edX review

edX suits an adult who wants one specific university course rather than a subscription. It was founded by Harvard and MIT, and course pages such as HarvardX CS50's Introduction to Computer Science show an Audit course option next to a paid HarvardX certificate. The audit track lets you study the material for free with limited access; a verified certificate adds graded assignments, unlimited access to course content and a credential you can share. Each course page lists its price, duration and weekly workload: CS50x runs 12 weeks at 6 to 18 hours per week, and its certificate is $219, while three related HarvardX courses list $299 to $449. Beyond single courses, edX sells MicroBachelors programs, such as Harvard's four-course Introduction to Neuroscience, and full online degrees from partners such as Maryville University. The weak point is cost if you plan many certificates, since there is no all-access plan, and prices vary by course.

Who it is for

learners who want a single course from Harvard, MIT or another named university

Price

Free audit track; verified certificates are priced per course, for example $219 for HarvardX CS50x.

Price $219 $299 $449 $299
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Audit course option on course pages such as HarvardX CS50x
• Verified certificates add graded assignments and unlimited access to course material
• MicroBachelors programs, such as Harvard's Introduction to Neuroscience in 4 courses
• Self-paced courses with published weekly hours, such as 6 to 18 hours per week for CS50x
• Online bachelor's and master's degrees from partners such as Maryville University

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: You can audit a course before paying for the certificate
• Strength: Course pages list price, duration, level and weekly hours side by side
• Strength: Founded by Harvard and MIT, with courses from both
• Weakness: The free audit track has limited access and no graded assignments
• Weakness: No catalog-wide subscription; certificates are bought course by course
• Weakness: Certificate prices vary, from $219 to $449 among four HarvardX CS50 courses

Key facts

• Free option: Audit track with limited access
• CS50x verified certificate: $219
• CS50x length: 12 weeks, 6 to 18 hours per week
• Learners: 100M, per edX

Where it ranks

edX is No. 2 in our Best Online College Courses verdict.