My Experience with Brilliant.org

Getting Started: First Impressions

When I first signed up, I was asked to choose my interests—math, science, or computer science. Brilliant then suggested a customized learning path based on my skill level.

I started with “Probability Fundamentals” and was immediately hooked. Instead of just reading formulas, I had to solve interactive puzzles that helped me understand concepts visually.

Example: Instead of just memorizing probability formulas, I played a game that simulated rolling dice to intuitively learn about odds and statistics.

What I Liked:

• No boring lectures—just hands-on, interactive learning.
• Immediate feedback—if I got a question wrong, I could see why and try again.
• Visually engaging—animations and diagrams made tough topics easier to grasp.

What Could Be Better:

• No in-depth explanations—Sometimes, I wanted a more detailed breakdown of certain topics.
• Limited subjects—Only STEM topics; no business, humanities, or social sciences.

Courses Offered by Brilliant.org

Brilliant.org, in a nutshell, teaches math and science concepts to a diverse audience of all ages and skill levels.

Based on an algorithm, a new Brilliant user is automatically assigned the best learning path.

Depending on your interests, you could be a student, a professional, a hobbyist, or a parent/teacher. Brilliant chooses the best courses and challenges based on your specific needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the courses they offer across different subjects:

Math Courses

If you enjoy solving puzzles, working with numbers, or understanding how math applies to real life, Brilliant’s math courses are perfect for you:

• Solving Equations – Learn how to solve different types of equations step-by-step, making tricky math problems easier to handle.
• Visual Algebra – Understand algebra through visuals and patterns instead of just numbers and symbols.
• Real-World Algebra – See how algebra is used in everyday situations, from budgeting to problem-solving.
• Graphs and Functions – Discover how graphs help us understand relationships between numbers and data.
• Geometry and Trigonometry – Explore shapes, angles, and how trigonometry connects to real-world scenarios.
• Vectors and Linear Algebra – Dive into the world of vectors and learn how linear algebra is used in everything from physics to computer graphics.
• Calculus – Master the basics of calculus and see how it helps us understand change, motion, and growth in the world around us.

Watch This Video To See What it’s Like to Learn Math WIth Brilliant.org:

Computer Science & Programming Courses

Interested in coding or how computers work? Brilliant’s computer science courses are designed to build your skills from the ground up:

• Thinking in Code – Develop the mindset of a programmer by learning how to break down problems logically.
• Programming with Python – Get hands-on experience with Python, one of the most popular programming languages today.
• Programming with Variables – Understand how variables work and why they’re essential in coding.
• Computer Science Fundamentals – Learn the basics of computer science, from algorithms to data structures.
• Introduction to Neural Networks – Discover how AI systems learn and make decisions, just like the technology behind smart apps.
• How LLMs Work – Find out how large language models (like ChatGPT) process and generate human-like text.
• How Technology Works – Get a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday tech, from smartphones to the internet, really works.

Data Analysis Courses

Want to make sense of data or predict trends? These courses will help you analyze and interpret data like a pro:

• Exploring Data Visually – Learn how to spot patterns in data using charts, graphs, and visual tools.
• Introduction to Probability – Understand the basics of probability and how it helps predict outcomes in real life.
• Predicting with Probability – Go deeper into probability to learn how to make data-driven predictions.
• Regression and Classification – Discover how data scientists use these techniques to analyze trends and make forecasts.
• Casino Probability – Apply probability concepts to games of chance, like poker and roulette, and see how odds really work.

Science Courses

For curious minds who love to explore how the universe works, Brilliant’s science courses cover a wide range of fascinating topics:

• Beyond the Nutshell – A deep dive into advanced scientific ideas that go beyond the basics, challenging your understanding of the world..

• Scientific Thinking – Build critical thinking skills and learn how scientists approach problems and experiments.
• Physics of the Everyday – Understand the physics behind common activities, from riding a bike to using a microwave.
• Classical Mechanics – Explore the laws of motion and forces that govern everything from falling apples to rocket launches.
• Electricity and Magnetism – Learn about the invisible forces that power our homes and gadgets.
• Quantum Mechanics – Dive into the strange, mind-bending world of quantum physics where particles behave in unexpected ways.
• Special Relativity – Discover Einstein’s theory of relativity and how time and space aren’t as fixed as we think.
• Quantum Computing – Get introduced to the future of computing, where quantum bits (qubits) could revolutionize technology.

Why Choose Brilliant.org?

Brilliant isn’t just about reading lessons—it’s about doing. Every course is interactive, with engaging puzzles, real-world examples, and hands-on problems that help you learn by thinking critically and solving challenges.

Whether you’re brushing up on math, diving into data science, or exploring the wonders of physics, Brilliant makes complex topics simple and fun.

Cost Of Brilliant.Org

Brilliant.org has different subscription options to fit various learning needs and budgets.

Here’s a simple overview:

Individual Plans:

• Monthly Plan: $27.99 per month. You can cancel anytime, with no long-term commitment.
• Annual Plan: $161.88 per year (about $13.49 per month). This option saves you more money compared to paying monthly.

Group Plans:

• Group Plan: Great for families, classes, or teams. Starts at $11.33 per person per month. You can add 3 to 50 people, and everyone gets their own Premium account.

Gift Plans:

• 1-Month Gift: $27.99
• 1-Year Gift: $161.88
• Lifetime Gift: $749.99

These are great for gifting the joy of learning to friends or family.

