Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets — Which One To Choose?

I have used Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets to improve my computer skills. These online learning platforms are great for software development, IT-related courses, and data science.

If you want to learn skills that will give you an edge over your peers and make your job easy, read this comparison between the two platforms, which will help you understand each platform’s features in detail.

I enjoyed learning on both platforms and have found some revealing facts about the two that will aid your decision-making process. 

From my experience, both platforms are trustworthy. But which one should you choose? Let us find out.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets – Quick Comparison

Here is a table for your quick reference discussing the essential details of its pricing, free trials, courses, ratings, etc. 

Point of Comparison	Pluralsight	CBT Nuggets
Basic Price	$29/ month	$99/ month
Free trial	10-days	7-days
Free Sign Up	❌	❌
Best for	Developing basic knowledge and skills in software and hardware development	CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft, AWS Certificates & in-depth learning
Number of Courses	7,000+	5,000+
Certificates	✅	✅
Customer Support	✅	✅
Learning Paths	✅	✅
Rating	4.6 out of 5	4.7 out of 5

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets- Overview

Let me explain Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets’ basic concepts and why they can be used.

Why Use Pluralsight?

Pluralsight offers more than just IT courses. If you are looking for an extensive library of courses on technology, including coding, IT, data science, and more, Pluralsight is the right option for you.

Why Use CBT Nuggets?

CBT Nuggets is called Netflix for IT-related courses. If you like learning through high-quality videos and from influential experts in the IT sector, it’s the right choice for you.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets- Pros And Cons

Now that you know what these platforms are used for, let’s find out whether they are good learning platforms by examining the Pros and cons of Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets.

Pluralsight Pros And Cons

While using Pluralsight, I stumbled across many pros and a few cons; let us have a quick look at them.

CBT NuggetsPros And Cons

A few pros and cons of CBT Nuggets, in my experience, are as follows.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets- Detailed Comparison

Next, let us dive into the finer details of aspects like – pricing, special features, course structure, and more that will help you better understand Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets Pricing

Pricing is the most crucial factor for me when choosing a learning platform. I love a good bargain and want to avoid splurging a lot on an online learning platform. Keeping this in mind, I find Pluralsight more affordable than CBT Nuggets.

How Much Does Pluralsight Cost?

There are two subscription options on Pluralsight for individuals, called “standard” and “premium,” as shown in the image below. Both come with a 7-day free trial.

The distinction between the standard and the premium plans is the number of courses each offers. A few other differences, along with the cost of each plan, are provided in an easy-to-read table below.

Services	Standard Plan	Premium Plan
Yearly Cost	$199	$299
Monthly Cost	$29	$45
Free Trial	10 days	10 days
Number of Courses	2,500+	7,000+
Course Level	Basic Courses	Advanced Courses
Certification practice exams	❌	✅
Guided Feedback	❌	✅
Built-in coding option	❌	✅

How Much Does CBT Nuggets Cost?

CBT Nuggets is a quality option for IT enthusiasts. Their pricing model is also easier to understand, as there is only a monthly or yearly subscription payment option. All the services provided in both plans remain the same.

When you sign up for a monthly or annual subscription, you get a 7-day free trial. The monthly and yearly plans are priced at $59 and $599, respectively. Here is a table of the pricing structure for ease of understanding.

Services Included	Monthly Subscription	Annual Subscription
Cost	$59	$599
Free trial	7 days	7days
Real World Simulators	✅	✅
Virtual labs	✅	✅
CyberVista® IT practice exams	✅	✅
Pop-up Quiz	✅	✅
Slack group chat access	✅	✅
Sharable Completion Certificates	✅	✅

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets Features

Now that you know which platform is best for whom and what it costs, I will tell you about its unique features and what makes it better.

Why Is Pluralsight Better?

Unique features that make Pluralsight better as a learning platform are –

• Core library

The core Library on Pluralsight comprises 2500+ courses that are best for developing fundamental knowledge and skills on in-demand topics like cloud, data, security, software development, infrastructure, etc.

• Expanded library

Pluralsight’s expanded library includes 7000+ courses available on the platform. It is the best option for anyone looking to develop skills in a particular niche and gain in-depth knowledge through practice. This feature is available only in the premium plan.

