• Math tutors
• /
• Blog
• /
• Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly: Pros, Cons & Best Pick (2026)

Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly: Pros, Cons & Best Pick (2026)

If you can’t decide which educational platform to choose between Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly, I’ve got your back. This article goes beyond mundane facts about the platforms’ pros and cons, where I, as a teacher myself, will evaluate teaching methods, pricing, and features to help you make an informed decision in 2026.

Key points

• Brighterly is a 1:1 math and reading online educational platform with gamified learning and professional tutors.
• Mathnasium is an online and in-person educational platform focusing on math.
• Sylvan is an online and in-person educational multi-subject platform offering 1:1 and small-group lessons.

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

Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly: Comparison

The main difference between Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly is that Brighterly is the only platform that hires exclusively professional teachers trained in pedagogy. While Mathnasium and Sylvan tutors are certified in their proprietary learning methods, they are not necessarily teachers. This makes Brighterly tutors highly qualified to personalize teaching and achieve strong results each and every time.

	Mathnasium	Sylvan	Brighterly
Focus	Small-group math tutoring	Small-group tutoring in math, reading, writing, science & foreign languages	1:1 live tutoring in math, reading & writing (ELA)
Grades	K-12	Pre-K-12	1-9
Instruction format	In-center small-group lessons Online tutoring Customized learning	Offline small-group sessions Online tutoring Personalized learning	1:1 lessons with real subject teachers Carefully individualized learning with real-time adjustments
Tutor qualifications	Not always certified teachers Trained in the Mathnasium Method Passed math proficiency exam	Not necessarily certified teachers Trained in the Sylvan Method Passed background check	Professional teachers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree & 5+ years of experience Trained pedagogists Vigorously vetted
Initial assessment	Initial diagnostic	Sylvan Insight Assessment	Assessment test & initial diagnostic in a free demo
Progress tracking	Bimonthly progress monitoring	Regular progress reports	Regular feedback from tutors Formal monthly progress report
Key features	Uses a proprietary method of teaching (Mathnasium Method) Common Core-aligned Both in-center & online options	Multiple subjects Test prep available Common Core-aligned Both in-center & online options	US state standards-aligned program Award-winning curriculum Strong focus on core subjects Flexible scheduling Custom pace & homework Game-based learning
Trustpilot score	⭐ 4.0	⭐ 3.2	⭐ 4.5

Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly cost: What you’ll pay for each

	Pricing	Free trial	Free resources
Mathnasium rates	$25-$35 per tutoring session	Free 30-minute lesson	Printable math activities
Sylvan tutoring cost	$50+ per tutoring session $900+ per class for test prep $200+ per camp for academic camps	❌	Worksheets, activities, resources & tips
Brighterly price	From $17.30 per lesson (annual plan with 3 lessons/week + a 20% discount mentioned on the site)	Free, full 1:1 trial lesson	Free printable math & reading worksheets Free math & reading tests Free supportive resources for parents

Mathnasium, Sylvan and Brighterly differ significantly in cost. Brighterly is clearly the most affordable option with rates starting at only $17.30/class. Meanwhile, the Mathnasium cost averages $25-$35/lesson, and the Sylvan rate is on top of $50/session.

So, if you’re wondering which is better – Mathnasium or Sylvan or Brighterly, in terms of value for money, Brighterly stands out as the most cost-efficient platform while offering strictly 1:1 tutoring with professional teachers and a rich library of free educational materials.

Also, Brighterly has the most transparent pricing policy, clearly outlining the cost on the website without hidden fees, making it easier for parents to calculate the total cost and feel confident about their decision.

Sylvan vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly: Which learning program is better?

Whether Mathnasium, Sylvan, or Brighterly is the best educational program depends on your family’s needs, learning goals, preferred teaching method, and budget. While all three options are legitimate and appreciated by parents, Brighterly sticks out with its excellent tutors, truly personalized approach, and gamified method – all coming at a very affordable price. Considering the price and benefits, it offers the highest overall value.

Mathnasium is a great option for parents who want to be able to choose between online and offline math learning and who think their child might benefit from being with peers. However, it’s less ideal for kids who get easily distracted or might have special needs. You also need to consider the higher price that you pay for each lesson and the more rigid schedule.

Finally, Sylvan Learning is the right choice for students who need support in a number of academic subjects, but take into account that the offered assistance will be less specialized. Once again, you can study both in a center or at home, but the tutors are not always professional teachers. The main drawback of Sylvan is the high price, which might be prohibitive for many families.

