
Udacity - Detailed Review
Education Tools

Udacity - Product Overview
Udacity Overview
Udacity is an online learning platform that specializes in providing high-quality courses and programs focused on in-demand technologies, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and more.
Primary Function
Udacity’s primary function is to upskill individuals for future careers by offering industry-relevant education. The platform collaborates with leading technology companies to create its courses, ensuring that the content is both current and highly relevant to the job market.
Target Audience
The target audience for Udacity includes individuals seeking to acquire new tech skills, whether they are beginners or professionals looking to enhance their existing knowledge. The largest age group of visitors to Udacity is 25-34 year olds, with a male-female ratio of approximately 62% male and 38% female.
Key Features
Nanodegrees
Udacity’s paid programs, known as Nanodegrees, are comprehensive courses that teach specific in-demand tech skills. These programs typically take around three months to complete but can be finished faster with daily dedication. Each Nanodegree is created in collaboration with industry leaders and includes hands-on projects based on real-world scenarios.
Industry Collaboration
Unlike some competitors, Udacity does not outsource content creation to universities or individuals. Instead, it creates and updates its courses internally, ensuring high quality and relevance.
Practical Projects
Courses on Udacity include practical projects that allow students to apply their skills to real-world challenges. This approach helps students retain knowledge longer and apply new skills immediately.
Feedback and Support
Students receive timely and constructive feedback on their project submissions from subject matter experts, which helps in improving their work and gaining valuable insights.
Accessibility and Affordability
Udacity aims to make education accessible and affordable, providing a global platform for learners to acquire the skills needed for their desired careers.
Conclusion
By focusing on industry-relevant skills and providing a supportive learning environment, Udacity helps individuals bridge the gap between learning and career advancement.

Udacity - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The user interface of Udacity is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Here are some key features:
- Course Selection: Users can easily search for courses based on subjects, skills, and other criteria such as duration and price. This is facilitated by clear categories and multiple filters, making it simple to find the desired courses.
- Organization: The platform is structured in a way that different types of users (Individuals, Enterprise, and Government) can easily find relevant information and courses. For individual users, the course selection process is straightforward, with options to refine searches by topic, field, skill level, and more.
- Visual Design: While the specific visual elements like buttons, icons, and color schemes are not detailed in the available sources, it is clear that the UI is intended to be visually cohesive and easy to interact with. This aligns with general principles of UI design, where the focus is on creating an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interface.
Ease of Use
Udacity’s interface is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Here are some points that highlight its ease of use:
- Search Filters: The platform offers multiple filters to refine search results, making it easy for users to find what they need quickly.
- Mobile Compatibility: Udacity provides iOS and Android apps, allowing users to access courses and learning materials on the go. This enhances the overall convenience and accessibility of the platform.
- Clear Structure: The website and apps have a clear structure, with different learning services and courses organized into categories, making it easy for users to navigate and find what they are looking for.
Overall User Experience
The user experience on Udacity is centered around creating a seamless and engaging learning environment:
- Iterative Feedback: While the sources do not specifically mention Udacity’s feedback mechanisms, the general principles of UX design emphasize the importance of user feedback. In educational platforms, this often involves regular surveys, usability testing, and analytics to ensure the user experience is continuously improved.
- Accessibility and Engagement: The platform aims to provide a low-friction, high-engagement experience. This is achieved through a clean and clutter-free design, which prioritizes content and functionality, similar to broader UX design principles.
- Holistic Experience: The collaboration between UX and UI designers ensures that the user experience is holistic, combining usability and visual design to create an experience that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In summary, Udacity’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and visually appealing, with a strong focus on creating a positive and engaging user experience.

Udacity - Key Features and Functionality
Udacity Overview
Udacity, a prominent online learning platform, offers a variety of features that make it a standout in the education tools and AI-driven product category. Here are the main features and how they work:
Nanodegree Programs
Udacity’s Nanodegree programs are a core feature, focusing on high-demand fields such as AI, data science, business, and technology. These programs typically last six to eight months and are split into two terms. They include video lectures, personalized project reviews, and dedicated mentors. Students work on real-world projects evaluated by industry experts, ensuring they gain practical skills and earn certificates upon completion.
