DataCamp vs Dataquest: What is Better for Learning Data Science

In this article, we will compare two popular platforms, DataCamp vs Dataquest, and what they offer for learning data science.

Here is our verdict on which platform is better, DataCamp or Dataquest. Whether you choose Dataquest or DataCamp, you can get a solid foundation in data science. Both platforms offer multiple individual courses, skill tracks, and career paths. Yet, comparing Dataquest vs DataCamp, the latter stands out with a more extensive choice of all offerings, bespoke business solutions, affordable plans, and an interactive learning style with video-based content and gamification elements. Dataquest can be your choice if you prefer text-based instructions and a longer time commitment. Here is our preference in this DataCamp vs Dataquest comparison: Datacamp has a wider list of courses and learning formats (390+ compared to 80+), lower subscription costs, and a better working interface.

Let’s now find out more in this detailed side-by-side analysis.

When properly handled, data enables businesses across industries to increase productivity, drive strategy, and improve financial performance. It is no surprise that employment for data scientists is projected to grow by 35% in the next decade, much faster than the average of all jobs. Data specialists assess data, detect trends and patterns, forecast outcomes using statistics, and run experiments to determine how to achieve the best results.

If you’re here, you are probably considering either Datacamp or Dataquest for learning data science. The companies seem to be very close competitors as they provide almost the same e-learning solutions. Let’s see here what is different about their online courses and how to choose between Datacamp and Dataquest.

Datacamp vs Dataquest comparison at a glance

Here are also some facts about the two companies:

• All courses by Dataquest are designed to be finished in 24 weeks while the duration of Datacamp’s courses varies.
• Dataquest has fewer R courses than DataCamp
• Both include coding challenges and project-based training.
• When comparing the pricing, the first provider is cheaper at $12/mo compared to $49/mo.
• Finally, the two companies have active community and support.

What is DataCamp?

DataCamp is an online learning platform that focuses on data science and related fields. The platform offers courses in R, Python, SQL, and other data-focused technologies. It offers an interactive learning environment for learning tech skills and provides a mixture of video tutorials, interactive coding challenges, and projects across different skill levels from beginner to advanced.

The company offers over 460 courses and has over 10 million learners across 180+ countries.

What is Dataquest?

Dataquest is an online learning platform that is very similar to DataCamp, being its direct competitor. Dataquest also focuses on teaching languages such as R, Python, and SQL, which are essential for data analysis and data science Dataquest is a self-serve, interactive learning platform that teaches coding and data analysis. Learners can meet their learning goals at their own pace, with most achieving their objectives in six months if studying fewer than ten hours per week.

The company is smaller than DataCamp, offering over 100 courses and having over 390 000 learners.

Datacamp vs Dataquest compared by users on Reddit

“I like Dataquest.io better. I’m working through the data engineer Python path, and I love the format of text-only lessons, with the spilt screen of the lesson on the left with an excellent code interpreter on the right. They make you repeat what you learned in each lesson over and over again so that you remember what you did.

“Dataquest is about 5 times more expensive if you pick up Datacamp annual plan with the discount, which makes it $49.”

“I’ve tried both Dataquest and Datacamp and prefer DC due to their slack community. DQ had one, but it was closed end of Oct 2020 I think.”

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

DataCamp

Visit DataCamp

Bottom Line

DataCamp has more courses being constantly updated, a convenient interface, and a lower cost. Meanwhile, some more advanced users find its courses too easy.

Pros

High-quality content with constant updates
More courses and projects than Dataquest offers
Convenient interface that works more smoothly
Price is lower
Better for those who like video content

Cons

May not be good for middle or advanced users as assignments are often too easy
Customer support often is not helpful

Dataquest

Visit Dataquest

Bottom Line

Dataquest has content of similar quality but its course list is shorter, there are bugs with its interface, and the price is higher. However, its assignments might be more effective.

Pros

High-quality content
Assignments are more complicated which allows better self-learning
Better for those who like written content

Cons

Less content than Datacamp offers
Is more expensive
System bugs

Read this DataCamp review or this review of Dataquest if you want more information on each company.

Courses compared

The companies have very similar courses in terms of subjects and formats. In a nutshell, both platform are centered around data analytics and data science skills and cover three main subjects within their content, Python, R, and SQL.  

