You’re ready to get that certification—AWS, Azure, Cisco, CompTIA, whatever. But selecting the right training platform can be a certification exam in itself.
The top IT training providers include Pluralsight, A Cloud Guru and CBT Nuggets. But the thing is—they aren’t really three different platforms anymore. Pluralsight acquired A Cloud Guru in 2021 and by 2025, A Cloud Guru had fully transitioned into Pluralsight as Cloud+. So you’re really comparing Pluralsight (which has A Cloud Guru content now) against CBT Nuggets.
But I’ll treat them as separate learning experiences since many people still search for A Cloud Guru specifically and the content libraries are distinct even if the platform is unified.
Pluralsight is the single largest tech library with deep coverage across cloud, development, security and IT ops. With hands-on labs and sandboxes, A Cloud Guru (now Cloud+) is the cloud expert. CBT Nuggets is the fun, easy trainer featuring online labs and microlearning videos for the beginner.
Quick verdict: Best for hands-on practice for cloud certification prep. Pluralsight Cloud+ (formerly A Cloud Guru) is the top choice. CBT Nuggets is the best overall training experience for structured learning across all IT domains with engaging instructors. If you are a developer and want the biggest technical library, Pluralsight Complete has the broadest coverage.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Pluralsight (Cloud+) | A Cloud Guru (now Cloud+) | CBT Nuggets |
| Starting Price | $41.50/month (Cloud+) / $468/year (Complete) | $35/month (formerly) | ~$59/month (estimated) |
| Free Plan | 10-day free trial | 7-day free trial | 7-day free trial |
| Best For | All-in-one tech learning + cloud certs | Cloud certification prep & hands-on labs | Engaging IT training with virtual labs |
| Hands-On Labs | Yes (higher-tier plans) | Yes (sandboxes, guided labs) | Yes (virtual labs) |
| Skill Assessments | Yes (Skill IQ, Role IQ) | Yes | Limited |
| Video Format | Standard course format | Standard course format | Microlearning (short, focused videos) |
| Certification Paths | AWS, Azure, GCP, Cisco, CompTIA and more | AWS, Azure, GCP | Cisco, CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft and more |
| Platform | Cloud-based | Cloud-based | Cloud-based |
| G2 Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 (estimated) | 4.5/5 (estimated) |
| Trustpilot | 1.5/5 (billing complaints) | Mixed (post-acquisition) | Generally positive |
1. Pluralsight – The All-in-One Tech Learning Giant
Pluralsight is a massive platform for tech skills, including software development, IT operations, cloud, security and data. It’s designed for professionals looking for structured learning paths, skill assessments and a vast library of expert-led courses.
What makes Pluralsight unique are the Skill IQ and Role IQ tests, diagnostic exams that tell you where you are now and exactly what to learn next. This feature is super handy for teams doing skills gap analysis at scale.
In early 2025 Pluralsight fully integrated A Cloud Guru’s content into the platform. Now the Cloud+ plan also includes all of the ACG cloud content plus Pluralsight’s Core Tech library—software development, IT ops and business skills. The complete plan gives you everything across the entire platform.
But there’s a catch. For some users, Pluralsight’s acquisition of A Cloud Guru hasn’t been pretty. In Feb 2025 the company revoked lifetime access to courses for ACG customers and many feel scammed. Trustpilot reviews show a 1.5/5 rating with hundreds of complaints about billing, cancellation policies and unresponsive support.
Official Website: pluralsight.com
Pros
- Largest library – cloud + core tech content
- Hands-on labs and sandboxes on higher-tier plans
- Skill IQ and Role IQ tests for targeted learning
- Mobile learning offline player
- Experienced real instructors from the industry
- Works on Windows, Mac and Linux
Cons
- No free plan. Limited trial only
- Hands-on labs only on higher-tier plans
- Trustpilot rating very low (1.5/5) because of billing problems
- ACG lifetime licenses cancelled
- UI can feel clunky and navigation is more clicks than before
- Some courses become dated over time.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 (G2)
Feedback: See what users say on G2 and Trustpilot
2. A Cloud Guru (Now Pluralsight Cloud+) – The Cloud Certification Specialist
The cloud certification prep platform was A Cloud Guru. Pluralsight acquired it in 2021. By 2025, its content will have been fully merged as Cloud+ in Pluralsight.
