10 Kumon Alternatives in 2025
reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes
Updated on October 3, 2025
If you’re looking for the best Kumon alternatives in 2025, read on. As an experienced Brighterly teacher, I’m here to help you narrow your search. Although Kumon is an acclaimed educational platform worldwide, here are some exciting Kumon alternatives that may be a better match.
Key points
- Brighterly is a leading tutoring platform that offers highly personalized, gamified tutoring programs for students in grades 1-9.
- Mathnasium is a math tutoring platform for K-12 students, providing personalized learning and in-person and online tutoring.
- Best Brains is an after-school program that offers courses in various subjects.
- Learner is a learning platform for K-12 students, matching students through a screening process.
- Thinkster Math is a tutoring platform that utilizes AI to track progress.
- Wyzant offers a pay-as-you-go model that gives you access to thousands of tutors.
- Khan Academy offers a library of free, self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects.
- Sylvan Learning Center combines in-person and online, private and small-group tutoring in math, reading, and other subjects.
- Cuemath is an online math-only tutoring platform that works for a wide range of ages.
- Mastermind Abacus uses the abacus beads to teach children how to do math calculations.
What are the reasons to consider Kumon alternatives?
The most common reasons for parents to start looking for “Kumon alternatives near me” are incompetent tutors, poor-quality methodology, and the burdensome cost model.
But before I get to a detailed overview of each of these complaints, let me tell you the basics of Kumon. This platform follows the authoritative Kumon Method, developed in the 1950s, which is now somewhat outdated. The app aims to build students’ math and reading skills through a structured approach and repetitive worksheets, allowing for little personalization.
Before I move to why many families consider Kumon competitors, here are a couple of things parents like about Kumon:
- Self-learning focus: Encouraging students to explore how to solve problems independently.
- Reading skills: Kumon offers a reading program to help kids develop better reading skills.
- Development of core math skills: The program focuses on mastering basic skills like quick and accurate math calculations.
- Small-step worksheets: Children master math skills more efficiently when they complete daily worksheet assignments, as highlighted in Trustpilot reviews.
Despite these benefits, Kumon has major downsides. Most importantly, the program relies excessively on repetition rather than engagement. Moreover, unlike some alternatives to Kumon, it limits instruction and tutor intervention, which is provided only when absolutely necessary.
Reasons to choose Kumon alternatives
Inexperienced tutors
Parents report inconsistent Kumon tutors’ expertise as well as minimal guidance from instructors. This often leads to a lack of real improvement in children’s knowledge. Furthermore, parents are also not allowed in the tutoring sessions, as flagged in this Kumon Reddit review, so they cannot check the quality of the process themselves.
Ineffective teaching techniques
Another reason why parents decide to switch to a Kumon alternative is that the program does not provide an approach that motivates students to learn. It puts too much emphasis on how long it takes to complete a task rather than what skills are gained in the process. According to parents’ reviews on Trustpilot, this leads to a quick loss of interest.
Confusing pricing
Kumon reviews also show a lack of pricing transparency, including hidden fees. Kumon costs vary based on location, and the pricing structure is not always disclosed upfront. This turns into a common motivator to opt out and look for alternatives to Kumon, as shown on Trustpilot.
Pros and cons of Kumon
Pros of Kumon |
Cons of Kumon |
Personalized supportKumon offers tutors who will guide your kids through their learning. They’ll grade and evaluate their worksheets to tailor future lessons to your kids. |
Independent work can hinder progressSome parents have reported that the high level of independence needed for Kumon. With no regular tutor support, they can easily get stuck on work. Kumon reviews can be a little negative in this area, unlike other programs like Kumon. |
Worksheets that support learningKumon provides worksheets that your child should complete each day. It recommends 30 minutes a day for the knowledge to be cemented. |
Have to go to a physical test centerWhile the assessments help you monitor your kids’ progress, it can be time-consuming to take your child to an assessment center twice a week. Other Kumon-like programs offer online tutoring, which may be a better option. |
Testing helps to monitor progressYou’ll take your kids to a Kumon center near you twice a week to complete assignments. This helps you monitor their progress. |
The instructors aren’t guaranteed to be qualified in mathAll Kumon learning instructors are trained in the Kumon math tutoring method. But you can’t guarantee they’re also trained math tutors or teachers. When it comes to improving your kids’ math knowledge, you need to be able to trust in a certified tutor or teacher. |
What is the cost of Kumon?
