Side by side
Harvard Online vs openHPI
Both stand on mooc platforms. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Harvard Online combines broad subject coverage with free auditing, certificates, and several delivery formats. Check each course’s platform, schedule, device requirements, and certificate terms before enrolling.
Visit Harvard Online
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose openHPI for free standard courses in IT, design thinking, or digital health, with learning materials and course discussions. It may be less suitable if you need offline study or assessed completion in archived courses. Executive Education is a separate fee-based option through HPI Academy.
Visit openHPIThe facts
| Harvard Online | openHPI | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Building a Winning Mindset: Flexibility and Resiliency at Work — Microcredential: $175, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | harvardonline.harvard.edu | open.hpi.de |
| On mooc platforms | #29 of 67 | #25 of 67 |
Harvard Online: what it does well
- Free auditing is available for selected courses
- Courses cover technology, business, health, arts, and sciences
- Self-paced and scheduled learning formats are offered
- Organization training supports groups of 50 or more
- Completion certificates and degree programs are available
What to know first
- Harvard Online platform does not support tablets or smartphones
- Faculty and guest experts are not available for live communication
- Some certificates require a paid upgrade
- Listed courses can have fixed dates and live meetings
openHPI: what it does well
- Standard courses are free.
- Courses include videos, quizzes, practical tasks, and reading materials.
- Learners can discuss topics with instructors and participants.
- Android and iOS apps are available.
- The platform source code is available under an AGPL license.
What to know first
- Learning is not available offline.
- Archived courses lack evaluated tasks and certificates or achievement records.
- Executive Education courses are fee-based through HPI Academy.
Alternatives to Harvard Online Alternatives to openHPI The whole list