# Brilliant vs Formation

Brilliant records 2,426,610 monthly visits with -11.9% month-over-month growth and Freemium pricing. Formation records 81,461 monthly visits with -1.2% growth and Paid pricing.

| Metric | [Brilliant](https://openaitools.app/tool/brilliant) | [Formation](https://openaitools.app/tool/formation) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Website URL | https://brilliant.org | https://formation.dev |
| Categories | AI Course, AI Tutorial, AI For Data Analytics | AI Interview Assistant, AI Course, AI Coaching |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Monthly Visits | 2,426,610 | 81,461 |
| MoM Growth Rate | -11.9% | -1.2% |
| Primary Market | United States | United States |
| Direct Visits | 1,204,931 | 62,436 |
| Review Score | 4.6 | 4.3 |
| Saved Count | 0 | 0 |
| Supported Platforms | Website | Website |

## Brilliant

Brilliant takes a different approach to learning: rather than watching long videos or reading dense textbooks, you build understanding by solving interactive problems. Lessons break big ideas down into small visual steps, so concepts in algebra, calculus, statistics, logic and Python become intuitive. The platform is designed for self-paced learners from roughly middle-school level up to college and beyond, and it adds a new AI tutor called Koji who asks guiding questions and sketches on screen to help you find answers yourself.

Beyond pure math, Brilliant covers computer science fundamentals, programming, data analysis and how modern AI actually works, including neural networks, tokenization and model reasoning. Each track uses mastery assessments that adapt to your level, revisiting weak spots and serving targeted practice so progress is measurable rather than vague. Real-world examples, such as image filters or password security, connect abstract ideas to everyday technology.

The platform is also used by schools and families. It is accredited by ACS WASC, certified under the kidSAFE/COPPA program, and offers classroom and teacher programs so educators can assign adaptive lessons and homework. For individual learners, the app is available on web and mobile, with progress syncing across devices.

**Pricing & Plans:** Brilliant uses a freemium model: a limited free experience is available, while a Premium subscription unlocks the full course library and unlimited practice. Annual plans are the cheapest per month, and there are separate school/classroom plans.

- **Interactive problem-based lessons:** Learn math, science, CS and AI through short, visual exercises that build intuition step by step rather than passive video watching.
- **Koji AI tutor:** A visual, interactive tutor that works on a shared canvas, asks guiding questions and gives hints without simply revealing the answer.
- **Adaptive mastery assessments:** Quizzes and reviews adapt to your level, tracking what you have mastered and resurfacing topics that still need work.
- **Coding and CS foundations:** Write and run real code to learn programming logic, algorithms, data structures and debugging skills relevant to the AI era.
- **Courses for schools and families:** Accredited classroom programs let teachers assign adaptive lessons, with kidSAFE/COPPA-certified privacy protections.

**Strengths:** Hands-on, visual format makes abstract concepts easier to grasp; Access to the Koji AI tutor that guides rather than gives away answers; Accredited and kidSAFE/COPPA certified, suitable for schools and families; Works across web and mobile with syncing progress

**Limitations:** Full course library requires a paid Premium subscription; Not a replacement for formal instruction or credentials; Some advanced or niche topics are not covered deeply

[Profile (Markdown)](https://openaitools.app/tool/brilliant.md)

## Formation

Formation is a technical interview prep program built specifically for experienced software engineers rather than beginners. Applicants typically already work in the industry and are aiming at senior, staff, or big-tech roles, and the curriculum assumes real engineering experience.

What sets it apart is a patented adaptive engine that recalibrates after every session. Instead of grinding random practice problems, your drills get harder in exactly the areas your target rounds demand, while mentors review your performance and point out patterns you can't see yourself. The program covers 16 interview types — data structures and algorithms, system design, AI-assisted coding, and behavioral rounds — and pairs all of it with mock interviews and career coaching.

Support continues until an offer is signed, which is unusual among prep programs. Formation is not aimed at people with no engineering background; it is a career accelerator for working engineers. Pricing is paid, and the company publishes outcome data such as average compensation increases for placed fellows.

**Pricing & Plans:** Paid program with no free tier; pricing is discussed after an application or diagnostic. Support continues until you land a role.

