A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy) vs. LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
A Cloud Guru (ACG) is a cloud learning provider that states they have helped 2,000,000+ people and more than 4,000 organizations level up their cloud skills. Founded in 2015, ACG was started by brothers Sam and Ryan Kroonenburg who recognized cloud learning through traditional training providers was expensive, outdated, and a pain to consume. With the acquisition of Linux Academy in 2019, ACG combined the strengths and benefits of both companies to create A Cloud Guru…
$0
per month
LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Lynda.com (now offered as part of LinkedIn Learning) is an elearning course library acquired and now supported by LinkedIn in May 2015.N/A
Pricing
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Editions & Modules
Free
$0.00
per month
Personal Basic
$31.59 ($379.00)
per month (per year)
Personal Plus
$41.59 ($499.00)
per month (per year)
Business Basic
$41.59 ($499.00)
per month (per year)
Business Plus
$58.25 ($699.00)
per month (per year)
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsContact Sales for Enterprise Pricing. https://acloudguru.com/solutions/business
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Considered Both Products
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
For me, A Cloud Guru was the best platform for learning and retaining what I've learned. I really enjoyed taking courses at A Cloud Guru. Other platforms where too slow, or seemed to be trying too hard, and I never felt like I was learning much compared to A Cloud Guru.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
We have not evaluated any other providers besides ACG as the original offer we got quite a few years ago was so nicely matching and working for us. Therefore we did not have any requirements to look at any other providers besides ACG. Commercially we have not yet seen any …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
A Cloud Guru is better focused on cloud-native technologies.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
WE have tried taking free training courses directly from Amazon but their LMS is difficult to naviate and the video are not engaging. Pracitce Exams are too easy vs the actual exams.

Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
The main differentiator was the contents as we were interested in a cloud platform other similar platforms did not have the below: it is very good to establish cloud learning development plans and then track them and manage them for the team. The platform supports learning …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
We did POC with three companies [including Pluralsight Skills] and selected A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy).
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
I have used both A Cloud Guru and Udemy for business and I feel A Cloud Guru does a better job. With Udemy you have to purchase your modules. With A Cloud Guru you get everything in one place. This work[s] better for me as I can move from one certification to the next.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Compared to O'Reilly in general, the ACG [A Cloud Guru] content is more specific to AWS and with more examples and real-world use cases. O'Reilly is broader in terms of technologies you can learn, but none of them go deep into the details. Another thing is that O'Reilly focuses …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Cantrill.io gives far more content and lab work to build skills within the certification boundaries. If there was a similar vendor for both Azure and Google, we would have considered going with targeted vendor training vs a generalized provider.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Course choice is much smaller than Udemy but the quality feels a lot higher. There's accountability for them being accurate and you can see them being regularly updated. The labs and playgrounds are really useful for getting to grips with technical concepts.

I think the …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
We compared A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy) with Cloud Academy and Udemy for Business. The content for A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy) was much more engaging and interactive. Cost was on par with Cloud Academy.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
We have tried LinkedIn learning but there are a lot of older courses and not too many for the IT Pro. I think it is great for management and soft skills, but nowhere near the depth of A Cloud Guru. I know for my team, we like the many different and up to date courses for a vast …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy) was the only platform we evaluated for the vast majority of our cloud training, however we have found other providers are better in certain areas and use them to supplement A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy). For example, TutorialsDojo and WhizLabs both …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Udemy has a wider and broader range of topics for your users to browse and choose from whereas A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy) has more finely tuned or a more carefully selected and curated range of videos and courses for your users to browse and choose from. I think each one has …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
I don't know any alternatives to A Cloud Guru. There is a LOT of videos around the web for training ourselves to cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP), but none of them are proving us private access to a real cloud platform for practicing during the training. Who else provides …
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
We have tested Udemy and Coursera, but (specifically), in terms of cloud technology, we prefer ACG.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
Have not used any others. A Cloud Guru is the original and leader in this field.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
ACG has more focused and relevant content to meet the needs of the business
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
ACG contents are more relevant to the future of technology and a bit more advanced.
