education
Khan Academy vs Brilliant 2026: Free vs Paid STEM Learning
Khan Academy offers free, comprehensive K-12 and college-prep content with a mastery-based learning model, while Brilliant focuses on interactive problem-solving for STEM subjects with a paid subscription model targeting learners 13+. Khan Academy prioritizes accessibility and breadth; Brilliant prioritizes engagement and depth in advanced topics.
KA
Khan Academy
Free online learning platform covering K-12 and college-prep with video lectures and practice exercises.
Students K-12, test-takers (SAT/ACT/AP), teachers, budget-conscious families, and anyone wanting foundational STEM knowledge
Score67%
VS
B
Brilliant
Paid interactive learning platform specializing in STEM with problem-solving and guided discovery.
Advanced STEM learners (13+), competitive exam prep (math/physics olympiads), coding interview preparation, and self-motivated learners seeking engaging problem-solving experiences
Score67%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryKhan Academy offers free, comprehensive K-12 and college-prep content with a mastery-based learning model, while Brilliant focuses on interactive problem-solving for STEM subjects with a paid subscription model targeting learners 13+. Khan Academy prioritizes accessibility and breadth; Brilliant prioritizes engagement and depth in advanced topics.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Khan Academy if you need comprehensive, affordable K-12 education coverage, want to master foundational concepts, or are preparing for standardized tests—it's ideal for students of all ages and budgets. Choose Brilliant if you're a motivated STEM learner seeking challenging, interactive problem-solving experiences and are willing to invest in a premium subscription for deeper mastery of advanced topics.
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K
Khan Academy
8.7/10
Brilliant
6.3/10
B
K
Choose Khan Academy if
Best pickStudents K-12, test-takers (SAT/ACT/AP), teachers, budget-conscious families, and anyone wanting foundational STEM knowledge
B
Choose Brilliant if
Advanced STEM learners (13+), competitive exam prep (math/physics olympiads), coding interview preparation, and self-motivated learners seeking engaging problem-solving experiences
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Pricing Model:✓ Khan Academy wins(Free (with optional paid tier at $84/year) vs Paid subscription ($168/year or $19.99/month))
- Content Breadth:✓ Khan Academy wins(K-12 through college (2,000+ videos, 10,000+ exercises) vs Advanced STEM only (200+ courses, 5,000+ problems))
- Learning Approach:✓ Brilliant wins(Interactive problem-solving with guided explanations vs Video lectures + practice exercises with mastery tracking)
Key Facts & Figures
35 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Khan Academy | Brilliant | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Core Content(percent) | 100% of core lessons free | Limited free access, premium required | |
| Subject Coverage Breadth(subjects) | All K-12 subjects plus standardized test prep | Math, physics, computer science, scientific thinking | |
| Interactivity Score(score/10) | Video + practice exercises | Interactive puzzles and real-time feedback | |
| Standardized Test Prep Coverage(exams) | SAT, ACT, AP, state assessments | Minimal exam-focused content | |
| Video Lesson Availability(count) | Thousands of instructional videos | Video content minimal, puzzle-focused | |
| Accessibility for Beginners(score/10) | Excellent scaffolding from basics | Better for intermediate+ learners | |
| Gamification Level(score/10) | Basic progress tracking and badges | Advanced gamification with challenge levels | |
| Advanced Learner Engagement(score/10) | College-prep and AP levels available | Advanced problem-solving focus | |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) | Optional premium features | Required for full access | |
| Mobile App Quality(rating/5) | Full-featured iOS and Android apps | Web-first, limited mobile optimization | |
| Illustrative Math Curriculum Integration(grade levels) | Grades 6-8 and Algebra 1 updated by summer 2026 | No formal IM alignment | |
| Active Users(billions) | 100+ | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | Free | $99.99 | |
