Learning platforms
compared 2026

Learning platforms 2026: the ultimate comparison

The rise of digital tutoring has changed things fundamentally in recent years. Where expensive one-to-one lessons with a private tutor used to be the norm, modern learning platforms now give unlimited access to thousands of explainer videos, exercises and study materials – often for a fraction of the cost.

The market for online learning portals is growing fast. With Sofatutor, Simpleclub, Studyflix and the Anton App, four big providers have established themselves, each addressing different target groups. In addition there are specialised platforms such as Learnattack (Duden), the Schülerhilfe online LernCenter and ErsteNachhilfe – a matching platform for private tutors.

Which learning platform is the right one?

Choosing the right learning platform depends on several factors: your child’s age, the problem subjects, your budget and the preferred learning style. (Note: German school years are numbered 1–13; years 1–4 are primary school, and years 11–13 lead to the Abitur, the university-entrance qualification.)

For primary school pupils (years 1-4)

For primary school, the Anton App is the ideal choice. It is completely free, contains no ads and makes learning fun through gamification elements. Children collect stars and trophies, which noticeably boosts motivation. Sofatutor also offers primary school content, but is paid.

For secondary school (years 5-10)

From year five the choice widens. Simpleclub scores with modern, teen-friendly explainer videos and is very cheap at €89.99 on the annual plan (equivalent to €7.50 per month). Sofatutor offers a very broad range of subjects and, on the Premium plan, a homework chat with teachers.

For Abitur students (years 11-13)

The Abitur phase calls for targeted learning. Studyflix is completely free and offers excellent videos for upper secondary school and university. Sofatutor and Learnattack offer original class tests and structured learning packages, and Simpleclub original Abitur exams on the unlimited plan.

Costs compared: what learning platforms cost

The price differences between learning platforms are considerable. While some providers are completely free, premium subscriptions without a long commitment cost up to €40 per month – and personal tutoring is billed per hour.

The top providers in detail

Sofatutor – the all-rounder for every school year

Sofatutor is one of the most comprehensive platforms in the German-speaking world: learning videos, exercises, vocabulary trainer, worksheets for class tests and the learning game “Sofaheld” for primary school children. All subjects from year 1 to 13 are covered; the Premium plan adds a homework chat with teachers. Up to three siblings can share one account. The drawback: the advertised €11.99 (Basic) and €14.99 (Premium) per month apply only to a 24-month term with upfront payment (€287.76 and €359.76). Paying monthly over 24 months comes to €16.99 and €19.99, and without commitment it is €34.99 and €39.99 per month.

Simpleclub – modern and cheap for teenagers

Simpleclub has built a loyal community with a young, relaxed style. The short videos explain complex topics clearly and entertainingly. At €89.99 per year (equivalent to €7.50/month), the unlimited plan is significantly cheaper than Sofatutor; monthly it costs €16.49. The unlimited plus variant (€129.99/year) adds an AI tutor and two further accounts. What is free are mainly the videos on YouTube – full access to the app is only available with a subscription. The focus is on maths, natural sciences and business – languages are largely missing.

Studyflix – the free alternative

Studyflix is completely free and ad-funded and offers thousands of explainer videos of around five minutes each plus linked study texts. A free account adds a personal study plan and AI support. The offering is particularly strong for upper secondary school and university in business studies, economics, mathematics and natural sciences. The content is less suitable for younger students.

Anton App – perfect for primary school

The Anton App is completely free and ad-free in its basic version. It is aimed primarily at primary school pupils and offers playful learning with a reward system. Many schools use Anton with a school licence – in some federal states the state covers the cost (according to the provider, e.g. Baden-Württemberg until 31 January 2027 and Brandenburg until 31 October 2027). Particularly valuable: the DaZ module (German as a second language). The optional Plus version (ANTON Plus or Plus Familie, purchasable only by adults in the app) adds extra features such as an offline mode; the app shows the current price.

ErsteNachhilfe – personal tutoring through matching

ErsteNachhilfe.de is not a classic learning platform but a tutor-matching service. According to the provider, more than 100,000 tutors are registered offering personal one-to-one tutoring – on site or online. The platform is particularly suitable for students who need individual support and for whom learning videos alone are not enough. The basic search is free; contacting tutors requires a Premium membership: €4.99 for one month or €1.99/month on a 12-month plan (€23.88, incl. VAT). Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, which is billed directly with them.

Learnattack – Duden platform with AI tutor

Learnattack belongs to Duden and, according to the provider, covers 9 subjects from year 4 upwards, with over 40,000 videos, exercises and class tests. The core of the Premium plan is the AI tutoring chat “Kim”, which also works via WhatsApp with image upload and voice messages – so an AI answers, not a teacher. The advertised prices (Basic €6.63, AI Tutor Premium €10.77 per month) are new-customer discounts on a 24-month term; after automatic renewal the regular price of €16.58 and €35.91 per month applies. On the plus side: a 30-day money-back guarantee as an extended right of withdrawal.

Schülerhilfe – tutoring with an online LernCenter

Schülerhilfe is a classic tutoring institute with lessons on site or online. The online learning platform “LernCenter” is included free for tutoring customers but is not sold as a standalone subscription. Billing is per 45-minute lesson: from €8.76 in the small study group (3–5 students, 24-month term) and from €24.12 for one-to-one lessons; the first trial lesson is free. Exact prices depend on location.

Cost example: what do two school years cost?

Many subscriptions tie you in for 24 months. This is what you pay over two years at the cheapest terms in each case (prices incl. VAT, as of October 2026):

The comparison makes it clear: over two years a learning platform usually costs between €150 and €360 – about as much as a few weeks of group tutoring. However, it does not replace personal tutoring when there are larger gaps in knowledge. It is also important how the term ends: besides the effective price for the first term, Sofatutor states a regular monthly price of €34.99 (Basic) or €39.99 (Premium), and with Learnattack the regular price expressly applies after renewal.

What parents should look out for when signing up

• Note the trial period in your calendar: Sofatutor can be used free for 30 days, while Learnattack and Simpleclub offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t cancel in time, you end up in the subscription you chose.
• Upfront vs. monthly payment: The lowest monthly prices often apply only if you pay the entire term upfront (Sofatutor: €287.76 or €359.76 in one go).
• Automatic renewal: Check the price at which the subscription renews – new-customer discounts usually apply only to the first term.
• Cancellation: Since July 2022, contracts concluded online must also be cancellable online via a cancellation button (Section 312k of the German Civil Code, BGB). Learnattack and Sofatutor expressly point to online cancellation or ending the trial.
• Siblings: With Sofatutor up to three siblings share one account, and Simpleclub unlimited plus includes two further accounts – which can be cheaper than several individual subscriptions.

Learning for free: the best free resources

Besides the paid platforms there are numerous free alternatives:

• YouTube channels: Daniel Jung (maths), Lehrerschmidt, MrWissen2go (history), musstewissen (ARD/ZDF, the German public broadcasters)
• Serlo.org: The “Wikipedia of learning” – completely free and no sign-up required
• Schlaukopf.de: Interactive practice questions for many subjects and school types
• Khan Academy Deutschland: High-quality maths and natural sciences courses

Tips for parents: how to support your child

1. Try it out together: Use free trial phases together with your child
2. Limit study time: 20-30 minutes of focused learning is more effective than hours in front of a screen
3. Regularity over duration: 15 minutes every day achieves more than 2 hours once a week
4. Praise progress: Most apps show statistics – use them for positive feedback
5. Add classic tutoring: Online platforms don’t replace personal support when there are bigger learning problems