Real-World Projects
These projects are integral to Udacity’s curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. Projects are designed by industry experts and help students build portfolios that are relevant to their career goals. This hands-on approach ensures learners develop job-ready skills.
Mentorship and Career Services
Udacity provides real-time online mentorship from industry experts. Mentors check in regularly to keep students on track and offer technical support. Additionally, Udacity has strong career services, including hiring partnerships with over 200 companies, which helps graduates find employment. This support has led to significant career advancement, with 73% of graduates reporting career improvements.
AI-Driven Features
One notable AI-driven feature is the Udacity GPT chatbot, introduced in collaboration with OpenAI. This chatbot uses GPT-4 Turbo technology to assist students by summarizing concepts, answering questions, translating text, and fixing errors in practical exercises. This tool enhances the learning experience by providing a smart natural language processing aid.
Interactive Learning Tools
Udacity courses include interactive quizzes, project reviews, and integrated coding interfaces. These tools allow students to practice their skills as they learn, making the learning process more engaging and effective. The platform also features a progress tracker, helping students monitor their advancement through the courses.
Flexible Learning
Courses on Udacity are self-paced, allowing students to complete lessons at their own speed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those balancing work and education. The platform is accessible via mobile devices, making it easy to learn anywhere, anytime.
Free Courses and Scholarships
Udacity offers more than 200 free courses, providing an entry point for learners who want to explore different subjects before committing to a Nanodegree program. Additionally, Udacity provides scholarships to make its programs more accessible to a broader audience.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that the skills taught are relevant to current job market demands. This includes courses in AI, machine learning, computer vision, autonomous systems, and more. The industry-relevant content helps in preparing students for immediate employment upon graduation.
Student Community and Support
Udacity fosters a dynamic student community where learners can interact with peers and staff. Students can ask questions and receive support through the platform, enhancing their learning experience and providing a sense of community.
Conclusion
These features collectively make Udacity a comprehensive and effective online learning platform, especially for those interested in technology, business, and data science fields. The integration of AI, particularly through the GPT chatbot, further enriches the learning experience by providing advanced support and feedback mechanisms.

Udacity - Performance and Accuracy
When evaluating the performance and accuracy of Udacity’s AI-driven education tools, several key points stand out:
Real-Time Feedback and Personalization
Udacity’s AI-powered systems are notable for providing immediate feedback to students, which is crucial for their learning progress. Platforms like Udacity use adaptive algorithms to adjust the difficulty of questions and content based on student responses, ensuring a challenging yet manageable learning experience. For example, their AI chatbot can summarize key concepts, help with debugging code, and offer personalized guidance, which enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.Accuracy in Assessments
Udacity’s integration of AI in assessments has shown significant improvements in accuracy. By using sophisticated algorithms, similar to those employed by other educational institutions like Pearson, Udacity can identify knowledge gaps more precisely and provide real-time feedback. This approach has led to improved student performance and higher retention rates.Scalability and Support
One of the standout features of Udacity’s AI chatbot is its ability to handle thousands of interactions simultaneously, providing personalized support to a large number of learners without the limitations of human mentors. This scalability ensures that learners can get the support they need at any time, complementing the feedback from human mentors.Areas for Improvement
Contextual Understanding
The AI chatbot, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, may not always fully understand the user’s intent due to its reliance on natural language processing (NLP). Users are advised to review the output and advice provided by the chatbot to ensure it aligns with their needs.User Feedback and Validation
For optimal performance, it is crucial to engage with educators and students during the development process to gather feedback. This ensures that the final product is both effective and user-friendly. Continuous validation of the AI tools’ efficacy in various educational contexts is also necessary to address any gaps or misconceptions.Holistic Implementation
Effective use of Udacity’s AI tools requires a holistic approach, including suitable infrastructure, appropriate legal and policy frameworks, sufficient funding, and competent teachers. Ensuring these elements are in place helps in maximizing the benefits of AI-driven education.Summary
In summary, Udacity’s AI-driven education tools demonstrate strong performance in providing real-time feedback, personalizing learning paths, and improving assessment accuracy. However, it is important to address the potential limitations, such as ensuring the AI’s contextual understanding and implementing a comprehensive evaluation framework to validate its efficacy.
