The 9 Best SQL Courses to Learn Online in 2026 (Free & Paid)

In 2026, SQL is more in demand than ever. It stands for Structured Query Language and is the standard way to read and write data in databases.

The best part? You can learn it in just a few months with the right guidance. 

We’ve reviewed dozens of options to find the best SQL courses that can help you grow your career, build practical skills, and feel confident working with data.

In practice, you’ll meet engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL server from Microsoft. They share the same core concepts, so your skills transfer with only small syntax changes.

How we chose these SQL courses

Our team tested and analyzed a variety of online SQL courses for beginners and advanced learners alike. We based our picks on the following criteria:

• Ratings: Positive reviews from students who took the course, reflected in the course rating
• Course structure: Easy-to-understand modules, in-depth educational materials, and a focus on developing practical skills
• User experience: Interactivity, a user-friendly course interface, and additional features like AI recommendation
• Value for money: The course content in relation to its price
• Support and resources: Availability of additional learning materials, forums, and instructor support

If your end goal is ops or compliance, choose courses that include database administration basics—backups, roles, and routine maintenance—not just querying.

Now, let’s explore each SQL course in more detail.

1. Mimo: Best for interactive, hands-on SQL learning

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Best for: Interactive, simplified learning and practical application
• Price: The Basic plan is free for all users. The Pro plan costs $9.99/month or $6.66 with an annual commitment.
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Complete beginners and intermediate learners

Mimo is an interactive e-learning platform for aspiring data analysts, developers, and data scientists.

Our SQL course provides official certification and offers a smooth experience for beginners looking to learn SQL from scratch and quickly land a job. 

You’ll practice data manipulation (SELECT/INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE), starter database design, and simple stored procedures in safe, sandboxed databases.

You’ll also automatically access other programming and web development courses for front-end development, full-stack development, Python, and more.

What you’ll learn

In Mimo’s SQL course, you’ll explore all the key elements for beginner and intermediate SQL skills, including:

• The core SQL fundamentals
• Managing and filtering data in a database management system
• Creating and managing tables
• Applying various types of filters (filtering with ranges, patterns, options, etc.)
• Using different aggregate functions, joins, and subqueries

How you’ll learn

• Interactive lessons, real-world exercises, and coding challenges

• Gamified progress tracking that rewards you with points and new topics

• You can practice directly in the built-in code editor, supported by an AI assistant that explains errors and suggests fixes

• Each module includes focused subtopics — for example, SQL basics cover selecting, ordering, and filtering data using inequality operators

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Engaging, interactive learning experience enhanced by gamification that keeps you motivated
• This course lets you build a real-world coding portfolio to showcase your skills
• Offers official certification to validate your progress and achievements
• Available on both mobile and desktop for flexible, on-the-go learning
• Backed by research and designed by experienced learning experts
• Includes leaderboards and a supportive coding community to keep you inspired

Cons:

• This course might not fit advanced SQL users

Try Mimo for free today

2. SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization: Best for aspiring data scientists

• Rating: 4.6/5 
• Price: The full course is included with a Coursera Plus subscription ($50/month)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner level, no prior experience required

The Learn SQL Basics for Data Science SQL course transforms complete beginners into proficient data analysts.

In other words, this learning program builds the SQL foundation needed for data science work.

You’ll explore the core fundamentals, from querying databases to thinking about data from an analytical perspective.

It’s a solid stepping stone to SQL for data science roles where SQL supports feature creation, reporting, and pipeline work.

What you’ll learn

• Using SQL commands to filter, sort, and summarize data from different sources
• Manipulating strings, dates, and numerical data for analysis
• Creating datasets to solve business problems using SQL
• Working with Databricks to build end-to-end data pipelines
• Developing project proposals, performing statistical analysis, and presenting findings

How you’ll learn

• Complete 3 progressive courses over approximately 2 months (at 10 hours/week)
• Implement hands-on projects with real-world data science applications
• Learn from three instructors: Noxon, Conor Murphy, and Katrina Glaeser Poole

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Covers advanced topics like A/B testing and Apache Spark integration
• Builds toward a complete capstone project to demonstrate your skills
• University-backed credential adds weight to your resume

Cons:

• Time commitment of 65+ hours may be substantial for some learners
• Focuses more on data science applications than general database management
• Requires a Coursera Plus subscription for full access

3. Learn SQL by Codeacademy: Best for basic SQL skills

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Price: Offers a limited free plan. The Plus plan costs $10.50/month, while the Pro plan comes at $13.99 (billed annually).
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner

Learn SQL is an SQL course program hosted by Codecademy — an online platform that offers online courses in various programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL.

