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Canvas vs Gimkit

Canvas logo

Canvas

Software

Open-source LMS for engaging learning experiences

From
$5/student-year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gimkit logo

Gimkit

Software

Game-based learning built by students

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Gimkit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: Canvas covers Course management, Gimkit covers Game modes.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Canvas and Gimkit actually diverge.

Attributes where Canvas and Gimkit differ
AttributeCanvasGimkit
Starting price$5/student-yearFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
Founded20082017

Identical on both: platforms (Web, iOS, Android), 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 Canvas

  • Course management
  • Assignment submission
  • Gradebook
  • Discussion forums
  • Quizzes
  • Mobile app
  • Video conferencing
  • Analytics

Only in Gimkit

  • Game modes
  • In-game currency
  • Live games
  • Assignments
  • Reports
  • Question import
  • Audio questions
  • Game themes

Both cover

  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Canvas

  • Online coursesnot Gimkit
  • Blended learningnot Gimkit
  • Course managementnot Gimkit
  • Student assessmentnot Gimkit

Gimkit

  • Review gamesnot Canvas
  • Formative assessmentnot Canvas
  • Student engagementnot Canvas
  • Test prepnot Canvas

Where each one falls short

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

Canvas

  • Basic analytics lack predictive intelligence or advanced student success insights
  • Course structure is traditional and may not support competency-based or adaptive learning paths without supplementary tools

Gimkit

Nothing recorded yet. See the Gimkit review.

Pricing, plan by plan

Canvas

$5/student-year

No published plan breakdown. See the Canvas review.

Gimkit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5 kits
    • Basic game modes
  • Pro$9.99/month
    • Unlimited kits
    • All game modes
    • Reports
  • School/District$undefined/month
    • All Pro features
    • Admin tools
    • Rostering

Which should you pick?

Choose Canvas if

  • You need course management.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want assignment submission.
Canvas review

Choose Gimkit if

  • You need game modes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want in-game currency.
Gimkit review

Questions people ask

Is Canvas or Gimkit better?
Neither clearly leads. Canvas starts at $5/student-year and Gimkit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Canvas or Gimkit?
Gimkit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $5/student-year for Canvas and Free for Gimkit.
Does Canvas or Gimkit run on more platforms?
Canvas runs on Web, iOS, Android. Gimkit runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use Gimkit for free?
Yes. Gimkit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Canvas starts at $5/student-year.
What is Canvas best used for?
Canvas is most often used for online courses, blended learning, course management, student assessment. Of those, online courses and blended learning are not what Gimkit is typically brought in for.
What can Canvas do that Gimkit cannot?
Canvas covers Course management, Assignment submission, Gradebook, Discussion forums. Gimkit covers Game modes, In-game currency, Live games, Assignments. Both handle Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Canvas: Does Canvas work offline?

Canvas has launched offline access for its student mobile app, allowing students to view pre-selected course content without internet. However, offline access is view-only and submissions require reconnecting to the internet.

Source
Canvas: What integrations does Canvas support?

Canvas supports hundreds of external applications through its App Center using LTI standards, including video platforms, plagiarism detection tools, and digital textbooks through a standardized integration framework.

Source
Canvas: How does Canvas handle course analytics?

Canvas provides built-in reporting that covers grades and student engagement, but lacks predictive analytics or advanced student success insights that some institutions require.

Source
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Related pages

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