10 Brilliant Alternatives in 2026
reviewed by Rachelle Bencio Yu
Updated on February 3, 2026
Looking for something more than Brilliant.org in 2026? While Brilliant is great for self-paced learning, many kids need a more personalized and interactive approach. In this article, I, as a teacher and educational platform reviewer, share top 10 Brilliant alternatives that can help your child achieve high learning results. There’s something here for everyone, so let’s get started!
Key points
- For advanced math lovers of all ages, especially those preparing for competitions, Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) is a great alternative.
- Codecademy, Thinkster Math, IXL, and Prodigy Math are perfect for practicing specific skills like programming, math, or STEM through interactive exercises and adaptive tasks.
- If you’re looking for versatile courses for teens and high school students from top companies and world-renowned universities, choose Coursera, edX, or Udacity.
- For those who want a free resource to strengthen core school knowledge, Khan Academy is the way to go.
- However, if you want a tool that combines personalized learning with a professional tutor, an individual program, engaging assignments, and interactive lessons to boost math and reading skills, Brighterly is the platform to choose.
Exploring alternatives?
Why opt for Brilliant.org alternatives?
Parents often look for alternatives to Brilliant.org because they feel the learning on the platform can be a bit surface-level and may require extra resources. According to reviews, some students find the material too easy. Most courses focus on elementary and middle school levels and don’t always go deep enough into the topics. On top of that, users sometimes mention difficulties with canceling subscriptions.
Still, before diving into the downsides of Brilliant competitors, I want to highlight its strengths – the reasons why many parents and students still choose Brilliant.
- The platform works well for daily practice
- It helps to build confidence and lifelong learning habits
- The interactive format keeps kids engaged – they don’t just watch videos, they actively solve problems
- A good STEM starting point – a gentle introduction to math, programming, and science
- The platform works on tablets and mobile devices, including iOS and Android
This is exactly what one of the recent reviews on Reddit talks about.
Plus, the app even works for adults who want to refresh their knowledge, as one user mentions on Reddit.
Reasons to choose alternatives to Brilliant.org
Learning feels quite surface-level
According to some comments, Brilliant works more like a supplemental tool rather than a platform that builds a strong foundation in math. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always provide enough depth in mathematical topics. This is something users often mention on Reddit.
Issues with subscription cancellation
There are other reasons why parents choose alternatives to Brilliant, but I can’t ignore the subscription issue. There are dozens of comments about this on both Reddit and Trustpilot. Some parents mention signing up for a free trial and then getting charged unexpectedly, or noticing that the subscription renews automatically without clear reminders.
If you want to learn more about pricing, you can read the article Brilliant.org cost.
What are the best alternatives to Brilliant?
- Brighterly
- Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
- Khan Academy
- Coursera
- edX
- Udacity
- Codecademy
- Thinkster Math
- IXL
- Prodigy Math
#1 Brighterly
Best for: kids in grades 1-9 who need engaging one-on-one tutoring.
The first platform I want to highlight is Brighterly math and reading platform. It’s not directly a Brilliant alternative, but it’s a tool that can truly support your child in a structured way. Brighterly is a tutoring platform where teachers work closely with each child, take their individual needs into account, and gently help kids understand the material in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Brighterly features
- Professional tutors who create personalized learning plans
- One-on-one interactive lessons and free learning resources
Professional tutors
One of Brighterly’s biggest strengths is its certified professional reading and math tutors. These aren’t just teachers – they act as mentors who explain complex topics in a simple way and support kids at every step of their reading and math classes. Tutors prepare carefully for each lesson, and they always add fun elements to keep kids interested and help them understand the subject more easily.
Personalized learning & free resources
Another important thing to mention is how learning starts on Brighterly. It begins with a short diagnostic check. Based on your child’s answers, tutors create a personalized learning plan. As a teacher, I want to say this is a really strong approach. This makes Brighterly a strong potential option among apps like Brilliant. By the way, you can also use similar math tests to check your child’s level, and then download free themed math worksheets to practice weaker topics at home.
Brighterly pricing
- 1-month learning membership plan: From $20.7/lesson
- 3-month learning membership plan: From $20.2/lesson
- 6-month learning membership plan: From $19.4/lesson
- 12-month learning membership plan: From $17.3/lesson
*The prices mentioned apply to 3 classes/week with a discount of up to 20%.
How does Brighterly compare to Brilliant.org?
Unlike Brilliant.org and their competitors, which work better for self-study, Brighterly offers live lessons with a tutor, deeper explanations, and a clear lesson structure. This isn’t just practice – it’s a full learning process. The personalized approach often leads to much stronger results.