Udacity - Pricing and Plans
Udacity Pricing Structure
Udacity’s pricing structure, introduced in September 2023, is based on a subscription model that offers several plans to cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a detailed outline of the pricing and the features included in each plan:
Monthly Subscription
- Cost: $249 per month
- Features: This plan provides unlimited access to Udacity’s entire catalog, including Nanodegree programs, projects, and mentor support. Users can enroll in multiple programs simultaneously and get instant access to new content upon release. Additional features include hands-on projects with personalized reviews, expert instructors, and 24/7 technical mentor support, as well as access to peer communities.
Four-Month Subscription
- Cost: $846 (which works out to $211.50 per month)
- Features: This plan offers a 15% savings compared to the monthly subscription. It includes all the features of the monthly subscription, such as unlimited access to the entire catalog, Nanodegree programs, projects, mentor support, and more. This plan is ideal for learners who plan to spend several months on the platform.
Udacity Business Plans
Teams Plan
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Features: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, this plan is recommended for teams of 5 people. It includes team-specific features such as progress tracking tools, easy onboarding for new users, and flexible payment options. This plan helps companies invest efficiently in their employees’ professional development.
Enterprise Plan
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Features: This plan is tailored for large corporations with 40 people. It offers advanced reporting, custom content creation, and dedicated support for managing large-scale learning initiatives. The Enterprise plan provides comprehensive features to support workforce development.
Free Options
- Free Courses: Udacity offers a selection of free courses that allow users to sample their learning experience without any financial commitment. These courses are self-paced, include video content, interactive quizzes, and are taught by industry professionals. However, free courses do not include completion certificates.
- Registration: Registering with Udacity is completely free, and users can access the free courses by signing up using their email address, Facebook, or Google account.
In summary, Udacity’s pricing is structured around a flexible subscription model that provides access to a wide range of educational content, with options for individual learners and businesses. The free courses offer a taste of the platform’s quality and can be a good starting point before committing to a paid subscription.

Udacity - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Udacity integrates seamlessly with a variety of external tools and platforms, particularly in the context of data analysis and business intelligence. For instance, tools like Tableau and Looker, which are popular in data visualization and analytics, can be easily integrated with Udacity’s learning programs. Tableau, for example, allows users to manage data pipelines and build dashboards using a drag-and-drop editor, and it integrates well with data from cloud services like Salesforce or AWS, as well as on-premise databases.
Additionally, Udacity’s courses and programs can be integrated into broader learning ecosystems. For example, the collaboration with Vocareum enables seamless integration with AWS, streamlining workflows for instructors and students and facilitating hands-on learning experiences in AI and cloud technologies.
Compatibility Across Platforms
Udacity offers a high degree of compatibility across different platforms and devices. Here are a few key points:
Desktop and Mobile
Udacity provides a user-friendly experience on both desktop and mobile devices. The platform offers iOS and Android apps, allowing users to learn on the go without being tied to their desks. While the mobile experience is generally smooth, it matches the ease of use found on the desktop version.
Language Support
Although Udacity’s language support is not as extensive as some other platforms, it still offers courses and content in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Spanish, French, and Korean. This is particularly beneficial for users who are not native English speakers, especially those involved in government programs where Udacity collaborates with national institutions.
Enterprise Integration
For enterprise users, Udacity provides customized learning programs and management tools. This includes the ability to integrate Udacity’s learning content into an organization’s existing learning platforms, which can be particularly useful for upskilling employees in specific skills like AI and cloud technologies.
Device and Platform Agnosticism
Udacity’s learning environment is designed to be accessible across a range of devices and platforms. Whether you are using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the platform ensures a consistent learning experience. The use of cloud-based technologies and mobile apps further enhances this accessibility, making it easier for users to engage with the content from anywhere.
