• Math tutors
• /
• Blog
• /
• Best 15 IXL Alternatives & Competitors in 2026

Best 15 IXL Alternatives & Competitors in 2026

Looking for IXL alternatives? You’re in the right place! In this article, I am analyzing 15 platforms that can cover the key drawbacks IXL shows. All the thoughts shared here are based on my tutoring experience to help you make a well-informed decision.

Key points

• IXL is an online learning platform for students aged 3 to 18, which offers self-paced, personalized classes across various subjects.
• Some students and parents aren’t satisfied with the learning venue and decide to look for IXL alternatives with higher-quality educational content. 
• Given its focus on exercise drills, the top alternatives to IXL include tutoring platforms like Brighterly and Varsity Tutors and entertaining homeschooling programs like Miacademy and Time4Learning.
• Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform is a common choice among learners, as it offers personalized programs that fully align with the US state standards.

Math & reading from 1st to 9th grade

Exploring alternatives?

Take our quick quiz to discover the perfect learning solution based on your child’s needs.

Get Started

What are the reasons for considering IXL alternatives?

IXL is designed to help students practice and master skills in core subjects during self-paced classes. Even though their approach is generally effective and satisfactory, some parents still decide to switch to IXL competitors. 

Before I move to the key reasons guiding their decisions, here are a couple of things parents like about IXL:

▶️Adaptive learning: The platform is flexible to adjust to each student’s level and needs. 

▶️Multi-subject coverage: IXL offers a broad range of subjects, making it a versatile tool for learners. 

▶️In-depth progress tracking: IXL provides insights on each skill, performance tracking, and improvement areas.

However, the downsides of IXL outweigh the benefits for some students. Here are some of them based on IXL ratings and reviews:

▶️No live classes or feedback: Learners need to supplement it with other materials or instruction. 

▶️ Boring content: Some children may find the tasks repeat themselves after a specific time. 

But that’s not all — keep reading to discover why parents may start looking for IXL alternatives & competitors on Reddit and other public forums.

Reasons to choose IXL alternatives

• Confusing grading system
• Boring and repetitive content
• Problems with payments

Confusing grading system

The “SmartScore” system from IXL gets the most criticism on Trustpilot. There are dozens of reviews claiming incorrect flagging of answers as wrong, reducing student progress, and overall downgrading the experience. These problems seem to be really frustrating: 

Boring and repetitive content

According to some unsatisfactory IXL reviews on Trustpilot, the platform requires multiple actions to get it, can malfunction, and overall is not engaging to work with. Given such a poor user experience and boring content, many parents and students are pushed to explore some IXL math learning alternatives.

Problems with payments

According to Trustpilot reviews, IXL may charge your card several times without your approval. Thus, beware some payment vulnerabilities and unclear billing processes — or take a look at IXL learning competitors with more secure payment-related processes. 

To see what your options are in terms of the 15 best alternatives to IXL, check out the list below!

What are the best IXL alternatives?

• Brighterly 
• Prodigy
• Kumon  
• Carnegie Learning
• Time4learning 
• Miacademy 
• DreamBox 
• Khan Academy 
• Beestar 
• Math Playground
• Delta Math
• Pearson
• ABCMouse
• Varsity Tutors
• Wyzant

