17 Best C++ Courses in 2023 [Free + Paid] | Beginner to Pro

In this article, we share the 17 best C++ courses in 2023. Whether you’d like to land a job as a game developer or you want to further your software development career by learning new skills, we’ve included C++ courses that cater to beginners and experienced programmers.

Despite being nearly 40 years old, C++ is still one of the top 10 popular programming languages among software professionals. And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median salary of more than $130,000 for software developers, taking a C++ course to expand your skills can be very rewarding.

You may be wondering, what’s the best way to learn C++? Well, alongside reading some of the best C++ books, you cannot go wrong with one of the best C++ courses online.

So if you’re ready, let’s dive into some of the best C++ courses in 2023 to help you learn the skills you need to excel as a C++ developer.

How To Choose the Best C++ Course in 2023?

When creating our list of the best online C++ courses, we considered a range of different criteria to make sure that we can help you find the very best place to learn C++ for your needs:

1. Course Duration and Flexibility: We understand that many of our readers are working professionals who want to upskill in their spare time. We've prioritized courses that offer self-paced learning and flexibility in course duration.
2. Instructor Expertise: The ability of the instructor to explain complex concepts in an understandable manner can make or break your learning experience. Our top courses feature instructors with a proven track record in C++ instruction.
3. Course Reviews: We've paid close attention to feedback from past students, ensuring our selected courses have garnered positive reviews for their content, instruction, and overall learning experience.
4. Industry-Recognized Certificates: A certificate from a renowned institution or organization can make your resume stand out. Our list aims to prioritize the best C++ online courses with certificates.
5. Hands-On Projects and Tools: Applying your learning is crucial. Each course in our list includes hands-on C++ projects that can be added to your portfolio. 

Best C++ Courses for Beginners

1. [Udemy] Beginning C++ Programming - From Beginner to Beyond

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Why we chose this course

Our research indicates that this C++ online class is ideal for complete beginners who want to learn about modern C++, specifically C++ 14 and C++17. 

At more than 40 hours long, this comprehensive course covers a variety of essential topics, including loops, OOP, copy and move semantics, operator overloading, polymorphism, smart pointers, stream I/O, and an introduction to both the C++ STL and exception handling.

This C++ course also offers a unique mix of theory and practical application, with live code examples analyzed using the C++ debugger to help you gain a deeper understanding of your C++ projects. 

You also get the benefit of learning about the complexity of C++ from an expert instructor with more than 25 years of experience in teaching and using C++, making this truly one of the best courses to learn C++.

Overall, this course is designed for fast-paced learning with the aim of helping you to acquire the skills you need to create your own programs in C++. 

Pros

• Comprehensive and detailed coverage of modern C++: C++14 and C++17
• Hands-on coursework, including live code examples, quizzes, and assignments
• Taught by an industry veteran with extensive teaching experience
• Includes additional learning materials like using Visual Studio Code with C++ and C++ Lambda Expressions

Cons

• The course does not cover C++20, so students seeking knowledge on the very latest updates may need supplementary resources.

2. [Coursera] Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization

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Why we chose this course

Our findings show that this in-depth specialization from the University of California is tailored for programming beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of structured programming in C before progressing to C++. 

By starting with the C courses, you will cover a range of essential topics, including data types, control flow, recursion, arrays, pointers, enums, and preprocessors. You’ll also learn about data structures like stacks, lists, and binary trees. 

With C skills firmly under your belt, your learning journey continues by transitioning to C++. Here you’ll learn about file C++ syntax, I/O, memory allocation, container classes, and much more.

You’ll also explore the Standard Template Library (STL) along with an AI-based Monte Carlo program. We really like that this course places a strong emphasis on practical application, with the inclusion of an applied learning project that you can build with your own C++ IDE.

Overall, we really like the classical approach of teaching the C family of languages together, as this can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding of how C++ works behind the scenes.

Pros

• Provides a deep understanding of both C and C++
• Builds on foundational knowledge before delving into advanced topics
• Focuses on practical skills and has students coding from the very beginning
• Offers a flexible schedule, making it suitable for those with different time commitments
• High-quality instruction from a recognized professor at a prestigious university

Cons

• Certain assignments are peer-graded, so may not provide constructive feedback

3. [Udemy] Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games

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Why we chose this course

If you’re passionate about game development and you've decided you want to use Unreal instead of Unity, you need to learn C++. That’s why this interactive and project-based course os ideal for you, as it’s designed to help aspiring game developers like you get to grips with C++ and Unreal Engine 5.

