Best For | Codecademy is best for interactive coding, career paths, and hands-on projects. | Khan Academy is best for free academic learning, strong fundamentals, and theory. |
Price | $39.99 | $0 |
Features |
| Creative Lessons |
Pros | Interactive learning | Free courses |
Cons | Subscription required | Fewer interactive projects |
Choosing between Codecademy and Khan Academy to learn coding? Both are great, but they work in different ways.
Codecademy is hands-on, letting you write real code as you go. It’s ideal if you want to jump in and start building projects.
Khan Academy, on the other hand, breaks down coding concepts in an easy way, making it perfect for beginners who want to understand the basics first before jumping into coding.
So, which one’s better for you? It depends on how you like to learn! In this comparison, I’ll explain their features and teaching styles to help you decide which one suits your goals best.
Let’s figure out which platform will help you learn coding faster and easier!
Bottom Line Upfront:
If your goal is to learn coding and gain practical programming skills, I highly recommend Codecademy. It offers a focused, interactive learning experience with hands-on coding exercises that will help you build real-world skills, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to dive into the tech field.
Codecademy vs Khan Academy 2025: (Head-to-Head) Comparison
The two platforms are quite different, and finding the one that suits your needs is essential. One charges a substantial fee, while the other is free as a non-profit.
| Feature | Codecademy | Khan Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Ideal for learning coding and IT skills, focusing on practical programming. | Best for general education, covering subjects like math, science, history, and humanities. |
| Courses Available | Offers over 700 courses, primarily focused on coding and tech skills. | Offers over 300 courses across a wide range of subjects. |
| Total Users | More than 50 million learners globally. | Over 120 million users around the world. |
| Languages Offered | Primarily offers content in 1 language (English). | Supports courses in 44 languages, making it accessible worldwide. |
| Pricing | Free access to some courses, with paid plans starting at $10.50/month for premium features. | 100% free with no hidden costs. |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial for premium plans. | Unlimited free access to all content. |
| Subscription Plans | Offers both monthly and yearly paid plans. | No subscription plans; everything is free. |
| Refund Policy | Offers a 7-day money-back guarantee for premium subscriptions. | Not applicable, as all content is free. |
| Company Location | Based in New York, USA. | Based in California, USA. |
| Founded | Founded in 2011, focusing on coding education. | Founded in 2008, offering free education across various fields. |
Codecademy vs Khan Academy Ultimate Features Comparison
Course Variety
Codecademy offers around 700 courses that are mostly focused on coding and technology skills. These courses cover a wide range of programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and SQL.
The platform also includes specialized courses on topics like data science, web development, and career paths (for example, becoming a front-end developer). Codecademy offers a broader selection of coding courses compared to Khan Academy.
Khan Academy offers courses across many subjects, including math, science, arts, and humanities. It has a coding section, but it is smaller than Codecademy’s.
The coding courses focus on HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and some SQL. This platform is better suited for beginners or younger learners, but it does not go as deep into advanced coding topics as Codecademy.
Content Quality
The content on Codecademy is solid and well-structured, with a strong focus on hands-on coding practice. The lessons are clear, but some users have pointed out that advanced topics may not be as in-depth as expected.
Additionally, some users have reported issues with outdated content or bugs in the coding editor, which can be frustrating for beginners.
Khan Academy is known for its high-quality video content, especially in areas like math and science. It consistently receives positive reviews for the clarity of its video lessons, which are designed to be beginner-friendly.
The platform is endorsed by prominent figures like Bill Gates, who praises its ability to make complex topics easy to understand.
Interactivity
Codecademy is highly interactive. It uses an integrated coding editor where learners can write and test their code directly. You receive instant feedback, and the platform encourages you to complete hands-on projects.
This approach helps learners actively practice coding. However, some users feel that there isn’t enough guidance on how to apply coding skills to real-world projects.
Khan Academy is less interactive. It focuses more on videos, readings, and quizzes, with coding exercises being relatively limited.