	Features	Price	Trustpilot Score
Brighterly	– 1:1 math, reading & writing tutoring – Customized program according to requirements – Lots of free resources	Starting from $17.3/ lesson	4.4
Prodigy	– Interactivity-based platform – Handy dashboard for parents – Focus on independent learning	From $4.91/month	3.9
Kumon	– Learning based primarily on worksheets – Focuses on self-organization – Primarily for middle to high schoolers	Estimated individually	2.4
Carnegie Learning	– This app, similar to IXL, strongly relies on AI for lesson creation – Personalized plans – Fitting for tech-savvy folks	Estimated individually	3.2
Time4Learning	– Students can progress in their speed  – Handy parent dashboard – Fitted for varying needs	From $29.95/month	3.4
Miacademy	– Creative tasks – Lots of real-world context – Built-in reporting	From $48/month	4.1
DreamBox	– Adaptive curricula – Functional student dashboard – Strong motivational system	Monthly subscription for $19.95	2.4
Khan Academy	– A wealth of videos, articles, and practical tasks – A huge variety of subjects  – Great supplementary resource	Totally free!	3.4
Beestar	– Curricula structured on a weekly basis – Detailed reports for parents – Adaptive evaluation	Fees vary depending on the course you choose, but start from $20/term	3.7
Math Playground	– A massive collection of games – Focus on developing logic and problem-solving – Most resources are available for free	Mostly free!	3.4
Delta Math	– Random math problems with immediate feedback – In-depth progress tracking – Interactive images	From $9.95/month	4.4
Pearson	– 1:1 sessions – Mobile app available – Focus on interactive learning	Estimated individually	1.8
ABCmouse	– One of the best IXL alternatives for elementary students – 850+ pre-recorded lessons – Multiple formats for learning materials	From $14.99/month	1.2
Varsity Tutors	– 1:1 and small group tutoring – Over 3,000 subjects – The platform matches you with a tutor	Around $75-$95/hour	4.2
Wyzant	– Tutoring marketplace – Ability to choose a tutor of your preference – 300+ subjects	Around $60/hour	2.0

IXL alternative #1: Brighterly reading & math tutoring platform

Brighterly is a K-12 school-supplemental online reading and math tutoring platform. It’s known for its highly personalized and interactive approach, which makes it a notable standout for anyone wondering what is better than IXL.

Best for: Kids in grades 1-9 struggling with math, reading and writing, looking for a caring, personalized approach to improve their academic performance.

Besides, Brighterly shows an unhinged 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot, making it one of the most trusted tutoring services these days. 

Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform features

• Expert-driven tutors
• Brighterly math worksheets and additional resources 
• Adaptive curriculum aligned with the Common Core

Expert-driven tutors

To be effective in one-on-one, interactive, personalized programs, Brighterly tutors pass a rigorous selection process. To ensure that every tutor meets their highest standards, this platform conducts background checks to verify they hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in their field and have 5 to 15 years of experience in tutoring.

However, Brighterly tutors are not strict. They balance fun with effectiveness and create a math and reading program with a focus on interactivity and gamification. This approach allows for making sessions engaging and effective, especially for elementary students.

Brighterly worksheets and additional resources

Although Brighterly is not among the 100% free IXL alternatives, it offers reading          worksheets for kids and math worksheets free of charge to everybody. The best part is that you can enjoy them, even without subscribing to Brighterly tutoring.

To detect the exact knowledge gaps and areas for improvement worth practicing in worksheets, you can start with free math and reading practice tests. They will show how well your child performs for their school grade. This diagnostic will take just minutes.

Adaptive curriculum aligned with the US state standards

Being aligned with the US standards, the Brighterly reading and math program features introductory, fundamental, and advanced concepts. Its material is fully adjusted to students’ individual characteristics, goals, studies, and parents’ requirements.

Thanks to this combination, your child will accurately cover the topics they study at school. And given the flow of Brighterly lessons, you can expect game-based and interactive formats that build foundational skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

How much is Brighterly? Pricing

The Brighterly cost per hour starts at $17.3, which is quite affordable compared to competitors. Overall, the platform offers a flexible subscription model so that families can choose among several options based on their child’s needs.

Please note that each fee applies only if you book a plan with 3 lessons per week. If you need another payment format, please contact their customer service for information.

How does Brighterly compare to IXL?

As educational platforms, IXL vs. Brighterly practice different approaches:

• IXL is better for self-paced learning, as its exercises include drills aimed at cementing and mastering new skills. 
• As an alternative to IXL, Brighterly offers 1:1 tutoring sessions that foster interpersonal interactions. The exercises may include worksheet-based drills but also can include alternative teaching methods like games and puzzles.

In short, IXL is great for drill exercises, while Brighterly goes further to offer you highly personalized lessons. If you wonder,  ‘What is equivalent to IXL?’, consider Kumon and other worksheet-based learning alternatives.

