---
type: "Article"
title: "7 Best Khan Academy Alternatives for UK Families (2026) | Pip"
description: "Seven Khan Academy alternatives compared for UK families, with prices checked 6 Oct 2026, who each suits, and where Pip comes in for KS2 SATs and the 11+."
resource: https://pip11plus.com/khan-academy-alternatives
tags: ["comparisons", "pip"]
timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:50:09Z
image: https://pip11plus.com/info-hub-cards/comparison-pip.jpg
---

Compare · prices checked 6 Oct 2026

# 7 best Khan Academy alternatives for UK families (2026)

Khan Academy is free and well loved, but it follows a US curriculum. Here are seven alternatives, who each one suits, and where Pip comes in if your child is heading for KS2 SATs or the 11+.

[Get Pip free](#download) [Jump to the short answer ↓](#tldr)

 ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) By the Pip team Updated 7 October 2026 · 9 min read

Best for 7 compared

1

**Pip 11+ Practice** KS2 SATs and 11+ · Years 3 to 6

2

**DoodleMaths** Daily UK maths routine

3

**IXL** Paid UK skill library · Reception to Year 13

Prices checked 6 October 2026.

**TL;DR**

-   Khan Academy is free and explains things well, but it follows a **US curriculum** and does not target UK exams.
-   **Pip** is the best alternative for **KS2 SATs and the 11+** in Years 3 to 6: free, with Pro at **£9.99 a month or £69.99 a year**.
-   For a short daily UK maths routine, try **DoodleMaths**; for a paid library from Reception to Year 13, **IXL**.
-   Free options include **Prodigy Math**, an **EdPlace** free account and Pip's free tier. Prices checked 6 October 2026.

## What is the best Khan Academy alternative?

**Pip is the best alternative for a UK child in Years 3 to 6 heading for KS2 SATs or the 11+.** Khan Academy is free and explains things well, but it isn't built around UK year groups or exams.

-   **KS2 SATs or 11+ (Years 3 to 6):** Pip
-   **Short daily UK maths routine:** DoodleMaths
-   **Paid library, Reception to Year 13:** IXL
-   **Several UK subjects through secondary:** CENTURY
-   **Free:** Prodigy Math, EdPlace free account or Pip's free tier

**Our connection:** Pip publishes this guide and ranks itself first, because it is the one built for UK exam practice. Khan Academy stays a strong free supplement, and we say so below.

Prices and facts were checked from each provider's own pages on 6 October 2026, with exceptions marked as unverified. This is an editorial comparison, not a hands-on test, and names and logos belong to their owners.

## What does Khan Academy do, and why look for an alternative?

Khan Academy is a free, nonprofit learning site with video lessons, exercises and mastery progress, mainly in maths and science. Khan Academy Kids is a free early-learning app for ages 2 to 8.

Families look elsewhere for a UK curriculum, practice shaped like the [11+](https://pip11plus.com/11-plus-practice-app) or [SATs](https://pip11plus.com/ks2-sats), a readiness score, or more teaching and review. Our [full Khan Academy review](https://pip11plus.com/khan-academy-review) has the detail.

## How do the 7 Khan Academy alternatives compare?

Here's the short version, with prices checked on 6 October 2026.

| Alternative | Best for | Price | Works on |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pip 11+ Practice | KS2 SATs and 11+, Years 3 to 6 | Free; Pro £9.99 a month or £69.99 a year | iOS, Android, Amazon only |
| DoodleMaths | Daily UK maths and English habit | £7.99 a month or £69.99 a year (one child) | Phone, tablet, laptop, desktop |
| IXL | Topic practice, Reception to Year 13 | £7.99, £12.99 or £15.99 (period unconfirmed) | Web and mobile apps |
| CENTURY | English, maths and science through secondary | £12.49 a month or £99.92 a year | Web browser |
| Atom Learning | Target-school 11+ and GCSE prep with mocks | From £39.99 a month | Web |
| EdPlace | Marked activities, KS1 to GCSE | Free (5 a month); £17.99 a month | Web |
| Prodigy Math | Game-based maths | Free; optional membership | Web and apps |

## Which Khan Academy alternative is right for your child?

It depends on your child's goal, and each one below has a best-for line. Pip is first because it's built for the 11+ and KS2 SATs, which Khan Academy doesn't target.