• Pluralsight Partners

Pluralsight partners with biggies like Microsoft, AWS, Google, and more. Their experts teach and build courses for Pluralsight learners.

• Adaptive skill assessments or Skill IQ 

This unique feature on Pluralsight is a short assessment quiz that helps learners adapt to their weaknesses. After taking this test, Pluralsight suggests courses to help you gain the knowledge you lack.

• Advanced course pathways

This option is made for advanced-level learners. If you want to gain in-depth knowledge of a subject, Pluralsight has curated advanced courses for you.

Why Is CBT Nuggets Better?

Unique features that make CBT Nuggets better as a learning platform are –

• Personal trainers

CBT Nuggets is one of the few online learning platforms that offers one-on-one training sessions in addition to pre-recorded courses.

• Exam Prep and help

CBT Nuggets is an excellent platform for learning and taking certification practice exams, such as the CyberVista® IT practice exam. Such practice exams help learners test their knowledge, prepare, and perform better in certification exams.

• Virtual labs

CBT Nuggets provides learning software and hardware simulators for practice in their Virtual labs. This is a great way to learn tools and techniques for students or learners who can not invest in buying these respective tools.

• Vendors

CBT Nuggets provides courses on tools actively used at offices by various vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Linux, Azure, and more. Learn skills related to these vendors, practice them in the virtual lab, and improve your chances of landing a job. Check the whole list of vendors here.

• IT learner community

CBT Nuggets has an active community of 10,000+ members on Slack. This community comes in very handy when you get stuck with a doubt. It is also a great way to network with other professionals and to keep yourself updated on new updates in the field of information technology. 

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets Courses

The quality of courses on both platforms is excellent. However, I like Pluralsight for beginner-level courses because of its diversity of topics and interactive lessons.

While CBT Nuggets is great for advanced-level learning concepts and professional certificate exam preparation, both platforms provide course completion certificates at the end of every course. 

Popular Courses Offered By Pluralsight

I found the Pluralsight course material easy to follow. It is a good blend of video classes, reading instructions, and simulated practice sessions. There is an option to take notes on the screen while watching the video tutorial, which helps you remember essential pointers.

There are over 7,000 main courses on Pluralsight with approximately 27,000 sub-topics. All these 7k courses offered on Pluralsight focus on covering topics such as software development, IT ops, cyber security  IT, etc.

The courses are categorized for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners and further divided into paths or individual skill-based learning. 

Here is a list of Pluralsight’s most popular courses that I recommend. If the course you are looking for is not listed in the recommendation below, you can check the whole list of courses here. 

1. Python: The Big Picture

Python: The Big Picture Course	Details
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Course Takers	1261
Level	Beginner
Duration	1 hours 5 minutes
What do you learn?	Basic concepts, use, application, and basics of coding of Python,
Course Link	Here

Taught by industry expert Jason Olson, this course is a foundational course for novices who want to understand Python and how to identify its use and application. 

You will also gain basic knowledge about the code used in Python so you can move further in your learning journey.

2. JavaScript: Getting Started

JavaScript: Getting Started	Details
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ & half
Course Takers	2240
Level	Beginner
Duration	3 hours 58 minutes
What do you learn?	Basics of JavaScript
Course Link	Here

As the name states, this beginner-friendly course is taught by expert Mark Zamoyta. This is a popular programming language and is a great starting point for newbies.

The instructor uses many real-life examples to teach you how to create simple programs, simple web applications, and modified web pages using JavaScript. 

3. Data Science With R

Data Science with R	Details
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Course Takers	476
Level	Beginner
Duration	2 hours 31 minutes
What do you learn?	Basics of  R programming language, Transform and clean your data, statistics, data visualizations, and statistical models
Course Link	Here

Data science consultant Matthew Renze is the course tutor for Data Science with R on Pluralsight. By the end of this 5-star rated course, you will be able to transform your data using principles of R and data science into actionable insight. 

4. Introduction: Data Structures And Algorithms in C++

Data Structures and Algorithms in C++	Details
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ & half
Course Takers	88
Level	Intermediate
Duration	3 hours 29 minutes
What do you learn?	fundamental data structures and algorithms in C++ and C++ implementation code
Course Link	Here

In this course, Instructor Giovanni Dicanio, a seasoned programmer, will help you understand the theory and practical implementation of fundamental data structures and algorithms in C++ from scratch.