Brighterly: Advantages and disadvantages

✅Personalized one-on-one real-time sessions.
✅Tutors have at least 5 years of experience in teaching kids.
✅Learners get a trial session to see if Brighterly is a good fit for them.
❌Brighterly is a paid program after a demo lesson

Alternative to IXL #2: Prodigy

Prodigy is a great educational resource for math and English that encourages learning through fun game sequences. The platform offers interactive learning, which is very appealing to elementary and middle school students. 

Best for: K-8 self-paced learners of math and English looking for interactive, gamified learning experiences.

Similar to other programs like IXL, Prodigy aims to replace the IXL exercise drills with a more immersive gamified environment. And, I must say, the approach works perfectly for keeping kids entertained.

Prodigy top features 

• Interactive and engaging math challenges set in a fantasy game world.
• Ideal for self-motivated kids building their own schedules. 
• Teachers & parents dashboard.

Prodigy pricing

Prodigy is one of those IXL learning alternatives that offer both free and paid plans, making it accessible to a wide range of families. 

• The free plan gives you basic access with limited features.
• Premium membership starts at $9.95/month for a single subject and includes extended features. Note that with an annual subscription, you can considerably reduce your prices and pay $4.91/month.

Prodigy: Pros and cons

✅Fun, game-based learning environment.
✅Students can manage their own learning.
✅Real-time progress tracking for parents and teachers.
❌Some premium features are locked behind a paywall.
❌No live interaction.

IXL Alternative #3: Kumon

Compared to IXL vs Kumon, Kumon is an after-school, all-level math and reading tutoring program that follows the authoritative method. This unique approach focuses on mastering skills through drills. Kumon lessons are based entirely on worksheets, meaning learners must practice a specific skill extensively until they master it.

Best for: K-12 kids who prioritize independent work (so  middle to high school learners can benefit most) 

As one of the sites like IXL, Kumon offers math and reading skills development. For both subjects, the platform applies the same approach with a focus on repetition. So if you share this philosophy and prioritize this approach, Kumon is a definite must-try.

Kumon top features

• Tutoring here uses the authoritative Kumon method.
• Offers worksheet-based learning.
• Allows students to advance at their own speed with consistent repetition.

Kumon pricing

Kumon operates on a subscription-based model, with prices varying across locations and ranging between $160 and $200. As each local Kumon center is individually owned and operated (franchise system), please address the center of your interest directly for a price estimate. 

Note that in any case, you’ll also have to pay an extra registration fee and the fee for books (which will also vary by location and can cost you around $100).

Kumon: Pros and cons

✅Structured, step-by-step curriculum
✅Fosters social skills development.
✅Proven math learning method.
❌Program is repetitive and not stimulating.
❌Price depends on location.

Alternative to IXL #4: Carnegie Learning 

Carnegie Learning is a K-12 education solutions provider that combines AI-driven software with personalized math tutoring (along with other subjects), creating a robust combo for learning in mid-2020.

Best for: K-12 students seeking a mix of tech-driven and instructor-led learning, meaning personalized, AI-driven instruction.

If you’re wondering what is better than IXL, Carnegie Learning can be your choice. It combines AI-driven personalization with human tutoring, which can be fresher and more effective for your child compared to the repetitive skill practice and repetition IXL offers. 

Carnegie Learning top features

• Blended learning model (AI + live tutoring).
• High-level personalization.
• Focus on conceptual understanding. 

Carnegie Learning pricing

Carnegie Learning operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing depending on the program chosen. To get your quote, you should apply for the program of your choice. 

Carnegie Learning: Pros and cons

✅Blending AI software + live tutoring.
✅Fosters logical thinking.
✅Personalized learning.
❌Geared toward middle and high school.
❌Designed for institutional use. 

IXL Alternative #5: Time4Learning

As one of the apps like IXL, Time4Learning is an award-winning online homeschooling platform that assists in learning four subjects: math, language arts, science, and social studies.

Best for: Pre-K–12 self-paced homeschool students.

If you want to support your kid’s learning with a decent homeschooling curriculum, Time4Learning is one of the best options among those who competes with IXL in this case.