So, when choosing the best learning program, consider your child’s requirements, optimal method, the logistics, and your financial situation. 

What is Brighterly math and reading?

Brighterly is an educational platform that offers online, 1:1 tutoring in math, reading, and writing for students in grades 1-9 in the United States. What makes Brighterly different from most competitors is that both the math and reading programs follow the exact requirements of the US educational system, while the curriculum is fully customized to the unique needs of each child.

Why Brighterly is the top choice for thousands of parents

Many parents prefer the Brighterly math and reading platform as the main source of supplemental learning for their children because it provides all the great features of other platforms and much more at a very affordable price. Over 200k families have already joined Brighterly, and their satisfaction is shown by the high score of 4.5 on       Trustpilot.

Most frequently, parents praise the knowledge, patience, and caring attitude of Brighterly teachers as well as their personalized approach crucial for elementary and middle school. As highlighted on Trustpilot, this leads to quick, solid improvements in math and reading mastery and academic grades.

Brighterly: Key features

• Expert math & reading tutors
• Standards-aligned math & reading program, personalized to student requirements
• Free worksheets & tests

Expert math & reading tutors

Brighterly’s biggest advantage over Mathnasium and Sylvan is its team of professional tutors. The platform hires exclusively expert math and reading teachers who are specifically experienced to work in an online, 1:1 setting. They are also trained to understand the needs of every type of learner, including students with learning challenges, and to customize their instruction method appropriately.

Brighterly math and reading tutors use gamified, interactive approaches to ensure that the material is easy to digest, comprehend, and remember, without emphasizing useless memorization. Each potential candidate undergoes rigorous background checks and a careful selection process to prove their subject qualifications and soft skills. Tutors’ own words show how dedicated they are to the teaching profession.

Parents also reflect in their Brighterly reviews on Trustpilot that the tutors are friendly and compassionate as well as fun and easy to work with. Brighterly tutors take the time to pinpoint kids’ learning needs, knowledge gaps, and interests to make learning as efficient as possible.

Standards-aligned math & reading program, personalized to student requirements

While Mathnasium, Sylvan and Brightetly all design their program in line with the US state standards, Brighterly offers the highest level of personalization. This is achieved by 1:1 lessons, whereas the other two platforms emphasize small-group studying.

Instead of blindly following the standardized curriculum to build lessons, Brighterly tutors provide a custom-designed program that closes learning gaps, builds useful learning habits, and teaches general problem-solving skills. This is done after a careful assessment of the kid’s strengths and weaknesses and in partnership with the parents.

The reading program and math program curricula are regularly updated with research-based study resources, data, and STEM learning techniques by the platform’s education team. It meets the needs of students behind, at, or ahead of grade level as it covers basic, foundational concepts and advanced topics. Tutoring sessions are a mix of customized instruction and gamified practice which incorporates games, songs, and jokes.

Parents get continuous feedback at all times and detailed, structured progress reports each month. This gives you an in-depth overview of what your child is learning, how they are improving, and which skills still need attention.

Free worksheets and tests 

If you’re looking for free educational resources, Brighterly is a great option. The team has created hundreds of worksheets for different levels and grades, completely free of charge. They are perfect for solo practice, with a parent, or with a tutor. Brighterly’s expert educators design worksheets to offer students step-by-step practice exercises and real-world examples to make educational concepts more accessible.

There are two types of worksheets: math worksheets and reading worksheets. They are printable PDFs available on the Brighterly website without an account. This is an optimal solution for busy parents looking for extra practice for their kids in grades 1-9.

Additionally, you can take free diagnostic math tests and reading tests designed to assess your little one’s skills without any pressure or commitment. 

How much is Brighterly?

• 1-month plan: Starting at $20.70 per lesson
• 3-month plan: Starting at $20.20 per lesson
• 6-month plan: Starting at $19.40 per lesson
• 12-month plan: Starting at $17.30 per lesson

The prices above refer to subscription plans with 3 lessons per week (with a 20% discount). The annual membership saves you the most.

How cost-effective is Brighterly? A couple of facts to consider

• The average tutoring rate per hour in the US is $25-$80, so 3 sessions/week could cost parents upwards of $960/month.
• Sylvan pricing starts at $50 per session and depends on the format, location, and subject. This is 3 times more expensive than Brighterly for small-group instruction.
• Mathnasium costs $25-$35 per session for small-group lessons, depending on location and plan. Once again, this is more than the Brighterly rate.

