10 Brilliant Alternatives in 2026
reviewed by Rachelle Bencio Yu
Updated on September 2, 2026
Key Points
- Brighterly online math tutors and reading tutors customize learning to your child’s exact requirements and mix real-time instruction with gamified practice in 1:1 lessons.
- Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX offer free self-paced learning with academic courses across a wide range of subjects.
- Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Udacity, and Codecademy provide challenging math, coding, and STEM skill development.
- Thinkster Math, IXL, and Prodigy Math help school-age students strengthen skills through interactive and adaptive practice and personalized tasks.
- The most common reasons why learners look for Brilliant alternatives in 2026 include the need for a deeper dive into topics, technical issues, and expensive pricing for a math app.
While Brilliant is great for self-paced learning, many kids need a more personalized approach. This guide compares 10 popular Brilliant alternatives that offer diverse formats, features, and prices to help you choose the right one for your child. Brighterly elementary, middle, and high school math tutors offer teacher-led instruction and engaging practice to build foundational skills.
Best Alternatives to Brilliant at a Glance
|
Best For |
Age Group/Grade Level |
Key Features |
|
|
Brighterly |
Closing math & ELA learning gaps with 1:1 support |
K-12 |
✅1:1, real-time tutoring ✅Personalized learning plan ✅Support from professional teachers ✅Free learning resources |
|
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) |
Self-paced & real-time learning |
Grades 5-12 |
✅Exclusive math focus ✅Math competition prep |
|
Khan Academy |
Self-paced academic learning |
PreK-college |
✅Wide subject coverage ✅Videos lessons ✅Entirely free |
|
Coursera |
Career advancement |
High school & above |
✅Completion certificates ✅Free course auditing |
|
edX |
Advanced academic learning |
High school & above |
✅Diverse subject coverage ✅Certificates available |
|
Udacity |
Coding skills |
Ages 13 & above |
✅IT & coding focus ✅Mentoring support |
|
Codecademy |
Software languages |
Ages 12 & above |
✅Immediate coding practice ✅Practical tasks & quizzes |
|
Thinkster Math |
Hybrid learning |
K-8 |
✅AI-supported learning ✅Human tutors |
|
IXL |
Skill-based adaptive practice |
PreK-12 |
✅Skill-organized exercises ✅Real-time diagnostics |
|
Prodigy Math |
Game-based learning |
Grades 1-8 |
✅Educational journeys ✅Skill-based questions |
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Reasons to Choose Alternatives to Brilliant.org
While many learners enjoy Brilliant (Trustpilot rating of 4.1, August 2026), some decide to switch because the learning level feels superficial or they face problems with the coding function of the platform. Others find the pricing model too expensive for a math app.
Surface-Level Learning
Some Reddit reviewers comment that the interactive math practice offered by the platform feels surface-level. For instance, this review on Reddit from November 2025 (approx) states that Brilliant can’t compare to opening a textbook and solving problems the traditional way:
Functionality Issues
While Brilliant reviews are generally positive, a number of 2025-2026 reviews reflect technical problems with the app. In April 2026, this user explained on Trustpilot that the platform frequently defines his code as incorrect when it’s correct and that it gives unclear explanations for why the code is not right:
Expensive Pricing Plans
Another reason why learners decide to look for Brilliant.org alternatives is the pricing structure. This Trustpilot review from June 2026 states that an annual payment of $256 is too much for a math app and suggests monthly payment plans as a more affordable option for learners:
Brighterly
Best for: K-12 students who want to build foundational math and ELA skills with personalized support
Among alternatives to Brilliant.org, our math and reading platform stands out with 1:1, real-time support by real human teachers. Aligned with the US state standards, our curriculum follows the needs of every child to help close existing learning gaps and build fundamental K-12 skills in math, reading, and writing.
Who Is It For?
K-12 students who attend public schools or are homeschooled
Brighterly Top Features
Unlike Brilliant, at Brighterly we deliver synchronous learning that combines teacher-led instruction with game-based practice. In reading and math classes, tutors help students build knowledge gradually and explain even the most complicated concepts in a simple way to develop understanding rather than memorization. Our online math and online reading tutors are professional teachers with at least a Bachelor’s degree in the subject and 5+ years of professional experience. For students with learning difficulties, we have ADHD math tutors.
