# SMstudy vs LinkedIn Learning

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMstudy at none against LinkedIn Learning's 15. SMstudy also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). LinkedIn Learning's advantage is chart position (#136 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LinkedIn Learning sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. SMstudy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMstudy | LinkedIn Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (78K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linkedin-learning/id1084807225/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **78K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 39.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#136** |
| Size | 39 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [VMEdu Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/567983653) | [LinkedIn Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/288429043) |

## What reviewers say

### SMstudy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smstudy/id1021907070)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### LinkedIn Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linkedin-learning/id1084807225)

**Currently charting:** #136 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Access a vast library of online courses taught by industry experts to develop in-demand business, tech, and creative skills. Get personalized recommendations and learn on your own schedule with flexible video and audio options. Earn certificates to enhance your professional profile.

**Highlights:** Learn from industry experts, Personalized content recommendations, New courses added weekly, Online and offline learning options, Earn professional certificates, Add certificates to LinkedIn profile, Multi-language support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LinkedIn Learning Subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| LinkedIn Learning Subscription with Free Trial | $29.99 | per month |
| Learning Premium Subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| Learning Premium Subscription | $29.99 | per month |
| Premium Career | $39.99 | per month |
| Learning Monthly Subscription | $39.99 | per month |
| Learning Monthly Subscription | $39.99 | per month |
| Premium Career Subscription | $39.99 | per month |
| Learning Premium Subscription | $239.99 | per year |
| Learning Yearly Subscription | $239.99 | per year |
| LinkedIn Learning Subscription with Free Trial | $299.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great learning content
- 👍 Flexible learning experience
- 💡 Ability to add courses to LinkedIn profile

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues
- 🔒 Lack of security features
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Outdated and buggy app

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to login or access content
- Courses disappearing from progress
- Video playback issues on certain devices
- Inconsistent user interface across platforms

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Chromecast/AirPlay support
- Option to adjust video quality
- Improved offline mode functionality
- Better course organization and progress tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMstudy free?

SMstudy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is LinkedIn Learning free?

LinkedIn Learning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do SMstudy or LinkedIn Learning have ads?

Neither SMstudy nor LinkedIn Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SMstudy or LinkedIn Learning?

SMstudy ships an update every 3 weeks, and LinkedIn Learning every 3 weeks. Most recently, SMstudy was updated on October 11, 2026 and LinkedIn Learning on October 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*