5. Automation Explained

Automation Explained	Details
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Course Takers	158
Level	Beginner
Duration	45 minutes
What do you learn?	RPA, Intelligent Automation and Hyperautomation
Course Link	Here

In this short course, learn to use automation tools and techniques from expert Simon Allardice, which will prove helpful in organizing a team.

You will also learn how to perform personal and desktop tasks using automation tools such as RPA (Robotic Process Automation) tools.

Popular Courses Offered By CBT Nuggets

CBT Nugget courses are excellent for preparing for Cisco, CompTIA, and AWS certification exams. Although CBT Nuggets is focused on IT courses, which is a great niche, it barely offers anything else for learners outside the field of IT.

The courses are made great on CBT Nuggets because of the passionate course instructors who teach you the updated versions of the subject. This is something Pluralsight should learn about from CBT Nuggets. Every course has in-depth course material followed by a reasonably challenging quiz.

What I like about the course pattern on CBT Nuggets is that when you make a mistake, the platform provides extensive explanations in easy-to-understand language so that you can understand the correct answer.

Here are my top 5 recommendations for courses offered by CBT Nuggets–

1. Certified CyberOps Associate Online Training

Certified CyberOps Associate Online Training	Details
Level	Entry
Duration	12 hours
What do you learn?	Fundamentals of cryptography, Security Operations, Workflow management systems, and automation
Course Link	Here

This course provides professional-level Cisco skills training. It is meant to help aspiring network engineers learn sound network security principles.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) Online Training

Microsoft Certified Azure (AZ-104)	Details
Level	Entry
Duration	16 hours
What do you learn?	Using Azure suite of products
Course Link	Here

Many offices use Microsoft Azure. Through this course, young and old administrators can learn skills related to the Azure suite of products and prepare for the official AZ-104  exam, too.

3. CompTIA A+ (220-1101) Online Training

CompTIA A+	Details
Level	Entry
Duration	28 hours
What do you learn?	A+, Managing device hardware, cloud computing, network operations
Course Link	Here

Master the software and the Hardware of computers with this A+ certification. This course is a great way to prepare for the  A+ 220-1101 certification, which requires knowledge about mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing.

4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) Online Training

AWS Certified Solutions Architect	Details
Level	Entry
Duration	34 hours
What do you learn?	AWS compute, networking, storage, and database services and Deploying, managing, and maintaining these services
Course Link	Here

SAA-C03 is a course recommended for cloud professionals and network engineers, as it will help them master AWS cloud tools and services. The SAA-C03 certificate course focuses on databases, cost optimization, and familiarity with designing secure apps and architectures.

5. AZ-800 Training: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

AZ-800 Training	Details
Level	Intermediate
Duration	33 hours
What do you learn?	Manage hybrid server solutions like identity management or storage configuration
Course Link	Here

With this AZ-801 course, administrators can learn hybrid server management, making their jobs easier and helping them work more efficiently. If you work with Microsoft products, this course can significantly benefit you and help you prepare for the official AZ-800 exam.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets Tutors

Coming to the actual value givers, the tutors. How good are the tutors across both platforms?

Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets both have industry-expert tutors. If there were a competition based on the quality of tutors, it would be a tie. Let us understand what is so impressive about the tutors on each platform.

Pluralsight Tutors

Pluralsight tutors are called “Course Authors” on this platform, and it has 1,000+ expert course authors from various tech-related fields. 

The course authors on Pluralsight were well-spoken and highly knowledgeable. They broke down each concept, making learning complex subjects and terminologies easy.

The course authors on Pluralsight are experts from all over the world, and if you have difficulty understanding someone’s accent, every course is provided with closed captions. The course authors also seem aware of how this can affect learning and are considerate enough to speak slowly for the students to understand.

CBT Nuggets Tutors

CBT Nuggets has around 70 trainers, all with years of experience, and a few are still making relevant contributions to the IT industry. 

A few tutors, like Keith Baker, have worked in IT since 1984. The knowledge such tutors hold and distribute amongst learners is a treat for students.

I like to learn through examples and get knowledge from practical training, which was the focus of these tutors. The CBT Nuggets instructors used simple language and gave real-life examples to teach various tools.

