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Education · head to head

Gimkit vs Nearpod

Gimkit logo

Gimkit

Education

Game-based learning built by students

From
Free
Rated
-
Nearpod logo

Nearpod

LMS

Interactive lessons that engage every student

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: Gimkit covers Game modes, Nearpod covers Interactive slides.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Gimkit and Nearpod actually diverge.

Attributes where Gimkit and Nearpod differ
AttributeGimkitNearpod
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android, Chromebook
CategoryEducationLMS
Founded20172012

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Gimkit

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

Only in Nearpod

  • Interactive slides
  • Virtual reality
  • Gamification
  • Polls
  • Open-ended questions
  • Draw It
  • Collaborate board
  • Canvas

Both cover

  • Reports
  • Google Classroom
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Gimkit

  • Review gamesnot Nearpod
  • Formative assessment
  • Student engagement
  • Test prepnot Nearpod

Nearpod

  • Interactive lessonsnot Gimkit
  • Formative assessment
  • Student engagement
  • Virtual learningnot Gimkit

Both are used for formative assessment, student engagement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

Gimkit

Nothing recorded yet. See the Gimkit review.

Nearpod

  • Free plan limited to 40 student joins per lesson, restricting larger classroom use
  • Paid plans require annual commitment with limited monthly flexibility
  • Advanced collaboration features restricted to district/school level plans
  • VR features depend on student device compatibility

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Nearpod

Free
  • SilverFree
    • 300 MB storage
    • 40 student joins per lesson
    • 22,000+ library resources
  • Gold$159/year
    • 1 GB storage
    • 75 student joins per lesson
    • AI Question Generator
  • Platinum$397/year
    • 5 GB storage
    • 90 student joins per lesson
    • Student notes capability

Which should you pick?

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.

Choose Nearpod if

  • You need interactive slides.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Chromebook.
  • You also want virtual reality.

Questions people ask

Is Gimkit or Nearpod better?
Neither clearly leads. Gimkit starts at Free and Nearpod at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Gimkit or Nearpod?
Gimkit starts at Free and Nearpod at Free.
Does Gimkit or Nearpod run on more platforms?
Gimkit runs on Web, IOS, Android. Nearpod runs on Web, iOS, Android, Chromebook.
Can I use Gimkit for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Gimkit best used for?
Gimkit is most often used for review games, formative assessment, student engagement, test prep. Of those, review games and test prep are not what Nearpod is typically brought in for.
What can Gimkit do that Nearpod cannot?
Gimkit covers Game modes, In-game currency, Live games, Assignments. Nearpod covers Interactive slides, Virtual reality, Gamification, Polls. Both handle Reports, Google Classroom, Web support, IOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Nearpod: What is included in Nearpod's free plan?

The free Silver plan includes 300 MB storage, 40 student joins per lesson, and access to core features with 22,000+ library resources.

Source
Nearpod: Can I import existing presentations into Nearpod?

Yes, you can upload PowerPoints, Google Slides, and PDFs to make them interactive with Nearpod's tools.

Source
Nearpod: Does Nearpod integrate with learning management systems?

Yes, Nearpod integrates with Canvas, Google Classroom, Schoology, Blackboard, and other LMS platforms with single sign-on and rostering support.

Source
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