1

## Pip 11+ Practice: Best Khan Academy alternative for KS2 SATs and the 11+ in Years 3 to 6

OUR APP · BEST FOR KS2 AND 11+

**Pip is built for UK exam preparation, which Khan Academy is not.** It gets a child in Years 3 to 6 ready for the 11+, KS2 SATs, or both, with 11+ Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning in one app.

Khan Academy is free and explains things well, so many families keep it alongside Pip. Pip adds UK exam-style practice, a score that tracks readiness, and [review that decides what to practise next](https://pip11plus.com/adaptive-learning).

Pip adapts the question level inside every skill, chooses the next skill from the child's gaps, and brings mastered skills back for review at the right time. When a child is stuck it offers to go back a step to a building-block skill, then returns them to the one they came from, so stepping back never feels like being sent down a level.

![Pip end-of-round screen showing a Pip Score of 82 and a Building zone message](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/41-pip-score-round-end-building-zone.webp)

_Pip Score at the end of a round_

![Pip offering to go back a step to a building block skill when a child is stuck](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/43-pip-score-go-back-a-step.webp)

_Stuck? Go back a step_

![Pip showing a mastered skill with a Check back review](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/46-pip-score-mastered-check-back.webp)

_Mastered skills come back for review_

![Pip progress screen on iPad in landscape](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/47-pip-score-progress-ipad-landscape.webp)

_Progress on iPad_

It teaches as well as tests: Pip Teaches lessons (Pro) are short interactive whiteboard lessons that show the method first. Pip Score gives a clear target of 90 with zones, and flags rushing.

The coach gives method hints without revealing the answer, and Ask Pip explains a wrong answer step by step. Boss battles, coins, Pip's Den and the Learning Grove make children want to open it.

**Adaptive engine** Adjusts the question level inside each skill, picks the next skill from gaps, and brings skills back for review at the right time.

**Go back a step, not down** If a child is stuck, Pip offers a building-block skill, then returns them to the skill they came from.

**Pip Teaches lessons (Pro)** Short, interactive whiteboard lessons that teach the method first, then let the child try it.

**Pip Score** A score towards 90 that shows zones, flags rushing ("Too fast! Slow down and check") and schedules a check-back after mastery.

**Coach and Ask Pip** Hints before answering that teach the method without giving the answer, and step-by-step help after a wrong answer.

**Game layer** Boss battles, coins, Pip's Den and the Learning Grove make practice something children choose to open.

**11+ and KS2 SATs tracks** 11+ Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus a separate KS2 SATs route (the full SATs track is in Pro).

**Pip Pro** Exam-date study plan, mock tests, Pip Teaches lessons and Extreme challenges. £9.99 a month or £69.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

Free download with adaptive practice and review. Pip Pro: £9.99 a month or £69.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial.

Worth knowing

Pip runs on iPhone, iPad, Android and Amazon Fire tablets only. There is no desktop or web version yet, so it suits a child who practises on a phone or tablet.

**Best for:** A child in Years 3 to 6 preparing for the 11+ (Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), KS2 SATs, or both, on a phone or tablet.

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

[See exactly how Pip adapts practice →](https://pip11plus.com/adaptive-learning)

2

## DoodleMaths: Best for a short daily UK maths routine

DAILY UK MATHS

![DoodleMaths homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/doodlemaths-home.webp)

_DoodleMaths homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

DoodleMaths is an adaptive, UK-curriculum practice app that responds to a child's answers. Its Proxima technology builds personalised programmes, it is aligned to EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3, and its sister apps add English (DoodleEnglish), spelling (DoodleSpell) and times tables (DoodleTables).

Khan Academy is a library a child browses, while DoodleMaths hands them a short daily programme. That suits you if a steady maths habit matters most.

It works on tablets, phones, laptops and desktops, and offline.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

App Store listing: single child £7.99 a month or £69.99 a year; family (up to 5 children) £12.99 a month or £119.99 a year. 7-day free trial.

Worth knowing

Maths-led, with no 11+ exam-style papers or reasoning papers.

**Best for:** A child in Years 1 to 6 who needs a short, regular UK-curriculum maths routine, with English and spelling available in the same family of apps.

[DoodleMaths product page ↗](https://doodlelearning.com/primary-school-maths-tutor-app) · [App Store listing ↗](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/doodlemaths-primary-maths/id598196680)

3

## IXL: Best paid library for topic-by-topic practice from Reception to Year 13

BROAD CURRICULUM

![IXL homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/ixl-home.webp)

_IXL homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

IXL is a subscription practice site with more than 8,000 skills in maths, English and science, from Reception to Year 13. It has a Real-Time Diagnostic, personalised recommendations and an England curriculum skill plan.

