($50/mo), Professional Certificate ($200/mo), Business Essentials ($25/mo).
Is edX worth it in 2025?
edX scores 8.9/10 in our testing. Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities. However, verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300).
What are the pros and cons of edX?
Pros: Courses from Harvard, MIT, and top universities; Free audit option for most courses; MicroMasters and MicroBachelors programs. Cons: Verified certificates can be expensive ($50-$300); Customer support issues reported; Less courses than some competitors (3,500+ vs 7,000+).
Is edX safe to use?
edX is a legitimate online learning service. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for full details.
Does edX have a free plan?
Yes, edX offers a free plan with Access course content, No certificate. Paid plans start at $50/mo.