How Much Is Brighterly?
- 1-month plan: From $21.90/lesson
- 3-month plan: From $21.40/lesson
- 6-month plan: From $20.20/lesson
- 12-month plan: From $17.70/lesson
Our pricing plans above are valid as of August 2026 and refer to 2 classes/week with a discount of 20%. We offer free access to diagnostic math and reading tests to identify your child’s needs. Our free reading and math worksheets provide extra school or homeschool math practice.
1:1 learning adapted to your child’s needs!
Our tutors personalize instruction & practice to your kid’s current level & goals.
Brighterly Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅1:1 lessons with real teachers ✅Personalized learning programs ✅Aligned with US education standards |
❌Private tutoring requires scheduling ❌No coding coverage |
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)
Best for: Advanced math lovers
The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) is a learning system that helps kids develop math-related critical thinking and problem-solving skills, not just memorize rules. If your child is into math, AoPS could be your alternative to Brilliant. AoPS focuses on harder problems, math logic, and math competition prep. The platform offers both self-studying and tutoring options.
Who Is It For?
Designed for 5-12 grades
Art of Problem Solving Top Features
- Deep learning through challenging problems and concepts
- Active community with forums and discussions
- Proprietary books and competitions
How Much Is Art of Problem Solving?
As of August 2026, the price of AoPS courses varies between $415 and $845 for 12 weeks. You should also consider registration and materials fees.
Art of Problem Solving Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Prep for Olympiads and college entry ✅Both self-paced and real-time learning options |
❌Less suitable for beginners ❌Among the most costly alternatives |
Khan Academy
Best for: Learners who need to improve understanding of school subjects for free
Khan Academy is one of the free alternatives to Brilliant that emphasizes self-paced learning across numerous academic subjects and all grade levels. This online learning platform offers video lessons in math, science, programming, history, and many other subjects. Like Brilliant, Khan Academy doesn’t have personal tutors, but all lessons are structured and easy to follow.
Who Is It For?
All school-age learners, from PreK to college
Khan Academy Top Features
- Well-structured courses with video instruction and quizzes
- Adaptive exercises that adjust to your child’s level
- Straightforward explanations of complex topics in easy-to-understand language
How Much Is Khan Academy?
As of August 2026, all Khan Academy courses and certificates are free.
Khan Academy Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Large library of subjects ✅Clear video lessons |
❌No live tutor or personal mentor ❌Less interactivity and gamification than other alternatives |
Coursera
Best for: Self-paced learners and career-minded students
Coursera is a well-known online course platform with courses from universities and top companies. The topics range from quantum physics and math to social media management or design. Courses often include videos, quizzes, practical tasks, or projects. Coursera can be one of the apps like Brilliant, but free if you choose to simply audit courses and don’t require a certificate.
Who Is It For?
Excellent for older learners, from high school students to college students and adults
Coursera Top Features
- Courses by highly ranking universities, from Harvard to Stanford
- Flexible learning
- Practical projects
How Much Is Coursera?
As of August 2026, many Coursera courses are free if you don’t require a certificate. To get a certificate, you can choose from:
- Single learning program: $20/month for 1 topic
- Plus monthly: $14.40 (discounted from $24) for multiple courses
- Plus annual: $160/year with a 14-day money-back guarantee for multiple courses
Personalized math & reading K-12 learning!
Real-time online tutoring tailored to your child’s requirements, from $17.70/lesson.
Coursera Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Courses from top universities ✅Huge choice of topics and specializations |
❌Some assignments can be tricky for beginners ❌Not many free courses |
edX
Best for: Self-paced learners and career-focused students
edX is another Brilliant alternative offering courses from top universities. The website resembles Coursera but has a more academic focus, along with career advancement courses. You can study math, computer science, humanities, and much more. Courses also offer different tools and often come with a certificate. However, you can’t obtain a free online course certificate with edX, as only paid courses issue certificates.