One difference between the two platforms is that the CBT Nuggets tutors and community are more prompt with replies than Pluralsight Tutors. This helps learners stay interested in the course and get motivated, showing that the tutors are also interested in their growth.

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets UI & UX

I will now rate the UI and UX of each learning platform. But full disclosure that this is my personal opinion, and your opinions might change as these experiences can be subjective.

Pluralsight UI & UX

Pluralsight uses a dark and light color scheme, which surprisingly works well. The colors are pleasant to look at, and the font is easy to read.

Every course description is easy to understand, and all the essential information about the course is available in one place. Each course has a preview option that you can check without signing up. This will help you understand what to expect from these courses.

Each course has a transcript option available, and all the video settings are on the screen, Making the user experience easy and breezy.

However, occasionally, there is an issue with the platform’s video and/or audio quality. This bug should be easy to fix, hopefully, it will be gone by the next update. 

CBT Nuggets UI & UX

CBT Nuggets has a light theme with some elements in yellow, which is very pleasant to look at. The text is also paced well, and the language is easy to understand. CBT Nuggets offers a detailed course breakdown that can feel overwhelming but is highly informative.

The platform is intuitive to use, making for a good user experience. I like uncomplicated designs, and CBT Nuggets does precisely that. All the course quizzes and practice exams are structured according to the chapters and appear on the user screen as and when required automatically.

Transcripts for every lesson are available. Additionally, you can cast the video on your television using the video control bar. The course instructors draw on the screen using a virtual pen, giving it a classroom blackboard feel. Overall, I have no complaints about my user experience with these CBT Nuggets. 

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets – How Easy Is It To Sign Up?

Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets do not offer a Free sign-up option. So, if you plan to sign up on either platform, ensure you have your card details.

Pluralsight Sign up

Step 1: Use this link to go to the Pluralsight skills webpage. Click on the “Sign in” option, as shown in the image below.

Step 2:  If you already have subscribed to the platform, use your registered mail address and password or click “Create an Account.”

Step 3: Enter the details asked on the screen, followed by your card details, and review and confirm the details. Your account will be ready.

Payment Option Available On Pluralsight

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Discover
• American Express
• PayPal 

CBT Nugget Sign-up

Step 1: Using your browser go to CBT Nugget’s home page. Click on the “sign-up” options available in the top right corner of the page.

Step 2: Enter your personal details as required on the next page.

Step 3: Choose a payment option and hit “Start Learning” to create your account.

Payment Option Available On CBT Nuggets

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Discover
• American Express
• PayPal 

Pluralsight vs CBT Nuggets User Ratings And Testimonials

I have stated my experience of using Pluralsight vs. CBT Nuggets, but what did other users say about it? 

Let us find out!

Pluralsight User Reviews

Most of the ratings on the Pluralsight platforms are five stars. The overall rating of Pluralsight given by 1,013 users is 4.6 out of 5. Let us see what some users had to say about the Pluralsight on g2.

CBT Nuggets User Reviews

Only 415 users on g2 have rated this platform based on their experience. However, most of these reviews are positive and five stars. The overall rating CBT Nuggets gets on g2 is 4.7 out of 5.

Note- If you want to learn more about Pluralsight, read the full review here.

My Conclusion- Pluralsight For Software & Hardware Development, CBT Nuggets For IT Courses!

In conclusion to Pluralsight vs CBT Nugget, I recommend using Pluralsight to learn the basic terminology and fundamentals of software and hardware development-related topics. CBT Nuggets, on the other hand, to gain IT-related knowledge from beginners to advanced levels.

My experience on both platforms has been pleasant, quite unexpectedly. I was apprehensive about signing up on either platform because it is expensive and does not offer a free trial, but I’ve realized that quality content comes at a price.

If you, too, find these platforms expensive, look out for the discounts and offers on each platform. Pluralsight, more than CBT Nuggets, indulges new users in offers and seasonal deals. Keep an eye out for that. 

That said, both these platforms are great for different learning requirements. Use this article’s comparison factors to determine what fits your requirements. 

Use my experience of these platforms to understand what to expect and start your learning journey with Pluralsight or CBT Nuggets today.

FAQs