- **Adaptive drill engine:** Practice recalibrates each session, getting harder as you improve so hours go where your target rounds demand.
- **Senior and staff-level mentors:** Get matched with mentors and hiring managers who run interviews at the companies you're targeting.
- **Coverage of 16 interview types:** Prepare for data structures and algorithms, system design, AI-assisted coding, behavioral rounds, and more.
- **Mock interviews and coaching:** Solo, one-on-one, or small-group mocks plus career coaching and negotiation support.
- **Support until you sign:** Technical mentorship and job-hunt guidance continue until you land a role.

**Strengths:** Adaptive curriculum tuned to your target companies and level; Mentors drawn from top tech companies with real hiring experience; Covers 16 interview types including AI-assisted coding; Support continues until you accept an offer

**Limitations:** Paid program with no free tier; Not designed for people without engineering experience; Time commitment is significant alongside a job search

[Profile (Markdown)](https://openaitools.app/tool/formation.md)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How do Brilliant and Formation compare in monthly traffic?

Brilliant has 2,426,610 monthly visits, while Formation has 81,461. Traffic estimates describe audience size, not product quality.

### How do their growth rates compare?

Brilliant has a month-over-month growth rate of -11.9%; Formation has -1.2%.

### How does pricing compare?

Brilliant: Freemium. Brilliant uses a freemium model: a limited free experience is available, while a Premium subscription unlocks the full course library and unlimited practice. Annual plans are the cheapest per month, and there are separate school/classroom plans. Formation: Paid. Paid program with no free tier; pricing is discussed after an application or diagnostic. Support continues until you land a role.

## Alternatives

| # | Tool Name | Monthly Visits | MoM Growth Rate | Pricing Model | Summary | Profile (Markdown) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1 | [Coddy](https://openaitools.app/tool/coddy-tech) | 7,478,457 | +17.8% | Freemium | Focuses specifically on interactive programming and coding lessons, whereas Brilliant covers broad STEM and math concepts. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/coddy-tech.md) |
| 2 | [Astra AI](https://openaitools.app/tool/astra-ai) | 7,356,157 | +40.3% | Freemium, Paid | Your personal AI tutor for every subject, from notes to exam day. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/astra-ai.md) |
| 3 | [DataCamp](https://openaitools.app/tool/datacamp-com) | 6,237,230 | -0.4% | Freemium | Provides deep interactive training for data science and programming, but omits foundational math and general science topics. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/datacamp-com.md) |
| 4 | [Up Learn](https://openaitools.app/tool/uplearn-co-uk) | 1,346,342 | +49.9% | Free Trial, Paid | AI-powered A Level and GCSE courses with a top-grades-or-refund guarantee | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/uplearn-co-uk.md) |
| 5 | [LabEx.io](https://openaitools.app/tool/labex-io) | 1,127,110 | -9.3% | Freemium | Learn Linux, DevOps, and cybersecurity by doing — inside real online labs. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/labex-io.md) |
| 6 | [CodeSignal](https://openaitools.app/tool/codesignal) | 987,930 | -15.8% | Contact for Pricing | Agentic skills intelligence for hiring, developing, and planning talent | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/codesignal.md) |
| 7 | [Gauth](https://openaitools.app/tool/gauth) | 619,147 | +180.7% | Free Trial | Excels at step-by-step homework solving and AI tutoring, but provides less structured visual concept-building courses. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/gauth.md) |
| 8 | [Smartick](https://openaitools.app/tool/smartick-es) | 361,154 | -9.1% | Free Trial, Paid | Provides adaptive daily math and logic practice for children, but has less emphasis on advanced visual science lessons. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/smartick-es.md) |
| 9 | [Khanmigo](https://openaitools.app/tool/khanmigo-ai) | 143,218 | -25.2% | Freemium, Paid | Offers Socratic AI tutoring and problem guidance, but lacks Brilliant's signature interactive visual math and science puzzles. | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/khanmigo-ai.md) |
| 10 | [Linkjob.ai](https://openaitools.app/tool/linkjob-ai) | 134,648 | +5.3% | Paid | Real-time, invisible AI interview and coding assistant | [.md](https://openaitools.app/tool/linkjob-ai.md) |

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Source: https://openaitools.app/compare/brilliant-vs-formation

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