Who Is It For?
Good for high school students, college and university students, and adult learners
edX Top Features
- MicroMasters and Professional Certificates real university credits
- Courses from top universities, from Harvard to Berkeley
- 1.5-3-year university degrees
How Much Is edX?
As of August 2026, most courses on edX are free to audit, making it one of the free alternatives to Brilliant. If you want to get a verified certificate or graded assignments, or attend Professional Education, Boot Camps, and Executive Education courses, prices range from $90 to $300/course.
edX Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Certificates recognized worldwide ✅Huge variety of topics |
❌Can be tricky for beginners without a foundation ❌Certificates require paid courses |
Udacity
Best for: Kids and adults who want practical IT skills
If your child is interested in programming, one of the sites like Brilliant for this particular set of skills is Udacity. This platform focuses on practical courses for careers in IT, programming, data analytics, and AI. Udacity builds learning around courses where students immediately apply their knowledge in practice.
Who Is It For?
Designed for kids aged 13+ and adults
Udacity Top Features
- Nanodegree programs
- Mentor support
- Tasks that instantly build a portfolio for work
How Much Is Udacity?
As of August 2026, Udacity pricing plans include:
- Monthly subscription: $124.50/month (50% discount)
- 4-month subscription: $106/month (50% discount)
- Team (2+ users): $249/month/user
All plans provide access to an unlimited number of courses.
Udacity Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Learning and building a portfolio at the same time ✅Personal mentors |
❌Courses focus only on IT and tech ❌More expensive than other course websites |
Codecademy
Best for: Beginner to intermediate coders
Another option for coding practice for kids, other than Brilliant, is Codecademy. This website works well 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.
Who Is It For?
Goods for kids aged 12+
Codecademy Top Features
- Practice coding right away
- Practical tasks and quizzes to reinforce learning
- Community support
How Much Is Codecademy?
As of August 2026, basic access to Codecademy is free and includes the main courses. Codecademy offers the following plans:
- Basic: $0
- Plus: $14.99/month billed annually or $29.99/month billed monthly
- Pro: $19.99/month billed annually or $439.00/month billed monthly
Codecademy Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Learning directly in the browser ✅Portfolio projects |
❌Advanced topics may require extra reading ❌Paid subscription for full access |
Thinkster Math
Best for: Students who need to catch up in math
Thinkster Math is one of the apps like Brilliant that’s focused on helping your child fill gaps in their math skills. The platform offers a hybrid online approach with a personal touch that 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?
Especially for K‑8 students in need of math support
Thinkster Math Top Features
- AI-powered diagnostics
- Personalized plans and daily tasks
- Expert human tutors
How Much Is Thinkster Math?
As of August 2026, families can choose from these Thinkster Math pricing plans:
- Ignite: From $22.50/session for K-8 and from $25/session for Algebra-1 and Geometry
- Signature: From $45/session for K-8 and from $59.50/session for Algebra-1 and Geometry
Thinkster Math sessions are 45 minutes long and feature the same dedicated tutor. The platform offers a 7-day free trial.
Thinkster Math Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Personalized plans and support ✅Live tutoring |
❌AI analysis may not always be perfect ❌Success depends on the quality of tutors |
IXL
Best for: Students who need to practice school skills
Among Brilliant alternatives, IXL helps K-12 kids build skills through interactive practice in math, English, foreign languages, and science. On this adaptive learning app, kids do exercises, and the system immediately shows what’s correct and incorrect, and then adjusts the next tasks. IXL breaks down topics into specific skills, and parents can see progress, weak spots, and achievements.
Who Is It For?
Meant for K-12 learners seeking skill practice
IXL Top Features
- Cloud-based adaptive practice
- Real-time diagnostics and recommendations showing where to focus
- Progress tracking for parents and teachers
How Much Is IXL?
