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Best 10 IXL Alternatives & Competitors in 2025

Hundreds of online tutoring services exist, making it challenging for parents to find the best alternatives to IXL. In this article, I am going to walk you through the best free programs similar to IXL.

Key Points

• IXL is an online learning platform for students aged 3 to 18. IXL offers self-paced, personalized classes across various subjects.
• Some students and parents aren’t satisfied with IXL and decide to look for IXL learning alternatives with better education content quality. 
• Brighterly math tutoring platform is an online math tutoring service that offers personalized math tutoring programs that fully align with the US Common Core. This is one of the websites similar to IXL, which is entirely focused on math. 

What are the reasons for considering IXL alternatives?

IXL is designed to help students practice and master skills in core subjects and offers self-paced, personalized classes. However, some parents decide to switch to IXL alternatives. 

Before I move to why many families consider IXL competitors, here are a couple of things parents like about IXL:

▶️Adaptive learning: The platform adapts 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.

▶️Flexible and self-paced learning: IXL allows for extensive self-paced learning, which is perfect for individuals with individualized learning needs.

However, the downsides of IXL outweigh the benefits for students. For example, IXL doesn’t provide live classes or feedback, so it may need to be supplemented with other materials or instruction. Moreover, some children may find the content boring, as the tasks repeat themselves after a specific time. Keep reading to discover why parents look for alternatives for IXL. 

Reasons to choose IXL alternatives

Some families have had a wonderful experience with the IXL tutoring platform. But, according to my research, most reviews seem to highlight frustration with its repetitive exercises, lack of engagement, and the pressure caused by its scoring system. 

• Reason 1: Platform usability
• Reason 2: Insecure payments
• Reason 3: Confusing grading system

Reason 1: Platform usability

The majority of unsatisfactory IXL reviews revolve around platform usability and app malfunction. Some people have found it too complicated for regular, not tech-savvy parents. IXL math learning alternatives may offer more user-friendly apps and platforms, perfect for any level of tech skills. 

Reason 2: Insecure payments

Another reason to avoid the IXL tutoring platform is insecure payments. Parents have reported multiple charges, which is a clear sign that the platform does not prioritize payment security. Some IXL users may face payment vulnerabilities, unclear billing processes, or unexpected charges, making the IXL learning competitors look like a better option. 

Reason 3: Confusing grading system

IXL’s confusing grading system has been a point of frustration for some parents. The platform uses a “SmartScore” system, which adjusts based on correct and incorrect answers, but it can fail to grade students accurately. As a result, it can lead to demotivation and confusion both for parents and kids. 

If you don’t want to google ‘IXL alternatives & competitors Reddit’, keep on reading to discover the 10 best alternatives to IXL. 

What are the best IXL alternatives?

• Brighterly 
• Prodigy Math 
• Kumon  
• Carnegie Learning  
• Time4learning 
• Miacademy 
• DreamBox 
• Khan Academy 
• Beestar 
• Math Playground

The best XL alternatives include Brighterly, Prodigy Math, Kumon, Carnegie Learning, Time4learning, Miacademy, DreamBox, Khan Academy, Beestar, and Math Playground. They all cater different learning styles, goals, and preferences. Keep reading if you want to discover which platforms is the best IXL alternative for you.

IXL Alternative #1: Brighterly Math Tutoring Platform

Brighterly online math tutoring is an online math tutoring platform for elementary and middle school children. When we’re thinking about ‘What is better than IXL?’, several platforms come to mind, and Brighterly is at the top of the list. Brighterly math reviews have a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, making it one of the leading math tutoring services. 

Keep on reading to discover why we put Brighterly at the top of the list with websites like ixl. 

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Brighterly math tutoring platform features

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

Expert-driven math tutors

Brighterly math tutors for elementary students and middle school kids concentrate on one-on-one, interactive online math lessons with expertise in personalized STEM-focused programs. Moreover, Brighterly performs a rigorous background check to ensure every Brighterly tutor holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Math and has 5 to 15 years of experience in math tutoring.

To amplify their impact, Brighterly tutors blend interactive and gamified learning to make sessions engaging and effective, especially for elementary students. This helps foster problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of math concepts that children can relate to real-life experiences. 

Brighterly math worksheets and additional resources

Brighterly offers free math worksheets and additional resources free of charge to everybody. Even if you don’t subscribe to Brighterly tutoring, you can still enjoy Brighterly math worksheets and Brighterly practice tests that are great for self-learning, focusing on various math skills like addition, numerals, division, geometry, angles, money management, etc. 

 

These worksheets and tests are structured according to math topic and grade to help you quickly navigate and find the perfect resources for learning, practice, or assessment. Brighterly Knowledge Base has got you covered with articles on algebra, fractions, geometry, number sense, measurement, money, times tables, and numbers to words.

Adaptive STEM-focused curriculum aligned with the Common Core 

Brighterly math program covers grades 1-8 and features introductory, fundamental, and advanced concepts that are STEM-focused and fully personalized according to students’ individual characteristics, goals, studies, and parents’ requirements.