This beginner-friendly course teaches the fundamentals of SQL and how to use it to manage, query, and analyze data stored in relational databases.

What you’ll learn

• Using SQL to access, create, and update data stored in a database
• Performing more complex queries by learning essential query keywords and functionality
• Using powerful functions for performing complex database operations
• Building SQL projects and the principles of structured data

How you’ll learn

• You’ll explore the course by reading the written resources at your own pace
• Each module has a course lesson, quiz, project, article, and a cheat sheet
• Codeacademy also offers an integrated AI learning assistant.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Makes learning SQL easy and approachable, even for complete beginners
• Reinforces every concept through practice, so you build confidence writing real queries
• Personalized AI feedback helps you fix mistakes quickly and understand why
• The paid plans offer a certificate that proves your SQL skills

Cons:

• The Free plan is somewhat limited
• The course’s content is mostly focused on the beginner level

4. Generative AI SQL Database Specialist with ChatGPT Specialization: Best for AI-powered SQL and data design

• Rating: 4.9/5
• Price: The full course is included with Coursera Plus ($50/month)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Intermediate

Generative AI SQL Database Specialist with ChatGPT Specialization is an AI-driven SQL course offered by Vanderbilt University.

It teaches how to combine SQL and AI tools to design smarter databases, generate queries with natural language, and create interactive visualizations.

This course is ideal for professionals who want to stay ahead as AI reshapes data management.

What you’ll learn

• Generate and optimize SQL queries using ChatGPT
• Design efficient database schemas with AI-driven insights
• Visualize data and build dashboards automatically through AI tools
• Apply prompt engineering to automate data analysis workflows

How you’ll learn

• You’ll complete three  project-based courses guided by Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White, using AI tools throughout each module
• The course includes 11 practice exercises with real-world SQL tasks
• Flexible, self-paced format (about 2 months to complete)

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Brings together SQL fundamentals and practical AI applications
• Real-world projects that prove your ability to apply AI in data work
• Taught by a top instructor from a university
• Lets you earn a Coursera certificate recognized by employers

Cons: 

• Might not be a good fit for beginners, as it requires some prior SQL or data analysis knowledge
• More technical and time-intensive than beginner-friendly courses

5. Learn SQL basics by Programiz: Best for mastering SQL fundamentals

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Price: Offers limited free access; paid plans start at $19/month
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner 

The Learn SQL Basics course by Programiz PRO helps beginners build a solid foundation in SQL through real-world, hands-on practice.

It includes structured lessons, 60+ coding challenges, and 20+ quizzes designed to reinforce each concept as you go.

What you’ll learn

• Core SQL concepts, including databases, tables, and queries
• How to filter, sort, and retrieve specific data from databases
• How to perform calculations such as SUM, AVG, and COUNT for data analysis
• How to apply SQL skills to solve real-world data problems

How you’ll learn

• Interactive, text-based lessons that walk you through each concept
• Built-in code editor for hands-on practice directly in your browser
• Personalized guidance from an AI mentor that helps correct and explain mistakes
• Self-paced structure designed to be completed in about one month

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Makes learning practical with guided exercises and instant feedback
• Saves setup time since everything runs in the browser
• Helps you build confidence faster with real examples and personalized hints

Cons:

• No mobile app for on-the-go practice
• Lessons are text-based, not video-led
• Limited depth beyond beginner-level concepts

6. Learn SQL — Complete SQL course: Best for learning through video

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Price: The course costs $22, while lifetime access to the platform is priced at $344
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner and intermediate 

Learn SQL – Complete SQL Course from Beginner to Pro is a beginner-level course offered by Codewithmosh.com. 

It’s an online platform that offers a wide range of coding courses and tutorials created by Mosh Hamedani, an experienced software engineer. 

This course focuses on beginners who want to master various SQL skills. It includes 11 hours of video content across 170 lessons that cover SQL fundamentals.

What you’ll learn

• The fundamentals of relational databases and SQL.
• Performing advanced SQL operations, such as subqueries and joins.
• Writing efficient and optimized SQL queries for improved performance.
• Designing databases, including database schema, normalization principles, etc.

