Side by side
Canvas Network vs edX
Both stand on online course marketplaces. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Canvas Network offers educator-focused courses with flexible activity schedules and access across web and listed operating systems. Account setup, course start dates, and course-specific certificate availability are useful details to check before enrolling.
Visit Canvas Network
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
edX offers a broad mix of courses and longer programs, with a free audit path and paid verified study options. Check the audit limits and course-specific price before choosing a track.
Visit edXThe facts
| Canvas Network | edX | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Essentials: $150 per user a year |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Maker | Not published | edX |
| Website | canvas.net | edx.org |
| On online course marketplaces | #1 of 138 | #5 of 138 |
Canvas Network: what it does well
- Free platform for professional development courses
- Anyone with an email address can enroll
- Learners can complete activities at their convenience
- Android and iOS apps support assignments and discussions
What to know first
- A separate Canvas Network account is required
- Materials open on or after the course start date
- Canvas Network does not issue certificates
- Mobile apps do not support every Canvas feature
edX: what it does well
- Free auditing lets learners explore courses.
- Verified learners retain course materials after the course ends.
- Mobile apps support offline video downloads.
- Institutional tools include analytics and grade pass-back.
What to know first
- Audits exclude graded assignments and certificates.
- Audit access to materials ends with the course.
- Timed and proctored exams are unavailable in the app.
- Verified courses start at around $50.
Alternatives to Canvas Network Alternatives to edX The whole list