The Kumon cost can range between $165 and $210 per month for just one subject. This can vary by the training center’s location, and Kumon costs can double if your kid is taking both math and reading.
Kumon also charges an $80 registration fee plus $30 for the initial cost of materials, which is uncommon for other programs like Kumon.
What are the good alternatives to Kumon Learning?
- Brighterly
- Mathnasium
- Best Brains
- Learner
- Thinkster Math
- Wyzant
- Khan Academy
- Sylvan Learning Center
- Cuemath
- Mastermind Abacus
When learners ask, “What is the alternative to Kumon?”, several platforms come to my mind, and the Brighterly math tutoring platform is at the top of the list. But let’s discover each option from my top, one by one.
Kumon alternative #1: Brighterly
The Brighterly reading and math tutoring platform is a leader among learning websites for students in grades 1-9.
Best for: 1:1, personalized online studying in math and English Language Arts (ELA)
Keep on reading to discover why I put Brighterly at the top of the list with Kumon alternatives online. ⤵️
Brighterly: Features
Professional, compassionate tutors
Unlike the personnel at Kumon, Brighterly math tutors and reading tutors all hold a degree in the taught subject in addition to 5-15 years of relevant experience. Furthermore, they have to pass a rigorous background check before being hired. This makes them perfectly qualified to deliver 1:1, interactive, engaging online math and reading lessons.
According to Trustpilot reviews, the Brighterly methodology makes sessions highly effective as they install a deep understanding of math concepts and reading comprehension that relate to real-life experiences, and also develop problem-solving skills.
Award-winning curriculum
Another feature that makes Brighterly a superior alternative to Kumon is the award-winning curriculum, entirely based on the Common Core State Standards. Additionally, the learning plan of the STEM-focused math program and the reading program are individualized to the needs of each student. This is done after an initial, detailed evaluation of the child’s strengths and weaknesses and consultations with the parents.
Free worksheets and tests
Brighterly offers free educational resources to provide practice outside tutoring sessions.
- Reading worksheets and math worksheets totally free of charge. These printable papers offer grade-appropriate practice that is organized by topic for easy navigation. The questions combine the theoretical knowledge obtained during instruction with real-life examples to make them relevant.
- Math and reading tests that also don’t require a subscription and are entirely free. Families can use them to assess the initial level and the exact areas in need of improvement, as well as to track progress over time. The test questions aim to evaluate the students’ ability to apply newly gained knowledge in actual real-world situations.
So, if you’re looking for Kumon like worksheets, but also crave for something even better, Brighterly is a great alternative.
The cost of Brighterly
- 1-month: From $20.70/lesson
- 3-month: From $20.20/lesson
- 6-month: From $19.40/lesson
- 12-month: From $17.30/lesson
This is a very affordable price for 1:1 tutoring compared to Kumon, specifically, and the average tutoring rate per hour in the US in general. Furthermore, all Brighterly pricing plans include:
✅24/7 support
✅Detailed progress reports
✅Lesson recording
How does Brighterly compare to Kumon?
Brighterly and Kumon are similar platforms that excel in different areas. Kumon, for example, is an excellent tool for drilling exercises, repetition, and sharpening foundational math and reading. It’s a solid choice for students who prefer structured, self-paced learning and have strong study habits.
However, Brighterly is among the top alternatives to Kumon math and reading for students who benefit from personalized, interactive learning. Unlike Kumon’s rigid and repetitive approach, Brighterly focuses on building a student-teacher connection through fun and collaborative learning.
If you’re tired of googling things like “Kumon alternatives in 2025 review” or “best Kumon alternatives in the United States,” you should try Brighterly.
The pros and cons of Brighterly
Pros of Brighterly
- Personalized tutoring.