It's the [closest paid match](https://pip11plus.com/ixl-alternatives) for how families use Khan Academy: pick a topic, practise it, move on. IXL adds a UK skill plan and parent analytics, but Khan Academy is free.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

Family membership page lists single subject £7.99, combo package £12.99 and all access £15.99. The billing period was not stated in the data we could read, so confirm it at checkout.

Worth knowing

No dedicated 11+ or KS2 SATs programme is described on its UK homepage. Read our [IXL review](https://pip11plus.com/ixl-review).

**Best for:** A family that wants a UK-aligned skill library across three subjects and several school years, and will choose or guide the skills.

[IXL UK family membership ↗](https://uk.ixl.com/membership/family)

### Preparing for the 11+ or KS2 SATs?

Start free with Pip: adaptive practice, Pip Score and review for Years 3 to 6. Try Pro for 7 days.

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

4

## CENTURY: Best for UK English, maths and science beyond Year 6

BROAD UK CURRICULUM

![CENTURY homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/century-home.webp)

_CENTURY homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

CENTURY is a web-based platform for English, maths and science from primary through Key Stage 3 and GCSE. It finds gaps and recommends short micro-lessons made of videos, slides and questions, with a progress dashboard for parents.

It runs in a browser on phones, tablets and computers.

If you like Khan Academy because one account covers several subjects, CENTURY gives you that breadth with a UK curriculum, and it lists 11+ courses too. Check what a home plan includes before you subscribe.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

CENTURY Core: £12.49 a month per learner, or £99.92 a year (£8.33 a month). 7-day free trial.

Worth knowing

11+ courses are listed separately; check what each plan includes.

**Best for:** A family that wants one UK-curriculum platform across core subjects and several school years, including secondary.

[CENTURY parent overview ↗](https://www.century.tech/parents/) · [CENTURY 11+ courses ↗](https://www.century.tech/11plus/)

5

## Atom Learning: Best for target-school 11+ and GCSE preparation online

11+ AND EXAM PREP

![Atom Learning homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/atom-home.webp)

_Atom Learning homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

Atom Learning is a web-based platform for 11+ entrance exams and GCSEs, with plans for English, maths and science (EMS), Exam Prep, and Exam Prep Plus, which adds unlimited mock tests with detailed feedback and printable papers.

It's a strong choice if you have a named target school and want a structured online programme with mock papers. It's a different product from Khan Academy, with guided exam preparation instead of a free library of lessons.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

EMS £39.99 a month (£31.99 on annual billing); Exam Prep £59.99 a month (£47.99 annual); Exam Prep Plus £69.99 a month (£55.99 annual). Annual billing saves 20%.

Worth knowing

Mock tests are included from Exam Prep Plus.

**Best for:** A family aiming at specific grammar or independent schools that wants guided online preparation and full mocks.

[Atom Learning pricing ↗](https://www.atomlearning.com/pricing) · [Atom 11+ overview ↗](https://www.atomlearning.com/11-plus)

6

## EdPlace: Best for marked UK activities from KS1 to GCSE

WIDE SCHOOL RANGE

![EdPlace homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/edplace-home.webp)

_EdPlace homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

[EdPlace](https://pip11plus.com/edplace-alternatives) offers activities, automatic marking and progress tracking in English, maths and science from Key Stage 1 to GCSE, with 11+ preparation in its paid plans. It is built around a large bank of practice activities.

The free account lets you try the style before paying, with up to 5 activities a month for one student.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

Free account (5 activities a month); Monthly Individual £17.99; Monthly Family £24.99; annual plans £134 (single subject), £200 (core subjects, including 11+) or £280 (all subjects) per year.

Worth knowing

The free plan is limited to 5 activities a month.

**Best for:** A family that wants a broad bank of marked school activities across years and subjects, with 11+ practice available.

[EdPlace pricing ↗](https://www.edplace.com/pricing)

### Preparing for the 11+ or KS2 SATs?

Start free with Pip: adaptive practice, Pip Score and review for Years 3 to 6. Try Pro for 7 days.

