Is Codecademy Pro Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers free and paid courses in various programming languages. Codecademy Pro is the paid version that provides additional features such as quizzes, projects, and personalized learning plans. 

With Codecademy Pro costing less than $30 it is worth it for those looking to add a bit of structure to their learning. However,  for beginners who are just starting to learn to code and want to explore different languages, the free version of Codecademy may be enough at the beginning. 

As your skills progress and you need more challenging course content and want to progress your skills then Codecademy Pro is a worthwhile investment.

Remember that Codecademy Pro is not the only option available for online learning, and other platforms offer similar or even better features at a lower price point. You can get fantastic courses for less money on Udemy and Udacity, so make sure to explore your options.

Let’s take a closer look at whether Codecademy Pro is worth it and what your other options may be.

Is Codecademy Pro Worth It?

Codecademy is an online learning platform that provides courses in programming and coding and Codecademy Pro is a premium paid version of the platform.

Overall, Codecademy Pro is worth the $30 a month for people looking to develop their programming skills. The free version may be enough for beginners wanting to get a taste of coding but you will probably need to upgrade to Pro to get the most out of the platform.

The Skill Paths and Career Paths from Codecademy will help guide you and build the skills you need to become a developer. The added benefit is that Codecademy Pro is good for experienced professionals who want to keep their skills up-to-date.

However, if you are a total beginner just getting a feel for programming, you might not need the extra features that come with the paid version. Also, if you are not sure if you want to dive into a career in programming or if you don’t have the time to dedicate yourself or go ‘all in’ on making a career switch, then Pro may not be the right option.

Features

Let’s take a look at the features that make up Codecademy Pro and then look at the pricing.

Curriculum

One of the major features of Codecademy Pro is its extensive curriculum. With over 1,800 courses available, users can choose from a wide range of topics, from web development to data science. The courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with hands-on exercises and real-world projects to help users apply what they’ve learned.

Projects

Another key feature of Codecademy Pro is its portfolio projects. These projects are designed to help users build real-world applications that they can showcase to potential employers. Users can work on these projects at their own pace, and receive feedback and guidance from Codecademy’s community of learners and mentors.

You can add these projects to your portfolio which helps boost your prospects of getting a job at the end of the course.

Quizzes and Tests

Codecademy Pro also offers quizzes and tests to help users assess their knowledge and track their progress. These assessments are designed to be challenging and comprehensive and can help users identify areas where they need to focus their learning efforts.

Pricing

When deciding whether or not to invest in Codecademy Pro, one of the most important factors to consider is the price. Codecademy offers three different pricing tiers: Basic, Plus, and Pro. Here’s a breakdown of the different pricing options:

Free Version

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Codecademy does offer a free version of its platform. With the free version, you have access to a limited number of courses and features. While this version may be suitable if you are just starting and wants to dip your toes into programming, it may not be enough if you are serious about pursuing a career in tech.

Pro Version

For those who are looking for a more comprehensive learning experience, Codecademy Pro may be worth considering. The Pro version offers access to all of Codecademy’s courses, as well as additional features such as quizzes, projects, and live support from advisors. However, it’s important to note that the Pro version comes at a cost.

If you pay annually, Codecademy Pro costs $30 per month. Otherwise, it costs $60 per month. If you are a student, you can get Codecademy Pro for 35% off the regular price. Codecademy also offers special deals for businesses. You can sign up 5 people for $299 or less per person per year. The more people you sign up with, the lower the cost.

While the Pro version may seem expensive at first glance, you do get a lot for your money. With access to all of Codecademy’s courses and additional features, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of different languages and concepts. There is also live support from advisors can be incredibly helpful when facing challenges or questions.

Pros and Cons of Codecademy Pro

Pros

Codecademy Pro offers a lot of benefits to users who are serious about learning to code. Here are some of the pros:

• Range: Access to a wide range of courses in 15 programming languages and 20 different categories.
• Experience: Interactive learning experience with quizzes, projects, and real-world applications.
• Pathways: Personalized learning path based on your goals and interests.
• Support: Live support from advisors who can answer questions and provide feedback.
• Real-world experience: Portfolio-building opportunities to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Cons

While Codecademy Pro has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Cost: Codecademy Pro is a paid service, and the monthly subscription fee may be a barrier for some users.
• Availability: Codecademy Pro may not offer courses in all programming languages or categories, limiting the learning opportunities for some users.
• Depth: While Codecademy Pro provides a solid foundation for learning to code, some users may find that the courses do not provide enough depth to fully master a programming language or concept.

These factors may make Codecademy Pro less appealing to users who are looking for a more comprehensive or budget-friendly learning experience.

Can Codecademy Pro get you a job?

Codecademy Pro can be a valuable resource for learning to code but it is not a guarantee of employment. It can certainly help you build the skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the tech industry. 

By completing courses in areas such as web development, data science, and programming languages like Python, you can gain valuable experience and knowledge that can make you a more attractive candidate for tech jobs.

However, there is no substitute for real-world experience. While Codecademy Pro can help you gain knowledge and skills, it is important to also gain practical experience through internships, personal projects, and job roles.

You will also need to build a fully functioning portfolio to show off to employers. It will give you examples to discuss in an interview and show potential employers you are a capable developer.

5 Alternatives to Codecademy

Here are five alternatives to Codecademy for learning to code:

1. freeCodeCamp: A free and open-source platform that offers a full curriculum of coding courses and projects, as well as opportunities to collaborate and build real-world projects with other learners.
2. Udacity: An online learning platform that offers courses and programs in a variety of tech-related fields, including programming, data science, and artificial intelligence.
3. DataCamp: A platform that specializes in data science courses, offering a variety of courses and projects in data analysis, visualization, and machine learning.
4. Coursera: An online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer courses and specializations in a variety of fields, including computer science and programming.
5. edX: A non-profit online learning platform that offers courses and programs in a variety of subjects, including computer science and programming, in partnership with universities and organizations around the world.

Conclusion

Codecademy Pro is ideal if you want to learn the fundamentals of programming and gain practical experience without spending a lot of money. It isn’t the best option for those on a tight budget because it costs money but the small monthly cost is worth it if you want to study for a new career.

To get a deep understanding of the concepts you will probably need to upgrade to Codecademy Pro otherwise you may not learn enough. However, you should always diversify your learning and never stick to just a single platform. Places like freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project are great free alternatives.