| Subject Categories(count) | 5+ (Math, Science, ELA, History, Social Studies) | 4 (Math, Physics, CS, Science) | |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | Unlimited | 7 days | — |
| Gamification Level(score out of 10) | 5/10 (moderate) | 9/10 (high) | |
| Daily Time Commitment(minutes) | Flexible/variable | 15+ recommended | — |
| Cost(USD/month) | Free | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (US)(USD) | Free | — | — |
| Subjects Covered(count) | 6+ (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, Test Prep, College) | — | — |
| Video Lessons Included(count) | 5,000+ comprehensive video lessons | — | — |
| Annual Active Users (2025 estimate)(millions) | 100+ million monthly visitors globally | — | — |
| User Base(millions) | Over 150 million users | — | — |
| Price per Month(USD) | $0 (free) or $14.99/month premium | — | — |
| Video/Class Library Size(count) | 8,000+ videos | — | — |
| Subject Coverage Areas(categories) | Core academics (Math, Science, History, English, Test Prep) | — | — |
| Average Class/Lesson Duration(minutes) | 10-15 minutes per video | — | — |
| Registered Active Users(millions) | 200+ million lifetime | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | Free ($0) | $168/year or $19.99/month | |
| Total Video Content Library(videos) | 2,000+ | 200+ (mostly problem-focused, not video-centric) | |
| Practice Problems Available(problems) | 10,000+ | 5,000+ | |
| Global Registered Users(millions) | 200+ | 5+ | |
| Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)(stars) | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | |
| Minimum Age Recommendation(years) | 4 (Kindergarten content available) | 13 | |
| Interactivity Level (1-10 scale)(score) | 6 (lecture + practice exercises) | 9 (problem-solving discovery with visual feedback) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
KA
3Khan AcademyEvenly matched1 tie
B
3BrilliantKhan Academy
Attribute
Brilliant
- Free (with optional paid tier at $84/year)(winner)Pricing ModelPaid subscription ($168/year or $19.99/month)
- K-12 through college (2,000+ videos, 10,000+ exercises)(winner)Content BreadthAdvanced STEM only (200+ courses, 5,000+ problems)
- Video lectures + practice exercises with mastery trackingLearning ApproachInteractive problem-solving with guided explanations(winner)
- All ages K-12 and test prep (SAT, ACT, AP)Target AudienceAdvanced learners 13+, STEM enthusiasts, competitive prep
- 200+ million registered users globally(winner)User Base Size5+ million registered users
- Points, badges, progress tracking (basic)Gamification FeaturesStreaks, difficulty levels, leaderboards (advanced)(winner)
- Available, functional but less polished (4.5/5 stars)Mobile App QualityHighly optimized with offline problem solving (4.7/5 stars)(winner)
- Pricing Model
Khan Academy
Free (with optional paid tier at $84/year)(winner)
Brilliant
Paid subscription ($168/year or $19.99/month)
- Content Breadth
Khan Academy
K-12 through college (2,000+ videos, 10,000+ exercises)(winner)
Brilliant
Advanced STEM only (200+ courses, 5,000+ problems)
- Learning Approach
Khan Academy
Video lectures + practice exercises with mastery tracking
Brilliant
Interactive problem-solving with guided explanations(winner)
- Target Audience
Khan Academy
All ages K-12 and test prep (SAT, ACT, AP)
Brilliant
Advanced learners 13+, STEM enthusiasts, competitive prep
- User Base Size
Khan Academy
200+ million registered users globally(winner)
Brilliant
5+ million registered users
- Gamification Features
Khan Academy
Points, badges, progress tracking (basic)
Brilliant
Streaks, difficulty levels, leaderboards (advanced)(winner)
- Mobile App Quality
Khan Academy
Available, functional but less polished (4.5/5 stars)
Brilliant
Highly optimized with offline problem solving (4.7/5 stars)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Khan Academy | Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| Free Core Content(percent) | 100% of core lessons free(winner) | Limited free access, premium required |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year) | Optional premium features(winner) | Required for full access |
| Cost Per Course(USD) | Free | — |
| Monthly Cost(USD) | Free(winner) | $12.99 |
| Annual Cost(USD) | Free(winner) | $99.99 |
