Head-to-head · Educational Video Libraries
BrainPOP vs TED-Ed
BrainPOP leads on 0 checks, TED-Ed on 2, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBrainPOP · 9.3/10
- Free planonly TED-Ed
- Free trialonly BrainPOP
- Most featuresBrainPOP · 3 of 4
BrainPOP scores higher on our rubric for educational video libraries: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
TED-Ed offers free plan; BrainPOP doesn't. TED-Ed leads on video library size: 1000 versus 300.
BrainPOP is the better fit for K–12 classrooms using animated lessons. TED-Ed is the better fit for teachers creating free interactive video lessons.
- BrainPOP fits best
K–12 classrooms using animated lessons
- TED-Ed fits best
Teachers creating free interactive video lessons
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Side by side
| Feature | BrainPOP 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | TED-Ed 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Educational Video Libraries | #4 in Educational Video Libraries |
| Best for | K–12 classrooms using animated lessons | Teachers creating free interactive video lessons |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $119/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS | Web |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Features BrainPOP 3/4 · TED-Ed 2/4 | ||
| Video downloads | Not checked yet | — |
| Classroom tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Primary audience | K12 | K12 |
| Video library size | 300 | 1000 (best) |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | BrainPOP is an educational video and learning platform for K–8 learners, teachers, schools, districts, and families. Its animated movies introduce topics across science, math, English language arts, and social studies, with products… Read the review → |
TED-Ed is a free educational video library and lesson-creation platform for K–12 teachers, students, and curious learners. Its catalog includes 1,000+ educational video lessons, with TED-Ed Animations, TED Talk Lessons, and selected… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
BrainPOP — where it wins
- Animated movies span subjects including science, math, ELA, and social studies.
- Assignments, assessments, and progress tracking support classroom instruction.
- LMS, rostering, SSO, accessibility, and creation tools extend classroom use.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan.
- Family plans include two child profiles.
- School and district subscriptions use contact-sales pricing.
TED-Ed — where it wins
- 1,000+ lessons spanning TED-Ed Animations and TED Talk Lessons
- Interactive questions, discussions, resources, and student progress tracking
- Create collections and lessons around TED-Ed, TED, or YouTube videos
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access limits use outside an internet-connected browser
- TED-Ed does not offer downloadable versions of its videos
- The platform is focused on K–12 classroom lesson creation
- BrainPOP9.3/10 · 14-day trial
A K–8 animated learning library with classroom tools, assessments, and LMS integrations.
Visit BrainPOPFull verdict → - TED-Ed8.9/10 · Free plan
A free web library that turns educational videos into interactive lessons.
Visit TED-EdFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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