When I started my educational journey, data science was the subject I was most interested in. I had read somewhere that “Data science is the future,” and I wanted to be the one with the future.
This led me to look up learning platforms that offer the best courses related to technology and coding. Whatever reviews checked, Datacamp was mentioned as one of the leading platforms for the up-and-coming data scientists. I decided to try it and see if it can make a data scientist and deliver what it promises. In this extensive review, I will discuss everything about Datacamp and my opinion on whether or not it is worth your investment.
But if you are short on time, here’s a quick overview:
Quick Summary of Datacamp Review
Datacamp is a MOOC that provides the best courses on data analysis and AI generative technology. It offers more than 300 detailed courses taught by leading industry instructors. The lessons are well-structured and provide information on the subject matter with plenty of practice exercises. Though the courses don’t come with accredited certificates, they are still of fantastic quality, and anyone who is even a little bit curious about data science will enjoy them.
- Offers a basic plan for you to check out courses without commitment.
- It is suitable for beginners and experts alike.
- The courses are engaging and fun.
- The practice exercises provided with each course are interactive and challenging.
- Courses are taught by industry experts with experience.
- No accredited certificates.
- Plans and courses, once bought, are nonrefundable.
I recommend Datacamp to anyone interested in data science and analysis. As mentioned by Datacamp, data science is the future, and it is helpful to keep such valuable skills handy to improve your prospects. Their basic plan allows you to take the introductory part of most of their courses for free. So, it is worth checking out.
Datacamp Review in 2024: Legit? Is it Worth It?
As the name suggests, Datacamp is a learning platform that teaches data science. Datcamp was established in 2013 and has since amassed over 5 million learners. They aim to make data science and analysis accessible for individuals and companies. It provides personal and business plans. Their standard plan is widespread, with over 400 interactive courses that teach data science and analysis basics.
Datacamp believes everyone should have access to a good education and data skill development. They keep emphasizing that data science and generative AI are the future and that data analytical skills are necessary for advancing your career. They aim to provide free and limitless access to DataCamp for Classrooms for students and their instructors. They have also partnered with over 120 nonprofit organizations to offer free subscriptions to DataCamp for underprivileged communities that need it.
You can choose to get individual courses or career and skill tracks. The purpose of these tracks is to help you understand one specific data-based skill in full depth so that you can monetize it later. Companies can use DataCamp to upskill their employees for better productivity.
Datacamp is a data-driven and customer-focused company that believes in transparency and understands the importance of taking action. This is why over 2000 companies and over 70% of Fortune 1000 companies (like Google, PayPal, Microsoft, Uber, and more) choose Datacamp to upskill their employees.
Who Should get Datacamp?
Datacamp is crafted for people curious about data science, engineering, and analysis, but at their own pace. To learn more about these subjects, you need to learn about the tools that support them, and DataCamp has got you covered on that as well. Datacamp is based on four learning principles: assess, learn, practice, and apply. These principles help the learners understand things better and retain information quickly and efficiently.
Datacamp offers courses like “Introduction to Python,” and it is easy to wonder if it is unlike other coding-based online learning platforms like Codecademy. So what makes DataCamp different, you may ask? It is a fact that their classes that are focused on coding languages are designed for data science and data engineering. The goal isn’t to teach how to code but to help you understand how to convert the coding principles into data science and analysis. For these reasons, DataCamp is a niche platform for people who are interested in the field of data science.
Datacamp has a practical approach when it comes to teaching. There are instructions provided, but they are all primarily self-taught. You will learn to program, understand, create databases, and analyze data. You get exercises to practice that you can use in the future to create your coding portfolio to apply to data-related interviews.
It is also important to note that DataCamp courses do not come with accredited certification. This is purely an informational learning platform, and the classes are only as valuable as your professional environment thinks them to be. The focus of DataCamp is to help you create a unique portfolio that stands out so that your future employer can easily verify your skills and understanding in data science.
How much does Datacamp cost?
Datacamp works on the principles of transparency, and it is no different when it comes to pricing. They are very straightforward with their pricing plans, and you don’t even need to sign in to get all the subscription options and costs. This is a novelty for other learning platforms that don’t reveal the cost of their courses and subscriptions unless you sign up. They also provide a currency converter right at the top; you can choose your currency, and the prices will be converted. I found this particularly useful.
Datacamp for Individual Learners
Individual learners have two options: a basic plan and a premium plan.