Companies also have very similar formats. You can choose to take a single course or a longer program: a skill path (Dataquest) / skill track (Datacamp), or a career path (Dataquest) / career track (Datacamp). Longer programs also include projects to practice new knowledge.

• Short courses. DataCamp has more courses to choose from as it offers more than 350 ones and Dataquest provides access to over 80 courses.
• Skill Tracks (Skill Paths). Datacamp offers over 50 career tracks while Dataquest has 14 on its list. They both have programs on Python, R, and SQL (like Python Basic or SQL Fundamentals) but Datacamp includes additional topics like Excel and Spreadsheets or Tableau.
• Career Tracks (Career Paths). Dataquest has 4 career paths: Data Analyst (in Python and in R), Data Scientist, and Data Scientist. Meanwhile, Datacamp has 12 career paths including the same as Dataquest and also programs like Machine Learning Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, or Statistician. 
• Additionally, both companies have a format of Guided Projects to practice skills.

Keynotes

As you see, the companies offer very similar program types on very similar topics. However, Datacamp has a wider list of courses and longer programs and also covers topics that Dataquest doesn’t have – Spreadsheets and Tableau.

Curriculum

Dataquest and DataCamp provide certifications and “real-world” projects, allowing students to hone their skills and expand their portfolios. Yet, the platforms’ curricula differ significantly in design and delivery. 

Courses at DataCamp begin with an introductory video that goes over the topics covered in the lesson. Fill-in-the-blank assignments follow the video lessons and tutorials in the curriculum. The course structure of each Dataquest lesson explains the subject matter through a text that describes the problem and any supplementary datasets. Unlike DataCamp, no instructional videos are offered to go into greater detail about the lesson topics. 

The platforms’ curricula also differ when compared in each data science field separately:

• Math and statistics. Both platforms cover all the math required to advance to the intermediate level. Overall, DataCamp prevails thanks to its slower approach that allows non-mathematicians to understand complex math concepts.
• Data engineering. The entire ETL process is present on both platforms. R and SQL are far superior on DataCamp. Moreover, DataCamp’s data engineer career track is far more extensive than anything available on Dataquest.
• Data visualization. While Dataquest covers only basic graphs, DataCamp also includes more complex graph types.

Pricing compared

Both companies allow you to start for free but then you’ll need to pay to go beyond the introductory courses. The premium subscription by Datacamp costs $25 per month / $300 per year (if paid annually) or $39 per month (if paid monthly), whereas Dataquest is $49/month or $399/year.

There are additional differences in pricing. Unlike Datacamp, Dataquest has a lifetime membership that costs $1,176. Meanwhile, Datacamp has solutions for the business that Dataquest doesn’t.

Here is the table highlighting the pricing plans of the two companies.

Keynotes

Comparing the pricing, Datacamp is a cheaper option than Dataquest. Both companies allow paying monthly or annually (which is cheaper in both cases).

Time commitment

Datacamp and Dataquest are both self-paced. DataCamp offers time estimates for all courses, career, and skill tracks. Introductory courses’ duration starts from as little as two hours. Skill tracks from Datacamp take between 14 and 24 hours. A career track might take 32 to 97 hours to finish. For instance, completing the Data Analyst (with R or Python) track requires roughly 60 hours. The Data Scientist (with R or Python) track takes about 90–100 hours to finish. 

Dataquest offerings are harder to estimate as the content is text-based, and the time commitment depends significantly on the learner’s pace. Individual courses typically take between three and five hours. Skill paths are estimated to take starting from 20 hours. According to Dataquest, it takes roughly 160 hours, or 4-6 months, to finish a Python data analyst path and 240 hours, or 6–8 months, to complete a Python data scientist path. 

Career focus

Data science is the main focus of both DataCamp and Dataquest. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, the platform courses can help you build a solid foundation. They both provide career paths in data science and analysis. The scope makes all the difference. DataCamp offers both career tracks and upskilling, whereas Dataquest concentrates solely on preparing its students for a career shift. If you want to enhance your skills and need a structured approach, DataCamp provides tailored skill tracks with three to six courses. 

Using one of these platforms can play a significant role in your career path toward a data science position. Furthermore, the certifications demonstrate your dedication to personal development. In addition, the platform projects help you create your portfolio to showcase your abilities. You can network with other data professionals through the community sections on both websites, and they can offer you excellent advice on code optimization and career guidance.