In summary, Udacity’s integration capabilities and compatibility across different platforms and devices make it a flexible and accessible learning solution for individuals and enterprises alike. Its ability to integrate with various tools and platforms, along with its support for multiple languages and devices, ensures a seamless learning experience.

Udacity - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
For immediate assistance, Udacity’s customer support is primarily accessible via phone. The best phone number to call is (650) 938-9090. It’s worth noting that the shortest wait times are typically on Tuesdays, while Fridays and Thursdays tend to have the longest wait times. The average call duration is about 1 minute. In addition to phone support, you can also reach out via email. While there are various email addresses for different purposes (such as complaints, feedback, jobs, and legal inquiries), the most commonly used email for addressing general issues is not specifically highlighted, but you can use the general customer service email for support. For more structured support, you can visit the Udacity Help Center, where you can sign in and submit a support ticket. This platform allows you to check the status of your support ticket and get help on various topics.Additional Resources
Udacity provides several resources to enhance your learning experience:Knowledge Platform
The Knowledge platform allows you to post questions for mentors and get help from the community. You can check if your question has been answered, and if the response does not solve your issue, you can ask for further assistance. If you haven’t received a response, there are guidelines on what to do next.Smarter Search in the Classroom
Udacity has introduced a Smarter Search tool that helps you quickly find specific content within lessons, including videos. This feature allows you to search for concepts mentioned anywhere in the lessons and provides timestamps for quick reference, saving you time and effort.Nanodegree Resources
For those completing or looking to expand their skills after a Nanodegree, there is a GitHub repository created by Udacity students. This repository contains links to helpful resources, including courses, books, podcasts, cheat sheets, and more, categorized by schools such as AI, Business, Data, Mobile Development, and others. These resources and support options are designed to ensure that you have the help you need to succeed in your educational journey with Udacity.
Udacity - Pros and Cons
When considering Udacity as an education tool, especially in the AI-driven product category, there are several key advantages and disadvantages to be aware of.
Advantages
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Udacity’s Nanodegree programs are developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as Google, Amazon, and IBM. This ensures that the curriculum is focused on skills that are highly relevant to current job market demands, making the learning experience highly practical and job-ready.
Hands-On Project Experience
The programs are project-based, allowing learners to work on real-world projects that simulate actual job tasks. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building a portfolio and demonstrating skills to potential employers.
Flexible and Self-Paced Learning
Udacity’s Nanodegrees offer a self-paced learning schedule, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments. This flexibility allows learners to complete the programs at their own pace.
Personal Mentorship and Support
Learners have access to personal mentors who provide one-on-one support, helping them overcome challenges and stay motivated throughout the program. Additionally, career services such as resume reviews, LinkedIn profile optimization, and job placement assistance are available.
High-Quality Content and Certificates
Udacity’s content is of high quality, and completing a Nanodegree program earns learners an industry-recognized certificate. Although these certificates are not traditionally accredited, they are recognized within the tech industry.
Career Services
The platform offers comprehensive career services, including resume and cover letter reviews, LinkedIn and GitHub profile optimization, and job placement assistance. These services are particularly helpful for those looking to transition into a new career.
Disadvantages
Cost
One of the most significant drawbacks is the cost. Udacity’s Nanodegree programs can be quite expensive compared to other online learning platforms, which may pose a barrier for individuals on a tight budget.
Limited Course Selection
While Udacity offers a wide range of tech-focused programs, its selection is limited compared to other platforms. If you’re looking for courses outside of tech and data science, you might find the options restricted.
Intense Time Commitment
Although the programs are self-paced, completing a Nanodegree requires a significant time investment. Many learners find it challenging to balance the coursework with their other commitments.
No Traditional Accreditation
Udacity Nanodegrees are not accredited in the traditional sense, which may affect their recognition in some sectors outside of the tech industry.
Fast-Paced Tech Updates
The tech industry updates quickly, and sometimes course content can become outdated. While Udacity strives to keep its content current, this remains an ongoing challenge.