The platform’s best learning experts have developed Brighterly’s math program to create the perfect Common Core-aligned online math programs for kids and teens.

Brighterly’s program is game-based and interactive and allows tutors to focus on building foundational math skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities rather than on keeping kids interested throughout the video call.

How much is Brighterly? Pricing

Brighterly offers a flexible subscription model. Families can choose options based on their child’s needs, such as 1 to 3 weekly lessons. The Brighterly cost per hour starts at $19.50, which is quite affordable compared to competitors.

Let’s look into packages and prices in more detail:

If you book a 1-month plan with two lessons (45 minutes) per week included, you’ll pay $211 monthly. Alternatively, you can go with extended options, which come at more affordable prices:

• 3-months plan worth $198/month
• 6-months plan worth $186/month
• 12-months plan worth $161/month

All of them include:

• 24/7 support
• Detailed progress reports 
• Lesson recording

How does Brighterly compare to IXL?

Brighterly and IXL are two similar platforms, yet they stand out in different areas. IXL is a great tool for self-paced learning, repetition, and sharpening math skills. It’s a solid platform for students who can manage their learning and enjoy tackling problems at their own speed solo. 

However, Brighterly may be a better choice for students who depend on a trusted teacher to support their learning and foster a deeper understanding of math. Unlike IXL’s automated approach, Brighterly focuses on building a student-teacher connection, leading students to math excellence. IXL also does not offer practice tests, while Brighterly provides you with plenty of them.

To summarize, IXL is great for drill exercises, while an IXL alternative, Brighterly, goes further to offer you structured, personalized lessons. If you’re tired of googling things like ‘What program is better than IXL?’ or ‘What is equivalent to IXL?’, Brighterly’s got your back.

 Brighterly: advantages and disadvantages

✅Personalized one-on-one real-time sessions.
✅Tutors have at least 5 years of experience in teaching kids math. 
✅Learners get a trial session to see if Brighterly is a good fit for them. 
❌Geared toward elementary and middle school students.
❌Brighterly is a paid service, unlike free IXL alternatives.

IXL Alternative #2: Prodigy Math 

Prodigy Math is one of the websites similar to IXL. It’s a game-based math learning platform that emphasizes interactive gamified learning. 

Best for: Self-paced learners.

Prodigy Math is another alternative for programs like IXL, offering an immersive game-based environment instead of a structured IXL exercise drill. 

Who is it for?

Grades: K-8 students looking for interactive, gamified learning experiences. 

Prodigy Math top features 

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

Prodigy Math pricing

Prodigy Math offers free and paid plans, making it accessible to a wide range of families. 

• The free plan offers you basic access to math content with limited features.
• Premium membership starts at $9.95/month (annual billing available) and includes extended features. 

IXL operates on a subscription-based model and charges per subject, while Prodigy Math offers a free version alongside an affordable premium membership. 

Prodigy Math: 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

Kumon is an after-school all-level math tutoring program that follows the Kumon Method focusing on mastering skills through a structured approach. Kumon provides structured mastery-based tutoring programs best suited for long-term commitment. 

Best for: K-12 students seeking profound math understanding.

If you’re looking for sites like IXL, Kumon is one of them, offering the development of not only math but reading skills.

Who is it for?

Grades: K-12 students.

Kumon top features

• Kumon math tutoring uses the 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, and pricing varies from location to location. Each center is individually owned and operated (franchise system).

• Monthly Fee ranges from $100 to $150 per subject.
• A one-time registration fee may apply.

IXL operates on a subscription-based model and charges per subject, while Kumon centers operate on a fixed monthly fee that depends on location. 

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.

IXL Alternative #4: Carnegie Learning 

Carnegie Learning is a K-12 education solutions provider that combines AI-driven software with personalized math tutoring.

Best for: Personalized, AI-driven math instruction for K-12 students

If you’re wondering what is better than IXL, Carnegie Learning can be your choice as it combines AI-driven personalization with human tutoring rather than skill practice and repetition. 

Who is it for?

Grades: K-12 students seeking a mix of tech-driven and instructor-led learning.

Carnegie Learning top features

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

Carnegie Learning pricing

Carnegie Learning operates on a subscription-based model, and pricing varies from location to location. Each center is individually owned and operated (local franchise system) — expect custom pricing. 

While IXL operates on a subscription-based model and charges per subject, Carnegie Learning centers operate on a fixed monthly fee that depends on location. 

Carnegie Learning: pros and cons

✅Blended learning model (AI software + live tutoring).
✅Fosters problem-solving skills.
✅Personalized learning.
❌Geared toward middle and high school.
❌Designed for institutional use. 

IXL Alternative #5: Time4Learning

Time4Learning is an award-winning online learning platform that is optimal for homeschoolers.

Best for: Self-paced homeschool learners.

If you’re wondering, ‘Who competes with IXL?’ and looking for a homeschooling program, Time4Lerning is an optimal choice for you.

Who is it for?

Grades: K-12 homeschooled students.

Time4Learning top features

• Full-fledged curriculum.
• Students can progress at their own speed.
• Interactive learning. 