Based on our observations, you will start with the basics, including how to install and navigate Unreal Engine, before progressing to complex coding elements such as physics simulation, objects and references, data types, pawns, actor locations, and more. 

Being a C++ course, you’ll be taking a hands-on approach to learning the language via member and pure functions, working with variables and data types, applying physics, and handling events. And if you dream about becoming a game developer, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of topics like line tracing, BSPs, timers, materials, lighting, and handling input. 

Overall, we really appreciate that this course has been fully updated and remastered for Unreal Engine 5. You also get the chance to create five different games, providing hands-on experience while building out your portfolio.

Pros

• Covers C++, game design principles, and AI behavior programming
• Project-based learning with the creation of five video games in Unreal Engine 5
• Strong community and instructor support through forums and discussion groups
• Regularly updated course content with new updates offered to existing students for free
• Developed in collaboration with Epic Games, providing industry-level insight

Cons

• Some beginner students find there is a lack of explanation behind topics 

4. [Educative] Learn C++: The Complete Course for Beginners

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Why we chose this course

We always appreciate Educative’s hands-on approach to teaching, and this C++ course is no exception. Our research shows that it’s one of the best C++ classes for novice programmers who want to learn the basics via real-life projects. 

Based on our observations, the overall structure is ideal for taking a gradual learning curve, beginning with C++ history, then escalating to practical aspects like I/O, variables, constants, data types, operators, conditional statements, and loops. Plus, you’ll also cover more advanced concepts like pointers and dynamic memory allocation.

We like that this course adopts an application-oriented approach, offering numerous challenges, quizzes, and real-life projects, including building a Grayscale to Binary Image Converter and a Hangman game. 

Crucially, this C++ course also dives into structures, teaching how to define and declare structure variables and leverage these in arrays, functions, and pointers. 

Pros

• Course content spans from absolute basics to advanced concepts
• Offers interactive coding environments and practical projects
• All course materials and tools are available on the cloud
• Built-in assessments and completion certificates

Cons

• Text-based lessons may not appeal to visual or auditory learners

5. [Udacity] Learn C++ Nanodegree

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Why we chose this course

Our findings show that this immersive four-month program skillfully integrates theoretical learning with practical applications through five real-world projects, which can provide ideal experience to draw on when pursuing C++ certifications.

Its curriculum delves into core aspects of C++ programming, starting with foundational elements like syntax, functions, and containers, eventually extending to object-oriented programming (OOP), memory management, and concurrent programming.

We also like that you can engage with hands-on projects like building a route planner using OpenStreetMap data, creating a Linux system monitor akin to the 'top' application, implementing a memory management chatbot, and developing a multithreaded traffic simulator. 

By the end of this course, the capstone project requires you to synthesize all of your newly-learned skills to develop your very own C++ application, which is ideal for your portfolio. And being a Udacity course, you also get the benefit of career services to help you take your skills into the workplace. This is ideal for building your confidence when preparing for C++ interview questions.

Pros

• Develop and refine your skills with five real-world projects
• Covers a wide range of topics from C++ foundations to concurrency
• Personalized and timely feedback with unlimited submissions
• Career services, including GitHub portfolio reviews and LinkedIn profile optimization
• One of the best C++ online courses with a certificate 

Cons

• None

6. [Programming with Mosh] C++ Tutorial for Beginners - Learn C++ in 1 Hour

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Why we chose this course

If you’ve spent any time looking for coding help, you’ve no doubt heard about Mosh, and it’s no wonder when you consider that he has more than 3 million subscribers! That’s why we had to include his free YouTube course as an excellent way to get a rapid introduction to C++. 

At only 1 hour long, this is the definition of a crash course! But don’t let the length fool you, because you’ll be learning about variables, constants, mathematical expressions, I/O operations while also learning to work with the standard library, comments, and fundamental data types. That’s a lot in 1 hour!

We also really appreciate the interactive nature of this short course, as it’s supported by concise sections on using the console to generate random numbers. This is a great way to get an engaging introduction to C++. 

Overall, this short course is an ideal launching point for aspiring C++ programmers, especially if you combine it with further resources like a C++ cheat sheet.

