Brilliant vs Khan Academy
Brilliant
Interactive STEM learning platform using puzzle-based problem solving
Advanced STEM learners, competition prep, self-motivated students with 15+ min daily
Khan Academy
Free, self-paced online learning platform with 8,000+ video lessons for K-12 and college students.
Budget-conscious learners, K-12 students, teachers, districts, self-paced learners
Short Answer
Brilliant offers interactive, puzzle-based STEM learning with a premium subscription model ($12.99/month), while Khan Academy provides comprehensive, free educational content across multiple subjects with optional paid features. Brilliant excels in engaging problem-solving, whereas Khan Academy focuses on accessibility and breadth of curriculum.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedKhan Academy is the better choice for students and teachers seeking comprehensive, free, accessible education across multiple disciplines with strong institutional support. Brilliant is ideal for STEM-focused learners who thrive with interactive problem-solving and are willing to pay for premium engagement and conceptual depth.
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Choose Brilliant if
Advanced STEM learners, competition prep, self-motivated students with 15+ min daily
Choose Khan Academy if
Budget-conscious learners, K-12 students, teachers, districts, self-paced learners
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Brilliant | Khan Academy | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Core Content(percent) | Limited free access, premium required | 100% of core lessons free | -80% |
| Subject Coverage Breadth(subjects) | Math, physics, computer science, scientific thinking | All K-12 subjects plus standardized test prep | -67% |
| Interactivity Score(score/10) | Interactive puzzles and real-time feedback | Video + practice exercises | +50% |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) | Required for full access | Optional premium features | +114% |
| Advanced Learner Engagement(score/10) | Advanced problem-solving focus | College-prep and AP levels available | +13% |
| Mobile App Quality(rating/5) | Web-first, limited mobile optimization | Full-featured iOS and Android apps | -16% |
| Illustrative Math Curriculum Integration(grade levels) | No formal IM alignment | Grades 6-8 and Algebra 1 updated by summer 2026 | -100% |
| Video Lesson Availability(count) | Video content minimal, puzzle-focused | Thousands of instructional videos | -98% |
| Standardized Test Prep Coverage(exams) | Minimal exam-focused content | SAT, ACT, AP, state assessments | -96% |
| Gamification Level(score/10) | Advanced gamification with challenge levels | Basic progress tracking and badges | +125% |
| Accessibility for Beginners(score/10) | Better for intermediate+ learners | Excellent scaffolding from basics | -33% |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $99.99 | Free | — |
| Subject Categories(count) | 4 (Math, Physics, CS, Science) | 5+ (Math, Science, ELA, History, Social Studies) | -20% |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | 7 days | Unlimited | — |
| Gamification Level(score out of 10) | 9/10 (high) | 5/10 (moderate) | +80% |
| Daily Time Commitment(minutes) | 15+ recommended | Flexible/variable | — |
| Active Users(billions) | 100+ | 100+ | — |
| Cost(USD/month) | Free | Free | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (US)(USD) | Free | Free | — |
| Subjects Covered(count) | 6+ (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, Test Prep, College) | 6+ (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, Test Prep, College) | — |
| Video Lessons Included(count) | 5,000+ comprehensive video lessons | 5,000+ comprehensive video lessons | — |
| Annual Active Users (2025 estimate)(millions) | 100+ million monthly visitors globally | 100+ million monthly visitors globally | — |
| User Base(millions) | Over 150 million users | Over 150 million users | — |
| Price per Month(USD) | $0 (free) or $14.99/month premium | $0 (free) or $14.99/month premium | — |
| Video/Class Library Size(count) | 8,000+ videos | 8,000+ videos | — |
| Subject Coverage Areas(categories) | Core academics (Math, Science, History, English, Test Prep) | Core academics (Math, Science, History, English, Test Prep) | — |
| Average Class/Lesson Duration(minutes) | 10-15 minutes per video | 10-15 minutes per video | — |
| Registered Active Users(millions) | 200+ million lifetime | 200+ million lifetime | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Jun 2026.