How you’ll learn

• The course is divided into 5 sections and 170 lessons.
• It offers video content, exercises, and downloadable materials.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Offers high-quality video materials
• Covers a broader set of SQL skills and concepts
• Provides a certificate of completion recognized by employers

Cons:

• Lacks interactivity and gamification
• Doesn’t help you build an SQL portfolio
• No mobile app is available

7. SQL for Data Analysis: Best for data analysis skills

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Price: Free; full access to the platform comes at $132/month
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner

SQL for Data Analysis is a course taught by Derek Steer, the CEO of Superfame.  

You’ll learn the core SQL commands to define, select, manipulate, control access, aggregate, and join data and data tables. 

It’s a great option for beginners, especially those already using the Udacity platform.

What you’ll learn

• The basics of SQL, e.g., using key commands to filter a table
• Combining data from multiple tables
• Aggregating data using SQL functions like SUM, AVG, and COUNT
• Performing data cleaning using SQL
• Making queries that run quickly across giant datasets

How you’ll learn

• 10 structured lessons taught by Derek Steer, CEO of Superframe
• Self-paced format (about 40 hours total)
• Includes real-world projects and exercises reviewed by mentors
• Learn-by-doing approach using interactive examples

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Builds job-ready, analytical SQL skills you can use immediately at work
• Real projects help you create a portfolio that stands out to employers
• Industry-recognized certification adds credibility to your resume
• Structured lessons make it easy to progress even with a busy schedule

Cons:

• Requires more time commitment to complete
• Less suited for learners who prefer gamified or bite-sized learning

8. Generative AI-Powered SQL Data Analysis: Best for combining SQL and automation

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Price: Included with Coursera Plus ($50/month)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner

The Chat with Your Data: Generative AI-Powered SQL Data Analysis course shows how to use ChatGPT to analyze and visualize data through natural-language prompts instead of manual SQL scripting.

Like the course we listed above, it’s taught by Dr. Jules White from Vanderbilt University; however, it’s more tailored to the needs of beginners.

This online SQL course is a great fit for data analysts, business professionals, and non-technical users who want to automate database work and speed up insights using AI.

What you’ll learn

• Generating accurate SQL queries from effective text-based prompts
• Building dashboards and visualizations automatically from your data
• Applying AI frameworks such as CLUE, TRUST, and CAPTURE for context, validation, and reproducibility
• Using prompt engineering to debug queries and refine analysis

How you’ll learn

• Two short, project-based modules (around 4 hours total)
• Real-world practice exercises using ChatGPT and your own datasets
• Self-paced format with flexible scheduling and immediate feedback

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Teaches you how to turn natural-language questions into working SQL queries in seconds — a highly relevant skill in 2025
• Teaches practical AI techniques that save hours of manual analysis
• A certificate from Vanderbilt adds credibility to your resume
• Ideal for analysts and business users who don’t code regularly

Cons:

• Too lightweight for advanced data-engineering or ML workflows

9. DeepLearning.AI’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Best for learning AI-driven analytics

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Price: Included with Coursera Plus subscription ($50/month)
• Certification: Yes
• Level: Beginner 

The DeepLearning.AI Data Analytics Professional Certificate helps you build a job-ready foundation in modern data analytics — from statistics and visualization to AI-assisted workflows.

You’ll gain the skills needed to extract insights, communicate data stories, and make smarter business decisions with tools like Pandas, Python, and generative AI.

What you’ll learn

• Applying descriptive and inferential statistics to real business challenges
• Building clear dashboards and visualizations for storytelling
• Using generative AI to analyze data, debug formulas, and speed up analysis
• Working with Python, SQL, and spreadsheets to process and transform data

How you’ll learn

• 5-course program completed in about 4 months (5 hrs/week)
• Includes hands-on labs, 100+ exercises, and real-world use cases
• Guided by Sean Barnes, a top instructor at DeepLearning.A

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Forward-looking curriculum that incorporates AI tools into traditional analytics
• Strong focus on communication skills and translating data insights for stakeholders
• Teaches tools actually used in real organizations
• Flexible pacing makes it easy to fit around work

Cons:

• Requires steady weekly time investment
• Focuses on applied analytics, not full data science or engineering

FAQs

How to Choose the Best SQL Course

Selecting the right course is key to learning SQL fast and starting your career. 