Pros

• Ideal for complete beginners with no prior programming experience
• Covers everything from IDE setup to more advanced topics within an hour
• Mosh's teaching style is praised for its clarity and logical content organization
• Perfect for those needing a fast refresh of their C++ skills

Cons

• Lack of personalized support or instructor interaction due to the YouTube format

7. [edX] Fundamentals of C++

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Why we chose this course

Our analysis of this introductory course offered by IBM shows that it is designed to provide a solid foundation in C++ programming to complete beginners.

The comprehensive curriculum includes data types and operators, control structures, building logic using arrays and pointers, and exploring the versatility of C++ functions. 

Beyond the syntax and semantics of C++, this course also focuses on how you can hone your problem-solving skills by instilling the mindset of a real developer.

We appreciate that this course is taught by a team of IBM professionals who offer a meticulously planned curriculum covering the crucial aspects of C++. You also get a variety of detailed presentations, comprehensive code demo videos, quizzes, and coding assignments with auto-evaluation ensures a practical learning experience. 

Pros

• Covers C++ fundamentals, from basic syntax to complex logic building and pointers
• Taught by IBM professionals, providing quality and industry-relevant knowledge
• Numerous coding assignments allow hands-on experience 
• Instant feedback on coding activities
• Emphasizes thinking like a developer

Cons

• None

8. [PluralSight] C++20 Fundamentals

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Why we chose this course

This intensive course was designed to demystify C++ while guiding you on how to use this powerful language proficiently. 

Our research shows that the curriculum delves into the nuts and bolts of C++, covering a range of essential topics like fundamental types, user-defined types, classes, flow control, functions, error handling, and memory management. 

Beyond the general syntax, you’ll also explore the C++ standard library and the new features introduced in C++20.

Led by Kate Gregory, a seasoned programmer with five decades of experience, this course emphasizes writing clean, maintainable code and avoiding common pitfalls associated with older versions of the language. 

Practical application is also encouraged through numerous demos and a final project where learners write useful applications for their chosen platform and framework.

Pros

• Curriculum covers everything from basic syntax to advanced C++20 features
• Instructor brings decades of experience and a wealth of practical insights
• Hands-on Learning with various demos and a final project
• Emphasizes modern C++ practices, equipping learners with relevant skills
• Detailed section on error handling prepares learners to write robust, fault-tolerant code

Cons

• None

9. [FreeCodeCamp] C++ Programming Course - Beginner to Advanced 

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Why we chose this course

Our team came across this in-depth YouTube course from the well-respected FreeCodeCamp, and we were really impressed that it caters to beginners and seasoned programmers alike. At more than 30 hours in length, we think it’s a strong contender for the best C++ course for free.

Developed by Daniel Gakwaya, a renowned C++ educator, this course guides you on a journey from setting up the necessary tools to mastering core language constructs like variables, data types, operations, loops, and functions.

You’ll also learn advanced topics like pointers, references, arrays, and character manipulation. Our research also revealed that the course covers modern C++20 concepts and OOP features, such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism.

We were also really impressed by the hands-on approach, with numerous coding examples that you can access from the associated GitHub repository. You can also join a Discord server for learner support. 

Pros

• Comprehensive content from setting up the environment to advanced C++20 concepts
• High-quality free resource with over 30 hours of content
• Practical code examples provided throughout the course 
• Instructor's expertise ensures that learners are guided by a seasoned professional
• Systematically structured into various chapters, making it easy to follow

Cons

• Lack of personalized support or instructor interaction due to the YouTube format

10. [Codecademy] Learn C++ 

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Why we chose this course

Our findings show that this online C++ course takes a hands-on approach that is perfect for individuals seeking to master C++ from the ground up.

At 25 hours in length, it's been designed to help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the C++ fundamentals, including variables, conditionals, logic, loops, and vectors. You will also dive into advanced topics such as classes, objects, references, pointers, and memory allocation. 

In addition, the course offers unique projects ranging from creating ASCII art to building a dog-age-converting program and even constructing a text adventure game. 

Overall, we appreciated that this course lets you gain practical experience by implementing your own projects and working directly with computer memory, equipping you with the skills needed to apply C++ in various real-world scenarios. 

Pros

• Covers both fundamental and advanced C++ topics
• Hands-on approach with 14 real-world programming projects 
• Uses AI to provide personalized learning recommendations 
• Emphasis on live coding, which encourages active learning 

Cons

• None

11. [LinkedIn Learning] C++ Essential Training

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Why we chose this course

Our analysis of this short C++ training course shows it to be an approachable and beginner-friendly guide for those looking to enhance their C++ skills. 

