Written by
Janosch Herrmann
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Brilliant is an online learning platform that specializes in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. It offers over 60 interactive courses designed by experts from prestigious institutions like MIT and Caltech. Brilliant is ideal for learners of all ages who are curious about science and technology and prefer a fun, engaging approach to learning.
Advantages of Brilliant
Brilliant's courses are highly interactive, making learning a dynamic and engaging experience. The content is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages, making it a great choice for casual learning. The platform's focus on problem-solving helps users develop critical thinking skills in a fun way.
Disadvantages of Brilliant
While Brilliant excels in making learning fun and engaging, its courses tend to be more theoretical with limited practical applications. This might not be ideal for learners seeking to gain hands-on skills for career advancement or specific professional applications.
Brilliant
8.2
Brilliant alternatives
Khan Academy
7.2
7.2
Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that offers free courses in a wide range of subjects including math, science, economics, and humanities. It provides a comprehensive learning platform with video lessons, practice exercises, and a personalized learning dashboard that empowers learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.
- Free to use
- Wide range of subjects
- Personalized learning paths
- Less interactive content
- More traditional teaching methods
Udemy
9.0
9.0
Udemy is a global online learning platform that offers a vast array of courses across various fields including technology, business, arts, and personal development. Unlike Brilliant, which focuses on STEM topics through interactive courses, Udemy provides a broader range of subjects with courses designed by independent instructors. This allows learners to explore a wide variety of topics at their own pace.
- Wide range of topics
- Self-paced learning
- Courses for all skill levels
- Quality varies by course
- Less interactive than Brilliant
Coursera
8.8
8.8
Coursera is a comprehensive online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including STEM, arts, humanities, and more. Unlike Brilliant, which focuses on interactive problem-solving in STEM, Coursera provides both theoretical and practical courses designed in partnership with universities and companies worldwide. This makes it suitable for those looking to gain deep knowledge and even earn certifications or degrees.
- Wide range of subjects
- Partnerships with universities
- Option for certifications
- Practical and theoretical courses
- Flexible learning schedules
- Less interactive problem-solving
- Can be more expensive
- Courses vary in quality
- Requires more time commitment
- Some courses require prerequisites
Codecademy
8.6
8.6
Codecademy is an interactive online learning platform that specializes in teaching coding and programming skills across various programming languages and tech subjects. Unlike Brilliant, which focuses on a broader range of STEM topics through theoretical courses, Codecademy offers hands-on coding exercises and projects that help learners build practical skills and prepare for tech careers.
- Hands-on coding exercises
- Project-based learning
- Career-oriented courses
- Wide range of programming languages
- Interactive learning environment
- Less focus on non-tech subjects
- Can be challenging for absolute beginners
- Subscription can be pricey
- Limited theoretical background
- Courses mainly in English
edX
8.6
8.6
edX is a massive open online course provider. It hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines to a worldwide student body, including some courses at no charge. It also conducts research into learning based on how people use its platform. edX offers a larger variety of courses than Brilliant, including professional and micro-degree programs.
- Wide range of subjects
- Courses from prestigious universities
- Offers certificates and degrees
- Flexible learning schedules
- Less interactive than Brilliant
- Courses can be more demanding
- Some courses are expensive
DataCamp
8.5
8.5
DataCamp is an online learning platform that specializes in data science and analytics. Unlike Brilliant, which covers a broad range of STEM topics, DataCamp focuses specifically on data skills like programming in Python, R, and SQL, and topics in machine learning and data visualization. DataCamp offers interactive courses and projects that help learners apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.
- Focused on data science
- Hands-on projects
- Career-oriented courses
- Narrower topic range
- Less suitable for younger learners
Pluralsight
8.3
8.3
Pluralsight is an online learning platform that specializes in technology and creative content. It offers a wide range of courses designed to improve technical skills, with a focus on IT, software development, and creative fields like graphic design. Unlike Brilliant, which is more casual and theoretical, Pluralsight provides in-depth, practical training aimed at enhancing career skills.
- In-depth technical training
- Career-oriented courses
- Wide range of tech topics
- Updated with latest industry trends
- Interactive exercises
- Less suitable for casual learning
- More expensive
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Udacity
8.2
8.2
Udacity is an online learning platform that offers 'Nanodegree' programs designed to provide job-ready skills in fields like data science, programming, artificial intelligence, and more. Unlike Brilliant, which focuses on casual learning through interactive problem-solving, Udacity is geared towards providing practical, hands-on training that aligns with industry needs.
- Hands-on learning
- Industry-relevant courses
- Partnerships with tech companies
- More expensive
- Less suitable for younger learners
Educative
7.2
7.2
Educative is an interactive learning platform that focuses on computer science and software development. Unlike Brilliant, which covers a broad range of STEM topics, Educative narrows down to programming and tech-related courses. It offers hands-on coding environments within the browser, allowing learners to practice coding skills in real-time without the need for any setup.
- Hands-on coding practice
- No setup required
- Focus on tech skills
- Limited to tech and programming
- Less interactive problem solving
- Narrower course range
Skillshare
8.3
8.3
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Unlike Brilliant, which focuses on STEM topics, Skillshare offers a broader range of creative courses, making it ideal for individuals looking to explore new skills or deepen existing passions in arts and design.
- Wide range of creative courses
- Community-driven learning
- Supports project-based learning
- Less focus on STEM subjects
- Not as structured as Brilliant