Side by side
Encyclopaedia Britannica vs Wikipedia
Both stand on online encyclopedias. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1
Britannica combines reference articles with multimedia and learning materials, while keeping some digital content available without a membership. Consider whether the free access or a paid membership fits your needs; Premium pricing is available on request.
Visit Encyclopaedia Britannica
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+2
Wikipedia provides free encyclopedia content in many languages, with volunteer editors responsible for its entries. Readers can access it on the web or use the Android app's search and offline reading features.
Visit WikipediaThe facts
| Encyclopaedia Britannica | Wikipedia | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Extension, iPhone, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | britannica.com | wikipedia.org |
| On online encyclopedias | #2 of 31 | #1 of 31 |
Encyclopaedia Britannica: what it does well
- Limited digital content is available without Premium.
- Premium includes unlimited ad-free access to over 130,000 articles.
- Premium includes over 60,000 images and videos.
- Monthly members can cancel at any time.
- Citation tools and educator resources are listed.
What to know first
- Free access is limited to some digital content.
- Kids content requires a Premium membership.
- Premium pricing is available on request.
Wikipedia: what it does well
- Available without advertising or paywalls.
- Editions are available in hundreds of languages.
- Android app supports saved reading lists for offline use.
- MediaWiki provides a REST API.
- Android app listing says it does not track or collect data.
What to know first
- Editorial decisions are made by volunteer editors.
- The listed mobile app features are for Android.
Alternatives to Encyclopaedia Britannica Alternatives to Wikipedia The whole list