Lack of Community and Customer Support
Some learners have reported a lack of community interaction and poor customer support, particularly for free courses. The platform’s course pages can feel sterile, lacking the sense of a student community.
No Mobile App
Udacity no longer has a mobile app, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer on-the-go learning.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether Udacity’s Nanodegree programs align with your educational and career goals.

Udacity - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Udacity
AI-Powered Chatbot
Udacity has introduced an AI chatbot powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, which can handle thousands of interactions simultaneously. This chatbot provides personalized feedback, summarizes key concepts, and helps with debugging code, making it a valuable resource for learners.
Global Mentor Network
Udacity combines its AI chatbot with a global mentor network, offering learners both real-time AI support and valuable human feedback throughout their learning journey.
Diverse Course Offerings
Udacity offers a wide range of courses and Nanodegree programs, including topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and self-driving vehicle engineering. These courses often include real-world practical activities and partnerships with industry experts.
Potential Alternatives
Coursera
Coursera uses AI to personalize learning experiences, recommend courses, and provide real-time feedback. It offers thousands of courses from top universities and organizations, making it a strong alternative for those seeking a broad range of educational content.
Smart Sparrow
This adaptive e-learning platform uses machine learning algorithms to personalize learning for each student, providing interactive lessons and real-time feedback. It is particularly useful for students who prefer learning at their own pace.
Querium
Querium is an AI-powered tutoring platform that assesses students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing targeted instruction and real-time feedback. It is similar to Udacity’s chatbot in its ability to offer personalized learning experiences.
TutorMe
TutorMe is an online tutoring platform that uses AI to match students with certified tutors. It provides real-time feedback and support, offering a more human-centric approach compared to Udacity’s AI chatbot.
Duolingo
While primarily focused on language learning, Duolingo uses gamification and AI to make learning fun and effective. It personalizes lessons, provides real-time feedback, and tracks progress, which could be appealing to learners looking for a more engaging experience.
Additional Considerations
Value for Money
Udacity is rated highly for its value for money, offering a large variety of courses and better content quality compared to some competitors like Alison. However, platforms like Alison may offer cheaper subscription options.
Industry Partnerships
Udacity stands out with its partnerships with industry leaders such as BMW and Shell, which adds a practical and real-world dimension to its courses. This is a unique feature that sets it apart from many other online learning platforms.
In summary, while Udacity’s AI chatbot and diverse course offerings are significant strengths, alternatives like Coursera, Smart Sparrow, Querium, TutorMe, and Duolingo offer different approaches to AI-driven education that might better suit specific learner needs and preferences.

Udacity - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Udacity and how did it start?
Udacity is an online learning platform founded in 2011 by Stanford instructors Sebastian Thrun and David Stavens. It was initially launched as an experiment with a free artificial intelligence course that attracted over 160,000 students from 190 countries. Since then, Udacity has grown to offer a wide range of tech-focused courses and Nanodegree programs.
What types of courses and programs does Udacity offer?
Udacity offers over 200 free courses and more than 80 Nanodegree and Executive programs. These programs are focused on tech skills such as programming, data science, digital marketing, and more. The courses are structured to include video content, additional learning resources, and real-world projects, with feedback from expert mentors.
How does the Udacity subscription model work?
As of September 2023, Udacity has shifted to a subscription-based model. This means you can no longer enroll in or purchase individual programs. Instead, a subscription gives you access to the entire catalog of Udacity’s content, including all Nanodegree and Executive programs, the Talent Transformation Suite, and support forums.
Who are the instructors on Udacity?
Udacity’s instructors are experts in their fields, often from leading companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The platform includes security engineers, CEOs, published authors, and college professors, ensuring that learners receive high-quality tutelage from professionals with real-world experience.
Does Udacity offer any free courses or trials?
Yes, Udacity offers a range of free courses, although these are typically shorter than the Nanodegree programs. You can sign up for free to access these courses, which cover topics like problem-solving with advanced analytics, product design, and app marketing. Additionally, you have a 7-day window to cancel your subscription for a full refund if you decide it’s not for you.
How does Udacity use AI in its learning platform?