Show 4 more attributesCost(USD/month) Free — Monthly Subscription Cost (US)(USD) Free — Base Cost(USD) Free (Premium $84/year) — Annual Cost(USD) Free ($0) $168/year or $19.99/month | ||
| Subject Coverage Breadth(subjects) | All K-12 subjects plus standardized test prep(winner) | Math, physics, computer science, scientific thinking |
| Subject Categories(count) | 5+ (Math, Science, ELA, History, Social Studies)(winner) | 4 (Math, Physics, CS, Science) |
| Video Lectures(format) | Extensive library | Minimal (problem-focused) |
| 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) | Video + practice exercises | Interactive puzzles and real-time feedback(winner) |
| Standardized Test Prep Coverage(exams) | SAT, ACT, AP, state assessments(winner) | Minimal exam-focused content |
| District Platform Readiness(year) | Full rollout in 2026-27 school year | Individual-focused, limited district integration |
| Video Lesson Availability(count) | Thousands of instructional videos(winner) | Video content minimal, puzzle-focused |
| Accessibility for Beginners(score/10) | Excellent scaffolding from basics(winner) | Better for intermediate+ learners |
| Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)(stars) | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5(winner) |
| Gamification Level(score/10) | Basic progress tracking and badges | Advanced gamification with challenge levels(winner) |
| Gamification Level(score out of 10) | 5/10 (moderate) | 9/10 (high)(winner) |
| Interactive Practice Problems | Integrated with hints | — |
| Gamification Features(features) | Basic points system | — |
| Interactivity Level (1-10 scale)(score) | 6 (lecture + practice exercises) | 9 (problem-solving discovery with visual feedback)(winner) |
| Advanced Learner Engagement(score/10) | College-prep and AP levels available | Advanced problem-solving focus(winner) |
| Mobile App Quality(rating/5) | Full-featured iOS and Android apps(winner) | Web-first, limited mobile optimization |
| Illustrative Math Curriculum Integration(grade levels) | Grades 6-8 and Algebra 1 updated by summer 2026(winner) | No formal IM alignment |
| Active Users(billions) | 100+ | — |
| Global Registered Users(millions) | 200+(winner) | 5+ |
| University Partnerships(Count) | Limited | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billion) | 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) | — |
| Free Trial Duration(Days) | Unlimited | 7 days |
| Teacher Dashboard(feature) | Advanced with 2026-27 expansion | Basic |
| Teacher Analytics Dashboard(capability level) | Basic progress reports, Mission Control for parents | — |
| Offline Practice Capability(availability) | Limited offline viewing | — |
| Daily Time Commitment(minutes) | Flexible/variable | 15+ recommended |
| 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 | — |
| Minimum Age Recommendation(years) | 4 (Kindergarten content available)(winner) | 13 |
| 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 | — |
| Total Video Content Library(videos) | 2,000+(winner) | 200+ (mostly problem-focused, not video-centric) |
| Practice Problems Available(problems) | 10,000+(winner) | 5,000+ |
| Subject Categories Covered(categories) | 10 (Math, Science, English, History, Test Prep, etc.)(winner) | 5 (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science) |
KKhan Academy
BBrilliant
Free Core Content(percent)
100% of core lessons free
Limited free access, premium required
Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year)
Optional premium features
Required for full access
Cost Per Course(USD)
Free
—
Monthly Cost(USD)
Free
$12.99
Annual Cost(USD)
Free
$99.99
Show 4 more attributes
Cost(USD/month)
Free
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (US)(USD)
Free
—
Base Cost(USD)
Free (Premium $84/year)
—
Annual Cost(USD)
Free ($0)
$168/year or $19.99/month
Subject Coverage Breadth(subjects)
All K-12 subjects plus standardized test prep
Math, physics, computer science, scientific thinking
Subject Categories(count)
5+ (Math, Science, ELA, History, Social Studies)
4 (Math, Physics, CS, Science)
Video Lectures(format)
Extensive library
Minimal (problem-focused)
Subject Coverage Breadth(categories)
4 main + AP/College
—
Subjects Covered(count)
6+ (Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, Test Prep, College)
—
Show 5 more attributes
