Best For | Dataquest is best for learning data science through hands-on coding, making it great for self-paced learners on a budget. | Udacity is best for structured learning with mentor support, making it ideal for those seeking career-focused programs with real-world projects. |
Pricing | $29/month | $399/month |
Features | Interactive coding |
|
Pros | Affordable | Mentor support |
Cons | No video lessons | Requires more time commitment |
When I first started exploring data science, I couldn’t decide between Dataquest and Udacity. Both seemed great, but they had very different approaches to learning.
Dataquest focused on hands-on coding directly in the browser, making it interactive and easy to jump in. Udacity, on the other hand, offered structured video lessons from industry professionals, giving it more of a traditional classroom feel.
So, which is the better choice? Honestly, it really depends on your learning style. I’ve used both, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this Dataquest Vs Udacity comparison, I’ll go over the key differences to help you decide which one might work best for you.
Let’s get in!
🚀Bottomline Upfront:
Dataquest is the better choice for learners who prefer an affordable, self-paced, hands-on approach to data science.
With its interactive coding challenges and focus on learning by doing, Dataquest provides a strong foundation without the higher cost or structure of programs like Udacity. It’s ideal for those looking for flexibility and autonomy in their learning journey.
DataQuest vs Udacity: An Overview
Overview of Dataquest
Dataquest is an online learning platform designed to teach data science, Python, SQL, and machine learning through an interactive, hands-on approach.
Instead of passively watching video lectures, learners actively write and run code directly in their browser, following easy-to-understand, step-by-step instructions.
The platform is self-paced, offering flexibility for those who prefer to learn on their own time. With its affordable pricing, Dataquest is a great option for beginners or anyone looking to upskill without breaking the bank.
It’s perfect for learners who thrive in a practical, no-frills environment focused on getting real coding experience.
Overview of Udacity
Udacity is an online platform offering structured Nanodegrees in fields like data science, AI, and programming. Unlike Dataquest, which focuses on hands-on coding in the browser, Udacity offers video lectures, real-world projects, and mentorship from industry experts.
It also provides career support, including resume reviews and project feedback. However, these benefits come at a higher cost, with some programs priced at hundreds of dollars per month.
If you want a more guided learning experience with career-focused support, Udacity might be the better fit for you.
Also, Read:
Udacity offers a variety of specialized Nanodegrees across different fields, each housed under their own “schools.” Some of these schools include:
- School of Artificial Intelligence
- School of Cloud Computing
- School of Car Engineering
- School of Autonomous Systems
- School of Business
- School of Data Analysis
- School of Programming
Additionally, Udacity provides scholarship opportunities for several of its courses.
Choosing the right online course can be a bit overwhelming since there are many factors to consider before making your decision. Let me break down the key differences between the Data Science courses offered by Dataquest and Udacity to help you make a more informed choice.
DataQuest vs Udacity: Pricing
Both courses can be completed at one’s own feasible pace. So eventually it will cost you how much every time you take to complete the course. The less time you take, the less you will end up paying.
Dataquest Pricing
Dataquest uses a subscription model, so you pay a monthly or annual fee to access their courses. They have a Free Plan that lets you try out some basic lessons, but the content is pretty limited.
If you want full access including career paths, projects, and practice exercises you’ll need the Premium Plan. There’s also a Team Plan for businesses looking to train their employees.
Compared to Udacity, Dataquest is way more budget-friendly, making it a solid choice for self-paced learners who want quality education without breaking the bank.
Udacity Pricing
Udacity, on the other hand, uses a pay-per-course model, with most Nanodegree programs costing between $399 and $600 per month.
Since these programs typically take 3 to 6 months to finish, the total cost can easily add up to $1,000–$3,000. That said, Udacity frequently offers discounts and financial aid, which can make it a bit more affordable.
The higher price comes with added perks like career support, mentor guidance, and real-world projects reviewed by industry professionals, making it a strong option for those serious about breaking into tech.
DataQuest vs Udacity: Courses Offered
DataQuest Courses
Dataquest carves a career path for you as a Data Analyst in R, Data Analyst in Python, Data Scientist in Python, and Data Engineer. Some of the courses they offer are listed below.
- Python for Data Science: Fundamentals
- Learn the basics of Python programming and learning data science.
- Python to learn Data Science: Intermediate
- Pandas & NumPy Fundamentals
- Storytelling Through Data Visualization
- Learn advanced techniques for cleaning data analysis in Python.
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Data Cleaning and Analysis
- Exploratory Data Visualization
- Data Cleaning in Python: Advanced
Udacity Courses
Udacity offers Nanodegree courses in data science. Here is a list of a few courses apart from data sciences offered at Udacity Nanodegree.