- Learn and understand concepts, not just memorize.
- Making learning fun and engaging.
Cons of Brighterly
- Some kids might prefer in-person learning
- Tutoring is only available to kids & teens
Kumon alternative #2: Mathnasium
Mathnasium is a network of math learning centers for students at elementary, middle, and high school.
Best for: Adaptive learning
If you’re asking yourself, “Mathnasium or Kumon?”, you should know that Mathnasium is actually similar to Kumon. However, the former adapts its approach to students’ learning styles.
Who is it for?
Grades: Kindergarten to 12th grade
Mathnasium top features
- Curriculum that adapts to the child’s needs
- Unique teaching method comprised of targeted lessons for understanding and comprehension
- Good customer support
The cost of Mathnasium
- Enrollment fees and assessment: $100-$150, on average
- Mathnasium cost per hour: $25-$75, on average
- Monthly fee: $250-$400, on average
- Summer programs (8+ sessions): $395-$1,000
The Mathnasium cost varies by location. Each center determines its price based on factors such as the average local price and the services offered.
If you’re looking to compare Kumon or Mathnasium pricing, Mathnasium reviews highlight that it provides personalized instruction at a higher price point. This is an important consideration when answering the common question: “Is Mathnasium better than Kumon?”
Pros and cons of Mathnasium
Pros of Mathnasium
- A tailored approach to learning
- A tutor matched to your kid
- A wide curriculum
Cons of Mathnasium
- Can be costly
- Traditional – not digital – learning
- Not available in all locations
Kumon alternative #3: Best Brains
As another Kumon similar program, Best Brains offers small-group, in-person tutoring and provides core programs in coding, math, English, and abacus, plus additional programs covering topics like science labs, SAT prep, homework, and early learner programs.
Best for: Test prep and early learner programs
Is Best Brains better than Kumon? This comparison of Best Brains vs Kumon shows that while Kumon offers only math and reading programs, Best Brains provides various subjects, which makes it a more convenient option for families whose kids need support in multiple areas.
Who is it for?
Grades: Early learners and students in grades 1-9
Best Brains top features
- Remote and in-person tutoring
- Focus on test prep
- Weekly feedback
The cost of Best Brains
The Best Brains pricing varies by center, with the following packages, on average:
- 1 subject: $159/month/child
- 2 subjects: $259/month/child
- 3 subjects: $299/month/child
- 4 subjects: $399/month/child
This means Best Brains is a costly alternative to Kumon Math. So, when evaluating “Which is better, Kumon or Best Brains?”, keep this price difference in mind.
Pros and cons of Best Brains
Pros of Best Brains
- Choose between remote and in-person learning
- Teachers are board-certified
- Focus on passing tests
Cons of Best Brains
- Lack of personalized learning
- Costly with no free trial
- Tutors aren’t assigned based on needs
Kumon alternative #4: Learner
Learner is a virtual learning and tutoring system that offers private math and ELA support from 2nd grade right through to adulthood.
Best for: Custom-matched math tutoring
Learner Tutor reviews emphasize that the platform offers specific tutoring for SAT and ACT exams, while Kumon is a general-purpose platform.
Who is it for?
Grades: Students from 2nd grade through college and adults
Learner top features
- Custom-matched tutoring
- SAT and ACT prep
- Thorough tutor vetting
The cost of Learner
The Learner tutoring cost ranges between $60 and $80 per hour, in most cases. This adds up to a monthly cost of $240-$960, depending on the exact rate and the frequency.
Pros and cons of Learner
Pros
- 1:1 tutoring
- An interactive learning platform
- Thorough tutor vetting
Cons of Learner
- Upfront payments
- Tutors don’t require qualifications
Kumon alternative #5: Thinkster Math
Thinkster Math works as an exclusive alternative to Kumon reading that relies heavily on artificial intelligence (AI).
Best for: Customizable math curriculum and monitoring progress.
An important difference between Kumon and Thinkster Math is that the latter has a much more adaptive and flexible curriculum than the former.
Who is it for?