Taught by tech advocate and programming expert Bill Weinman, you’ll get an in-depth exploration of C++, starting from its history to modern applications.

And naturally, this C++ course also covers crucial aspects of C++ programming, including syntax, data types, functions, and operators. You’ll then be ready to take a deep dive into advanced concepts like classes, objects, and templates. 

We also like that this course includes a detailed walkthrough of the Standard Template Library (STL). Overall, with a nice combination of theory, practical challenges, and quizzes, this course is an excellent choice for getting a comprehensive understanding of C++.

Pros

• Covers both basic and advanced C++ concepts
• Instructor is a seasoned tech expert, ensuring you receive high-quality instruction
• Includes practical challenges, fostering problem-solving skills and hands-on application
• Provides an extensive exploration of the Standard Template Library

Cons

• Lacks large-scale projects that mimic real-world programming examples

12. [Simplilearn] Introduction to C++

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Why we chose this course

This beginner-friendly course provides a deep dive into C++ fundamentals and core concepts, with hands-on examples across 15 well-structured lessons. 

Based on our observations, the content spans from your first C++ program to advanced topics like memory management, object-oriented programming, operator overloading, and the C++ standard template library (STL). 

In addition to learning arrays, loops, switch statements, strings, and pointers, you’ll also gain practical experience with recursive functions, header files, and enumerations. We like that the course even delves into GUI programming, as this isn’t a feature that many introductory courses offer.

Overall, our analysis shows that this course is an excellent option for aspiring software developers, data analysts, and programming enthusiasts. 

Pros

• Covers fundamental C++ concepts from basic syntax to object-oriented programming
• Includes practical examples and exercises 
• Detailed tutorials on memory management and creating Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
• Completion certificate can be added to LinkedIn profiles

Cons

• Does not contain any quizzes or exams 

13. [Google] C++

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Why we chose this course

If you want to learn to code, rather than asking Google where to look, how about you use Google to learn C++? 

This interactive and thorough course integrates written materials, lecture videos, examples, and real-world exercises for an immersive C++ learning experience from tech royalty Google. 

Our findings also show that Google's own expert engineers have structured the course to mirror what it's like to be a software engineer at the tech giant. 

We like that this course commences with foundational topics such as compilers, strings, and decomposition, before diving into the nitty-gritty of programming with C++, covering pointers, passing values, and more.

You’ll even cover complex topics like configuration management, concurrency, versioning, synchronization, and subversion. Plus, you can also dive into even more advanced topics like multi-dimensional arrays, object-oriented design, code coverage, and unit testing, with each of these skills being complemented by real-world examples and a hands-on project. 

Pros

• Benefits from the prestige and quality standards of Google
• Curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from basics to in-depth aspects of C++
• Provides diverse learning resources, including videos, written materials, and exercises
• Grounded in practical examples and real-world applications
• Includes access to the C++ Google Code University Forum, where you can ask questions and engage with fellow students

Cons

• The course does not include direct access to instructors for questions or discussions

Best C++ Courses for Experienced Programmers 

14. [Coursera] Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++

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Why we chose this course

This practical C++ course is aimed at experienced C++ coders that want to use C++ for implementing data structures, making it one of the more advanced C++ courses on our list.

Offered by the University of Illinois and split into four content-rich modules, you will cover a range of topics, including debugging, managing stack and heap memory, class constructors, destructors, and inheritance. You’ll even get access to a unique take on template types along with solutions for complex problems like the classic Tower of Hanoi algorithm problem. 

One of the most unique features of this course is the provision of materials on subjects like C++ Syntax, Bash Terminal Commands, and Code Organization, making it a great choice if you want an in-depth understanding of C++. 

Overall, we really appreciate the blend of videos, quizzes, and extensive reading material, as it creates a dynamic learning experience that caters to different learning preferences.

Pros

• Expert-led course offering authentic university-level teaching 
• Comprehensive curriculum with a detailed exploration of C++
• Part of the Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization
• Active learning facilitated through regular quizzes and challenges
• Allows flexibility, enabling learners to grasp complex C++ concepts at their own pace

Cons

• High-level course with minimal learner support

15. [Udacity] C++ For Programmers

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Why we chose this course

Our findings show that this concise, intermediate-level course is ideal if you have previous programming knowledge and you’re ready to learn C++. Plus, it’s free!

