SparkNotes provides study guides, analysis and quizzes to help people understand schoolwork, write essays and prepare for exams. It has more than 1,000 literature study guides, alongside resources on 80 classic philosophy works and subjects including film, history, economics and sociology. The free plan includes all study guides and does not require sign-up, though non-subscribers see ads. SparkNotes PLUS adds No Fear translations and audio, flashcards, mastery quizzes, infographics, graphic novels and AP test preparation. No Fear presents Shakespeare’s original text with modern English translations line by line, plus audio recordings. AP Test Prep has interactive lessons and multiple-choice practice with feedback for AP English Language and Literature exams. A PLUS dashboard provides access to notes and saved pages, scores and study progress. SparkTeach offers teacher-created lesson plans and downloadable worksheets. SparkNotes is available on the web and iOS. PLUS costs 5.99 USD per month or 29.99 USD per year, plus tax; a 7-day trial is available, and cancelling before it ends avoids a charge. PLUS availability is listed for Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Who it is for
SparkNotes suits students looking for literature guides, subject resources, quizzes or exam preparation. Teachers may also find SparkTeach lesson plans and downloadable worksheets useful.
What is good
- Free plan includes all study guides
- No sign-up is required for free access
- PLUS includes No Fear translations and audio
- AP prep includes lessons and practice questions
- SparkTeach offers lesson plans and worksheets
What to know first
- Non-subscribers see ads
- PLUS prices are listed plus tax
- PLUS availability is limited to listed countries
Verdict
SparkNotes offers free study guides and a broader PLUS collection of study tools, translations and AP preparation. Readers should note that PLUS is paid, displays no ads only for subscribers, and is available in the listed countries.
SparkNotes plans and pricing
All plansCompared on study guide websites
- Free plan
- Yes
- School level
- mixed
- Literature analysis
- Yes
- Subject coverage
- mixed
- Practice questions
- Yes
- Flashcards
- Yes
- Mobile apps
- Yes
- Offline access
- Yes
