Skillshare Review: Worth It for Freelancers & Creatives?
Tim Wittke · Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Short verdict
Ideal for
- Creatives who want to sample broadly rather than go deep
- Anyone who prefers a subscription with many short classes
- Beginners in illustration, photo, video and design
Not ideal for
- Anyone who needs an accredited certificate
- Learners focused on business or technology
- Entry price
- Free plan · paid from €1,399 / month
- Free to start?
- 7-day trial, then subscription
- Stands out for
- Short, hands-on classes in creative skills, built for learning on the side
Skillshare is an online learning platform with 25,000+ courses spanning design, photography, writing, marketing, and productivity — built for personal development and professional growth.
Was ist Skillshare?
Skillshare offers creative and business-oriented courses taught by professionals.
Key Features of Skillshare
Extensive course library: 25,000+ courses covering illustration, photography, writing, design, marketing, and more.
Project-based learning: Every course includes a practical project to apply new skills directly.
Community interaction: Share projects, receive feedback, and connect with other learners.
Offline access: Courses can be downloaded and watched offline.
Expert instructors: Learn from experienced professionals across a wide range of fields.
Why Skillshare Works Well for Freelancers and Side Business Owners
Skillshare lets freelancers pick up skills in design, marketing, and content creation and apply them directly to client work. Self-paced, schedule-flexible learning makes it practical for self-employed professionals who want to broaden their service offering — and courses are taught by practitioners, not academics.
What We Like — and What We Don't
Pros
- Huge selection of creative courses
- Short, hands-on lessons for side learning
- Cheaper than Udemy
- Project-based learning beats video-only courses
Cons
- Inconsistent course quality
- Few certified business or tech courses
- No offline downloads in mobile app
Skillshare Pricing
No month-to-month option is listed on the website.
Note: Prices reflect the date of publication and may have changed. Always check current pricing on the official Skillshare website.
Verdict: Is Skillshare Worth It for Freelancers?
Skillshare suits freelancers who want to diversify their services through creative and entrepreneurial skills. The project-based format means skills are applied immediately. No certificates are offered, but the knowledge can strengthen your expertise and differentiation — at a self-paced schedule that fits freelance life.
Pricing
Annual Membership
$13.99
per month billed annually ($167.88/year)
- Full catalogue
- 7-day free trial
- Project-based classes
Monthly membership
$17.99–32
per month, usually only bookable through the app stores
- Full catalogue
- Cancel monthly
- Barely visible on the website
Prices may change — check the official website for current plans.
Price history
Checked Oct 11, 2026 · 2 changes since Aug 31, 2026
- Oct 11, 2026Annual Membership discontinued
- Sep 20, 2026New plan “Premium” ($13.99)
Alternatives by use case
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Skillshare cost?
Skillshare offers an annual membership only, priced at $167.88/year — the equivalent of $13.99/month — paid upfront. No month-to-month option is listed on the website.
Does Skillshare have a free trial?
Yes — new members get a 7-day free trial before the annual membership begins, so you can explore the course library before committing.
Is Skillshare worth it for freelancers?
Skillshare suits freelancers who want to diversify their services through creative and entrepreneurial skills. The project-based format means you apply new skills immediately, and the self-paced schedule fits freelance life. Note that no certificates are offered — the value lies in practical skills, not credentials.
How many courses does Skillshare offer?
Skillshare hosts 25,000+ courses covering design, photography, writing, marketing, and productivity, taught by experienced practitioners. Every course includes a hands-on project, and a community component lets you share work and receive feedback.
