Elements of AI vs fast.ai
We haven't taken both platforms through a full review cycle yet. The scores below are placeholders.
Elements of AI or fast.ai: which should you choose?
Choose Elements of AI if
- [TODO: verify]
- [TODO: verify]
- [TODO: verify]
Choose fast.ai if
- [TODO: verify]
- [TODO: verify]
- [TODO: verify]
Side by side
| Elements of AI | fast.ai | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Completely free, including the certificate | Completely free, no certificate to sell |
| What is free | Everything is free, always. | Everything is free. There is no paid tier. |
| Certificates | Free | None offered |
| Best for | Absolute beginners who want zero cost and zero code | Coders who want to build real models immediately |
| Weakest at | Anyone who wants to actually build something | Newcomers who want theory before practice |
What is the best course on each?
- Elements of AI: Elements of AI
The gentlest way in: a University of Helsinki course with no code and no maths beyond school level. It takes about 24 to 48 hours and the certificate is free.
- fast.ai: Practical Deep Learning for Coders
Practical Deep Learning for Coders has 9 lessons of about 90 minutes, costs nothing and has no certificate. You deploy your own model by the end of lesson 2.
Where to go next
- Elements of AI: our platform review
The single best free-and-only-free option for non-coders. Nothing to upsell.
- fast.ai: our platform review
The best hands-on option for developers, and there's no upsell to resist.
Last checked .
Still torn?
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