Brighterly: Pros & Сons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
– One-on-one 1:1 lessons |
– Only individual lessons, no group classes |
|
– Personalized learning programs |
– Designed for kids in grades 1–9 |
|
– Interactive and engaging lessons |
|
|
– Aligned with US education standards |
#2 Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
Best for: advanced math lovers
About Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) – it’s not just another educational site, it’s a learning system that helps kids think deeply, not just memorize rules. If your child is really into math, this could be your alternative. AoPS focuses on harder problems, math logic, and olympiad prep. They offer both self-studying and tutoring options. Plus, I noticed that among Brilliant alternatives, people on Reddit recommend it most often.
Who is it for?
Perfect for 5-12 grades
Art of Problem Solving top features
- Deep learning through challenging problems and concepts
- Active community with forums and discussions
- Their own books and competitions
How much is Art of Problem Solving?
The official site offers different books and internet courses, and AoPS Academy runs live classes. Prices depend on the course; for example, yearly academic courses can cost around $749 per trimester (12 weeks) plus registration and materials fees.
Art of Problem Solving pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Prep for olympiads and college entry | – Less suitable for beginners |
| – Pretty price |
#3 Khan Academy
Best for: anyone who needs to improve their understanding of school subjects
Is there any free alternative to Brilliant? Definitely yes, there’s Khan Academy. It’s also an online learning platform offering lessons in math, science, programming, history, and many other subjects. There’s no gamification or personal tutor here, but all lessons are structured and easy to follow. It’s a classic, accessible tool that helps students strengthen their school knowledge base and even prepare for tests and competitions.
Who is it for?
All school-age learners
Khan Academy top features
- Brilliant free alternative with structured courses
- Adaptive exercises that adjust to the child’s level
- Simple explanations of complex topics in easy-to-understand language
How much is Khan Academy?
No payment needed; all courses and certificates are free.
Khan Academy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Large library of subjects | – No live tutor or personal mentor |
| – Apps like Brilliant but free | – Less interactivity and gamification |
| – Clear video lessons |
#4 Coursera
Best for: self-paced learners and career-minded students
Coursera is a well-known site that gives access to courses from universities and top companies around the world. The topics are everywhere – from quantum physics and math to social media management or design. And it can be a free alternative to Brilliant.
These courses often include videos, quizzes, practical tasks, or projects. You can pay to get a certificate. Coursera works really well for anyone who wants to learn at their own pace.
Who is it for?
Excellent for teens, institute students, professionals.
Coursera top features
- Courses from top universities, from Harvard to Stanford
- Flexible learning
- Practical projects
How much is Coursera?
First, many courses are free, so it can be considered as one of the best free alternatives to Brilliant.org. However, without money, you don’t get a certificate. Paid courses with a certificate usually cost around $39–79 per month. Annual subscriptions usually cost $399, but right now there’s a promo for $199.
Coursera pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Courses from top universities | – Some assignments can be tricky for beginners |
| – Huge choice of topics and specializations | – Not so many free courses |
| – Learn at your own pace | –Not very interactive for kids – more for older teens |
#5 edX
Best for: self-paced learners and career-focused students
edX is another platform offering courses from top universities. At first glance, it looks a lot like Coursera. But this platform is more about academic courses than career ones. Sometimes the programs are longer and go deeper. The situation is pretty similar here: you can find many lessons for free, which makes it one of the solid free alternatives to Brilliant, but most full courses are paid.
So, you can study math, computer science, humanities, and much more. Courses also offer different tools and often a certificate is included.
Who is it for?
Good for high schoolers and adults. Can work for middle school kids too, but it’s better to study alongside them.
edX top features
- MicroMasters and Professional Certificates that can count for real university credits
- Courses from top universities – from Harvard to Berkeley
How much is edX?
Most courses on edX are free to access in audit mode, which makes it one of the most popular Brilliant.org free alternatives. If you want a verified certificate or graded assignments, prices usually range from $50 to $300 per course.
edX pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Certificates recognized worldwide | – Can be tricky for beginners without a foundation |
| – Huge variety of topics |
#6 Udacity
Best for: kids and adults who want practical IT skills
If your child is interested in programming, one of the alternatives to Brilliant learning app is Udacity. This platform focuses on practical courses for careers in IT, programming, data analytics, and AI. There aren’t traditional lessons here. Instead, learning is built around courses where students immediately apply their knowledge in practice.
Who is it for?
Kids 13+ and adults
Udacity top features
- Nanodegree programs
- Mentor support
- Tasks that instantly build a portfolio for work
- Flexible learning
How much is Udacity?
Monthly subscriptions cost $249. You can save 15% by paying for 4 months upfront, which comes to $846. Other personal discounts need to be checked directly on Udacity.