The coding environment is simpler compared to Codecademy’s, often using Processing.js for projects like animations. While the platform is great for visual learners who prefer structured explanations, it doesn’t offer as much real-time coding practice.
Learning Paths
Codecademy provides structured learning paths known as “Career Paths,” which guide learners through a series of courses designed to build job-ready skills. These paths are highly rated by users for helping them stay focused on specific career goals, such as web development, data science, software engineering, and more.
The courses are well-organized and designed to take learners from basic to advanced levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
However, beginners might find themselves unsure of which path to take, particularly when choosing between programming languages like Python and JavaScript or deciding whether to focus on front-end or back-end development.
Codecademy’s paths are tailored more for those who want to enter the tech workforce directly, with a heavy emphasis on practical, job-ready skills.
Khan Academy also offers structured learning paths, particularly for academic subjects like math, science, history, and economics. In terms of coding, the learning paths are simpler and more beginner-focused, primarily covering the basics of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and some introductory programming concepts.
While these paths provide a great starting point for those new to coding, they don’t go into as much depth as Codecademy’s career paths and lack a strong focus on preparing learners for specific tech jobs.
The coding content is ideal for those who want to learn at their own pace or explore programming as a hobby, but it may not be enough for individuals who aim to pursue a career in technology.
Video Content
Codecademy uses videos sparingly. Most of the learning is done through text-based lessons and interactive coding exercises. When videos are used, they receive mixed reviews, with some users feeling they are less engaging than Khan Academy’s videos.
Khan Academy excels in video content. Its videos are well-produced and clear, with explanations provided through a virtual blackboard, making them ideal for visual learners.
These videos are highly engaging and easy to follow, with the ability to rewatch them as needed.
Coding Environment
Codecademy features a built-in code editor that allows learners to write, test, and debug their code directly within the platform.
It supports multiple programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. The code editor provides real-time feedback on your code.
However, some users have reported issues like error messages for correct code and problems with infinite loops that crash the browser.
Khan Academy’s coding environment is simpler and often uses Processing.js, especially for projects like animations. It is beginner-friendly, but it has limited functionality compared to Codecademy.
The coding environment is more focused on creating visual projects, and some commands, such as console.log(), may not work as expected.
Skill Assessments
Codecademy excels at skill assessments, offering quizzes and projects that help you test your understanding of the material. These assessments are helpful for tracking your progress and building a portfolio of projects.
However, some quizzes may contain incorrect or misleading information, which could cause confusion.
Khan Academy offers assessments like quizzes and coding challenges, but these are less comprehensive than Codecademy’s. The assessments are useful for testing knowledge but are focused more on foundational learning rather than preparing for specific jobs or career paths.
Course Recommendation Engine
Codecademy has a course recommendation system that suggests courses based on your interests and past activities. This system is helpful but isn’t as sophisticated as Khan Academy’s, and beginners may sometimes struggle to find the right path.
For example, when first starting out, it might be unclear whether to choose courses in Python, JavaScript, or another language. The recommendations are a useful starting point, but might require additional guidance.
Khan Academy’s course recommendation engine is more robust and tailored to your skill level and interests. It provides a clear pathway based on your current understanding and the subjects you wish to explore.
The platform is particularly helpful for academic subjects, making it easy to find courses that match your level in areas like math, science, and programming.
Certificates
Codecademy offers completion certificates for some of its courses and career paths, especially within its Pro plan. These certificates can be added to your portfolio or resume to demonstrate the skills you’ve gained.
However, these certificates are not officially accredited, so while they can add value to your resume, they may not hold the same weight as degrees or certifications from traditional institutions.
Khan Academy does not provide formal certificates for completing courses. Instead, it offers badges and points for completing lessons, which can be motivating, especially for younger learners.
While these badges help track progress, they are not recognized by employers or institutions for professional purposes.