Verdict: Brighterly has a really good price-to-value ratio, especially considering the fact that it provides personalized learning plans, regular progress reports, and professional teachers.

What is Mathnasium?

Mathnasium is a network of math learning centers that offer targeted instruction, personalized learning, homework help, and math enrichment help. In-center sessions are held in small groups of about 3 students. Online tutoring is also available for homeschooled children. Unlike Sylvan and Brighterly, Mathnasium specializes in math only.

What does Mathnasium stand for?

• Private math instruction 
• Proprietary methods
• In-center and online options

How does Mathnasium work?

Mathnasium assesses each student’s current math level with an initial diagnostic to identify strengths and learning gaps to create a personalized learning plan. The team uses the Mathnasium Method for guided practice either online or in-center, helping students build understanding and long-term math mastery.

Is Mathnasium good?

Mathnasium is a good option for you if:

• Your child needs targeted support in math only.
• You prefer in-person classes.
• You don’t insist on learning with a professional teacher.
• You don’t prioritize modern game-based learning.

How expensive is Mathnasium?

Mathnasium prices vary based on location and format (online vs offline tutoring) as each center is individually owned and operated. Every center has the opportunity to evaluate its price based on various factors like services offered, local prices, and tutor experience. 

Mathnasium rates per service	Pricing (on average)
Enrollment fees and assessment	$100-$150
Cost per hour	$25-$35
Total monthly cost	$300-$420 (for 3 sessions/week)
Summer sessions pricing	$395-$1,000

A major red flag is that Mashnasium doesn’t provide explicit pricing information on its website, so I had to rely on third-party sources to estimate the cost. Mathnasium reviews and cost differ from source to source, and the levels I summarize here are the average rates.

So, is Mathnasium expensive? Mathnasium charges at the lower end of the prevailing tutoring rates in the US market. Although it’s less pricey than Sylvan, it’s significantly more expensive than Brighterly. Meanwhile, Brighterly offers features that are very similar to Mathnasium, especially when it comes to online math tutoring. But Brighterly provides even more in terms of reading and writing tutoring, experienced teachers, and free resources.

What is Sylvan?

Sylvan Learning is a group of centers for personal learning in math, reading, writing, science, and foreign languages. Similar to Mathnasium, it delivers both in-center learning in small groups and 1:1 online tutoring, but the subject coverage is considerably richer. Like Mathnasium and unlike Brighterly, Sylvan tutors are not necessarily certified teachers with proven professional experience.

What is Sylvan best at?

• Multi-subject coverage 
• In-center and online options
• Adapted learning

How does Sylvan Learning Center work?

Sylvan tutoring begins with skills assessment (Sylvan Insight Assessment) to pinpoint students’ needs and strengths. Based on the results, each student gets an adapted curriculum to fit their goals, delivered via 1:1 online or small-group in-center lessons.

Is Sylvan Learning Center worth it?

Sylvan provides customized learning opportunities and standard educational platform features like initial evaluation and progress tracking. However, according to Sylvan Learning Centers reviews, the effectiveness depends largely on the location and the instructor quality, which can vary majorly from place to place.

How much is Sylvan Learning Center?

Every Sylvan center sets up its rates based on location, so it’s best to contact your local center for exact figures. But if you’re here to get a rough number of the Sylvan tutoring cost, this is what we’re going for.

Sylvan rates per service	Pricing (on average)
Enrollment fees and assessment	$50-$100
Tutoring and homework support cost per hour	$50+
Total monthly cost	$600+ (for 3 sessions/week)
SAT/ACT preparation classes	Starting at 900$
STEM/academic camps	Starting at $200

The total cost of Sylvan depends on the exact services you need.

Is Sylvan worth it considering the cost? With Sylvan, you get access to features like Sylvan Insight Assessment, SylvanSync, etc. The platform can be a good option if you’re comfortable with the pricing; however, you can get an alternative like Brighterly, which charges 3 times less with additional perks, such as professional teachers, full personalization, and tons of free worksheets.

Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly Reddit & Trustpilot reviews

To give an unbiased comparison, I have to consider Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly reviews by customers. My favorite websites for reviews of learning platforms are Reddit and Trustpilot for honest, detailed, and insightful feedback. Thus, I can find the exact Brighterly, Sylvan, and Mathnasium pros and cons according to families that use them.

What are experiences with Brighterly, Mathnasium or Sylvan Learning Centers for math or reading?

