IXL has great skill coverage but doesn't teach — it only drills. If you want an app that actually explains concepts before asking kids to practice, these are the best alternatives.
Try #1 Alternative Free →IXL is strong on breadth (thousands of skills K–12) and analytics. Its main limitation is that it's purely a practice platform — it never explains a concept. A child who doesn't understand fractions gets wrong answer after wrong answer with no instruction. Many parents find they need to teach the lesson themselves, then let the child practice in IXL. Parents looking for a single-app solution that both teaches and practices often switch.
IXL family memberships run about $9.95/month ($79/year) for one subject, $15.95/month ($129/year) for math plus language arts, and $19.95/month ($159/year) for all four core subjects, with extra children costing more. That is why many families look for a free app like IXL, or one that teaches instead of only drilling.
| App | Price | Grades | Teaches first? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IXL | $79–$159/yr | Pre-K–12 | No, practice only |
| Lumi Academy | $9.99/mo or $95/yr, up to 8 kids | Pre-K–12 | Yes, voice-guided |
| Khan Academy | Free | K–12 | Yes, video lessons |
| Khan Academy Kids | Free | Ages 2–8 | Yes |
| Prodigy Math | Free tier | 1–8 | No, game practice |
| Zearn | Free for families | K–8 (math) | Yes, video lessons |
| CK-12 | Free | K–12 (math, science) | Partly, readings + practice |
Prices are each provider's published US rates as of October 2026 and can change. Lumi Academy is not affiliated with IXL Learning or any app listed.
The key difference from IXL: Lumi actually teaches. Every skill begins with a voice-guided explanation, worked examples, and guided practice — only then does the child answer independently. Covers math, ELA, science, social studies and 20 electives from Pre-K through 8th grade, and Lumi High (grades 9–12, with GPA and a printable transcript) is included. One price covers up to 8 kids. No ads. Best for homeschool families and parents who want a complete curriculum, not just a drill tool.
Khan Academy is the best free alternative. It has strong video instruction (the original Khan model) plus practice problems. Coverage is K–12 and includes math, science, history, and more. The downside for younger kids is that the format is lecture-video + problems, which requires older kids who can self-direct through longer videos.
Like IXL, Prodigy is practice-only (no instruction), but the game format keeps kids more engaged. Better choice if your goal is extra math practice time for a willing learner. Not a substitute for IXL's depth of skill coverage or Lumi's actual teaching.
Best free option for Pre-K through 2nd grade. Teaches and practices, completely free. If your child is in this age range and budget matters, Khan Academy Kids is the strongest IXL alternative. Outgrown by 3rd grade.
A nonprofit math program that is free for families at home. Each lesson pairs short video instruction with interactive practice, so unlike IXL it teaches before it tests. No ads. The trade-off: it covers math only, so you still need something for reading, science, and social studies.
A free nonprofit library of digital textbooks, simulations, and adaptive practice for math and science. Strong for middle and high schoolers who can read and work independently; less suited to young kids who need a guided, spoken lesson.
IXL alternative that teaches · IXL alternative for homeschool · IXL alternative for young kids · IXL alternative for struggling readers · IXL alternative with built-in instruction
Khan Academy (K–12), Khan Academy Kids (ages 2–8), Zearn (K–8 math, free for families) and CK-12 (K–12 math and science) are all free. Prodigy Math has a free tier for game-based math practice.
Yes. IXL is practice-only. Lumi Academy teaches each skill with a voice-guided lesson and worked examples before kids practice, and Khan Academy and Zearn teach with short videos before practice.
IXL family plans cost about $9.95/month ($79/year) for one subject, $15.95/month ($129/year) for math and language arts, and $19.95/month ($159/year) for all four core subjects, as of October 2026.
IXL charges extra for additional children. Lumi Academy is $9.99/month or $95/year for up to 8 kids, Pre-K through 12th grade, and the free options above cost nothing.
Lumi Academy teaches AND practices — Pre-K–12, 24+ subjects, voice-guided, up to 8 kids for $9.99/mo. free 48-hour trial.
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