Time4Learning top features

• Curriculum that includes engaging multimedia formats.
• Many tools for self-paced learning.
• Interactive pre-recorded lessons to practice at your pace. 

Time4Learning pricing

• Pre-school to Grade 5: $29.95/month, with access to 4 courses.
• Grades 6-12: $39.95/month per student, with access to 7 courses.

Time4Learning: Pros and cons

✅Curriculum for 4 subjects.
✅Affordable pricing with access to many courses
✅Flexible learning tools
❌Lack of tutor engagement.
❌Minimal focus on advanced concepts. 

IXL Alternative #6: Miacademy

Miacademy is another homeschooling platform that is good for both primary homeschool curriculum and school-supplementary classes. The platform offers an engaging and fun curriculum that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC).

Best for: Elementary and middle schoolers looking for a homeschool program with interactive experiences.

 

In contrast to IXL that prioritizes exercise drills, Miacademy shifts its focus to more creative and engaging classes. 

Miacademy top features

• Adaptive curriculum relevant for homeschooling.
• Support to math, reading, social studies, science, and world languages. 
• Focus on creativity and real-world skill application. 

Miacademy pricing

Miacademy website offers one of the most costly subscription plans if you compare IXL vs Miacademy:

• A monthly subscription costs $48 per month.
• A yearly subscription costs $504 per year.
• A lifetime subscription for a student costs $1,168.
• A family plan is available for a one-time payment of $2,598 and allows up to four students.

Miacademy: Pros and cons

✅Trusted curriculum.
✅Customizable program for several subjects.
❌Targeted at K-8 students.
❌No targeted skill building.
❌Costly pricing plans.

IXL Alternative #7: Dreambox

Dreambox is a gamified, adaptive math learning platform that utilizes computer science and AI solutions. 

Best for: K-8 students seeking interactive, gamified learning experiences.

Dreambox is a great resource for adaptive schedules if you’re seeking websites like IXL. Additionally, it encourages kids to learn through a well-developed motivational system. Therefore, your child will be kept in for a longer period.

Dreambox top features

• Interactive and engaging math and reading lessons.
• AI-driven personalization.
• Focuses on concept mastery. 

Dreambox pricing

Dreambox’s pricing page provides the following data:

• 1-month subscription for $19.99
• 6-month subscription for $99.95
• 12-month subscription for $149.95
• Lifetime subscription for $229

Dreambox: Pros and cons

✅Adaptive, personalized learning.
✅AI-driven curriculum.
✅String focus on math skills mastery.
❌Limited analytics.
❌Primarily for younger students.

Free IXL alternative #8: Khan Academy

The best thing about the IXL vs Khan Academy is that the latter is a completely free educational library. Khan has plenty of self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects. So yes, if you’re looking for websites like IXL but free, I strongly recommend this option.

Best for: Self-motivated Pre-K–12th Grade learners interested in a wide range of subjects. 

Anyone wondering which to choose: IXL or Khan Academy, should understand the clear difference:

• IXL is all about learning and memorizing information through games, with a price tag attached.
• Khan Academy is about receiving theoretical resources with examples and sometimes practice on the topic. But it’s a free resource, so you don’t have to choose here.

So, is Khan Academy better than IXL? It obviously depends on your learning objectives.

Khan Academy top features 

• Interactive exercises and quizzes.
• Progress tracking.
• Numerous subjects to try and explore.

Khan Academy pricing

Khan Academy is completely free for the public and funded by donations and partnerships. You may ask yourself, ‘Is there a way to get IXL for free?’ Unfortunately, no, unless you’re using a one-time trial version. However, Khan Academy can fit in that gap.

Khan Academy: Pros and cons

✅Khan Academy is free.
✅Covers core academic subjects and test prep.
✅Students can manage their learning.
❌Does not provide live sessions or support.
❌Does not provide artistic subjects like writing, etc.

IXL alternative #9: Beestar

Beestar is a web-based platform that offers exercises on a variety of subjects, including reading, math, computer science, social studies, and more. It’s advertised as a premium after-school learning provider that breaks its tasks on a weekly basis and promises continuous results if handled according to recommendations.