The Cloud+ plan gives you everything you loved about ACG—in-depth certification prep for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud—plus hands-on labs, sandboxes and access to Pluralsight’s Core Tech library. The sandbox environments are pre-provisioned cloud environments where you can issue real commands against real resources without having to provision your own cloud account. This is a big practical benefit—misconfigured cloud resources can lead to surprise bills and sandboxed environments remove that risk.
The most popular learning paths are AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03), Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) and Google Cloud Digital Leader. Furthermore, the platform has DevOps tools like Kubernetes and Terraform.
The catch? Things haven’t gone smoothly with the integration. On Trustpilot reviews, ACG users are complaining that “all the amazing courses are now gone” and the interface “is a cluster and cancer.” Some users say that content quality has declined since the acquisition.
Official Website: pluralsight.com
Pros
- AWS, Azure & GCP Certifications: A Deep Dive
- Hands-on sandboxes remove personal cloud account risk
- Practical Experience with Guided Labs
- Structured certification paths, from associate to professional
- Access to Core Tech library on Pluralsight
- Practice exams included
Cons
- No longer a standalone platform – merged into Pluralsight
- Post-acquisition content quality issues
- Trustpilot: lost courses and access complaints
- Full lab access requires a higher tier plan
- prices rose following consolidation
- Good navigational
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (formerly)
Feedback: Read user reviews on G2 and Trustpilot
3. CBT Nuggets – The Engaging IT Training Platform
CBT Nuggets is a complete IT training platform, designed for people who want engaging, beginner-friendly instruction and hands-on practice. Topics include networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems administration and DevOps.
CBT Nuggets are different in how they teach. They are taught by passionate, knowledgeable instructors who make the complex topics easy to understand and manageable. The microlearning format consists of short, targeted videos, so it is easier to study consistently—even if you have a full-time job. This is a massive bonus if you struggle to focus on long training sessions.
Many courses also have virtual labs built in where you can practice configuring devices, deploying cloud resources, or troubleshooting real scenarios. Employers often care more about hands-on ability than multiple-choice confidence—and CBT Nuggets builds that practical experience.
The platform is designed for the entire learning process, from “What does this even mean?” to “I passed—and I can actually do the job.” Certifications include Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS and more.
Official Website: cbtnuggets.com
Pros
- Microlearning Format, Engaged Instructors
- Virtual Labs for hands-on experience
- Guided learning paths from beginner to more advanced
- Covers a range of IT topics – not only cloud
- Excellent for beginners and career changers
- G2 names it a leader in IT training, e-learning
Cons
- Some of the competition is cheaper
- No free plan, only trial
- Not as deep on advanced topics as Pluralsight
- Good cloud coverage, not as deep as Cloud+
- No or limited skill assessment features
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (estimated)
Feedback: See what users say on G2 and Trustpilot
Feature-by-Feature Comparison: Who Actually Does It Better?
User Interface & Ease of Use
| Criteria | Pluralsight Cloud+ | A Cloud Guru (Legacy) | CBT Nuggets |
| Dashboard | Feature-rich but busy | Clean, focused on cloud | Engaging, learner-friendly |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Navigation | More clicks to find things | Straightforward | Intuitive |
| Mobile Experience | Good (offline player) | Good | Good |
Winner: CBT Nuggets – its microlearning format and engaging instructors make it the most accessible platform. Pluralsight’s UI complaints are common.
Features & Functionality
Key features: They all offer video courses, certification prep and hands-on practice. Pluralsight Cloud+ has the most comprehensive cloud coverage, with sandboxes. CBT Nuggets has the best format for instruction and virtual labs.
Skill assessments: Very helpful in tracking progress are Pluralsight’s Skill IQ and Role IQ. CBT Nuggets has limited assessment functionality.
Hands-on labs: Pluralsight Cloud+ has sandboxes (pre-provisioned cloud environments). Real-world practice in virtual labs: CBT Nuggets. Both are good, but Cloud+ sandboxing is more focused on cloud scenarios.
Certification paths: Pluralsight Cloud+ covers AWS, Azure and GCP with practice exams. CBT Nuggets covers Cisco, CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft and more.
Winner: Pluralsight Cloud+ – Its sandbox environments and deep cloud certification coverage give it the edge. CBT Nuggets is close, but Pluralsight’s depth is unmatched.
