Why this list?
As cloud computing continues to dominate enterprise IT, Microsoft Azure remains a top platform for infrastructure, app development, and hybrid environments. For cloud engineers aiming to validate their skills—or prepare for the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator certification—choosing the right course is critical. This list focuses on practical, up-to-date training that balances foundational knowledge with real-world application. Courses were selected based on content quality, alignment with AZ-104 objectives, instructor expertise, platform reliability, cost-effectiveness, and learner feedback. We include options for beginners and experienced professionals, with at least one free and one premium offering to suit different budgets.
Quick comparison: top 7 picks
| Course | Provider | Level | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Coursera (Microsoft) | Intermediate | 40 hours | Official AZ-104 prep with hands-on labs |
| Learn Microsoft Azure | LinkedIn Learning | Beginner | 6 hours | Newcomers to cloud and Azure basics |
| Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification | Udemy | Beginner | 8 hours | Free preview + low-cost entry point |
| Microsoft Learn: Azure Administrator Path | Microsoft | Intermediate | 30+ hours | Free, self-paced AZ-104 prep |
| Complete Microsoft Azure Course 2026 | Udemy (Nigel Elladcliffe) | All Levels | 24 hours | Comprehensive training with labs |
| Azure for DevOps Engineers | Pluralsight | Advanced | 15 hours | Automation, CI/CD, and IaC on Azure |
| Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) | edX (Microsoft) | Advanced | 60 hours | Senior engineers designing complex systems |
The 7 best Azure courses, ranked & reviewed
1. Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) – Coursera
Provider: Coursera (offered by Microsoft)
Length: ~40 hours
Level: Intermediate
What you learn: This specialization covers all domains of the AZ-104 exam: managing Azure identities and governance, implementing and managing storage, deploying and managing virtual machines, configuring and managing virtual networks, and monitoring resources. It includes hands-on labs using the Azure portal and Azure CLI.
Who it's for: IT professionals preparing for the AZ-104 certification, especially those with prior experience in on-premises infrastructure or other cloud platforms.
- Pros:
- Official Microsoft course with direct alignment to exam objectives
- Hands-on labs via Qwiklabs provide real Azure environment access
- Self-paced with flexible deadlines and financial aid available
- Certificate shareable on LinkedIn and resumes
- Cons:
- Subscription model (not a one-time purchase)
- Some labs require familiarity with command-line tools
Pricing notes: $49/month on Coursera; financial aid available. Full access includes graded assignments and the certificate.
2. Learn Microsoft Azure – LinkedIn Learning
Provider: LinkedIn Learning
Length: 6 hours
Level: Beginner
What you learn: An introductory overview of Azure services, including compute, storage, networking, and security. Covers core concepts like regions, resource groups, and subscriptions. Taught by Sharon Bennett, a Microsoft Cloud Advocate.
Who it's for: Absolute beginners, non-technical stakeholders, or professionals transitioning into cloud roles.
- Pros:
- Clear, concise, and visually engaging
- Excellent starting point for understanding Azure’s ecosystem
- Integrates with LinkedIn profiles
- Available with free trial
- Cons:
- Limited depth for exam prep
- No hands-on labs or practice exams
Pricing notes: Requires LinkedIn Learning subscription ($39.99/month or $399.99/year); free 1-month trial available.
3. Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification – Udemy
Provider: Udemy (Taught by Alan Rodrigues)
Length: 8 hours
Level: Beginner
What you learn: Covers cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, compliance, and pricing. Designed for AZ-900 exam prep but useful for building foundational knowledge before tackling AZ-104.
Who it's for: Newcomers to Azure, students, or professionals exploring cloud careers.
- Pros:
- Highly rated (4.7+ stars from over 100,000 students)
- Includes practice tests and downloadable resources
- Often available on sale for under $20
- Cons:
- Less technical depth compared to administrator-level content
- Some content overlaps with free Microsoft Learn modules
Pricing notes: List price $129.99, but frequently discounted to $14.99–$19.99 during Udemy sales.
4. Microsoft Learn: Azure Administrator Path – Microsoft
Provider: Microsoft Learn
Length: 30+ hours (self-paced)
Level: Intermediate
What you learn: A free, modular learning path that maps directly to the AZ-104 exam. Covers identity management, storage, compute, virtual networking, monitoring, and backup. Each module includes knowledge checks and interactive exercises.
Who it's for: Self-motivated learners preparing for AZ-104 on a budget.
- Pros:
- Completely free and official from Microsoft
- Updated regularly to reflect exam changes
- Integrated with Azure sandbox environments (no credit card needed)
- Direct links to documentation and best practices
- Cons:
- No formal certificate unless you pass the paid exam
- Less structured than video courses; requires discipline
Pricing notes: Free. Optional AZ-104 exam voucher costs ~$165.
5. Complete Microsoft Azure Course 2026 – Udemy
Provider: Udemy (Taught by Nigel Elladcliffe)
Length: 24 hours
Level: All Levels
What you learn: A comprehensive course covering Azure fundamentals, core services, identity, security, networking, and automation. Includes hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and exam tips for AZ-104.
