Khan Academy vs Circle: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Khan Academy and Circle comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Khan Academy
Free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Offers free, high-quality educational content.
- • Covers a wide range of subjects for all ages.
Circle
Community platform for creators and brands
Best for you if:
- • You need community platforms features specifically
- • Community platform for creators
- • Courses and discussions
| At a Glance |  Circle | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Online Course Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | 87/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Khan Academy | Circle |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Online Course PlatformsLMS | Community PlatformsMembership Sites |
Understanding the Differences
Both Khan Academy and Circle solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Khan Academy positions itself as "free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere." while Circlefocuses on "community platform for creators and brands". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Khan Academy
Khan Academy makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Circle
Circle is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Khan Academy lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Khan Academy
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Khan Academy handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Khan Academy
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Circle takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Circle
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Khan Academy is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Khan Academy higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Circle more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Khan Academy Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Circle If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Khan Academy (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Khan Academy scores higher in our analysis, but Circle might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khan Academy or Circle better?
Based on our analysis, Khan Academy scores higher with 87/100. Khan Academy isfree while Circle is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Khan Academy to Circle easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Khan Academy and Circle offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Khan Academy is completely free.Circle is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.