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Software · head to head

Brilliant vs D2L Brightspace

Brilliant logo

Brilliant

Software

Learn math and science through problem-solving

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
D

D2L Brightspace

Software

The LMS built to focus on the learning moment

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; D2L Brightspace no pricing tiers or figures are published on the site for Brightspace or its add-on products; the only path to cost is Request a Demo, per d2l.com, August 2026

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brilliant and D2L Brightspace actually diverge.

Attributes where Brilliant and D2L Brightspace differ
AttributeBrilliantD2L Brightspace
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb
Founded2012Unknown

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 D2L Brightspace

Nothing recorded that Brilliant does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Brilliant

  • Math learningnot D2L Brightspace
  • Science educationnot D2L Brightspace
  • Programming basicsnot D2L Brightspace
  • Problem-solving skillsnot D2L Brightspace

D2L Brightspace

No use cases recorded yet. See the D2L Brightspace review.

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

D2L Brightspace

  • No pricing tiers or figures are published on the site for Brightspace or its add-on products; the only path to cost is Request a Demo, per d2l.com, August 2026

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

D2L Brightspace

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the D2L Brightspace review.

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 D2L Brightspace if

Nothing in the data separates D2L Brightspace from Brilliant on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

D2L Brightspace review

Questions people ask

Is Brilliant or D2L Brightspace better?
Neither clearly leads. Brilliant starts at Free and D2L Brightspace at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brilliant or D2L Brightspace?
Brilliant has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Brilliant and On request for D2L Brightspace.
Does Brilliant or D2L Brightspace run on more platforms?
Brilliant runs on Web, iOS, Android. D2L Brightspace runs on Web.
Can I use Brilliant for free?
Yes. Brilliant has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. D2L Brightspace 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 D2L Brightspace is typically brought in for.
What can Brilliant do that D2L Brightspace cannot?
Brilliant covers Interactive lessons, Problem-solving, Daily challenges, Progress tracking.

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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