Pricing Comparison – Where’s Your Money Going?
| Plan | Pluralsight (Cloud+) | A Cloud Guru (Legacy) | CBT Nuggets |
| Free | 10-day trial | 7-day trial | 7-day trial |
| Individual | $41.50/month (Cloud+) | ~$35/month | ~$59/month |
| Annual | $468/year (Complete) | $348/year (estimated) | ~$600/year |
| Team Starter | ~$399/user/year | Not available | Custom |
| Team Enterprise | ~$779/user/year | Not available | Custom |
Value for money: Pluralsight Cloud+ offers the best value for cloud certification prep at $41.50/month—especially with sandboxes included. CBT Nuggets is pricier but offers a broader range of IT topics and more engaging instruction.
Winner: Pluralsight Cloud+ – Its combination of cloud depth and hands-on labs at a lower price point makes it the best value for cloud-focused learners.
Security & Trust
| Criteria | Pluralsight Cloud+ | A Cloud Guru (Legacy) | CBT Nuggets |
| Trustpilot Rating | 1.5/5 | Mixed | Generally positive |
| Data Privacy | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Company Reputation | Established | Acquired by Pluralsight | Established |
Winner: CBT Nuggets – While Pluralsight is a legitimate platform, the Trustpilot complaints (1.5/5) are concerning, especially the billing and cancellation issues. CBT Nuggets has a stronger reputation.
Which Tool Is Best for Different Use Cases?
Choose Pluralsight Cloud+ if:
- Your main goal is cloud certification (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- You want real cloud practice with hands-on sandboxes.
- You require structured learning paths and skill assessments
- You want to get into Pluralsight’s Core Tech library
- You are ready to deal with possible billing problems
Choose CBT Nuggets if:
- You want engaging, noob-friendly instruction
- Practical experience needs virtual labs
- You like short, focused videos (microlearning)
- You are studying for Cisco, CompTIA or Microsoft certifications
- You want the best learning experience overall
Choose Pluralsight Complete if:
- You need the broadest technical library across all domains
- You’re a developer or IT ops professional
- You want both cloud and non-cloud content in one place
- You’re willing to pay for the comprehensive package
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
| Best for Cloud Certifications | Pluralsight Cloud+ |
| Best Overall Learning Experience | CBT Nuggets |
| Best Hands-On Practice | Pluralsight Cloud+ (Sandboxes) |
| Best for Beginners | CBT Nuggets |
| Best Engaging Instruction | CBT Nuggets |
| Best Value for Money | Pluralsight Cloud+ |
| Broadest Library | Pluralsight Complete |
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Pluralsight Cloud+ (formerly A Cloud Guru) is the best cloud certification prep. The sandboxes and hands-on labs are really differentiating—you can practice with real cloud resources without the fear of a surprise bill. Nothing on the depth of AWS, Azure and GCP coverage. But the integration has been rough and Trustpilot reviews are worrying.
CBT Nuggets is the best learning experience overall. The microlearning format, engaging instructors and virtual labs make it the most accessible platform. This is the easiest place to begin if you’re a beginner or career changer. The coverage of Cisco, CompTIA, AWS and Microsoft is broad.
Pluralsight Complete is for people who want everything – cloud, development, security, data and more. It’s the largest library, but you’ll pay for it.
Personally? If you’re into cloud certifications, start with Pluralsight Cloud+; the practical labs and depth are worth it. If you want a fun and easy way to learn about a lot of different IT topics, try CBT Nuggets. If you want the biggest technical library possible, Pluralsight Complete is your answer.
One more thing: if you’re already using another training platform, you might want to supplement it with practice exams from a tool like AlphaPrep for final exam prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is A Cloud Guru still a separate platform?
No. A Cloud Guru was acquired by Pluralsight in 2021 and fully integrated into the Pluralsight platform in 2025. Now available as Cloud+, a cloud-focused plan in Pluralsight that delivers all of the ACG content plus Pluralsight’s Core Tech library.
Which platform is best for AWS certification?
The most comprehensive AWS certification prep comes from Pluralsight Cloud+ (formerly A Cloud Guru) and offers in-depth courses, hands-on labs, sandboxes and practice exams. CBT Nuggets offers AWS training as well, but the depth and hands-on experience in Cloud+ are unbeatable.
Which tool is better for beginners?
Because of its engaging instructors, microlearning format and virtual labs, CBT Nuggets is widely considered to be the most beginner-friendly platform. Pluralsight Cloud+ is also available, but it may be more challenging for beginners.
Which platform is safest to use?
CBT Nuggets is known for higher customer satisfaction. Pluralsight is rated 1.5/5 on Trustpilot, with hundreds of complaints about billing, cancellations and unresponsive support. A lot of ACG users were unhappy about the acquisition and content changes. If you want peace of mind for billing and customer service, CBT Nuggets is the better choice.
