Brilliant vs Skillshare—A 30,000-foot Overview

Both Brilliant and Skillshare have carved out significant niches in the online learning space, offering distinct approaches to personal development and education. Here’s a high-level overview of what each platform brings to the table:

A High-level Brilliant Review

Brilliant stands out for its focus on interactive learning within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The platform has attracted millions of learners and features courses designed by experts from prestigious organizations like MIT, Duke, and Google. Brilliant’s courses emphasize active problem-solving rather than passive watching, making it a great fit for learners who prefer engaging directly with material to enhance understanding and retention.

Brilliant’s learning model is suited to a wide demographic, from students to professionals looking to keep their problem-solving skills sharp. The platform offers subscription-based access with the added benefit of a mobile app for learning on the go.

A High-level Skillshare Review

Skillshare operates on a subscription model as well, but it’s renowned for its extensive library of creative courses. From art and design to business and technology, Skillshare’s project-based approach is ideal for those who want a more informal learning environment where the act of creating is part of the learning process.

The platform allows a diverse range of instructors, including influencers and recognized experts, to create and teach courses, adding to the community feel of the learning experience. Skillshare could be particularly appealing if you’re looking to explore a new hobby or expand your creative skills in a flexible, community-driven format.

Each platform has distinct strengths: Brilliant is excellent for those with a keen interest in STEM topics and who enjoy a hands-on, interactive approach to learning. Skillshare may be the better choice for creative learning in a variety of fields, with a strong community aspect.

Deciding between Brilliant and Skillshare will come down to what you’re looking to get out of your online learning experience: a structured approach to STEM with Brilliant or a more exploratory, creative experience with Skillshare​.

Brilliant vs Skillshare—Pricing

In the arena of online learning, both Brilliant and Skillshare come with their own pricing strategies, tailored to their content and learning approach.

Brilliant’s Pricing Model:

Brilliant offers a subscription-based model with two primary payment plans:

• Annual Subscription: This is billed once per year at a rate of approximately $13.49 per month.
• Monthly Subscription: For those who prefer month-to-month flexibility, Brilliant charges around $24.99 per month.
• Group Plan: There’s also an option for groups of three or more users, priced at roughly $299.88 per year.

These prices give you unlimited access to all the courses on Brilliant, which span a wide range of STEM topics, from mathematics to science to computer science, with new content added monthly. The courses on Brilliant are interactive, featuring daily challenges, quizzes, and problems to solve, supporting an engaging and hands-on learning experience.

Brilliant’s courses are designed to help learners grasp concepts in-depth, emphasizing understanding over rote memorization. With a focus on mastery, Brilliant provides a community-driven learning platform that facilitates curiosity and engagement in the STEM fields.

For those interested in trying out Brilliant, they offer a free 7-day trial which gives full access to the platform’s content​.

Skillshare’s Pricing Model

Skillshare caters to creative and curious minds with its flexible subscription plans. Let’s break down their pricing model to see how it aligns with your learning aspirations and budget.

• Monthly Subscription: For those eager to dive into Skillshare’s diverse learning pool, a monthly fee of $32 will unlock the door to over 35,000 classes. It’s a world of knowledge at your fingertips, perfect for the passionately curious who crave variety and flexibility.

• Annual Subscription: If commitment isn’t a scare word for you, Skillshare’s annual subscription is a steal. At $168 annually, which boils down to about $14 per month, it offers substantial savings. Think of it as investing in a year’s worth of learning for the price of five monthly plans.

Premium members don’t just pay for access; they get the luxury of learning without limits. Unlimited access to all classes, with the added convenience of downloading for offline indulgence, means your quest for knowledge need not pause for anything—be it a flight or a quiet retreat to a place without Wi-Fi.

For the commitment-wary, Skillshare’s one-month free trial is a treasure trove ready to be unlocked. It’s a risk-free opportunity to test the waters of this platform’s extensive course offerings. Remember, though, to mark your calendar to cancel before the trial ticks its last tock—if you wish to avoid charges.

Brilliant vs Skillshare—Courses and Instructors

Brilliant and Skillshare both offer a plethora of courses, yet they cater to distinctly different learners with their unique course selections and teaching styles.

Brilliant’s Popular Courses:

Brilliant specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its courses are meticulously crafted to foster deep understanding through interactive problem-solving. Some of the crowd favorites are:

• “Logic and Deductive Reasoning”
• “Probability and Statistics”
• “Computer Science Fundamentals”

These courses are known not just for their content but also for their thought-provoking instructors who encourage an active learning process, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.