Grades: K-12
Thinkster Math top features
- Math tutoring powered by AI
- 7-step learning plan
- Access to the Parent Insights app
The cost of Thinkster Math
Thinkster costs vary depending on the level of service you choose. The pricing starts at $68/week for daily practice, weekly expert tutoring, and progress tracking, and can go up with more frequent tutoring sessions and higher personalization.
Overall, Thinkster can be more or less costly than Kumon, depending on your child’s needs.
Pros and cons of Thinkster Math
Pros
- An affordable secondary option
- Parent Insights app allows for in-depth progress tracking
- Motivation for kids
Cons of Thinkster Math
- Tutoring can be expensive
- Completion of goal times can add stress
- High tutor turnover
Kumon alternative #6: Wyzant
Wyzant is an online tutoring marketplace that connects students and tutors in math, reading, writing, science, test prep, and more for a total of 300+ subjects.
Best for: One-on-one tutoring and test prep
Wyzant reviews show that it is well-suited for students of all ages and professionals seeking academic tutoring, while Kumon is geared toward younger students. Hence, 18 is the answer to the popular question, “At what age should you stop using Kumon?”
Who is it for?
Grades: Prekindergarten to high school, college, and beyond
Wyzant top features
- Students pay only for the hours they use
- Advanced search filters help find tutors easily
- Many tutors offer trial lessons to ensure a good fit
The cost of Wyzant
Wyzant uses a pay-as-you-go model, making it convenient for learners to access personalized learning without a long-term commitment.
- From $10/hour, depending on tutor experience
- Many tutors offer free trial sessions
- Students pay for individual sessions.
Wyzant pricing ranges from $10 to $100+ per hour (up to $600/hour for highly specialized tutors), while Kumon charges a monthly fee per subject.
Pros and cons of Wyzant
Pros
- Students can choose their tutor
- Affordable option
- Going beyond math
Cons of Wyzant
- It might take a while to find the right tutor
- Costs vary based on the tutor
- No skills assessment
Kumon alternative #7: Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an online learning platform with a library of free, self-paced learning courses and resources for various subjects.
Best for: Free courses
So, is Khan Academy better than Kumon?
Comparing Khan Academy vs Kumon, the latter offers only math and reading, while Khan Academy provides a wide range of resources across various subjects and levels, such as math, science, history, and economics. If you’re looking for Kumon alternatives in 2025 free, this is definitely your option.
Who is it for?
Grades: PreK-12
Khan Academy top features
- Interactive exercises and quizzes
- Progress tracking
- Completely free
Khan Academy pricing
Khan Academy is free and funded by donations and partnerships. So, if you’re looking for affordable programs similar to Kumon, this might be the platform for you.
Pros and cons of Khan Academy
Pros
- Khan Academy is completely free
- A wide range of classes
- Students can manage their own learning
Cons of Khan Academy
- All of the courses are prerecorded
- It may not cater to many students
- Some of the classes are foundational
Kumon alternative #8: Sylvan Learning Center
Sylvan Learning Center offers in-person and online tutoring in math, reading, and writing, as well as test prep.
Best for: Small-group and 1:1 tutoring
When comparing Sylvan vs Kumon, the former stands out with the Sylvan approach which emphasizes the unique character of each student and thus focuses on personalized learning. That makes Sylvan one of the good programs that offer similar services like Kumon.
Who is it for?
Grades: K-12
Sylvan Learning Center top features
- Online & in-person tutoring
- Small-group and 1:1 tutoring
- The proprietary Sylvan teaching method
The cost of Sylvan Learning Center
The Sylvan Learning Center cost for tutoring and homework support starts at $50/hour. The cost depends on the tutoring style (in-person vs online), the center location, frequency, and other factors. Meanwhile, SAT and ACT group classes cost $900+ per class, which is huge.
Pros and cons of Sylvan Learning Center
Pros of Sylvan Learning Center
- Customized tutoring services
- Flexible options
- Good tutors
Cons of Sylvan Learning Center
- Hefty price
- Passive approach to tutoring (In their Sylvan Learning Center reviews, some parents mention that tutors provide ready solutions to math problems instead of allowing children to figure it out themselves.)