Career Services
Codecademy’s Pro plan includes career services designed to help learners prepare for a career in technology. These services include interview preparation, portfolio-building tools, and access to a community of learners and alumni who can provide guidance.
While these resources are helpful for preparing for tech roles, Codecademy does not offer direct job placement or guarantees of employment.
Khan Academy does not offer career services, job placement, or career-focused resources. Its focus is primarily on providing foundational educational content rather than preparing students for the workforce.
The platform is geared more toward learning core academic subjects rather than job-specific skills.
Community and Collaboration
Codecademy has a community forum where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and discuss coding topics. For Pro users, there is also a private Facebook group to connect with other learners.
However, the platform lacks tools for group collaboration or working on projects together. While the community forum is useful, it doesn’t offer the same level of collaborative opportunities as other platforms.
Khan Academy fosters collaboration through its Q&A sections below videos, where learners can post questions and receive answers from other learners or instructors.
Additionally, the platform has a social feature that allows users to share coding projects, vote on them, and modify others’ work.
This encourages a sense of interaction and collaboration, particularly for younger learners who enjoy sharing and modifying creative work.
Learning Support
Codecademy offers limited learning support through forums and community groups where learners can ask questions and share experiences.
Pro users have access to more resources, such as direct feedback from mentors, but Codecademy does not provide personalized instructor support. This means you may need to rely on community interactions rather than one-on-one help.
Khan Academy’s learning support is also limited, but it provides some options like Q&A sections and community-based help. The platform also offers Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor, available for $4 per month.
This tutor provides personalized feedback, assists with assignments, and cultivates critical thinking skills without providing direct answers.
The AI tutor makes learning more interactive and provides individualized support, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of concepts.
User Interface
Codecademy has a clean, user-friendly interface that’s simple to navigate. The design integrates the code editor, documentation, and virtual browser into one platform, making it easy for beginners to learn.
Some users have pointed out that while the platform is generally intuitive, it could benefit from an update for improved usability and smoother navigation.
Khan Academy features a playful, kid-friendly interface that uses engaging visuals and characters to make learning more fun, particularly for younger learners.
The platform’s design uses friendly error messages and light-hearted interactions to reduce the intimidation factor, especially for students new to coding or academic subjects. This design helps create an enjoyable learning environment.
Languages Supported
Codecademy’s courses are primarily in English, with limited support for other languages. While the platform focuses heavily on teaching coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and SQL, its language offerings outside of coding are more limited.
This can be a drawback for non-English speakers looking to learn coding in their native language.
Khan Academy supports 44 languages, making it far more accessible to a global audience. While its coding courses are mainly in English, the platform’s multilingual approach ensures that users from various linguistic backgrounds can access academic content, making it easier for students around the world to learn.
Mobile Access
Codecademy offers a mobile app that lets users access lessons and coding exercises while on the go. However, the app’s functionality is not as extensive as the desktop version, which may limit more advanced features and the full range of learning activities.
Khan Academy provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android, enabling learners to access video lessons, exercises, and even voice modes for easier learning.
The app supports flexibility in learning, allowing students to continue their studies from anywhere at any time.
AI Features
Codecademy does not have a strong focus on AI-driven features. The platform’s primary learning tools are traditional coding exercises, quizzes, and community support, with no advanced AI-powered tutoring or guidance.
Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor that is available for a monthly fee. Khanmigo provides personalized support, assignment recommendations, and encourages critical thinking.
This AI tutor can help students improve their understanding and provide more tailored learning experiences.
Progress Tracking
Codecademy tracks your progress through its Pro plan, allowing learners to see which courses they’ve completed and what skills they’ve developed.
The platform also allows you to build a portfolio of your projects, which can be shared with potential employers. This helps you monitor your learning journey and stay on track toward your goals.
Khan Academy tracks your progress once you create an account, allowing you to see which lessons you’ve completed and the badges you’ve earned.
Teachers and parents can also monitor progress, making it a helpful tool for structured learning in academic environments.
