# Best Python Courses for Beginners [2026] Python is the most popular programming language in the world. It ranks #1 on the [TIOBE Index](https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/) and leads the [Stack Overflow Developer Survey](https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2025/) year after year. If you want to learn Python, you have more options than ever, from free university courses to interactive platforms to project-based bootcamps. But more options means more confusion. Hundreds of Python courses exist, from free YouTube playlists to bootcamps costing thousands of dollars. Most beginners waste weeks jumping between options or pick a course that teaches syntax in isolation without building anything real. **TL;DR:** CS50P is the most rigorous free option. Python for Everybody is the gentlest on-ramp. [Scrimba's Learn Python](/content/learn/python/index.html) course offers free interactive practice where you edit code directly in the lesson. 100 Days of Code builds the most projects. For intermediate learners, Automate the Boring Stuff is the most practical. This guide compares 11 Python courses across format, pricing, depth, and learning style. Each course gets a "Best for" label so you can choose the right one in minutes. ## Quick Comparison Table | Course | Provider | Price | Duration | Format | Certificate | Best For | |------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------|--------------|--------------------------|-------------|------------------------------------| | CS50P | Harvard / edX | Free | 10 weeks | Video + problem sets | Yes | Academic rigor | | Python for Everybody | U of Michigan / Coursera | Free to audit | 8 months | Video + quizzes | Yes (paid) | Absolute beginners | | Learn Python | Scrimba | Free | 60 lessons | Interactive scrims | Yes | Hands-on learners | | Learn Python 3 | Codecademy | $34.99/mo | ~20 hours | Text + exercises | Yes (paid) | Reading-first learners | | 100 Days of Code | Udemy (Angela Yu) | ~$14 on sale | 100 days | Video + projects | Yes | Project builders | | Python Programming | U of Helsinki | Free | 14 weeks | Text + exercises | Yes (ECTS) | Self-disciplined learners | | Automate the Boring Stuff | Al Sweigart | Free (book) | Self-paced | Book + video | Yes (Udemy) | Practical automation | | Learn Python | Boot.dev | $39/mo | 30 hours | Gamified IDE | Yes (paid) | Backend devs | | Scientific Computing | freeCodeCamp | Free | ~300 hours | Challenges + projects | Yes | Data-adjacent careers | | Google's Python Class | Google | Free | ~2 days | Text + exercises | No | Second-language devs | | learnpython.org | learnpython.org | Free | Self-paced | Browser exercises | No | Quick syntax practice | ## Best Python Courses for Beginners These six courses are designed for people with little or no programming experience. Each takes a different approach to teaching Python fundamentals. ### Scrimba (Learn Python) [Scrimba's Learn Python](/content/learn/python/index.html) course uses the platform's interactive scrim format. Learners pause the instructor's screencast and edit the code directly in the same browser window. There is no switching between a video tab and a code editor. The 60-lesson course covers Python fundamentals through a mix of tutorials and hands-on coding challenges. Scrimba provides completion certificates even on free courses and offers location-based pricing (PPP discounts) on its Pro subscription for learners who want access to the full course library. **Format:** Interactive scrims (pause the video, edit the code in-browser). **Best for:** Learners stuck in tutorial hell who need to practice while learning. **Price:** The Learn Python course is free. Scrimba Pro costs $24.50/month billed annually or $49/month. ### CS50P (Harvard, via edX) Harvard's [Introduction to Programming with Python](https://cs50.harvard.edu/python/) is taught by David Malan, one of the most recognized CS instructors in the world. The course covers functions, conditionals, loops, exceptions, libraries, unit tests, file I/O, regular expressions, and object-oriented programming. CS50P is rigorous. Problem sets require genuine problem-solving, not just copying code from a tutorial. The pace is faster than most beginner courses, making it suitable for motivated learners. **Format:** Video lectures with problem sets graded by automated tests. **Best for:** Learners who want academic depth and a problem-solving focus. **Price:** Free. Harvard issues a free CS50 certificate. An edX verified certificate costs $219. ### Python for Everybody (University of Michigan, via Coursera) Dr. Chuck Severance's [Python for Everybody](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python) is one of the most recommended beginner Python courses on [Reddit's r/learnpython](https://reddit.com/r/learnpython). The five-course specialization covers Python basics, data structures, web data access, databases, and