- Introduction to Genetics for Beginners
- Intro to Programming in Java: Learning Java
- Introduction to Computer Science: Building a Search Engine
- Design of Computer courses: Programming Principles
- Web Development: How to Build a Blog
- Game Development: Building High-Performance Web Applications
- Mobile Web Development: Building Mobile Web Experiences
- Introduction to Parallel Programming: Using CUDA to Harness the Power of GPUs
- Software Testing: How to Make Software Fail
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: AI-Class
- Interactive Rendering: Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics
- Intro to Theoretical Computer Science: Dealing with Challenging Problems
Learning Methodology
Dataquest:
Dataquest’s approach centers on hands-on, self-paced learning. The platform offers interactive coding lessons where you get to solve real-world problems as you learn. Instead of watching long video tutorials or reading through text-based content, you dive straight into coding exercises and projects.
This approach helps you develop problem-solving skills and reinforces the material as you progress. The immediate feedback you receive after completing exercises helps you identify mistakes and improve.
This method is ideal if you learn best by doing, especially if you’re someone who enjoys figuring things out through practice rather than passive learning.
However, it might be a bit overwhelming for learners who prefer a bit more guidance in the form of structured lectures or explanations along the way.
Udacity:
In contrast, Udacity offers a more structured and guided approach to learning. Each course, especially their Nanodegrees, is built to guide you through a clear and organized roadmap.
You get video lectures, quizzes, and projects that help you understand concepts in a sequential manner. The courses are designed by industry experts and are generally more in-depth than Dataquest’s lessons.
Udacity’s structured format can be very helpful for those who prefer a more detailed, step-by-step approach to learning. It’s perfect if you like to have things laid out for you and want a clear progression through the course materials.
Support Community Interaction vs. Mentorship and Feedback
Dataquest:
Dataquest offers a community-based support system. Learners interact on forums where they can ask questions, share progress, and discuss challenges.
The community is smaller compared to other platforms, but it’s tight-knit and focused primarily on data science. You’ll get support from fellow learners who have similar interests and goals.
However, there’s no personalized mentorship available, and responses on forums might not always come as quickly as you’d like.
If you’re someone who prefers to learn independently and doesn’t mind troubleshooting on your own, Dataquest’s community support might be enough. But for learners who need more guidance, it might feel a little limiting.
Udacity:
Udacity stands out by offering more direct and personalized support. When you enroll in a Nanodegree, you get access to a personal mentor who provides one-on-one guidance throughout the program.
This mentorship can be invaluable if you need extra help with assignments, want clarification on difficult concepts, or just need career advice. In addition to mentors, you have access to a larger peer community, which provides ample opportunities for collaboration and group projects.
If you prefer having expert guidance and feedback on your work, Udacity’s structured support system offers a more robust and responsive learning environment.
Job Support Skill Building vs. Career Coaching
Dataquest:
Dataquest is primarily focused on skill development rather than job placement. You’ll learn important technical skills that are crucial for data science and analytics, and you’ll build a portfolio of projects that you can showcase to potential employers.
While Dataquest offers great hands-on learning and can help prepare you for interviews, there’s no direct job placement assistance.
You’ll need to take the initiative in your job search, using the skills you learned on the platform to break into the job market.
Udacity:
Udacity offers a more comprehensive approach when it comes to job support. Nanodegree students get access to career services, including resume reviews, interview coaching, and job search support. Additionally, Udacity partners with major companies like Google, IBM, and Facebook, offering learners opportunities to get noticed by top employers.
Udacity’s career coaching and job support are particularly beneficial if you want to make a seamless transition into a tech career.
The job-focused assistance that Udacity offers can be a game-changer for learners who are looking to land a job in the tech industry quickly after completing their course.
If career services and job placement are important to you, Udacity’s support is a big plus.
Flexibility Learn at Your Own Pace vs. Structured Timelines
Dataquest:
Dataquest’s flexible, self-paced model allows you to learn on your own terms. You can access the material whenever you want and complete lessons at your own speed.
Whether you want to work through courses quickly or take your time to deeply understand the material, Dataquest’s structure works for learners who prefer to set their own schedules.
The lack of deadlines gives you freedom, but it also requires self-discipline. If you’re someone who needs external pressure or motivation to stay on track, you may struggle to maintain momentum with Dataquest’s completely flexible approach.
Udacity:
Udacity’s Nanodegrees are more time-constrained. Most programs are designed to be completed in 3-6 months, with a set weekly time commitment.
While you still have some flexibility, there are clear deadlines and milestones that keep you on track. If you like having a structured plan and want to know that you’re progressing toward completing your course on a timeline, Udacity’s structured approach may suit you better.
The added benefit is that if you fall behind, you can extend your course for an additional fee, giving you some leeway while still having a goal to work toward.