- Not a good fit for students with learning disabilities
Note: Sylvan costs more than Kumon and many of its competitors. It’s far from Kumon alternatives free of charge.
Kumon alternative #9: Cuemath
Cuemath is a math tutoring online platform that provides 1:1, real-time sessions for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
Best for: Synchronous, private online tutoring in math
Looking at Cuemath vs Kumon, you should note that the former focuses on 1:1 tutoring rather than worksheets, but is limited to math.
Who is it for?
Grades: Pre-kindergarten to grade 12
Cuemath top features
- Interactive online math classes delivered 1:1
- Focus on thinking over memorizing
- Parent app to track progress
The cost of Cuemath
Cuemath has a complex pricing model, where the final cost depends on grade level, subscription duration, the number of classes, and other factors. The price starts at $22.50/class with a 6-month subscription for grades PreK-1. Then it goes up for higher grade levels.
A careful Cuemath review shows that the platform is likely to end up costing significantly more than Kumon.
Pros and cons of Cuemath
Pros
- Modern approach
- Individualized learning
- Deliberate building of fundamental math skills
Cons of Cuemath
- Limited subject coverage (If you’re looking for Kumon like programs near me with a wide subject coverage, Cuemath will disappoint you.)
- Unpredictable quality of tutors
- Complicated pricing
Kumon alternative #10: Mastermind Abacus
Mastermind Abacus is a math-focused learning program that teaches kids by visualizing the abacus and calculating mentally.
Best for: Abacus-based math problem-solving
These alternatives to Kumon include online platforms like Mastermind Abacus due to a variety of flexible learning choices. Thus, families can select whether to attend in person or from the comfort of their home. Additionally, Mastermind Abacus offers a game-based learning program to start building a sense of math in young kids.
Who is it for?
Grades: PreK-9
Mastermind Abacus top features
- Unique abacus-based approach
- 10-level structured math classes
- Focus on visualization and photographic memory
The cost of the Mastermind Abacus
The Mastermind Abacus website does not provide even approximate cost estimations. Parents need to get in touch with the team to get a custom quote based on location and other factors. So, it’s impossible to compare Kumon vs Abacus in terms of pricing.
Pros and cons of the Mastermind Abacus
Pros
- Unique teaching methodology
- Online and offline classes
- Structured math program
Cons
- No personalization
- Inadequate for children with learning challenges
- Lack of price transparency
Top alternative to Kumon Reddit
For an in-depth overview of the best Kumon alternatives, I supplemented my own research with parents’ reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot. This helps me evaluate which of these options works in practice.
Brighterly emerges as a top competitor of Kumon with an average Trustpilot rating of 4.5. Parents praise the student-tailored approach, professional tutoring services, and caring teachers.
This Reddit user also recommends going for private tutoring, in line with Brighterly’s core, to avoid problems faced at Kumon.
Additionally, I could also find some suggestions that name Mathnasium as a legitimate Kumon alternative.
Best alternative to Kumon for your child: How to choose
Many parents look for Kumon alternatives due to its rigid approach and hidden fees. The bottom line is:
- If you’d like to juggle online and offline studying, you can check out Best Brains, Sylvan Learning Center, Mastermind Abacus, and Mathnasium.
- If your family is on a tight budget, you can consider Khan Academy or Wyzant.
- If you homeschool or roadschool, so online education is a priority, you can look into Learner, Thinkster Math, or Cuemath.
- And if you’re seeking the best way to boost your child’s academic performance and enhance their confidence, then Brighterly is the right choice.
Unlike other alternatives to Kumon, Brighterly offers:
✅ Fully customized learning plan, materials, and sessions that are STEM-focused and Common Core-aligned
✅ Unmatched quality tutors who are professional and warm-hearted
✅ Affordable rates
Ready to make a move to a better learning program? Book first free lesson with Brighterly to see the difference that 1:1 tutoring can make.
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If you’d like to look into more options to find the right educational program for your kid, check out these comparison articles:
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