Content Focus
Codecademy is focused on teaching practical coding and tech-related skills that are applicable to real-world jobs.
The platform emphasizes hands-on coding projects, practical exercises, and career paths that aim to prepare learners for roles in the technology industry, including web development, data science, and software engineering.
Khan Academy is focused on foundational education across various academic subjects, including math, science, history, and economics. While coding is a part of the platform, it is not the primary focus.
The coding content is geared more toward beginners and uses visual projects, such as animations, to teach basic programming concepts, making it a good fit for students just starting to explore coding.
Codecademy vs Khan Academy: Courses and Structure
| Feature | Codecademy | Khan Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Exam | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accredited Certification | ❌ | ❌ |
| Progress Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specialization Courses | ✅ | ✅ |
| University/College Credit | ❌ | ❌ |
| Subjects Covered | ✅ | ✅ |
| Learning Materials (Video & Written) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Discussion Board | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grading System | ✅ | ✅ |
| Offline Access | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ |
Codecademy
Codecademy focuses entirely on coding and programming, offering structured career paths in fields like web development, data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity. 
Courses are interactive, with step-by-step instructions, text-based lessons, and an in-browser code editor, allowing students to practice coding in real-time.
The platform follows a guided learning approach, where students progress through structured pathways designed for specific career goals.
Codecademy’s Pro version provides access to real-world projects, coding challenges, and certificates, making it ideal for those looking to build a career in tech.
Popular Codecademy Courses:
- Full-Stack Web Development
- Python for Data Science
- JavaScript & Front-End Development
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Cybersecurity Basics
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers a broader range of subjects, including math, science, history, economics, and beginner coding.
Unlike Codecademy’s hands-on coding lessons, Khan Academy uses video-based lectures with step-by-step explanations, making it great for conceptual learning but lacking interactive programming exercises.
The courses are self-paced and designed for students of all ages, from elementary school learners to advanced high school and college-level subjects.
While it offers introductory programming courses, it does not provide structured career paths or advanced coding specializations like Codecademy.
Popular Khan Academy Courses:
- Computer Science Basics
- Intro to JavaScript
- AP Computer Science Principles
- Math, Science & Humanities Subjects
Codecademy vs Khan Academy: Pricing Review
Codecademy operates on monthly subscriptions. On the other hand, Khan Academy offers all its lessons for free.
Codecademy Pricing
Codecademy follows a subscription-based model, offering both free and paid plans. The free plan provides access to basic lessons, but premium features like real-world projects, certificates, and career tracks require a Codecademy Pro subscription.
Codecademy Pro costs $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year (which lowers the monthly cost to about $19.99). Unlike Udemy, where you own the courses forever, Codecademy’s subscription gives you unlimited access only while you’re subscribed.
This is great for those who want a comprehensive, structured learning experience, but it may not be ideal for students who prefer a one-time payment model.
They also give you access to various Codecademy forums, including a private Facebook group where people can interact with fellow users and clear their doubts regarding coding.
Khan Academy Pricing
Khan Academy, as we have mentioned many times before, is a completely free website.
You don’t need to pay anything to access any of the resources available on the app. This means you can participate in all the sessions and challenges whenever you want, at no cost.
You might be wondering how they make any money. The truth is, they don’t, as they operate as a non-profit organization.
However, you do have the option to support them by donating money or volunteering your time. This is a great way for those who can spare extra time to contribute.
Khan Academy has developed a loyal following among its users because it offers excellent lessons for free and has been endorsed by many well-known figures, including Bill and Melinda Gates.
Donation amounts are flexible; you can contribute as little as $1 or any amount you wish. This provides a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to learn coding without spending any money.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Coding Courses?
As I mentioned in the introduction, these two online course websites are quite different, and it’s essential to choose carefully.
Here are a couple of questions to consider before making your decision: Why are you learning to code, and how much are you willing to spend on it?