Skillshare’s Popular Courses:

On the flip side, Skillshare offers a creative sanctuary for those inclined towards the arts, design, and entrepreneurship. Its standout courses often include:

• “Digital Illustration: Learn to Use Procreate”
• “Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact”
• “iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos On Your iPhone”

Skillshare’s instructors are professionals in their fields, sharing real-world insights and tips that resonate with the community. The platform promotes a hands-on approach, allowing students to learn by doing.

Both platforms boast an impressive lineup of instructors—experts who are not just knowledgeable but passionate about sharing their skills. Whether you are looking to hone your problem-solving skills with Brilliant’s challenging courses or eager to unleash your creativity with Skillshare’s hands-on projects, you will find instructors who can guide you on your journey.

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Brilliant vs Skillshare—User Experience

When it comes to online learning, the user experience can make or break the deal. Let’s delve into what it feels like to navigate Brilliant and Skillshare, highlighting how each platform ensures a smooth journey from curious learner to empowered knowledge-seeker.

Brilliant’s User Experience:

Brilliant prides itself on a clean, focused, and distraction-free UX design, making it conducive for learners who love to delve deep without bells and whistles. With a straightforward interface, learners can easily jump into problem-solving exercises. The user journey on Brilliant is quite linear, with each course building on the previous one, reflecting a structured path of learning.

• Intuitive course progression
• Clean and straightforward layout
• Focus on interactive learning without excessive multimedia

Brilliant is ideal for those who appreciate a learning experience akin to a well-organized textbook, enhanced by the interactivity of modern e-learning tools.

Skillshare’s User Experience:

Skillshare takes a more exploratory approach. It’s like walking into a bustling marketplace of knowledge, with eye-catching thumbnails and community reviews guiding you to your next class. Skillshare’s platform encourages browsing, with a strong emphasis on discovery and community interaction.

• Visually rich course thumbnails
• Community-driven with easy access to reviews and discussions
• Simple navigation that encourages course sampling and discovery

Skillshare’s UX is tailored for the creative wanderer, eager to explore various paths and pick up skills as they go along.

Both platforms boast user-friendly interfaces, yet they cater to different preferences in learning style—structured and focused with Brilliant, or exploratory and community-based with Skillshare. The right fit depends on how you like to engage with your learning content.

Brilliant and Skillshare alternatives

Udemy

Udemy boasts an extensive catalog with a treasure trove of over 155,000 courses, attracting over 40 million learners who enjoy the freedom to choose. Its spectrum ranges from business and tech to personal development and hobbies. A standout feature is its marketplace model; you buy the course, and it’s yours for life—no recurring fees. This model empowers you to learn at your own pace without the pressure of a subscription deadline. The platform is a beacon for those who have a specific learning target in mind—be it mastering Excel, exploring mindfulness, or perfecting graphic design skills. Moreover, Udemy facilitates direct communication with instructors via a Q&A section, enriching the learning process through engagement and direct feedback.

Coursera

Coursera is a powerhouse of higher education, bridging the gap between academia and the general public. Its affiliations with Ivy League schools and multinational corporations offer learners a chance to partake in a variety of learning formats—from standalone courses to full degree programs. What sets Coursera apart is the value it provides through specialization sequences—a series of related courses designed to help you deepen your expertise in a subject, culminating often in a hands-on project. For those looking to bolster their resume with accredited qualifications or even pivot their career path entirely, Coursera presents a robust pathway with tangible milestones and recognition from reputed institutions.

edX

edX operates on a parallel track to Coursera, with university courses at its core, heralding from powerhouses like Harvard and MIT. What’s unique about edX is its Global Freshman Academy, a program that allows students to take first-year university courses online and earn credits. Its MicroMasters and Professional Certificate programs are perfect stepping stones for those considering an advanced degree but unsure about the commitment. edX’s learning experience is deeply academic, emulating the rigor and structure of a university course, right down to the textbooks and examinations. It’s the digital equivalent of walking the hallowed halls of a university, available to anyone with internet access.

MasterClass

MasterClass is the epitome of inspiration, combining the flair of high production documentaries with the wisdom of industry leaders. Here, the educational journey feels like an intimate fireside chat with the likes of Natalie Portman or Neil deGrasse Tyson. Each class is crafted to not only impart skills but also to delve into the philosophies and narratives of success. MasterClass is less about diplomas and more about life lessons; it’s for the dreamers, the aspiring creatives, and anyone yearning to learn from icons they admire. It’s about the story behind the success, the failures turned lessons, and the personal insights you can’t get from a textbook.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is the epitome of a global classroom that dissolves barriers to education with its free-to-access platform. It’s particularly renowned for its strength in foundational education, offering everything from elementary arithmetic to AP physics. The platform uses a mix of video lessons, interactive exercises, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace inside and outside of the classroom. Khan Academy has also ventured into test prep for standardized tests like the SAT, providing invaluable resources for students aiming for college admission. Its dedication to accessibility makes it an indispensable resource for motivated learners around the world, democratizing education one lesson at a time.

