When I wanted to learn new skills online, I came across two big names: Simpliv and Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning). I tried both to see which one worked better for me.
At first, they looked kind of similar as they both offer tons of courses. But once I got started, I noticed some big differences in content, pricing, and how the lessons are taught.
If you’re wondering which one is right for you, I’ll share my honest thoughts and experience. Let’s break down Simpliv vs Lynda to help you choose the best fit for your learning goals.
Simpliv vs Lynda: Overview
Simpliv Overview
Simpliv is an online learning platform that offers a wide variety of courses on topics like coding, business, health, finance, photography, personal development, and more. It’s open to anyone, and you don’t need any special background to join. The courses are created by trainers and professionals from around the world, and you can learn at your own pace.
You pay for each course separately, which makes it flexible and often more affordable. After completing a course, you get a certificate that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile. It’s a great option for beginners, hobby learners, or anyone looking to gain new skills online.
Lynda Overview
Lynda.com, now called LinkedIn Learning, is an online learning platform that helps people learn job-related skills like coding, design, marketing, business, and more. The courses are made by experts and are easy to follow, with videos and quizzes.
You pay a monthly fee to access all the courses, and when you finish one, you get a certificate. It’s a great tool for professionals, students, and anyone who wants to improve their career skills.
- Lynda vs Pluralsight: Which Is The Best & Why? (TRUTH)
- Coursera Vs Lynda | Which One Is The Best? ( #1 Reason) Comparison and Review
Simpliv Vs Lynda Features Comparison
1. Course Variety
Simpliv offers a broad selection of courses across different categories, such as technology, health, finance, personal development, photography, and even wellness topics like yoga and meditation.
It’s a platform that welcomes diverse content, making it a great choice for learners who want to explore various interests.
Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning), on the other hand, focuses mainly on professional and career-related topics. You’ll find high-quality courses in business, software development, graphic design, leadership, and marketing perfect for those who are looking to upskill in the workplace or move up in their careers.
2. Target Audience
Simpliv is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and casual learners who are exploring new skills or personal interests. It’s also suitable for anyone who wants affordable, flexible learning without needing to follow a structured path.
Lynda is more tailored for professionals, students, and job seekers. Its course library is designed to help users improve their professional skills, build a strong LinkedIn profile, and stay competitive in the job market.
3. Instructors and Course Quality
Simpliv features content from a wide range of independent instructors around the world. This means you’ll find a variety of teaching styles and perspectives, although course quality can vary depending on the instructor.
Lynda maintains high content standards, with all courses taught by verified industry experts. The production quality is professional, and lessons are often part of structured learning paths to help you progress step by step.
4. Certification and Career Boost
Simpliv provides a certificate of completion for each course, which you can download and add to your resume or portfolio. It’s useful for self-improvement and personal growth but may not carry as much professional weight.
Lynda also awards certificates when you finish a course, and these can be directly displayed on your LinkedIn profile. This adds credibility and visibility, especially if you’re looking to impress employers or recruiters on LinkedIn.
5. Pricing and Access
Simpliv uses a pay-per-course pricing model, so you only pay for the courses you want to take. Many of them are affordably priced, and once purchased, you often get lifetime access. This model works well for learners who want flexibility and control over what they spend.
Lynda follows a subscription model. You pay a monthly or yearly fee and get unlimited access to the entire course library. It’s ideal for continuous learners who want to explore multiple topics without extra cost per course.
6. Learning Experience and Tools
Simpliv provides a user-friendly platform with video-based lessons that you can watch anytime. Most courses allow lifetime access, so you can revisit content whenever needed. The learning is self-paced, and there’s flexibility in choosing what and when to learn.
Lynda delivers a more polished and guided experience. It includes quizzes, downloadable resources, and course recommendations based on your profile. The integration with LinkedIn also helps you stay on track with your learning goals and connect your progress to your professional identity.
Courses offered: Simpliv Vs Lynda
Simpliv – Courses Offered
Simpliv offers a wide variety of courses across many topics. Some of the popular categories include:
- Technology & Programming (Python, Java, Web Development, AI)
- Health & Wellness (Yoga, Mental Health, Nutrition)
- Business & Finance (Entrepreneurship, Stock Market, Accounting)
- Personal Development (Leadership, Public Speaking, Time Management)
- Creative Skills (Photography, Music, Drawing)
- Academics (Math, Science, Teaching Skills)
It’s a mix of both professional and personal growth content, great for all kinds of learners.
Lynda (LinkedIn Learning) – Courses Offered
Lynda focuses more on professional and career-building courses. Its main categories include:
- Technology (Software Development, Data Science, IT, Cloud Computing)
- Business (Project Management, Marketing, Leadership, Communication)
- Creative (Graphic Design, Animation, Video Editing, UX/UI Design)
- Soft Skills (Teamwork, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence)
- Career Development (Job Interview Prep, Resume Writing, LinkedIn Tips)
Lynda is ideal for people looking to improve work-related skills and grow in their careers.
Pricing Overview Simpliv vs Lynda
Simpliv follows a pay-per-course pricing model. This means you only pay for the specific course you want to take. Prices for live virtual classes usually range around $149, often discounted from the regular price of $249.
Once you purchase a course, you typically get lifetime access, so you can go back and review it anytime. This model is great for learners who just want to take a few specific courses at their own pace without committing to ongoing payments.
Lynda (LinkedIn Learning) uses a subscription-based model. You can choose a monthly subscription for $39.99 or get an annual plan for $239, which works out to $19.99 per month. With either option, you get unlimited access to thousands of professional courses across business, tech, and creative fields.
Plus, they offer a 1-month free trial, so you can explore the platform before paying. This setup is ideal for professionals or active learners who want to continuously develop new skills.
For teams, Lynda offers plans starting at $379.88 per user per year for teams with 2 to 20 members. Larger teams can get a lower rate of around $203.88 per user per year.
Simpliv also supports teams and organizations with group access, though pricing may depend on your needs and the number of learners.
Testimonials Simpliv vs Lynda
Customer Review Of Simpliv
Customer Review Of Lynda
Quick Links:
- Simpliv Vs edX: Which One Worth The Hype?
- Simpliv vs Khan Academy: Which One Is The Best?
- Udemy Vs LinkedIn Learning (Lynda)
- DataCamp vs Coursera: Which One To Choose?
Conclusion: Simpliv vs Lynda 2025
Both Simpliv and Lynda are great in their own way—it really depends on what you need.
If you’re looking for flexible, affordable learning with lifetime access and a mix of topics (like health, tech, or personal growth), Simpliv is a great choice.
But if you want expert-led courses that boost your career and connect to your LinkedIn profile, Lynda (LinkedIn Learning) is the better option—especially for professionals.
So, pick the one that matches your learning style and goals!