Certificates and portfolio

Both companies provide a certificate after completing a course. However, as companies are not accredited as educational institutions, their certificates are not formally recognized. Moreover, there are no exams or solid verification of such certificates to make them really useful for finding a job.

However, as with the majority of online courses, certificates show that you’re self-motivated and are able to finish what you have started. So, you can easily put it on your CV or LinkedIn profile.

Meanwhile, what is more valuable, there are real-world projects that can be added to your portfolio. Both companies offer them. For instance, Data Scientist in Python program on Dataquest includes 26 short projects, whereas DataCamp’s Data Scientist with Python program has 5 projects which are more in-depth ones.

Keynotes

So, such projects are not only a great opportunity to polish your skills in data science or other subject but also an important proof of your skills for your future employer.

Learning style

The course structure of both companies is very similar: you have a theory and then can practice what you learned. What is different is that Dataquest uses text-based content for explaining concepts, while DataCamp has mostly video content. So, you should understand which format works better for you to learn.

DataCamp’s learning style is based on applying newly learned knowledge to practice. The students do quick exercises and project work directly after relevant video lessons. Various subject matter experts and master’s or doctorate-level educators have authored DataCamp career tracks and courses. This approach produces a multitude of teaching methodologies. Datacamp’s courses also incorporate gamification features, such as XP point collection, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Dataquest courses deliver a linear curriculum with a logical structure, a constant style, and an emphasis on topics, which is their goal. Their curriculum is focused on teaching students how to learn by directing them to further documentation as they progress through the professional paths. Unlike DataCamp, there are no instructional videos on Dataquest, which can disadvantage visual learners and make the learning process monotonous and uninspiring. Moreover, the platform doesn’t provide information on the course instructors.

Meanwhile, both companies have a lot of practice in form of quizzes and coding tasks. Their interfaces for writing code are also very similar. However, Datacamp’s learning style includes a lot of gamification elements like collecting points which make learning more interactive and fun.

Keynotes

While companies have dozens of similarities, they are different in learning styles: Datacamp has video-based learning, while most of Dataquest’s course content is written. However, the practice is very similar as well as their interface.

Interface

These companies have an interface where you can run your code without the need to install a separate working environment on your computer. On both platforms, you start working with their coding interface already after the course begins.

Dataquest interface

Datacamp interface

As you can see, both interfaces are located on the right side of the page (and the assignment is on the left. Both have a dark background and two buttons, Run Code and Submit Answer.

However, Datacamp’s coding interface works a bit faster while Dataquest takes more time when you press the button.

Instructors

Instructors at both companies are people from the industry who have relevant experience and are able to build a course with the help of internal teams. DataCamp doesn’t specify how many years of professional experience an instructor needs to have, whereas Dataquest requires at least 3-5 years of professional experience.

On DataCamp, you can see the instructor on each course’s page; there are over 270 instructors in total which can be viewed here. Meanwhile, Dataquest doesn’t provide any information on their instructors anywhere on its website.

Community

Both companies have a huge community and support, however, DataCamp’s free plan doesn’t include this. If you buy a premium DataCamp subscription, you get access to a Slack community where you can discuss your project or ask questions.

Dataquest also gives access to their community and this is included in each plan.

Both companies have active communities which are really helpful for the learning process.

Customer Reviews

We have found some fresh reviews on Reddit and Quora about DataCamp and Dataquest so that you get an even better idea about each company. There are both, positive and negative reviews.

• Dataquest

“It’s one of the better data science platforms out there IMHO. There is less content than on other platforms, though, but they are adding more (their roadmap indicates they are working on Excel, Tableau, and PowerBI courses).”

“Sometimes, the embedded terminal is very slow, and sometimes it crashes, they can improve it.”

• Datacamp

“I enjoy the layout of Datacamp. Getting an introduction and then diving into the subject is systematic and logical. It reminds me a lot of how college courses are taught today.”

“Some of the assignment functionality seems a little wonky to use, but it hasn’t slowed us down. There was some confusion for people with some assignments that we gave out initially not showing up.”

Datacamp vs Dataquest: Bottom line

In a nutshell, these companies offer similar solutions. However, there are some aspects of why you might choose DataCamp when deciding between the two. DataCamp subscription is cheaper and the platform works more smoothly (Dataquest has some processing lags sometimes).

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