Apps like Khan Academy, for adults who want to learn more than one subject
Knowverse comes first because it teaches 17 subject categories one idea at a time and brings the ideas back as flashcards and quizzes. Brilliant is the pick for problem solving in math, computer science and physics, while Coursera and edX offer courses from universities and companies, including certificates and degrees.
Khan Academy is a free library of expert-created videos, exercises and articles across math, science, economics and humanities. This page ranks alternatives for adults who want a similar breadth of subjects, interactive learning and short sessions.
Knowverse is our own app. We rank it first for this need and explain why. Details about the other apps come from their App Store listings, checked on 2026-11-07.
We ranked apps by breadth of subjects, how interactive the learning is, how well they suit short sessions, and how much you can start with for free. Knowverse leads with 17 subject categories taught one idea at a time. Brilliant is built around guided problem solving in math and coding. Coursera and edX offer university and company courses and credentials in longer programs.
1
Knowverse - Learn in minutes
Thomas Rossi Mel · Free download · New app, no ratings yet
Knowverse delivers broad, bite‑size lessons across 17 subjects with built‑in recall tools.
Knowverse breaks 17 subject categories into single-idea lessons, then uses interactive reveal cards, flashcards, quizzes and exercises to make you recall key ideas and revisit them over time. Guided visual flows explain difficult or abstract concepts, and daily streaks and puzzle-based progress keep you coming back. It is a free download for iPhone and iPad, English only, and new with no App Store ratings yet. It suits adults who want breadth rather than one deep track.
Good
17 subject categories in one app
Single‑idea lessons with active recall
Daily streaks encourage consistent habit
Less good
New app, no public ratings yet
English only, iOS only
Best for: Adults wanting broad, bite‑size daily learning
Brilliant focuses on guided problem solving in math, coding and physics.
Brilliant is a tutor-style app for math and coding. You work through problems with a tutor that sees where you are stuck, sketches on your screen and asks guiding questions, so you reach the idea yourself instead of memorizing formulas. Courses span foundational math and algebra, college-level calculus, Python, computer science, AI, neural networks, algorithms, data analysis and physics, and the tutor adapts to your level. It is a free download.
Good
A tutor that guides you with questions
Courses from foundational math to college-level calculus
Adapts to your level
Less good
Centered on math, computer science and physics rather than a wide range of subjects
Best for: Adults sharpening math, coding, physics skills
Coursera, Inc. · Free download · 4.8 ★ (177,890 ratings)
Coursera offers university and company courses with certificates and degree paths.
Coursera offers more than 8,000 courses, hands-on projects, professional certificates, specializations and degrees, built with partner companies and universities. The app lets you download videos for offline viewing, learn from audio-only courses, and use video subtitles in many languages, with coursework saved across your desktop and mobile devices. The catalog leans toward career advancement, so it is heavier than a short daily lesson.
Good
More than 8,000 courses and projects
Certificates and degree programs
Downloadable videos and audio-only courses
Less good
Career-oriented, with longer programs than short lessons
Best for: Adults pursuing career credentials and degrees
edX provides university‑level courses, certificates and degrees from top partners.
edX is a learning platform with thousands of courses and programs, from free courses to full degrees, from partners such as Harvard, MIT, IBM and Google. Programs include boot camps, professional certificates, executive education and master's, doctorate and undergraduate degrees. You register for free to get immediate access. The focus is on longer, career-oriented pathways rather than short daily lessons.
Good
Courses from universities and companies
Range from free courses to full degrees
Boot camps and professional certificates
Less good
Long, career-oriented programs rather than short lessons
Best for: Adults seeking university‑level credentials online
All four are free downloads. The edX listing says its offerings range from free courses to full degrees, and the Coursera listing describes certificate programs and degrees. Check each App Store page for current prices.
Can I learn offline with these apps?
The Coursera listing says you can download videos for offline viewing. The other listings do not mention offline use, so check before you rely on it.
Which app is best for short sessions?
Knowverse teaches one idea at a time with flashcards and quizzes, and Brilliant works through problems step by step. Coursera and edX are built around longer courses and programs.
Pick Knowverse if you want one free app that covers many subjects in short lessons, with flashcards and quizzes that bring ideas back. Choose Brilliant for interactive math and coding practice. Turn to Coursera or edX when you want certificate or degree programs from universities and companies.
Sources: Apple App Store listings, checked 2026-11-07. Prices, ratings and features come from each app’s App Store listing on that date and can change.