Udacity incorporates AI in several ways. For example, it has introduced an AI chatbot powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, which provides personalized feedback and guidance to learners. This chatbot can handle thousands of interactions simultaneously, helping learners summarize concepts, pose deeper questions, and get real-time support.
What kind of support does Udacity offer to its learners?
Udacity provides several support mechanisms. Learners have access to technical mentor support with human feedback on their projects. There is also a support forum where learners can get answers and discuss ideas. Additionally, the AI chatbot serves as a real-time complement to human mentors, offering immediate assistance.
Is Udacity recognized and respected in the industry?
Yes, Udacity is well-respected and trusted by governments and businesses worldwide. It has partnered with leading companies like Google, Amazon, and Shell to upskill employees. While the course certificates are not official accreditations, they are highly regarded within the tech and data science industries.
What is the structure of a typical Udacity course or Nanodegree program?
A typical Udacity course or Nanodegree program includes a course syllabus, program overview, project requirements, and learning objectives. The courses are structured with video content, additional learning resources, and real-world projects. Learners receive personal feedback from mentors and career services to help optimize their resumes and job prospects.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with Udacity?
Yes, Udacity has a straightforward refund policy. If you decide to cancel your subscription within 7 days of enrollment, you are entitled to a full refund. This allows you to try out the platform risk-free.
Are Udacity courses suitable for all types of learners?
Udacity is primarily focused on tech skills like programming, data science, and digital marketing. While it offers extensive resources for those in the tech industry, it may not be the best fit for learners interested in other fields. However, for those looking to develop tech skills, Udacity is highly recommended.

Udacity - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Udacity in the Education Tools AI-driven Product Category
Udacity stands out as a prominent online learning platform, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and data science. Here’s a comprehensive look at who would benefit most from using Udacity and an overall recommendation.
Who Would Benefit Most
Udacity is ideal for individuals seeking to acquire practical skills in high-demand fields such as AI, machine learning, computer vision, and data science. Here are some key groups that would benefit:
- Career Changers and Aspirants: Those looking to transition into tech-related careers can greatly benefit from Udacity’s Nanodegree programs, which offer structured learning paths and hands-on projects.
- Students and Learners: Individuals who prefer a self-paced learning environment with the support of AI-driven tools will find Udacity’s platform highly beneficial. The new AI chatbot, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, provides real-time personalized feedback and guidance, making it an excellent resource for learners who need immediate support.
- Businesses and Governments: Udacity’s offerings extend to organizations looking to upskill and reskill their workforce. The platform provides comprehensive learning solutions, including progress tracking and reporting, which are valuable for employers.
Key Features and Benefits
- High-Quality Courses: Udacity is known for its high-quality content, ensuring learners gain valuable skills that are relevant in the industry. The platform offers over 200 free courses and extensive Nanodegree programs.
- AI-Driven Support: The integration of an AI chatbot enhances the learning experience by providing instant feedback and summaries of key concepts, making complex material more manageable.
- Career Services and Scholarships: Udacity offers career services and scholarships, which are significant advantages for learners looking to advance their careers.
- Structured Learning Paths: The Nanodegree programs are well-structured, involving video lectures, personalized project reviews, and dedicated mentors, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Overall Recommendation
Udacity is an excellent choice for anyone interested in gaining practical skills in technology, business, and data science. Here are some points to consider:
- Quality and Relevance: The platform’s focus on providing high-quality, industry-relevant content makes it a valuable resource for career development.
- Support and Feedback: The AI chatbot and human mentor support ensure that learners receive the guidance they need in real-time.
- Flexibility: With both free courses and subscription-based Nanodegree programs, Udacity offers flexibility in learning options.
- Community and Support: While there is some feedback about the lack of community interaction, the platform’s focus on individual learning experiences and career support compensates for this.
In summary, Udacity is a strong option for those seeking to enhance their skills in tech and related fields. Its combination of high-quality courses, AI-driven support, and career services makes it a valuable investment for individuals and organizations alike. However, it’s important to note that the pricing can be quite expensive, so it may not suit every budget.