Here are key factors to consider when choosing SQL classes:

• Skill level: Assess whether you need SQL basics or advanced topics.

• Course content: Look for comprehensive coverage of SQL syntax, queries, and database management.

• Practical experience: Prioritize courses offering hands-on projects with real databases.

• Learning format: Choose between self-paced online SQL tutorials or structured classes. It’s also important to opt for courses that offer interactive features and an intuitive UI.

• Reviews and ratings: Check feedback from past students.

• Cost and certification: Evaluate the price and any certifications offered upon completion.

• Instructors: Choose courses that are created by experts and backed by research.

Remember, the best SQL course should align with your career goals, whether you’re looking to become a software engineer or improve your data science skills. 

Is it worth learning SQL in 2026?

In short, yes — it’s absolutely worth it to learn SQL in 2026. It remains one of the top 10 most in-demand programming languages according to the TIOBE index. Also, there are over 80,000 jobs requiring SQL in the US alone (according to Indeed.com). 

Given its continued relevance and job market demand, investing time in learning SQL can boost your career prospects in the tech industry.

Which SQL course is the best?

Choosing the best SQL course will ultimately depend on your specific needs. For example, if you want to learn basic concepts, a video course like the SQL Tutorial – Full Database Course for Beginners might work well.

However, if your goal is to acquire hands-on experience and land a job, a more interactive course would be a better option. For example, Mimo’s SQL course consists of theory, exercises, and challenges — helping you build a real-life portfolio.

What types of professions is SQL useful for?

SQL is one of the most versatile skills in today’s job market — and it’s not just for data scientists. It’s essential for:

• Data analysts and business analysts who use SQL to clean, query, and visualize data for reports and dashboards

• Marketing and product managers who rely on SQL to understand user behavior, campaign performance, and A/B test results

• Software engineers and web developers who integrate SQL databases into apps and back-end systems

• Finance professionals who analyze large datasets for forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking

• AI and data science specialists, who use SQL as the foundation for model training, data preprocessing, and automation

How long will it take to learn SQL?

The timeframe for learning SQL depends on various factors, such as:

• Your current experience and whether you already know another programming language
• Your learning goals (e.g., start a career vs. upgrade your skills)
• The time you can invest in learning
• The learning method you select

On average, you’ll only need a few weeks to pick up the most basic concepts. Acquiring practical intermediate SQL skills might take approximately 6-8 months. 

Mastering SQL at the advanced level typically requires up to a year of dedicated study and practice.

What is the best certification for SQL?

Mimo’s official SQL certification is excellent for beginners, combining practical skills with portfolio building.

For more advanced credentials, courses DeepLearning.AI’s Data Analytics Certificate stand out — both backed by leading universities and recognized by employers.

If you want to specialize in AI-powered data work, Vanderbilt’s Generative AI SQL Database Specialist course offers one of the most future-proof SQL certifications in 2026.

Is SQL easier than Python?

SQL is much easier to learn initially. Its English-like syntax (“SELECT name FROM users”) feels intuitive, and most students write basic queries within hours.

Python, however, requires understanding broader programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions, making it harder upfront. 

However, SQL becomes complex with advanced joins and optimization, while Python’s learning curve is more gradual.

For quick data analysis productivity, SQL is your fastest path to results.

Should you learn Python or SQL first?

Learn SQL first if you want data analysis or business intelligence roles. SQL’s focused scope lets you become job-ready way faster — within weeks rather than months.

Choose Python first only if you want broader programming applications like web development or software engineering.

Many students learning with Mimo land roles using SQL skills, then add Python later for advanced analytics.

Learn SQL fast with online courses

We’ve looked at the top 9 courses (both free and paid) that’ll help you master SQL and build a career in this field. 

Some of our favorite options are: 

• Mimo’s SQL course: Best for interactive, simplified learning and practical application for beginners

• Learn SQL by Codecademy: Best for practical cheat sheets and step-by-step SQL exercises
• SQL for Data Analysis by Udacity: Best for learning how to apply SQL in real data projects and business analytics

• Vanderbilt’s Generative AI SQL course: Best for combining SQL with ChatGPT to automate analysis and data visualization

Ready to kickstart your tech career? Start learning with Mimo for free!