- Basic Plan: This free plan helps you understand what DataCamp has to offer. You can take six free courses with this plan. You also get access to the introductory chapter of the premium courses. This plan can also create a job board and professional profile.
- Premium Plan: This plan gives you access to all the courses available on DataCamp and many practice exercises and other additional features. It also comes with two payment options: monthly or annual. The monthly cost is $29, and the yearly fee is $149 (which works out to $12.42 per month) in one payment. You can choose the payment plan according to your requirements.
Datacamp for Business
DataCamp for Business has two plans: Teams and Enterprise.
- Teams: This plan costs $25 per user per month and can only be billed annually. With this plan, you get access to all the services provided by the Premium plan and additional services like keeping track of your team members’ progress and managing your team. You are provided with license management tools.
- Enterprise: This bespoke plan is created specifically to meet your needs. You need to contact the sales team at Datacamp to get a custom quote, depending on the number of members. You can also request a demo for this service.
Datacamp for Universites
Datacamp provides free access to instructors and students to create classrooms to learn more about data science. You need to apply to check your eligibility and develop classrooms for free. You can also request a demo for customized university faculty plans.
Refunds and Cancellations
Datacamp is an auto-renewable service, and the payment will be charged automatically every month/year unless you cancel it yourself. You can cancel your subscription anytime you want, and you can use the services until your plan expires.
It is also important to note that, as of now, Datacamp offers no refunds. So, you need to be fully committed before making any investment.
My Personal Experience Using Datacamp
As a data science enthusiast, Datacamo felt like Candyland to me, and I was excited to see what the platform offers.
The UI of the website is simple and clean, and you can create an account on DataCamp for free. The whole process of signing up was straightforward. The platform is easily navigable and designed very well.
The levels are also perfectly categorized, so you can find a course that suits your needs almost instantly. There are three levels of courses: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. So there is something for everyone.
As a beginner, I focused my attention on those classes, and most of them were introductions to various coding and data science-related tools and languages like Python and SQL. These courses are kept concise, and they are self-paced. The basic plan allows you to access a few introductory courses for free and use the practice exercises and tools. That is a massive plus for me and anyone who wants to learn on a budget.
The course content is well structured and highly quality, making data science (a relatively complex subject) engaging and interactive. These courses are all up-to-date and on par with the latest technological trends and insights.
The instructors are all industry experts with years of experience. They also have to adhere to the standards and course guidelines created by DataCamp. If anything is lacking, Datacamp takes responsibility for that. So Datacamp believes in quality over quantity.
The practice exercises are compelling, and the XP point system will help you track your progress and keep you motivated while also giving you additional benefits that will be useful in the future. This is entertaining and makes learning fun.
Like most people who have tried DataCamp, my experience was also positive. The learning environment they created is engaging and helps you understand the principles of data science in a hassle-free way.
What did I Like about Datacamp?
Datacamp is a niche platform that caters to the learning requirements of people interested in data science and analysis. They offer over 400 courses explaining all the most minor details related to data science.
The course content is unique and well thought out. The lessons are planned concisely, making them easier to digest. The courses are all designed by industry experts who DataCamp vets. The course content is also thoroughly checked to make sure it adheres to their high standards.
Datacamp is also easily accessible through computers, laptops, and tablets. They also have mobile apps for both iOS and Android phones. It is important to note that you can’t download the course for offline viewing.
The gamified learning process is fun and engaging and has a universal appeal to beginners and advanced users alike.
Datacamp pricing plans are straightforward and transparent. They also offer free courses, so you can check out what they offer before deciding if it suits you.
Even though DataCamp does not provide accredited certification, the courses are informative and will surely advance your data science career. It will also help you learn how to create a unique portfolio that will get you recruited.
Datacamp has a unique community feature. This active community of learners helps you with your doubts and collaborates on specific tasks.
Conclusion
So, returning to the most crucial question, “Is Datacamp worth it?” In my honest opinion, it most definitely is.
If you want to learn more about data science and analysis, or if you already know the basics and want to explore more to advance your career, then DataCamp is the ideal platform. It will help you with all your data-related needs.
You get to practice what you learn and familiarize yourself with standard industry tools with DataCamp. The courses are self-paced, and you have no deadlines to worry about.
You get a certificate of completion after you finish any course, and even though it is not accredited, it is still valuable proof of your skills and learning.
The learning experience is compelling and motivating, and if you want to build your career in data science, then Datcamp should be your go-to learning platform.