data visualization. The pacing is deliberately gentle, making it excellent for absolute beginners. **Format:** Video lectures with auto-graded quizzes and assignments. **Best for:** Absolute beginners who want a patient, lecture-based approach. **Price:** Free to audit. ~$49/month for graded assignments and a Coursera certificate. ### Codecademy (Learn Python 3) [Codecademy's Learn Python 3](https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-python-3) is a text-based, browser-executed curriculum. Learners read short explanations, then complete coding exercises in a built-in editor. **Format:** Text-based lessons with browser coding exercises. **Best for:** Learners who prefer reading to watching and want structured progression. **Price:** $34.99/month (Plus plan). $17.49/month billed annually. 7-day free trial available. ### 100 Days of Code (Angela Yu, Udemy) Angela Yu's [100 Days of Code](https://www.udemy.com/course/100-days-of-code/) introduces a concept through a project each day. By the end, learners have built 100 projects across 56+ hours of video content. **Format:** Video lectures with one project per day. **Best for:** Learners motivated by building tangible projects quickly. **Price:** ~$14 on Udemy sales. ### Helsinki MOOC (Python Programming) The University of Helsinki's [Python Programming MOOC](https://programming-26.mooc.fi/) covers fundamentals and advanced topics. **Format:** Text-based lessons with graded exercises. **Best for:** Self-disciplined learners who want university rigor without university cost. **Price:** Free, including ECTS credits from the University of Helsinki. ## Best Python Courses for Intermediate Learners These courses assume familiarity with Python basics and focus on applying Python to real tasks rather than teaching syntax. ### Automate the Boring Stuff with Python (Al Sweigart) Al Sweigart's [Automate the Boring Stuff](https://automatetheboringstuff.com/) teaches Python through practical automation activities. **Format:** Free online book with code examples. Companion Udemy course available. **Best for:** Learners who know syntax and want to apply Python to everyday tasks. **Price:** Free (book). Udemy course ~$15 on sale. ### Boot.dev (Learn Python) [Boot.dev](https://boot.dev/) takes a backend-focused, gamified approach with instant feedback and community challenges. **Format:** Gamified browser IDE with backend-focused curriculum. **Best for:** Developers who want to use Python for backend and server-side work. **Price:** $39/month or $249/year. ### Google's Python Class [Google's Python Class](https://developers.google.com/edu/python) is a resource based on an internal Google training program. **Format:** Text-based materials with lecture videos and downloadable exercises. **Best for:** Developers learning Python as a second or third language. **Price:** Free. ### freeCodeCamp (Scientific Computing with Python) [freeCodeCamp's](https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn/scientific-computing-with-python/) Scientific Computing with Python certification covers data structures and scientific computing. **Format:** Video instruction with coding challenges and certification projects. **Best for:** Learners targeting data-adjacent roles who want a free certification. **Price:** Free. ## Free vs. Paid Python Courses There are many strong free options available like CS50P, Helsinki MOOC, and freeCodeCamp. If you're a self-directed learner, free courses can provide comprehensive material. Paid options provide structure, accountability, and guided practice. ## Python Career Paths: What Can You Do With Python? Python is widely used across various fields like web development, data science, and automation. It is vital to choose courses based on your intended career path. ## How to Choose the Right Python Course Start with how you learn best, and filter by budget and career goal. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does it take to learn Python? Most beginners can learn Python fundamentals in 2-4 months with consistent daily practice. ### Is Python a good first programming language? Yes, Python is an excellent first programming language due to its readable syntax and vast ecosystem. ### Can I learn Python for free? Yes, there are many free courses available that cover complete Python curricula. ### Do I need a certificate to get a Python job? No, practical ability and portfolio projects hold more weight than certificates. ### What should I learn after Python basics? Choose based on your career goal - move to web frameworks, data science libraries, or explore automation. ## Key Takeaways - CS50P is the most rigorous free Python course, ideal for those who want academic depth. - Scrimba's interactive scrim format allows for hands-on learning. - Python developers earn competitive salaries and are in high demand across various fields. - The best Python course is the one you actually finish.