Brighterly reviews

What Brighterly users love about the platform

✅Tutors truly caring about students’ success

✅Fun and engaging STEM education

✅Solid knowledge improvements after just a few sessions

“The tutor always checks in on how my kid is feeling and makes sure they’re comfortable before moving forward.” – Reddit

 

“I am beyond impressed with the teachers and their STEM education! The way they interact with the kids and make learning fun, engaging, and hands-on is truly amazing.” – Trustpilot

“My son has had a few math lessons with Mark and we are already seeing progress.” – Trustpilot

What families would do differently on Brighterly

❌Reliable internet connection needed

❌Small learning curve when getting started

“We had some connections problems but were fixed.” – Trustpilot

“The platform does take a little time to get used to.” – Reddit

Brighterly reviews highlight the effectiveness of the personalized approach, the professionalism and empathy of the tutors, and the overall success of the program. Kids improve their skills, boost their confidence, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Mathnasium reviews

What parents and students like about Mathnasium

✅Building math skills

✅Good math teaching method

✅Pleasant experience

“My son has improved so much in math.” – Trustpilot

“Excellent manner of teaching math,” – Trustpilot

“This experience is always so much fun for me.” – Trustpilot

What Mathnasium users don’t like about the program

❌Expensive rates

❌Algorithm-generated personalization

❌High-school students working as tutors

“The Mathnasium is a bit expensive.” – Trustpilot

“An algorithm creates a customized set of activities.” – Reddit

“It’s a pretty sweet gig for a high schooler.” – Reddit

Mathnasium reviews show a potential to develop math knowledge, but the price might be hefty.

Sylvan reviews

What Sylvan customers like about the program

✅Better knowledge

✅Excellent approach

✅Enoyable experiences

“My neighbor loves it for her son and has seen great improvements.” – Reddit

“Structured, professional, and engaging approach.” – Trustpilot

“My son enjoyed going to sylvan.” – Reddit

What users don’t like about Sylvan

❌Insufficient 1:1 time

❌Not right for neurodivergent students

❌Grad students teaching different subjects

“The 3:1 ratio gives the tutor little time for direct instruction.” – Reddit

“More appropriate to a child who does not have learning challenges or neurodivergence.” – Reddit

“I’m a math graduate student so was hired to teach math, but often found myself with reading/writing students.” – Reddit

According to Sylvan reviews, some kids are able to advance, while others not, depending on the center.

When I compare the reviews of Sylvan Learning vs Mathnasium vs online tutoring by Brighterly, the last one has significantly more praises and virtually no complaints.

What’s the main difference between Mathnasium and Sylvan and Brighterly?

The most important difference between Mathnasium vs Sylvan Learning vs Brighterly is the method of teaching, quality of tutors, and pricing. Brighterly offers a full US standards-aligned curriculum with a gamified approach to learning, with prices starting at $17.30 per lesson. In contrast, Mathnasium and Sylvan prices are significantly higher, with a structured and proprietary method of teaching. 

Which is better: Sylvan vs Mathnasium vs Brighterly?

Brighterly is the best for fully customized learning in a 1:1 setting, delivered by professional teachers and benefiting from gamification. Mathnasium is good for math-focused programs in small groups when families prefer an in-center environment. Sylvan works best for kids who need support in a number of subjects and want to choose between online and offline studying – in case the price is not a problem.

Mathnasium vs Sylvan vs Brighterly: What’s the best option for your kid to succeed in math and reading?

My review of Mathnasium vs Sylvan Learning vs Brighterly feedback shows that all three options are valid for different situations. Your choice should be based on your kid’s needs, preferences, and your budget.

• If you want to concentrate on math and learn in a small group, check out Mathnasium.
• If you need to study several subjects and money is not an issue, consider Sylvan.
• If you want your child to excel in math and reading without breaking the bank, Brighterly is your best bet.

With Brighterly 1:1 math & reading tutoring platform, you get:

✅Highly qualified tutors with excellent personal skills

✅Award-winning curriculum tailored to your requirements

✅Free resources to practice

Ready to see why Brighterly is the best alternative to Mathnasium and Sylvan for math and reading? Book free lesson with no commitment.

Other comparison articles

In need of more useful comparisons? Check out:

• Mathnasium vs Kumon vs Brighterly: Which one is better for 2026?
• Sylvan vs Huntington vs Brighterly: What’s Best for Your Child?
• Varsity Tutors vs Sylvan vs Brighterly: What’s The Best Choice in 2026?