Chose A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
A Cloud Guru provided better freshness of content and was priced more competitively than other cloud training platforms. A Cloud Guru also had training paths that other providers did not have on their platform. I also enjoyed the fact that there are reports that you can run on …
LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
We like LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com) for its large content library and variety of content. Go1 is good for the Australian content. Litmos is good for the compliance training. They each have their purpose.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
I like LinkedIn Learning much better than Alison. It is more in-depth, while Alison seems to discuss topics with a much broader scope.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
SAP Enterprise Portal
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
I personally think that LinkedIn Learning is a better educational eContent platform in comparison to the other solutions I have used. The catalog is more expansive, offers more in depth tutorials and trainings, has educated instructors, and offers a path to become an expert of …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Well compared to other competitors the payment method is far more streamlined for Indian audiences, especially against Coursera. The courses provided are very business oriented and keep in mind the limited time availability with working professionals. It keeps the content short …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
As compare to Pluralsight LinkedIn has much more short duration courses.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
have used internal tools, from the companies where I spent, I think bringing a little more modernity to the way the courses are presented can be an advantage
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Linkedin Learning is more up to date than Mineral. Mineral's content is a little older and training isn't as engaging
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Again, this corporate form is trying to force me to choose from products with slightly different names while not offering common options.

Udemy seems similar in many respects, but my recollection is that their subscription model was less appealing. I didn't find they offered …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
I have looked at Google's training courses along with other free online vendors/in-person course and no one comes close to LinkedIn Learning. They make it easy, fun, and retainable.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning wasn't our first choice; what it came down to for the organization was the cost for the value of the product. The other services provided better training, better metrics, and better reporting. LinkedIn Learning (or Lynda.com) provided the most affordable …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
We didn't get too deep into the comparison outside of a surface review of the other options. LinkedIn Learning reps were responsive and quick to put something together to meet our needs. Moreover, initial cost fit within our budget and the integration between LinkedIn and …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
The quality of Udemy courses ranges from meh to blah to OK.LinkedIn Learning has better quality, the content seems more vetted, and the platform is better.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Hubspot Academy offers more specific video training on a variety of marketing and sales topics, which is also good, but LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com) offers a much broader variety of videos that accommodate needs in different areas of business from more technological to sales …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
We used an internal training solution prior to the switch, and LinkedIn Learning was leaps and bounds better than that system. I cannot speak to why it was selected, as I was not involved in the selection process.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
I haven't evaluated any other learning platforms but I have really enjoyed my subscription to LinkedIN Learning/Lynda. It's allowed me to figure out how to do things on my own when I needed to. I love that it's there and I don't have to wait until a training or conference to …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
I preferred Lynda.com because it provided me with better choice of classes I am interested in. I also like the interface better and the overall experience, from quality of material presented to the complexity of exercises. Also, Lynda.com is integrated with LinkedIn and I feel …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Udemy for Business is a crapshoot. The consistency is non-existent. Some courses go incredibly deep, while other courses don't go deep enough. Even when we got a few free months of access to Udemy - I still couldn't find why I would use Udemy over LinkedIn Learning.

Pluralsight …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
With Udemy you pay per course whereas with Lynda you pay a monthly fee for unlimited courses. For people looking for a long term learning tool, Lynda is the better choice as you get more value for your money.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Coursea offers more credible certifications, while Udemy offers individual courses that don't require a monthly subscription. Ultimately, all 3 platforms provide quality content and a wide range of courses. However, some may specialize in different areas than others. My …
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Lynda.com and Coursera and so similar. I believe Coursera has more statistical programming courses than Lynda.com
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Udemy for Business and Coursera
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Lynda has a better user interface for operation and again can be used in a group setting which Coursera is not ideal for.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
O'reilly Safari - it's a good tool, but more focused on reading; sorry, I just don't enjoy that! It's also not as polished in the areas of interface and navigation.
Chose LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
While ease of use is better with Udemy or Coursera, nothing compares to lynda.com's catalog and pricing model (other than Khan Academy re: the latter).
Features
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Learning Management
Comparison of Learning Management features of Product A and Product B
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
-
Ratings
LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
7.5
Ratings
13% below category average
Course authoring00 Ratings7.50 Ratings
Course catalog or library00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Player/Portal00 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Learning content00 Ratings8.60 Ratings
Progress tracking & certifications00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Learning reporting & analytics00 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Social learning00 Ratings6.90 Ratings
Gamification00 Ratings3.70 Ratings
eLearning Content
Comparison of eLearning Content features of Product A and Product B
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)
-
Ratings
LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
6.3
Ratings
29% below category average
Multi-Lingual Support00 Ratings5.70 Ratings
Structured Learning00 Ratings6.90 Ratings
Course Searches00 Ratings8.10 Ratings
Historical Metrics00 Ratings4.70 Ratings
Cloud-Based Content00 Ratings6.70 Ratings
Automation & Integration00 Ratings5.70 Ratings
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A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
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User Ratings
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Likelihood to Recommend
9.9
(0 ratings)
8.6
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.0
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
A Cloud Guru (Linux Academy)LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)
Likelihood to Recommend
If your organization is technical-based and offers its employees different online courses to enhance their knowledge, then A Cloud Guru will be perfect for you. There are multiple courses available from different cloud platforms. The platform is easy to use and navigate and does not require much knowledge. Even if you do not have basic technical knowledge, the courses available in A Cloud Guru are designed in such a manner that a non-technical person will understand the concept easily.
