The best Brilliant alternatives in 2026

Brilliant is excellent at interactive math, science and computer science. People look elsewhere when they want other subjects, a free option or a credential. Here is what each alternative is actually best at.

Best for any topic

1. Tomo

The same hands-on, gamified feel for any topic you can type: history, psychology, money, hobbies, and yes, science too. Short levels, streaks and quick questions, five minutes a day. Free plan, optional Pro.

2. Khan Academy

Best for: Free math and school science

A free, rigorous nonprofit library of school subjects, best of all for math. Videos plus practice rather than a daily game.

Tomo vs Khan Academy

3. Duolingo

Best for: Math as a daily game

Beyond languages, Duolingo now has math, music and chess. Each course is hand built, which is why there are only a few of them.

Tomo vs Duolingo

4. Coursera

Best for: Credentials and university depth

University and industry courses, certificates and even degrees. Weeks to months of video lectures, not five minutes a day.

Tomo vs Coursera

5. ChatGPT

Best for: One-off explanations

The best ad-hoc tutor for a single question, and Study Mode walks through problems step by step. No course structure or daily habit.

Tomo vs ChatGPT

Questions

What is the best free alternative to Brilliant?

Khan Academy for free math and school science. Tomo has a free plan that doesn't expire and covers any topic, science included.

Is there a Brilliant for subjects other than math and science?

Yes. Tomo builds a gamified course on any topic you can type, from history to psychology, and you play it five minutes a day.

Which Brilliant alternative gives you a certificate?

Coursera. It offers university and industry certificates and even full degrees. Brilliant, Khan Academy and Tomo are for learning itself, not credentials.

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Brilliant's feel, for every subject.

Keep Brilliant for math if you love it. Get Tomo for everything else you're curious about.