Best for: Elementary and middle schoolers who seek an easy-going extracurricular practice.

 

Although good, note that this is a supplementary learning resource, not a website for homeschooling or fully-fledged help.

Beestar top features 

• Weekly math and reading exercises.
• Provides an award system. 
• Concentrates on core subjects. 

Beestar pricing

Is there a free version of IXL? Now we know that there isn’t any, and most of the alternatives to this platform are neither. However, Beestar is more versatile in this regard, offering both free and premium plans, the latter starting from $20/semester per subject.

Beestar: Pros and cons

✅Affordable pricing plans.
✅Focus on core skills.
✅Weekly math and reading exercises.
❌No live sessions.
❌Target audience: elementary and middle schoolers.

Alternative to IXL #10: Math Playground

Math Playground offers a massive virtual storage of online math games and quizzes, perfect for students seeking to improve their problem-solving skills. It’s a great resource for enhancing math skills through online games.

Best for: Elementary and middle schoolers who learn better from gamified experiences.

The difference between the two learning venues is clearly defined: Math Playground focuses on creative and engaging math games, while IXL focuses on exercise drills. 

Math Playground’s top features

• Engaging math games.
• Focus on logic and problem-solving skills.
• Most resources are free.

Math Playground pricing

Multiple games are available at Math Playground for free. Nevertheless, for full access, you still have to pay the following fees:

• $3.5/month with an annual family plan
• $4.0/month with an annual family plan fitted for homeschooling
• $7.0/month with a monthly plan

Math Playground: Pros and cons

✅Affordable pricing plans.
✅Massive library of math games.
❌They don’t provide tutoring support.
❌Best for elementary and middle schoolers.

IXL alternative #11: Delta Math

Delta Math is specifically designed for high school students in grades 6 to 12. It contains a set of pre-defined problem tasks, upon solving which kids get immediate evaluation and feedback.

Best for: Extra independent practice in math for K6-12 students.

I’d advise Delta Math because of its approach: all tasks are located randomly, so you can check a number of topics at the same time and get instant feedback on which ones to keep improving.

Delta Math’s top features

• Extensive tasks for practicing.
• Math-only platform, helpful for training complex topics like numerals and angles
• Real-time tracking to link your progress.

Delta Math pricing

Just like most other alternatives to IXL, Delta Math comes at a cost. But its prices won’t get over the top:

• $9.95 billed monthly with a monthly plan
• $95.00 billed on a yearly basis with a yearly plan

Delta Math: Pros and cons

✅Self-paced learning with a set of mixed math problems.

✅Strong feedback system.

❌No support from a tutor.

❌Math-focused.

Alternative to IXL #12: Pearson 

Pearson offers guided learning assistance on a range of subjects. The platform relies on interactivity and will suit predominantly high graders looking for in-depth exam preparation programs.

Best for: K-12 students interested in receiving tutor-guided, in-depth instructions

I’d say that IXL and Pearson differ considerably. IXL is a supplementary resource designed for extra practice. By contrast, Pearson will guide you through learning completely, which is, indeed, a better option if you’re seeking academic excellence in a specific subject.

Pearson’s top features

• Live tutoring available 24/7.
• Writing centers that will help analyze written student works.
• Huge selection of subjects.

Pearson pricing

The strength of Pearson is that it offers a vast array of services. However, when it comes to pricing, you can never know beforehand how much you have to pay. So, address their customer service for individual assessment.

Pearson: Pros and cons

✅Individual lessons + other services you can use for learning at home.

✅Commitment to the most innovative tools, like AI.

❌Usually high cost.

❌Poor customer service.

IXL alternative #13: ABCmouse

ABCmouse is a PreK-2 learning platform that offers step-by-step learning plans for kids who are interested in learning math, reading, science, art, music, and other subjects. The library contains over 850 pre-recorded lessons for early childhood education.

Best for: Learners of age 2-8 curious about the world and eager to start learning school subjects early. 

As many programs similar to IXL in this list, ABCmouse focuses on easy-going, gamified formats not to overwhelm students with boring content or strict progress rules.