Projects Self-Guided vs. Instructor-Led
Dataquest:
At Dataquest, you’ll work on real-world projects directly integrated into the lessons. As you go through each lesson, you’ll be tasked with completing coding challenges and projects that test your understanding of the material.
These projects are designed to reflect real-world scenarios, which can help you build a portfolio that you can later present to employers.
The downside is that the projects are self-guided, which means you’ll need to solve problems on your own without a lot of step-by-step instructions.
For some learners, this could be challenging, while others will find it to be an excellent way to develop problem-solving skills.
Udacity:
Udacity’s Nanodegrees also include projects, but they tend to be more instructor-led. Each project is carefully designed to walk you through a series of tasks with clear instructions and guidance.
Udacity provides comprehensive resources for each project, so while you’ll still be solving real-world problems, you’ll have a little more support along the way.
For learners who want clear guidance on how to approach projects, Udacity’s structure may be preferable. However, those who prefer a more independent approach might find Dataquest’s method more suited to their learning style.
Who Are The Instructors On These Learning Platforms?
The faculty and tutors in Dataquest are in-house. However, reviews have it that students are very satisfied with the in-house instructors.
On the other hand, Udacity hires instructors who are professionals in the field. They have expert instructors who mostly come from the industry, such as Google.
What Certifications Are Offered?
Although Udacity used to issue certificates earlier, they have stopped issuing certificates now. Even if you are willing to pay, they won’t be handing you over with a certificate for course completion.
Dataquest, on the other hand, provides all students with a certificate at the end of the course, which can be downloaded in a PDF format or added to your LinkedIn. This certificate can be attached to your resume while applying for a job. It will definitely prove to be advantageous.
Dataquest vs Udacity: Pros and Cons
Dataquest: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: Monthly subscription is budget-friendly.
- Hands-On Learning: Learn by coding and solving real problems.
- Self-Paced: Learn at your own speed with no deadlines.
- Focused on Data Science: Great for learning data science and analytics.
Cons:
- Limited Courses: Focused mainly on data science, not much else.
- No Mentorship: No personal guidance from instructors.
- Community Support: Help comes from forums, not live support.
Udacity: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Structured Learning: Clear path with lessons and deadlines.
- Wide Range of Courses: Offers many tech topics beyond data science.
- Mentorship: One-on-one support from experts.
- Career Support: Help with resumes and job prep.
Cons:
- Expensive: Higher cost, especially for Nanodegrees.
- Time-Restricted: Courses have set timelines, not fully flexible.
- Premium Features: Best features are behind a higher price.
Dataquest Vs Udacity User Reviews
Dataquest Customer reviews
Udacity Customer reviews
Credit: G2 Reviews
FAQs: Dataquest Vs Udacity Comparison
👉Do both the platforms provide a certificate of completion of the course?
Certification for completion of the course is only provided by Dataquest. Udacity does not provide the learners with a certificate even if they are willing to pay for it. But they are well recognized and accepted while applying to a job.
👉Do the platforms offer any other courses?
Dataquest offers courses specific to learning Data Science. All the courses provided are categorized under the main domain of Data Science. Meanwhile, Udacity has various courses in different schools and is not restricted to only data science. YOu can get more information on the links provided in the blog
👉What is the duration of the courses?
All the courses on the platforms are self-paced, which means you can complete them as per your feasibility. There is no stipulated time as to when the courses have to be finished. But usually, the course takes about 4 to 6 months to complete, depending on one’s learning pace.
👉 Is the fee charged per course?
The charges for you to enroll in the learning courses are on a monthly basis. You will have to pay according to the number of months you take to complete the course you have applied to.
👉 Is Dataquest worth the money?
There is no doubt that Dataquest is worth it. You will have the opportunity to work with real-world data sets and be motivated to finish projects that are relevant to the real world when you use Dataquest's many learning paths, which make it possible for you to learn how to code.
👉 Does Dataquest make you job ready?
Students participate in this course to improve their professional portfolios while also getting the training necessary to become data scientists who are job-ready. The essentials of the command line, Python, and SQL are covered in these courses. Deep learning, Kaggle, and Apache Spark are three other tools that students use to investigate probabilities, statistics, and machine learning.
Quicklinks:
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- Kajabi Vs Thinkific 2025: Which Online Platform Is Best And Better?
Conclusion: Dataquest Vs Udacity Comparison 2025
Overall. Both Udacity and Dataquest have great reviews and offer excellent Data Science courses.
Udacity is much more expensive several times the cost of Dataquest but includes mentorship and project reviews for extra guidance.
Dataquest has an award-winning curriculum and strong student success. While it lacks one-on-one support, it offers community and learning resources for education and career growth.
If you’re self-motivated, Dataquest is a budget-friendly way to reach your learning goals.