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lynda.com is well-suited for an individual OR an enterprise. You can take learning on-the-go via mobile phone or tablet. Instructors are well-known industry experts. There is a tremendous amount of courses. Ideal self-directed learning library to supplement anyone's ILT-heavy learning strategy.
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Pros
  • The team at A Cloud Guru is excellent at responding to user feedback that is submitted through their website.
  • The content created is well organized and aligns to certification paths.
  • The content is accessible on mobile and web platforms, which is great for learning on the go.
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  • An in-depth tutorial, training, and reviews.
  • An influx of information and specialists/experts available to help.
  • Online courses for a multitude of topics—we're talking hundreds of videos.
  • Able to take this on the go. Don't have to be in a desk at work to use lynda.com.
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Cons
  • More material on other cloud providers GCP, Azure, Huawei.
  • Extend the sandboxes to other cloud providers not only AWS.
  • Include more material for non-technical people, sometimes the sales teams are completely lost in the platform but they would like to learn about it.
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  • When they were acquired by LinkedIn, the next invoice barely noted the invoice was for Lynda.com. I at first thought it was a phishing attempt using LinkedIn as a front.
  • The invoice should be from the lynda.com domain and NOT from LinkedIn.
  • Account administrators should be able to change passwords, and see passwords, for the license entities they manage. Also, all email notices to users should be duplicated to account administrators.
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
It can help all employees learn to strengthen current skills or to learn new skills and then can learn to excel in their current department or they learn a new skills in a new department creating interconnection and cross-departmental value in a company.
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Usability
No answers on this topic
The platform is very easy to use and navigate, the content is clearly itemised via the Contents section and the video playback speed can be adjusted. It's also useful to have optional captions (I always use them) and a transcript for accessibility purposes.
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Support Rating
The support team of A Cloud Guru is quite quick. There are scenarios where A Cloud Guru was not working in my organization. We reached out to their support team and they quickly resolved the issue. Also, if any individual is facing issues accessing A Cloud Guru, their support team is quick to resolve the issue.
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The technical team behind LinkedIn Learning (or Lynda.com) knows their job, and they usually solve problems very quickly. While I haven't had many run-ins with them (thus the low rating), I do find that when we call them, the problem gets resolved in a reasonable amount of time. The flip-side of this comment is that we never have needed to call them with a high-priority issue.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
By implementation we are able to achieve 1.Skill improvement 2.Reduced burden on training staff 3.Learning new market leading technologies like Generative AI.
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Alternatives Considered
The main differentiator was the contents as we were interested in a cloud platform other similar platforms did not have the below: it is very good to establish cloud learning development plans and then track them and manage them for the team. The platform supports learning tracks, exams, and sandboxes with all major cloud providers guarantees that you don't get an accidental charge as a result of [the] testing and exploring the cloud
Read full review
Udemy for Business is a crapshoot. The consistency is non-existent. Some courses go incredibly deep, while other courses don't go deep enough. Even when we got a few free months of access to Udemy - I still couldn't find why I would use Udemy over LinkedIn Learning. Pluralsight is superior to LinkedIn Learning in programming/coding. They have a better library of content and more tests. What Pluralsight lacks is for non-developer skillsets. Buy Pluralsight for your devs. Coursera is not at all an option for the business environment. It follows the college model of delivering content slowly and without reason. Its focus is more on high-level possibilities, not real-world things you want to solve.
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Return on Investment
  • Engagement scores around investment in L&D have increased.
  • There's excitement around upcoming changes to our technology instead of fear we have seen in the past.
  • We feel confident we will be able to deliver these new technologies - although we are at the start of our journey.
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  • I can't think of a negative impact that Lynda.com has when it relates to the extensive library of training software that is available to subscribers. I'm lucky that my job provides a free subscription for instructors. I use Lynda.com to hone in on my technical skills.
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