Time4Learning pricing

Time4Learning offers straightforward pricing plans:

• PreK-8th Grade: $24.95/month per student.
• High School: $34.95/month per student, with access to 4 courses.

IXL charges per subject, while Time4Learning offers a full curriculum at an affordable price. 

Time4Learning: pros and cons

✅Full curriculum across multiple subjects.
✅Affordable pricing.
✅Flexible learning.
❌Curriculum is not personalized.
❌Less focus on advanced concepts. 

IXL Alternative #6: Miacademy

Miacademy is an interactive, customizable learning platform offering a broad curriculum for kids. 

Best for: Interactive learning experiences.

Miacademy focuses on creative and engaging tools to teach kids, while IXL focuses on exercise drills. 

Who is it for?

Grades: Elementary and middle school learners. 

Miacademy top features

• Customized, adaptive curriculum.
• Creative hands-on experiences. 
• Real-world skill application. 

Miacademy pricing

Miacademy website offers simple subscription plans:

• A monthly subscription goes for $29.99/month per student.
• A family plan is available for multiple students.

While IXL charges per subject, Miacademy offers a monthly subscription and a family plan.

Miacademy: pros and cons

✅Creative curriculum.
✅Affordable pricing.
✅Customizable program.
❌Geared toward younger students.
❌No targeted skill building. 

IXL Alternative #7: Dreambox

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

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

Dreambox offers an immersive game-based environment, while IXL provides structured exercise drills. 

Dreambox top features

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

Dreambox pricing

Dreambox’s pricing page provides the following data:

• The family plan starts at $12.95/month per student.
• School licenses are available and priced based on the number of students.

While IXL charges per subject, Dreambox offers a monthly subscription for families and schools.

Dreambox: pros and cons

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

IXL Alternative #8: Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online learning platform. Khan Academy offers a library of free, self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects. If you’re looking for websites like IXL but free, this alternative is a great option.
Best for: Self-motivated learners over 12. 

If you’re looking for a free IXL alternative, Khan Academy is your option, offering a vast library of educational resources across various subjects such as math, science, history, and economics. 

Who is it for?

Grades: Pre-K — 12th Grade. 

Khan Academy top features 

• Offers interactive exercises and quizzes.
• Progress tracking.
• It’s completely free. 

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?’ Khan Academy is completely free of charge, unlike the IXL platform, which charges per subject.

Khan Academy: pros and cons

✅Khan Academy is completely 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

Beestart is a web-based platform that offers math and reading exercises.
Best for: Elementary and middle schoolers seeking to enhance their skills in math and reading. 

Beestrat specializes in supplemental math and reading practice, while IXL provides comprehensive subject coverage.

Who is it for?

Grades: Elementary and middle scholars who need to reinforce math and reading skills. 

Beestar top features 

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

Beestar pricing

Beestar offers free and premium plans:

• Free Plan: Access to basic weekly exercises.
• Premium Plan: $20/semester per subject.

Both IXL and Beestar charge per subject. However, Beestar’s pricing is semester-based, which makes it a more affordable option. 

Beestar: pros and cons

✅Affordable pricing plans.
✅Focus on core skills.
✅Weekly math and reading exercises.
❌Does not provide live sessions or support. 
❌Geared toward elementary and middle schoolers.

IXL Alternative #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.
Best for: Elementary and middle schoolers seeking to enhance their skills through online games.

Math Playground focuses on creative and engaging math games, while IXL focuses on exercise drills. 

Who is it for?

Grades: Elementary and middle schoolers seeking to develop math skills through gaming. 

Math Playground’s top features

• Engaging math games.

Math Playground pricing

Beestar offers free and premium plans:

• Free Access: Basic games and activities are available for all users.
• Premium Plan: $6.99/month or $59.99/year for ad-free access and additional features.

Math Playground offers free access to some activities, while IXL offers a subscription-only model. 

Math Playground: pros and cons

✅Affordable pricing plans.
✅Massive library of math games.
❌Does not provide live sessions or support. 
❌Geared toward elementary and middle schoolers.

What’s Next: Help your child achieve math confidence with Brighterly math tutoring platform

How do you choose the best IXL alternative? The answer to this question depends entirely on your kid’s character, skill, and ultimate goal.

All of the abovementioned tutoring platforms can help improve your kid’s math skills. However, it doesn’t mean you can go with whatever option we listed. 

For instance, Khan Academy and Time4Lerning offer comprehensive programs on core subjects and can be helpful for homeschooling; Math Playground makes learning math fun and engaging, and Dreambox and Carnegie Learning use AI to personalize the curriculum.

But if you’re looking for a platform that

• Offers STEM-focused Common Core aligned curriculum 
• 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, click the link and book your free demo lesson with Brighterly math tutoring platform now!

Need more time to decide which platform is right for your family? Check out some of our comparison articles below:

• 10 Best Outschool Alternatives
• Wyzant vs Varsity Tutors vs Brighterly?
• Which One Is Better: IXL vs Khan Academy vs Brighterly? 
• Cuemath vs Kumon vs Brighterly?
• Kumon vs Khan Academy