Key Differences
Brilliant
Premium subscription ($12.99/month or $99.99/year)
Khan Academy
Free (with optional premium features)🏆
Brilliant
STEM-only (Math, Physics, CS, Science)
Khan Academy
Multi-subject (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, History)🏆
Brilliant
Interactive puzzle and problem-based🏆
Khan Academy
Video lectures with practice exercises
Brilliant
Deep conceptual understanding, limited breadth
Khan Academy
Comprehensive curriculum coverage K-12 & college🏆
Brilliant
15+ minutes recommended
Khan Academy
Flexible, self-paced learning🏆
Brilliant
Limited classroom tools
Khan Academy
Strong district/classroom integration for 2026-27🏆
Brilliant
Full app experience available
Khan Academy
Full web and app experience
Brilliant
High engagement through gamification🏆
Khan Academy
Moderate engagement, more passive learning
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Brilliant | Khan Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Free Core Content(percent) | Limited free access, premium required | 100% of core lessons free |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) | Required for full access | Optional premium features |
| Monthly Cost(USD) | $12.99 | Free |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $99.99 | Free |
| Cost Per Course(USD) | Free | — |
Show 3 more attributesCost(USD/month) Free — Monthly Subscription Cost (US)(USD) Free — Base Cost(USD) Free (Premium $84/year) — | ||
| Subject Coverage Breadth(subjects) | Math, physics, computer science, scientific thinking | All K-12 subjects plus standardized test prep |
| Subject Categories(count) | 4 (Math, Physics, CS, Science) | 5+ (Math, Science, ELA, History, Social Studies) |
| Video Lectures(format) | Minimal (problem-focused) | Extensive library |
| Subject Coverage Breadth(categories) | 4 main + AP/College | — |
| Subjects Covered(count) | 6+ (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, Test Prep, College) | — |
Show 5 more attributesVideo Lessons Included(count) 5,000+ comprehensive video lessons — Grade Levels Served(range) PreK - Grade 12 + College & AP — Subject Coverage(subjects) 30+ core subjects — Video/Class Library Size(count) 8,000+ videos — Subject Coverage Areas(categories) Core academics (Math, Science, History, English, Test Prep) — | ||
| Interactivity Score(score/10) | Interactive puzzles and real-time feedback | Video + practice exercises |
| Advanced Learner Engagement(score/10) | Advanced problem-solving focus | College-prep and AP levels available |
| Mobile App Quality(rating/5) | Web-first, limited mobile optimization | Full-featured iOS and Android apps |
| Illustrative Math Curriculum Integration(grade levels) | No formal IM alignment | Grades 6-8 and Algebra 1 updated by summer 2026 |
| Video Lesson Availability(count) | Video content minimal, puzzle-focused | Thousands of instructional videos |
| Standardized Test Prep Coverage(exams) | Minimal exam-focused content | SAT, ACT, AP, state assessments |
| Gamification Level(score/10) | Advanced gamification with challenge levels | Basic progress tracking and badges |
| Gamification Level(score out of 10) | 9/10 (high) | 5/10 (moderate) |
| Interactive Practice Problems | Integrated with hints | — |
| Gamification Features(features) | Basic points system | — |
| District Platform Readiness(year) | Individual-focused, limited district integration | Full rollout in 2026-27 school year |
| Accessibility for Beginners(score/10) | Better for intermediate+ learners | Excellent scaffolding from basics |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | 7 days | Unlimited |
| Teacher Dashboard(feature) | Basic | Advanced with 2026-27 expansion |
| Teacher Analytics Dashboard(capability level) | Basic progress reports, Mission Control for parents | — |
| Offline Practice Capability(availability) | Limited offline viewing | — |
| Daily Time Commitment(minutes) | 15+ recommended | Flexible/variable |
| Active Users(billions) | 100+ | — |
| University Partnerships(Count) | Limited | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | Non-profit funded | — |
| Credential Recognition(Level) | Progress tracking only | — |
| Best for Grade Level(Range) | K-12 & Foundational | — |
| Daily New Enrollments(Thousands) | Data unavailable | — |
| User Growth Rate (YoY)(Percentage) | Steady (data unavailable) | — |
| Video Content | Extensive library | — |
| Minimum Age Recommendation(years) | All ages (K-12+) | — |
| Availability | 24/7 on-demand access | — |
| Mobile App Support | iOS and Android apps | — |
| User Satisfaction on Core Feature(%) | Highly rated | — |
| Retention Rate (24-hour recall)(%) | Concept-based mastery | — |
| Custom Content Upload | No | — |
| Annual Active Users (2025 estimate)(millions) | 100+ million monthly visitors globally | — |
| Registered Active Users(millions) | 200+ million lifetime | — |
| Live Instruction | No, pre-recorded videos | — |
| User Base(millions) | Over 150 million users | — |
| Average Class Size(students) | Individual/unlimited access | — |
| Teacher Verification | Created by certified experts | — |
| Price per Month(USD) | $0 (free) or $14.99/month premium | — |
| Average Class/Lesson Duration(minutes) | 10-15 minutes per video | — |
| Learning Flexibility(schedule type) | 24/7 self-paced, learn anytime | — |
| Live Interaction Available(boolean) | No (pre-recorded only) | — |
| Instructor Vetting/Qualifications(level) | Content created by education experts and Khan Academy staff | — |
Show 3 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Visual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
Brilliant
Pros
- Highly engaging, gamified learning experience
- Deep conceptual understanding through interactive problems
- Focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Beautiful, modern interface design
- Flexible daily learning (15+ minutes)
- Tracks progress with detailed insights
Cons
- Paid subscription required ($12.99/month)
- STEM-only, no humanities or language courses
- Limited teacher/classroom integration
- No video lectures for visual learners
- Smaller content library compared to competitors
- Requires consistent daily engagement
Khan Academy
Pros
- Completely free with high-quality content
- Covers multiple subjects (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies)
- Extensive video library explaining concepts clearly
- Strong teacher and district integration (expanded 2026-27)
- Accessible to all students regardless of income
- Self-paced, flexible learning schedule
Cons
- Less engaging than interactive platforms
- Video-based learning may not suit all styles
- Requires self-motivation and discipline
- Limited real-time feedback on complex problems
- Less gamification compared to competitors
- Can feel overwhelming with amount of content
Frequently Asked Questions
Brilliant is worth it if you're a STEM learner who enjoys puzzle-based learning and can commit 15+ minutes daily. However, Khan Academy's free alternative is better for budget-conscious students or those needing broader subject coverage.
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