Choosing between these platforms hinges on your learning goals—whether you seek the versatility of learning avenues on Udemy, the structured academic progress on Coursera and edX, the mentorship of world-renowned experts on MasterClass, or the equitable and accessible education provided by Khan Academy. Each platform offers a unique approach to education and personal development, and your selection will align with what you seek to achieve in your learning journey.

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FAQs

Brilliant FAQs

• What can I learn on Brilliant.org?

Brilliant.org offers over 60 interactive courses primarily focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) topics. Courses cover subjects such as Math, Science, and Computer Science, and they’re known for their hands-on learning approach.

• Does Brilliant offer a free trial?

Yes, Brilliant offers a 7-day free trial that gives you full access to their premium content. This allows you to explore their courses and decide if they are right for you.

• How does Brilliant work?

Brilliant courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, breaking down complex topics into bite-sized problem-solving tasks. They use gamification and storytelling to maintain user interest and facilitate learning.

• Who is Brilliant for?

Brilliant caters to anyone aged between 10 to 110 who enjoys STEM learning through interactive, hands-on experiences. They claim that their content is suitable for students, professionals, and lifelong learners alike.

Skillshare FAQs

• What types of classes does Skillshare offer?

Skillshare offers a vast array of classes, with a strong focus on creative arts, design, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, technology, and more.

• How is content structured on Skillshare?

Skillshare classes are project-based and allow users to learn by doing. The classes typically include a series of short videos along with a class project.

• What is the cost of Skillshare?

Skillshare operates on a subscription model. The monthly subscription is approximately $32, and the annual subscription offers a discounted rate, equating to about $14 per month.

• Does Skillshare offer free access to classes?

Skillshare provides a one-month free trial for new users to explore the platform’s courses at no cost.

• How does Skillshare support community and interaction?

Skillshare emphasizes community learning where users can interact with each other, provide feedback on projects, and participate in discussions within each class.

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Final Verdict: Brilliant or Skillshare—which one is worth it?

When it comes to deciding between Brilliant and Skillshare, it’s akin to choosing between two key paths of personal or professional development. It’s not about which platform is superior, but rather which one aligns best with your learning objectives, interests, and the way you want to engage with content.

Brilliant shines when it comes to its structured, interactive approach to learning. It’s for the thinkers, the problem-solvers, the curious minds who find joy in the challenge of STEM subjects. The platform is designed to help learners understand complex concepts through active problem-solving. With Brilliant, the journey is as rewarding as the outcome, nurturing a deep understanding of subjects that are foundational to many of today’s careers. However, it’s not about collecting credentials or building a portfolio; it’s about enriching your mind and gaining a profound comprehension of mathematical and scientific principles.

On the other hand, Skillshare offers a canvas for the creatives, the makers, the doers. It’s a platform where the process of creating is celebrated just as much as the final product. Skillshare excels with its vast library of courses in areas like design, photography, and entrepreneurship. Its strength lies in community learning, allowing peers to connect, share, and critique work, creating a dynamic learning environment. The subscription model provides access to an ever-expanding universe of knowledge, and its project-based classes offer tangible outcomes that can add value to a portfolio or personal brand.

In essence, if your aim is to delve into the mechanics of the mind, to unlock the puzzles of the universe, or to comprehend the language of computers, then Brilliant is your mentor. It’s for those who see beauty in a formula and who seek satisfaction in a problem well solved.

Conversely, if your heart lies in creative expression, if your goal is to leave an imprint on the world through art, design, or entrepreneurship, then Skillshare is your studio. It’s for those who believe that learning comes from doing and that sharing your process is as important as sharing the end result.

So, which one is worth it? 

Both are, in their own right. It simply depends on what you seek to achieve. If you’re undecided, why not try both? With free trials available, you can experience the essence of each platform before making your commitment.

In summary, your choice should support your learning journey in the most enriching, enjoyable, and effective way. Whether it’s the calculated precision of STEM or the boundless realm of creative arts, pick the platform that will make learning an adventure you look forward to every day.