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

7

## Prodigy Math: Best free option for children who need a game to practise maths

FREE · GAME-BASED MATHS

![Prodigy Math homepage, screenshot 6 Oct 2026](https://pip11plus.com/brand-logos/screens/prodigy-home.webp)

_Prodigy Math homepage, 6 Oct 2026_

Prodigy Math puts maths questions inside a fantasy role-playing game, for Grades 1 to 8. The educational content is free, with an optional paid membership for extra game features.

If a child will happily play but resists worksheets, the game wrapper can get more questions answered. It's maths only and not an exam-preparation tool.

Price (checked 6 Oct 2026)

Free to play; paid membership available (we did not capture the price).

Worth knowing

Maths only; no 11+ reasoning or English.

**Best for:** A child motivated by game play who needs extra maths practice.

[Prodigy Math overview ↗](https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/prodigy-math)

## How should you choose between them?

Choose by goal first. For the [11+ or KS2 SATs](https://pip11plus.com/is-the-11-plus-the-same-as-sats), pick Pip if your child is on a phone or tablet, or [Atom Learning](https://pip11plus.com/atom-learning-alternatives) for an online programme with full mocks.

For a steady maths habit pick [DoodleMaths](https://pip11plus.com/doodlemaths-alternatives), and for several subjects through secondary school pick [CENTURY](https://pip11plus.com/century-alternatives).

You don't have to drop Khan Academy. It stays free for explanations alongside one UK practice app.

Most apps have a free trial or free tier, so try one for a week and see whether your child opens it unprompted.

## Khan Academy alternatives: questions parents ask

**What is the best alternative to Khan Academy in the UK?**

For a child in Years 3 to 6 preparing for KS2 SATs or the 11+, Pip is the best alternative, because it is built for UK exam practice. DoodleMaths is the closest for a short daily UK maths routine, and CENTURY suits a family that wants several subjects through secondary school.

We publish Pip, so to be clear: Khan Academy is free and explains things well. Many families use it alongside a UK practice app.

**Is Khan Academy free in the UK?**

Yes. Khan Academy is a nonprofit and its learning content is free, and Khan Academy Kids is described as 100% free with no ads and no subscriptions.

We could not load Khan Academy's main-site pricing page on 6 October 2026, so we rely on its Kids page and secondary sources for the main site.

**Is Khan Academy good for the 11+ or KS2 SATs?**

Khan Academy isn't built for UK exams. Its content follows a US curriculum, and we found no 11+ style papers or UK verbal and non-verbal reasoning in it.

For the 11+ or KS2 SATs, look at Pip, Atom Learning, CENTURY or EdPlace. Check the exact papers and formats your child will sit.

**Is Khanmigo available in the UK?**

Reports say the Khanmigo AI tutor needs an account holder aged 18 or over with a US billing address, so UK families can't buy it. We could not confirm this directly from Khan Academy, so check its site before you plan around it.

A free version for teachers is reported in more than 180 countries, which we also could not verify.

**Is there a free alternative to Khan Academy?**

Yes. Prodigy Math's educational content is free to play, EdPlace has a free account limited to 5 activities a month, and Pip is free to download with adaptive practice and review.

Pip Pro is an optional upgrade at £9.99 a month or £69.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial.

**Does Pip work on a computer?**

No. Pip runs on iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets.

There is no desktop or web version yet, so if your child needs a computer, DoodleMaths, CENTURY, Atom Learning or EdPlace all work in a browser.

## Keep exploring

[Khan Academy review for UK parentsWhat it does well, price and who it suits →](https://pip11plus.com/khan-academy-review) [7 best IXL alternativesClosest swap, KS2 and 11+ picks →](https://pip11plus.com/ixl-alternatives) [Best 11+ appsDedicated exam tools compared →](https://pip11plus.com/best-11-plus-apps) [How Pip adaptsQuestion, skill and review →](https://pip11plus.com/adaptive-learning)

![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png)

Written by **The Pip team**

The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers.

Free to download · iPhone, iPad, Android and Fire tablets

## Give your child practice that adapts to them.

Pip is the adaptive 11+ and KS2 SATs practice app for Years 3 to 6: Pip Score, Pip Teaches lessons, boss battles and review that brings skills back at the right time. Start free, try Pro for 7 days.

[Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP)

Pip runs on phones and tablets only, with no desktop or web version yet.

![Pip end of round Pip Score screen](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/41-pip-score-round-end-building-zone.webp) ![Pip go back a step screen](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/2026-10/43-pip-score-go-back-a-step.webp)