If you’re learning to code to enhance your employability, Codecademy is undoubtedly the best choice. While it can be a bit pricey, committing to an annual plan significantly reduces the cost. It offers numerous features and provides good value for money.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something free, Khan Academy is an excellent option that offers great value as well.
While there are a few drawbacks—such as the lessons being quite basic and the lack of evaluative components—the overall quality of the content remains exceptional.
Codecademy vs Khan Academy: Which One is Worth the Money?
| Feature | Codecademy (Best for Advanced Coding) | Khan Academy (Best for Beginners) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Offers in-depth coding courses for career development | Provides introductory lessons in multiple subjects, including basic coding |
| Learning Style | Interactive, hands-on coding with an in-browser code editor | Video-based lessons with step-by-step explanations but no real-time coding practice |
| Course Variety | Covers quality engineering, data analysis, visual design, UX, business literacy, and soft skills | Focuses on basic computer science and general education subjects like math and economics |
| Course Structure | Structured career paths designed to develop professional coding skills | Teaches fundamentals, helping learners transition to more advanced platforms later |
| Certifications | Certificates available with Codecademy Pro (not accredited) | No certificates offered |
| Pricing | Paid subscription ($39.99/month or $239.88/year) | Completely free for all users |
| Best For | Aspiring programmers looking for a well-rounded, structured approach | Beginners looking to explore coding without financial commitment |
Codecademy vs Khan Academy: Users & Reviews
Codecademy Users
Khan Academy Users
Codecademy vs Khan Academy: Pros and Cons
Codecademy Pros:
- Interactive coding exercises for hands-on learning
- Focused on coding, AI, data science, and web development
- Offers career paths and structured learning tracks
- Certificates available for Pro members
- Beginner-friendly with step-by-step guidance
Codecademy Cons:
- Limited video content compared to traditional courses
- No certificates in the free version
Khan Academy Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, economics, and humanities
- High-quality video lessons with interactive exercises
- Great for students, educators, and self-learners
- Offers test prep for SAT, LSAT, MCAT, and more
Khan Academy Cons:
- Less hands-on coding practice compared to Codecademy
- No certificates or career-focused credentials
- Not designed for advanced coding or AI learning
FAQs
👉Is Codecademy free?
Certainly not, you can get the 7 day trial for free so that you can decide if it suits you best before making any payments. Codecademy also offers tiered plans for 6 months and 1 year. These semi-annual and annual plans are a bit cheaper compared to the monthly renewal plans.
👉Is Codecademy a good place to learn to code?
Codecademy can be very well stated as a good place to learn to code. Step by step guided tutorial approach is the winning factor we must say.
👉Is Khan Academy free?
Khan Academy is absolutely free for all its users. You can contribute to them with donations or by volunteering.
👉What options are available to learn to code online?
There are many online websites that teach how to code but Codecademy and Khan Academy are the leading ones due to their curriculum, assessment techniques, and method of teaching.
👉What other websites are available to learn to code?
There are various other websites as well like Coursera, Udemy, Treehouse, and many others that can help you learn how to code at prices much affordable than a local class.
Quick Links
- Udemy Vs Udacity
- Udemy vs Coursera
- Udemy vs Pluralsight
- SoloLearn vs Codecademy
- Codecademy vs Treehouse
- Simpliv Learning Vs Udemy
- Lynda vs Coursera
Conclusion: Codecademy vs Khan Academy Comparison 2025
Have money to spend on learning a new skill that would help you beef up your resume? Codecademy will blow your mind with its lessons, challenges, and community support.
They will give you good value for your money and let you build a portfolio that you can take to your future employer to show them your work before they hire you.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend that money on this and learning to code is more of a hobby thing for you, then Khan Academy covers you well.
All the lessons are offered for free, so you cannot go wrong monetarily. Since you don’t want a job revolving around coding anyway, you don’t need a portfolio, and you can showcase your creativity in the challenges.
Hopefully, the comparison between Codecademy and Khan Academy will help you choose the right academic path for you.
