Side by side
Khan Academy vs Starfall
Both stand on phonics apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Khan Academy combines a broad free course library with mobile learning and tools for teachers and young children. Paid Khanmigo subscriptions have U.S.-only eligibility requirements, and the platform does not offer certificates or degrees.
Visit Khan Academy
Choose Starfall for a child-focused reading program with a free reading option and membership activities across Pre-K through fifth grade. Families can use Home Membership, while educators and schools have plans with Group Access. Look elsewhere if you need Group IDs to track each student’s use or progress.
Visit StarfallThe facts
| Khan Academy | Starfall | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Home Membership: $35 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 4 |
| Maker | Khan Academy | Not published |
| Website | khanacademy.org | starfall.com |
| On phonics apps | #2 of 47 | #6 of 47 |
Khan Academy: what it does well
- More than 840 free courses for K–12 and early college
- Mobile app supports offline video downloads
- Khan Academy Kids is free and ad-free
- Teacher tools include planning, feedback, and rubrics
What to know first
- No completion certificates or degree programs
- Paid Khanmigo requires U.S. residence and billing
- Parent and learner subscriptions cost $4 a month
Starfall: what it does well
- Reading activities cover phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
- Activities include ABC games, songs, and fiction and nonfiction reading.
- Membership opens access to over 700 activities.
- The program is available on web, Android, and iOS.
- Other Starfall apps can save content for offline use.
What to know first
- Group IDs do not track individual student use or progress.
- The Starfall App requires internet access to stream web content.
- Home Membership is not valid for schools, businesses, or organizations.
Alternatives to Khan Academy Alternatives to Starfall The whole list