SmallBizGenius Analysis

Udemy is an online learning platform offering a vast library of courses, but customer reviews reveal significant concerns about customer support and course quality. While some users find valuable skills and positive learning experiences, many report issues with refunds, outdated content, and unhelpful support interactions.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 280 recent reviews

Customer Service Issues

2.5/10

Many reviewers express frustration with Udemy's customer support, citing unhelpful AI chatbots, difficulty reaching human representatives, and slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries. Some users report going in circles with support and receiving copy-pasted responses that don't address their specific issues, as one reviewer stated, "Terrible experience with customer support. Not only they didn't care to send a real person when I requested to talk to someone bit they sent over and over the same copy paste email back, literally and figuratively."

40 reviews mention this

Refund Policy Problems

3.0/10

Numerous reviewers complain about Udemy's refund policy, stating that their refund requests were denied despite being within the 30-day window. Some users report that they were deemed to have watched "too much" of the course, even after only viewing a small portion, while others were offered course credit instead of a full refund. One reviewer stated, "Like the others, a 30 day refund was promised if the course was not satisfactory. I requested a refund within the hour of purchasing it. I was given credit for another course. No option of getting my money back."

30 reviews mention this

Outdated Course Content

4.0/10

Several reviewers mention that many courses on Udemy contain outdated information, making them less valuable for learning current skills. Some users express frustration that it's not always clear when a course was last updated before enrolling. As one user noted, "Many of the courses currently on offer are outdated. With some courses, it's not clear until after you've enrolled how long it's been since a course was posted or updated. This lack of transparency is frustrating."

15 reviews mention this

Technical Issues

4.5/10

Some reviewers report experiencing technical issues with the Udemy platform, such as videos not playing correctly, website crashes, and difficulty accessing purchased courses. These technical problems can disrupt the learning experience and cause frustration. One reviewer stated, "I keep having issues watching the videos. Some play ok, while others in the same module don't play."

8 reviews mention this

Positive Learning Experiences

8.0/10

Despite the negative feedback, many reviewers report positive learning experiences with Udemy, highlighting the platform's wide range of courses and helpful instructors. These users found the courses to be informative, practical, and beneficial for developing new skills. One reviewer shared, "I don’t know if it is true for others, but this online education platform gave what others couldn’t- real job skills, which helped me to apply for my dream job."

25 reviews mention this

Course Quality Varies

6.0/10

Reviewers frequently mention that the quality of courses on Udemy varies significantly, depending on the instructor and the specific course material. Some courses are praised for being well-structured and informative, while others are criticized for being superficial or lacking depth. As one reviewer noted, "The selection of courses is absolutely a mixed bag, and you have to put in some serious effort to research the courses you want before you commit to purchasing them."

10 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Vast selection of courses available on diverse topics Mentioned 30x
"Udemy has been a pretty good experience overall. The courses are wide-ranging and many of the instructors know their stuff."
Affordable pricing, especially with frequent discounts and promotions Mentioned 20x
"I also really like that if you are interested in a course but cannot afford it at the moment, there is very often a great discount system that allows you to purchase it at a minimal price."
Opportunity to learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your home Mentioned 15x
"Every one of them has been very satisfying and I have learned a lot. It's been in the comfort of my home, at my own pace and because I started the courses to..."
Some courses provide real job skills and practical assignments Mentioned 10x
"I took a google sheets course and thought it would be something like reading an ebook, but no… it was a real course with practical assignments and everything. Very helpful"
Convenient website structure for searching and exploring materials Mentioned 5x
"In my opinion, the structure of the website is very convenient for searching and exploring the necessary materials. I like that the site is not overloaded with visual elements - there is absolutely nothing unnecessary, and its design is very minimalistic."

Common Complaints

Poor customer service with unhelpful AI chatbots and difficulty reaching human support Mentioned 40x
"Udemy has the one of the worst customer support. It is inherently unfair for the consumers to go through multiple hurdles to get help."
Frequent issues with refund policy, including denials and offers of course credit instead of refunds Mentioned 30x
"Shockingly bad product, refund that was promised never materialised even after chasing customer service twice."
Many courses contain outdated or irrelevant information Mentioned 15x
"Many of the courses currently on offer are outdated."
Course quality is inconsistent and depends heavily on the instructor Mentioned 10x
"The selection of courses is absolutely a mixed bag, and you have to put in some serious effort to research the courses you want before you commit to purchasing them."
Technical issues with video playback and website stability Mentioned 8x
"I keep having issues watching the videos. Some play ok, while others in the same module don't play."

Common Questions About Udemy

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Udemy legit and trustworthy?

Udemy is a legitimate online learning platform with a vast library of courses, but its trustworthiness is questionable due to inconsistent course quality and frequent complaints about customer service and refunds. While some users report positive learning experiences and valuable skill development, many others express frustration with outdated content, unhelpful support interactions, and difficulties obtaining refunds. The platform's reliance on AI chatbots for initial support and the varying quality of instructors contribute to a mixed reputation. Potential users should carefully research courses and instructors before purchasing.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Udemy have good customer service?

Based on the reviews, Udemy's customer service is a major pain point for many users. A significant number of reviewers report difficulty reaching human representatives, encountering unhelpful AI chatbots, and experiencing slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries. Many users describe going in circles with support and receiving generic, copy-pasted responses that don't address their specific issues. The lack of direct contact options and the perceived lack of care from support staff contribute to a negative customer service experience.

Based on 35 reviews

Is Udemy worth it for small business?

Udemy can be a cost-effective option for small businesses seeking to upskill employees, but it comes with risks. The platform's diverse course catalog and often discounted prices can provide budget-friendly training solutions. However, the inconsistent course quality and potential for frustration with customer service and refunds need to be carefully considered. Small businesses should thoroughly research courses and instructors before investing, and be prepared to handle potential issues with support and refunds.

Based on 20 reviews

What is Udemy's refund policy like?

Udemy advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee, but many reviewers report difficulties obtaining refunds. Some users state that their refund requests were denied despite being within the 30-day window, often because they were deemed to have watched "too much" of the course, even after only viewing a small portion. Others report being offered course credit instead of a full refund, which they find unsatisfactory. The inconsistent application of the refund policy and the difficulty in contacting support to resolve refund issues contribute to a negative perception of Udemy's refund process.

Based on 30 reviews

Why was my Udemy account suspended?

Based on the reviews, account suspensions on Udemy can occur for various reasons, and sometimes without clear explanation. One reviewer reported their account being suspended after a friend gifted them a course, even though the payment was made legally. This suggests that Udemy's fraud detection or account security measures may sometimes flag legitimate transactions or activities, leading to unwarranted suspensions. If your account is suspended, it's crucial to contact Udemy's support, though as many reviewers note, getting a satisfactory resolution can be challenging.

Based on 5 reviews