Udacity pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Learn and build a portfolio at the same time | – Courses focus only on IT and tech |
| – Personal mentors | – More expensive than most online websites |
#7 Codecademy
Best for: beginner to intermediate coders
Another option for those who like one of the most popular ways to learn programming among all the Brilliant org alternatives is Codecademy. It’s great for anyone who wants to start coding from scratch or improve skills in Python, JavaScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, and other languages. The courses are interactive: you write code right in the browser, get quick feedback, and see results immediately. Again, the focus is on practice, not extra theory.
Who is it for?
Kids 12+ can also join
Codecademy top features
- Practice coding right away
- Practical tasks and quizzes to reinforce learning
- Community support
How much is Codecademy?
If you are looking for free apps like Brilliant, Codecademy can be useful. Basic access is free and includes the main courses. Pro subscription starts at $19.99/month (about $239/year) and gives access to all courses, projects, and certificates, but there are other options too.
Codecademy pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Learn directly in the browser | – Advanced topics may require extra reading |
| – Portfolio projects | – Paid subscription needed for full access |
#8 Thinkster Math
Best for: students who need to catch up in math
Thinkster Math is another Brilliant.org alternative more focused on helping your child fill gaps in their math skills. It’s a hybrid online platform with a personal touch. It combines artificial intelligence with live tutoring. The program analyzes your child’s thought process and mistakes and creates a personalized learning plan.
Who is it for?
K‑8 students needing math support
Thinkster Math top features
- AI-powered diagnostics
- Personalized plans and daily tasks
- Expert human tutors
How much is Thinkster Math?
Plans start around $64/month for basic access with AI support and worksheets. Advanced subscriptions are available – check with the admins for details.
Thinkster Math pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – Personalized plans and support | – AI analysis may not always be perfect |
| – Focus on math | – Success depends on the quality of tutors |
#9 IXL
Best for: students who need to practice school skills
Another alternative to Brilliant.org is IXL. It’s like a personal online trainer for math, English, foreign languages, and science. Kids do exercises, and the system immediately shows what’s correct and where mistakes are, then adjusts the next tasks to their level. Topics are broken down into specific skills, and parents or teachers can see progress, weak spots, and achievements. This helps reinforce school learning.
Who is it for?
K-12 learners and skill practice
IXL top features
- Сloud-based adaptive practice
- Real-time diagnostics and recommendations showing where to focus
- Progress tracking for parents and teachers
How much is IXL?
IXL isn’t among Brilliant alternatives free. But they propose a few affordable subscription options on the platform. If you just want to practice one subject, it costs around $9.95/month; the Combo option for 2 subjects is about $15.95/month, or you can get almost everything for $19.95/month.
IXL pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| –Huge library of skills and subjects | – Mostly text-based exercises and practice |
| – Adaptive system that adjusts to the student | – No personal tutor to help the child understand mistakes or tricky topics |
#10 Prodigy Math
Best for: young students who enjoy learning through games
If your child is in elementary or middle school and prefers cartoons over math books, try similar apps like Brilliant.org, for example, Prodigy Math. All math practice happens through online games. Your child learns while earning rewards. The platform also added game-based learning for English and other subjects.
Who is it for?
Elementary and middle school students
Prodigy Math top features
- Among Brilliant app alternatives for elementary and middle school
- Subjects presented as an adventure game
- Rewards, characters, and levels for motivation
- Tasks aligned with the school curriculum
How much is Prodigy Math?
Prodigy Math has a free basic version with core features. Paid membership ranges from $4.91 to $19.95 per month depending on the plan.
Prodigy Math pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| –Tasks adapt to the student’s level | – Only for middle school |
| – Good for daily practice | – Less depth than academic courses |
What’s next: How to choose the best Brilliant app alternative?
- If your child loves challenging problems and is preparing for math competitions, the best choice is probably Art of Problem Solving (AoPS).
- For those who want structured online courses from top universities, Coursera, edX, and Udacity are great options.
- To build programming and digital skills, Codecademy is a solid pick.
- For systematic math practice with adaptive learning, Thinkster Math, IXL, or Prodigy Math work really well.
- If you’re looking for a free alternative, Khan Academy is a good place to start.
But, what’s better than Brilliant? A good tool that combines structured learning, depth, and interactivity is Brighterly. Their approach is super effective because it’s tailored to every student’s needs. The platform offers:
✅ 1:1 personalized lessons
✅ Support from professional, warm Brighterly tutors
✅ Interactive and engaging learning
✅ Content aligned with school standards
Want to give your children a real chance to boost skills, knowledge and confidence? Book free lesson with Brighterly and feel the difference that individual learning can make.
Other comparison articles
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