One of the standout features of this course is the integration of insights from the creator of C++, namely Bjarne Stroustrup, which adds a level of authority and authenticity to the learning experience.

With a projected length of 3 weeks for completion, this course covers essential topics like program structure, I/O Compilation, and execution before moving on to advanced concepts like control flow, pointers, arrays, and functions. 

We also like that this course includes a thorough introduction to classes, overloading, and an exploration of generic programming through function and class templates. Plus, you can even use this as a gateway to Udacity's Introduction to Programming Nanodegree.

Pros

• Taught by multiple professionals who have used C++ in their careers,
• Includes comments and tips from Bjarne Stroustrup, the original designer of C++
• Emphasizes 'how' to program in C++, making it perfect if you have programming knowledge
• Acts as a pathway to the Introduction to Programming Nanodegree program

Cons

• None

16. [Educative] C++ Fundamentals for Professionals

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Why we chose this course

We’ve already featured Educative on our list of C++ courses for beginners, but we also really like this intermediate-level course for experienced programmers.

By offering a comprehensive exploration of C++17, our findings show that this course contains a balanced blend of new and existing material to create a cohesive learning experience that’s focused on essential information for aspiring C++ professionals. 

At 23 hours in length, the curriculum covers an extensive range of topics, including memory management, literals, type deduction, inheritance, templates, smart pointers, and more. You’ll also dive into advanced topics like threads, tasks, and memory management.

Some of the more unique elements of the course are the practical sections dedicated to real-world applications like automatic type deduction. We also like the practical sections that focus on using complex constructs like lambda functions, unique pointers, and ordered associative containers.

As you’d expect from Educative with their unique style, there are Interactive tasks and exercises after each lesson, which, when combined with examples, help reinforce your learning and provide you with hands-on experience. 

Pros

• Covers the essentials for a professional C++ programmer, including advanced topics
• Delivered in a text-based format, allowing for faster learning
• Full of hands-on coding exercises, promoting active learning
• Uses an in-browser coding environment

Cons

• None

17. [Codecademy] C++ for Programmers

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Why we chose this course

Based on our observations, this interactive course is another great choice if you’re already comfortable with programming basics and you’re eager to delve into the intricacies of C++. 

We really like that the curriculum navigates through key C++ concepts like program structure, variables, data types, operators, and pointers, along with essentials like conditional and switch statements, loops, and functions. 

You also get an introduction to object-oriented programming with sections on classes, objects, access specifiers, constructors, inheritance, and polymorphism. Plus, you’ll also cover advanced topics like arrays, vectors, stacks, queues, sets, and hash maps. That’s a lot of content in less than 10 hours.

We also appreciate that this course features five real-world projects, like creating a text adventure, providing you with hands-on experience and a chance to expand your portfolio. 

Pros

• Course format allows you to write code live on the platform
• Structured as a series of articles allowing you to learn at your own pace 
• Includes five practical projects that provide hands-on experience with C++
• Created by a seasoned curriculum developer with extensive CS experience

Cons

• Does not contain any quizzes or exams 

Final Thoughts

And there you go, the 17 best C++ courses online in 2023, including a range of C++ courses for beginners and experienced programmers. We’ve even covered free online courses and paid options, so there’s something for all budgets.

Despite being one of the oldest programming languages that’s still in active use, C++ skills are still in high demand, whether for game development, systems engineering, or software development.

By taking the time to review our recommended C++ courses, you should be able to find a C++ course that matches your career aspirations and preferred style of learning while helping you learn the essential C++ skills you need to continue your software development journey. 

Happy learning!

Looking to boost your software development resume? Check out:

The Best C++ Certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Is the Best C++ Course for Beginners?

The best C++ course for beginners depends on several factors, including your personal learning style, free time, and budget. That’s why we’ve included a range of free and paid C++ courses for beginners in our list. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’d recommend Udemy’s Beginning C++ course as a solid starting point. 

2. What if I Do Not Like a C++ Online Course I Purchased?

If you're not satisfied with a C++ online course, many platforms like Udemy and Coursera provide a grace period (usually 30 days) during which you can request a full refund if the course doesn't meet your expectations. Bear in mind that refund policies can vary from platform to platform, so check the terms and conditions before making a purchase. 

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