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Software · head to head

Brilliant vs Cornerstone Learning

Brilliant logo

Brilliant

Software

Learn math and science through problem-solving

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Cornerstone Learning logo

Cornerstone Learning

Software

Enterprise talent management and learning

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Brilliant has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Brilliant requires active daily engagement to maintain learning streaks, which can feel gamified; Cornerstone Learning no pricing is published and no tier structure is shown
  • They diverge on capability: Brilliant covers Interactive lessons, Cornerstone Learning covers Learning management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brilliant and Cornerstone Learning actually diverge.

Attributes where Brilliant and Cornerstone Learning differ
AttributeBrilliantCornerstone Learning
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, IOS, Android, API
Founded20121999

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Brilliant

  • Interactive lessons
  • Problem-solving
  • Daily challenges
  • Progress tracking
  • Guided paths
  • Offline access
  • Mobile learning
  • Mobile apps

Only in Cornerstone Learning

  • Learning management
  • Compliance tracking
  • Content marketplace
  • Skills development
  • Social learning
  • Analytics
  • Mobile app
  • AI recommendations

Both cover

  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brilliant

  • Math learningnot Cornerstone Learning
  • Science educationnot Cornerstone Learning
  • Programming basicsnot Cornerstone Learning
  • Problem-solving skillsnot Cornerstone Learning

Cornerstone Learning

  • Enterprise learning management and compliance trainingnot Brilliant
  • Talent development and skills tracking across a workforcenot Brilliant

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brilliant

  • Requires active daily engagement to maintain learning streaks, which can feel gamified
  • Premium subscription needed for full course access; basic free tier is limited
  • Focuses only on STEM subjects; no humanities or social sciences
  • Interactive nature requires more time commitment than passive video learning

Cornerstone Learning

  • No pricing is published and no tier structure is shown
  • The vendor states cost depends on organisational needs and size, with an estimate available only after a demo
  • No minimum purchase or user count is disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

Brilliant

Free
  • Premium Monthly$24.99/month
    • Access to all 90+ courses
    • No ads
  • Premium Annual$150/year
    • Access to all 90+ courses
    • No ads

Cornerstone Learning

On request
  • Learning$undefined/month
    • Course management
    • Compliance
    • Mobile
  • Talent Suite$undefined/month
    • All Learning
    • Performance
    • Recruiting

Which should you pick?

Choose Brilliant if

  • You need interactive lessons.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want problem-solving.
Brilliant review

Choose Cornerstone Learning if

  • You need learning management.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, API.
  • You also want compliance tracking.
Cornerstone Learning review

Questions people ask

Is Brilliant or Cornerstone Learning better?
Neither clearly leads. Brilliant starts at Free and Cornerstone Learning at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brilliant or Cornerstone Learning?
Brilliant has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Brilliant and On request for Cornerstone Learning.
Does Brilliant or Cornerstone Learning run on more platforms?
Brilliant runs on Web, iOS, Android. Cornerstone Learning runs on Web, IOS, Android, API.
Can I use Brilliant for free?
Yes. Brilliant has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Cornerstone Learning starts at On request.
What is Brilliant best used for?
Brilliant is most often used for math learning, science education, programming basics, problem-solving skills. Of those, math learning and science education are not what Cornerstone Learning is typically brought in for.
What can Brilliant do that Cornerstone Learning cannot?
Brilliant covers Interactive lessons, Problem-solving, Daily challenges, Progress tracking. Cornerstone Learning covers Learning management, Compliance tracking, Content marketplace, Skills development. Both handle Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Brilliant: Does Brilliant offer offline learning?

Yes. The Brilliant mobile app allows users to download lessons and learn without internet connection.

Source
Brilliant: Is there a free tier for Brilliant?

Yes. Brilliant offers a free basic tier with access to some courses. K-12 teachers and their students can qualify for free Premium access.

Source
Brilliant: What subject areas does Brilliant cover?

Brilliant covers over 90 courses across mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and data science, taught by experts from MIT, Harvard, Google, and Microsoft.

Source
Brilliant: How does Brilliant's teaching approach differ from video lectures?

Brilliant emphasizes active learning through interactive problem-solving rather than passive video watching, similar to Duolingo's gamified approach.

Source
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Related pages

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