Video 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)
Video + practice exercises
Interactive puzzles and real-time feedback
Standardized Test Prep Coverage(exams)
SAT, ACT, AP, state assessments
Minimal exam-focused content
District Platform Readiness(year)
Full rollout in 2026-27 school year
Individual-focused, limited district integration
Video Lesson Availability(count)
Thousands of instructional videos
Video content minimal, puzzle-focused
Accessibility for Beginners(score/10)
Excellent scaffolding from basics
Better for intermediate+ learners
Mobile App Rating (iOS/Android)(stars)
4.5/5
4.7/5
Gamification Level(score/10)
Basic progress tracking and badges
Advanced gamification with challenge levels
Gamification Level(score out of 10)
5/10 (moderate)
9/10 (high)
Interactive Practice Problems
Integrated with hints
—
Gamification Features(features)
Basic points system
—
Interactivity Level (1-10 scale)(score)
6 (lecture + practice exercises)
9 (problem-solving discovery with visual feedback)
Advanced Learner Engagement(score/10)
College-prep and AP levels available
Advanced problem-solving focus
Mobile App Quality(rating/5)
Full-featured iOS and Android apps
Web-first, limited mobile optimization
Illustrative Math Curriculum Integration(grade levels)
Grades 6-8 and Algebra 1 updated by summer 2026
No formal IM alignment
Active Users(billions)
100+
—
Global Registered Users(millions)
200+
5+
University Partnerships(Count)
Limited
—
Annual Revenue(USD billion)
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)
—
Free Trial Duration(Days)
Unlimited
7 days
Teacher Dashboard(feature)
Advanced with 2026-27 expansion
Basic
Teacher Analytics Dashboard(capability level)
Basic progress reports, Mission Control for parents
—
Offline Practice Capability(availability)
Limited offline viewing
—
Daily Time Commitment(minutes)
Flexible/variable
15+ recommended
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
—
Minimum Age Recommendation(years)
4 (Kindergarten content available)
13
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
—
Total Video Content Library(videos)
2,000+
200+ (mostly problem-focused, not video-centric)
Practice Problems Available(problems)
10,000+
5,000+
Subject Categories Covered(categories)
10 (Math, Science, English, History, Test Prep, etc.)
5 (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science)
Pros & Cons
12 pros·6 cons across both
KA
B
KA
Khan Academy
+6-3
Pros
- Completely free with no paywalls (even advanced content)
- Covers 2,000+ videos spanning math, science, English, history, and test prep (SAT, ACT, AP)
- Mastery-based system requiring 80%+ on practice sets before moving forward
- Accessible to 200+ million users globally, especially in underserved regions
- Created by educators (Sal Khan), trusted by 30+ million teachers in classrooms
- Detailed progress tracking for parents and teachers to monitor student advancement
Cons
- Video lectures are sometimes lengthy and less engaging for kinesthetic learners
- Mobile app less polished compared to competitors
- Limited interactive problem-solving compared to specialized platforms
B
Brilliant
+6-3
Pros
- Highly interactive problem-solving approach with immediate visual feedback and guided explanations
- Advanced gamification with daily streaks, leaderboards, and difficulty progression
- Specializes in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and advanced mathematics
- Mobile app optimized for offline problem-solving with smooth performance (4.7/5 stars)
- 5,000+ curated problems designed to build intuition, not just memorization
- Engaging visual explanations that make abstract concepts concrete
Cons
- Expensive subscription model ($168/year or $19.99/month) with no free comprehensive access
- Limited content scope—only advanced STEM, no humanities, history, or languages
- Not suitable for K-12 foundational learning; requires some prior knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Yes, Khan Academy's core content is 100% free including 2,000+ videos and 10,000+ practice problems. They offer a paid Khan Academy Plus tier ($84/year) for advanced features like progress tracking and ad-free experience, but all educational content is available without paying.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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