Is Khan Academy better than edX?

Khan Academy ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#2 against #3, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. edX is best for: university courses and verified certificates. Khan Academy is best for: free school-level lessons and practice.

Which is cheaper, edX or Khan Academy?

edX: Free account; verified certificates and degrees cost extra. Khan Academy: Free for learners and teachers; donations fund the nonprofit.

Do edX and Khan Academy run on the same platforms?

edX supports Web, iOS, Android. Khan Academy supports Web, iOS, Android.

Comparison · Online course platforms

edX vs Khan Academy: which is better in 2026?

edX87.0#3 in best online course platforms

Khan Academy88.5#2 in best online course platforms

Khan Academy ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#2 against #3, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

87.0
Editorial score
88.5
3
Platforms
3
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose edX if you want

University courses and verified certificates.

University courses that many learners can take without paying, with verified certificates and degree programs. Its practice tools are thinner than those of coding platforms, and credentials cost extra.

Choose Khan Academy if you want

Free school-level lessons and practice.

Free nonprofit lessons and exercises for school subjects, with progress tracking for learners and teachers. Its pages list no degrees or certificates, which is why it ranks below Coursera and edX for credentials.

The main differences

edX is free plan, paid upgrades; Khan Academy is free.

Side by side

	edX	Khan Academy
Score	87.0	88.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#2 of 10
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree account; verified certificates and degrees cost extra	FreeFree for learners and teachers; donations fund the nonprofit
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android	WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made by	Not stated	Khan Academy
Credentials offered	Certificates and degrees	None listed
Strongest subjects	Computer science and business	School subjects
Who teaches	Universities and institutions	Khan Academy's lesson library
Self-hosted option	No	No
Best for	University courses and verified certificates	Free school-level lessons and practice
Strengths	University courses from many institutions Free account to start courses Degree programs and verified certificates	Free lessons and exercises for school subjects Progress tracking for learners and teachers Nonprofit funded by donations
Limits	Certificates and degrees carry fees Less hands-on practice than dedicated coding platforms	Its pages list no degrees or certificates Some advanced features need the separate Khanmigo plan
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about edX vs Khan Academy

Is Khan Academy better than edX?: Khan Academy ranks higher in our list of online course platforms (#2 against #3, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. edX is best for: university courses and verified certificates. Khan Academy is best for: free school-level lessons and practice.
Which is cheaper, edX or Khan Academy?: edX: Free account; verified certificates and degrees cost extra. Khan Academy: Free for learners and teachers; donations fund the nonprofit.
Do edX and Khan Academy run on the same platforms?: edX supports Web, iOS, Android. Khan Academy supports Web, iOS, Android.