What You Get:
All plans include unlimited access to Brilliant’s interactive courses in math, science, and computer science. Plus, new users can try it out with a 7-day free trial before subscribing.

Who is Brilliant.org For?

Brilliant’s platform targets students, professionals, and lifelong learners.

I believe the platform offers the most value to students and lifelong learners, and we will discuss each further below.

1. Students:

Brilliant is an excellent platform for students because of two main reasons. In addition, students can move at their own pace, regardless of how fast or slow the curriculum at their schools is.

Several young mathematicians have sought out challenges through Brilliant because their schools seemed to be moving too slowly for them.

In addition, many students find that lectures move too quickly, and Brilliant allows them to revise material more comfortably.

Second, Brilliant’s courses specialize in teaching difficult math and science topics in an accessible way.

Students with STEM backgrounds often struggle with lectures. In Brilliant’s courses, students aren’t given lectures but are encouraged to solve problems and participate actively.

2. Lifelong Learners:

The platform has one reason to be a good tool for life-long learners and an area where it could be improved.

Positively, Brilliant’s theory courses and active approach to education provide a great way to expand your mental toolkit with powerful mental models.

Learn about Newton’s laws, problem-solving, and thermodynamics, which have far-reaching implications beyond STEM.

Brilliant has the disadvantage of only offering STEM courses. Many lifelong learners prefer to incorporate models and mental models from other disciplines.

3. Professionals

Brilliant is not the ideal choice for career-focused students for two reasons. In general, courses emphasize applied academic learning rather than actual application.

While this is an excellent way to learn how to think, recruiters often seek evidence of hard skills and the application of knowledge/experience.

Brilliant’s courses aren’t accredited, and the company offers no certifications.

Does Brilliant.org Provide Free Courses?

Yes, Brilliant.org does offer free content, but with some limitations. When you sign up for a free account, you’ll get access to:

• Daily Challenge Problems: These are fun, bite-sized puzzles designed to keep your brain sharp. They cover different topics like math, logic, and science.
• Introductory Lessons: For each course, you can explore the first few lessons for free. This gives you a feel for the platform and helps you decide if the course is right for you.

However, if you want full access to all the interactive courses, quizzes, and daily challenges, you’ll need to upgrade to a Brilliant Premium subscription.

The premium plan unlocks the entire library of 60+ courses in math, science, computer science, and data analysis.

Here Is The Sample Course Introduction For Mathematical Fundamentals

Is There a Free Trial?

Yes! Brilliant.org offers a 7-day free trial of the premium version. During this trial, you can explore all the courses without restrictions—perfect if you’re curious to see what it’s all about before committing.

So, Is Brilliant.org Free?

In short:

• Yes, you can use Brilliant.org for free with limited access.
• No, if you want full access to all features, you’ll need a paid subscription.

If you’re serious about learning and love interactive content, the premium version is definitely worth checking out. But if you just want to try it out, the free version is a great place to start! 🚀

Brilliant.org vs. Khan Academy

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Khan Academy if you prefer structured, video-based learning and want free access to a wide range of subjects.e.

Choose Brilliant.org if you enjoy hands-on, interactive problem-solving and want to dive deep into STEM-related subjects.

User Testimonials: Real Experiences with Brilliant.org

Brilliant.org has garnered praise from learners of all backgrounds—students, professionals, and lifelong learners—who’ve experienced transformative growth through its interactive courses. Here’s what some of them have to say:

For Professionals:

Jacob Snider
“Through its engaging and well-structured courses, Brilliant has taught me mathematical concepts that I previously struggled to understand. I now feel confident approaching both technical job interviews and real-world problem-solving situations.”

For Lifelong Learners:

Aran Price – Google Play
“This is great. I work in physics and have picked up a couple of new techniques. For anyone of any age, this will help fill in the gaps from school—whether you’re still there or it’s a distant memory!”

Daniel Metcalfe – Twitter
“Very impressed with @brilliantorg so far 👏. It’s not often I feel sincere joy for learning, which is a massive shame, but interactive experiences like this make it difficult not to. I’m actually really looking forward to the next time I get half an hour to go through another lesson.”

For Students:

CrDuque23 – App Store
“I love this app! It helped me understand so many things that used to give me headaches in high school. Now, thanks to Brilliant, I love knowledge and learning. I was in the top 1% on the national exam my country holds for high school graduates—all thanks to Brilliant! I didn’t prepare much for the exam; I just studied on Brilliant for a year.”

Negative Experience with Brilliant.org

While many users have had a great experience with Brilliant.org, not everyone has found the platform to be customer-friendly. Some users have reported issues with billing and customer support.

Keven C shared his frustration about the subscription and refund process:

“This is the worst company ever. I signed in thinking they would charge monthly like they made it look. However, at the end of the free trial, they charged me for the full year, and when I tried to cancel, they refused to proceed with the refund. Their customer service was really rude and are ignoring my emails.”

– Keven C, Trustpilot Review

Brilliant.org responded by explaining their trial reminder email policy, stating that users receive a notification three days before the trial ends to confirm the subscription details. They also mentioned that they had reviewed and resolved Keven’s concerns but encouraged users to reach out if they needed further assistance.

This highlights the importance of carefully reviewing subscription terms before signing up, especially if you’re unsure about committing to an annual plan.