As of August 2026, IXL memberships include:
- Single subject: $9.95/month
- Combo package (math and ELA): $15.95/month
- Core subjects (math, ELA, science, and social studies): $19.95/month
IXL plans come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
IXL Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Huge library of skills ✅Adaptive system |
❌Mostly text-based exercises and practice ❌No personal tutor |
Prodigy Math
Best for: Young students who enjoy learning through games
Prodigy Math is a gamified learning platform for elementary and middle school students who prefer cartoons over math books. All math, English, and science practice happens through online games, and your child learns while earning rewards. Prodigy Math knowledge aligns with the US state standards, and parents have access to progress monitoring.
Who Is It For?
Made for students grades 1-8
Prodigy Math Top Features
- Math, English, and science subjects are presented as an adventure game
- Rewards, characters, and levels for motivation
- Tasks aligned with the school curriculum
How Much Is Prodigy Math?
As of August 2026, Prodigy Math costs include:
- Core (1 subject): $9.95/month when billed monthly and $4.91/month when billed annually
- Plus (2 subjects): $14.95/month when billed monthly and $7.41/month when billed annually
- Ultra (3 subjects): $19.95/month when billed monthly and $9.91/month when billed annually
Prodigy Math provides basic access to the math and English content for free.
Prodigy Math Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅Tasks adapted to the student’s level ✅Good for daily practice |
❌Only for elementary and middle school ❌Less depth than academic courses |
What’s Next: How to Choose the Best Brilliant App Alternative?
- For challenging academic or university-level learning, choose AoPS, Coursera, or edX.
- For coding and career-ready tech skills, try Codecademy or Udacity.
- For engaging K-12 practice and skill enforcement, check out Khan Academy, IXL, or Prodigy Math.
- For technology combined with human tutoring, consider Thinkster Math.
- For personalized 1:1 instruction with a professional tutor, choose Brighterly to build fundamental skills and confidence.
Book free lesson with Brighterly to see the difference that individual learning can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Alternative to Brilliant.org for Interactive Math Lessons?
Brighterly delivers 1:1 interactive math lessons with a real teacher who adjusts the learning style and pace to the unique needs of your child. IXL and Prodigy Math offer game-based math learning for students of different ages, without the human teacher element.
What Are Some Other Platforms Like Brilliant.org for Learning AI?
Coursera and edX offer structured university courses in AI-related subjects that come with completion certificates. In case you don’t need a certificate, you can learn AI for free with these platforms. Udacity provides a range of specialized courses for learning AI, but there are no free options.
Is Brilliant a More Affordable Option Than a Private Math Tutor?
Brilliant pricing starts at $20/month, while private math tutoring averages $25-$80/hour, or $200-$640/month (2 sessions/week). Brighterly tutoring price starts from $17.70/lesson ($141.60/month). A 2025 study of the University of Chicago shows that high-dosage tutoring helps students learn 38% more math in a year, making the cost worth it.
What Are the Differences Between Brilliant and edX for STEM Courses?
Brilliant focuses on interactive, problem-solving for learning math and computer science, while edX offers more traditional academic courses with prerecorded video lessons and certificates from top universities. Brilliant suits students looking for active practice, and edX is better for structured, theory-driven learning.
How Does Brilliant.org’s Programming Curriculum Stack Up Against Codecademy?
Brilliant.org emphasizes conceptual computer science, algorithms, logic, and a math foundation necessary for coding. Meanwhile, Codecademy targets syntax mastery, language implementation, and software engineering. So, Brilliant helps build the intuition necessary for programming, while Codedamy supports the writing of real code.
What Are Some Alternatives to Brilliant.org for Science Education?
Coursera and edX provide Brilliant alternatives for science education for high school students and older learners who’d like certificates for course completion. Khan Academy can operate as a free STEM learning app that supports US state standards-aligned PreK-12 science learning through video lessons and interactive quizzes.
Other Comparison Articles
You can further explore the Brilliant platform and alternatives in these articles:
- Brilliant vs Khan Academy: Complete Comparison
- Brilliant.org Cost: What Parents Should Know
- Khan Academy vs Coursera: Which Is Better for High School?
- 7 Best Prodigy Math Alternatives That Actually Work
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Math & reading from 1st to 12th grade
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