Who it's for: Learners who want a single, in-depth course with practical exercises and lifetime access.
- Pros:
- Extensive content with clear explanations
- Lifetime access and frequent updates
- Practice tests included
- Active Q&A forum with instructor responses
- Cons:
- Long runtime may overwhelm beginners
- Some sections assume prior IT knowledge
Pricing notes: Regularly on sale for $14.99–$19.99; list price $129.99.
6. Azure for DevOps Engineers – Pluralsight
Provider: Pluralsight
Length: 15 hours
Level: Advanced
What you learn: Focuses on DevOps practices in Azure: infrastructure as code (ARM, Bicep), CI/CD pipelines with Azure DevOps, monitoring with Azure Monitor, and security automation. Includes deep dives into Terraform and GitHub Actions integration.
Who it's for: DevOps engineers, SREs, or cloud developers aiming to automate and scale Azure environments.
- Pros:
- High-quality, technical depth from industry experts
- Paths aligned with real job roles
- Assessment quizzes to gauge skill level
- Cons:
- Requires prior Azure fundamentals knowledge
- Subscription-only access
Pricing notes: $29/month or $299/year; free 10-day trial available.
7. Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) – edX
Provider: edX (Microsoft)
Length: 60 hours
Level: Advanced
What you learn: Designed for experienced architects, this course covers designing identity, governance, storage, compute, and networking solutions. Emphasizes high availability, disaster recovery, and cost optimization.
Who it's for: Senior cloud engineers and architects preparing for the AZ-305 certification.
- Pros:
- University-style rigor with structured learning
- Prepares for expert-level certification
- Includes design scenarios and case studies
- Cons:
- Not ideal for AZ-104 prep (too advanced)
- Time-intensive; better suited for full-time study
Pricing notes: Free to audit; $999 for verified certificate (includes exam voucher in some offerings).
How to choose the right Azure course
Selecting the right Azure course depends on your background, goals, and learning style. Here are four key criteria to guide your decision:
- Exam alignment: If you're targeting AZ-104, prioritize courses that explicitly map to its objectives. Microsoft Learn and the Coursera specialization are top choices here.
- Hands-on experience: Look for courses with labs, sandboxes, or real console access. Practical experience is essential for both understanding and passing the exam.
- Learning pace and format: Beginners may prefer short, video-based courses (like LinkedIn Learning), while self-motivated learners can thrive with free, modular paths like Microsoft Learn.
- Budget: Free options like Microsoft Learn are excellent for self-study. Paid courses (Udemy, Coursera) offer structure and certification but vary in cost. Consider subscriptions vs. one-time purchases based on your long-term goals.
- Prerequisites: Be honest about your current skill level. Jumping into advanced architect courses without fundamentals can lead to frustration. Start with AZ-900 content if needed.
FAQ
Is the AZ-104 exam hard?
The AZ-104 is considered moderately challenging. It requires hands-on experience with Azure services, not just theoretical knowledge. Candidates should be comfortable managing identities, virtual machines, storage, and networks. Practice in a real or sandbox environment is essential.
Can I pass AZ-104 with free resources?
Yes. Microsoft Learn’s free Azure Administrator learning path covers all exam objectives and includes hands-on labs. With disciplined study and practice, you can pass the exam using only free materials, though many supplement with practice tests.
Do I need prior cloud experience for Azure courses?
Beginner courses (like AZ-900 prep) assume no prior experience. However, for AZ-104-level content, familiarity with networking, security, and system administration is strongly recommended. Those from on-premises IT backgrounds often adapt quickly.
Are Udemy Azure courses up to date in 2026?
The best Udemy instructors, like Nigel Elladcliffe, regularly update their content. Always check the course’s last update date and reviews. Popular courses with 4.5+ ratings and recent updates are generally reliable for 2026 exam prep.
How long does it take to prepare for AZ-104?
For someone with relevant IT experience, 4–8 weeks of consistent study (10–15 hours/week) is typical. Beginners may need 12+ weeks. Use a mix of video courses, hands-on labs, and practice exams to build confidence.
Is Microsoft Learn enough for AZ-104?
Yes. Microsoft Learn is comprehensive, free, and officially aligned with the exam. Many professionals pass AZ-104 using only this resource, especially when combined with hands-on practice in the Azure portal or sandbox environments.
Which is better: Coursera or Udemy for Azure?
Coursera offers a more structured, academically oriented path with labs via Qwiklabs. Udemy provides lifetime access, lower prices on sale, and more flexible pacing. Choose Coursera for guided learning and Udemy for cost-effective, self-directed study.
Final recommendation
For cloud engineers targeting the AZ-104 in 2026, the best approach combines free and paid resources. Start with Microsoft Learn for zero-cost, official content, then reinforce with a high-quality Udemy course like Nigel Elladcliffe’s for deeper practice. If you prefer structure and certification, the Coursera specialization is excellent. Whichever path you choose, hands-on practice is non-negotiable—success in Azure comes from doing, not just watching.