ABCmouse’s top features

• Engaging multimedia formats that include videos, books, quizzes, and more.
• Interactive rewards as avatars kids can enjoy
• Step-by-step learning plan based on pre-recorded content.

ABCmouse pricing

When it comes to ABCmouse vs IXL, ABC offers more affordable pricing plans (although limited by pre-recorded content and target audience of this platform):

• 1-month: $14.99 (+30-day free trial included)
• 6-month: $29.99
• 12-month: $45

ABCmouse: Pros and cons

✅Interactive learning for preschoolers and elementary schoolers.

✅Plenty of subjects and lessons.

✅Decent prices. 

❌Pre-recoded content only.

❌Relevant only for ages 2-8.

Alternative to IXL #14: Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is a tutoring platform where you can find a teacher for several subjects. The service is subscription-based, thus you will be asked to purchase a package of sessions to work with a tutor one-on-one or in a small group.

Best for: In-group tutoring support and homework help in key school subjects to improve grades.

As one of the websites similar to IXL, Varsity helps with improving math skills, but in a different format — instead of relying on exercise drills, it helps students get connected with private tutors to work on their problem areas. 

Varsity Tutors’ top features

• 1:1 and group tutoring help in 3,000+ subjects, including math, English, sciences, and foreign languages.
• Personalized learning plans for students.
• Interactive learning and socialization in and outside the tutoring sessions.

Varsity Tutors pricing

The platform doesn’t publish its prices publicly. Yet, based on Reddit reviews, customers paid around $75-95 per hour. However, you can get the exact price only after filling in the registration form on the website with details about your kid.

Varsity Tutors: Pros and cons 

✅Ability to work in small groups.

✅Personalized learning with clear progress milestones.

✅Support outside lessons. 

❌Pricing may become unpredictable.

❌Best tutors are hard to maintain for long-term learning.

IXL alternative #15: Wyzant

If you’re wondering what program is better than IXL, Wyzant can also be your answer. This platform offers tutoring services in over 300 subjects and lets you choose among 65,000 experts who are ready help to help your kid.

Best for: Learners of all ages looking for tutors in classic and non-conventional areas of study.

Access to many subjects and many teachers is a clear advantage of Wyzant compared to most of its alternatives on the educational market. Still, beware that a big choice may cause extra problems in finding the best tutor for your kid. 

Wyzant’s top features

• Over 300 subjects learners can choose from.
• Over 65,000 tutors on the platform.
• Ability to find a tutor based on your budget, learning goals, certification preferences, etc.

Wyzant pricing

The pricing for Wyzant is not fixed, as tutors decide on their prices individually. As a raw estimate, you can expect to pay around $60/hour on average. But the exact price will depend on the tutor of your choice — you can find someone for $10/hour or $30/hour there too.

Wyzant: Pros and cons 

✅Ability to choose your preferred tutor.

✅Plenty of subjects to study.

❌Prices are not fixed, and better tutors cost more.

❌It may take time to find a right tutor for your kid.

What’s next: Help your child achieve confidence with Brighterly

To choose the right option for your kid, it’s important to see what each platform can offer and how they all compare to how much does IXL cost so it’s really worth it.

And here, it’s important to note that some platforms may be cheaper, while others are better in terms of the effectiveness of their approach:

• Khan Academy is totally free yet relies on pre-recorded materials. 
• Time4Learning and Miacademy offer comprehensive homeschooling programs.
• Prodigy and Math Playground are designed to make studying fun and engaging,
• Dreambox and Carnegie Learning utilize AI to personalize the curriculum.

But if you’re looking for a platform that:

• Offers STEM-focused curriculum aligned with US state standards 
• Has expert-driven tutors with at least 5 years of experience
• Provides you with free self-study resources
• Has transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Then my recommendation: go for Brighterly! The start is pretty easy: just book free lesson and test all the things yourself.

For anyone who is looking for other variants, please check out some of these comparison articles:

• Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum: 10 Picks to Choose From
• Udemy vs Khan Academy: Complete Comparison 2026
• Leapfrog Academy vs ABC mouse: Which One is Better 2026?
• Abacus vs Kumon vs Brighterly: Making the Right Choice