Free material can be enough to explore a subject. Paid options add things you may or may not need.
Compare what access actually includes
Content access, graded assessment, feedback and a certificate are separate parts of an offer. Compare these parts for the actual resource you intend to use instead of treating “free” and “paid” as complete descriptions.
The official examples below document different formats. Do not assume a paid certificate unlocks the same things on every platform, or that a preview means access to the full program.
An exercise for choosing a route
Write down one learning task and the resource you could use without payment. Try the available exercise and identify a specific missing need, such as feedback or assessment. Consider payment only against that need and the provider’s actual current terms.
Documented platform formats
MIT OpenCourseWare publishes a free, open collection of materials from MIT courses. It is not enrollment in the corresponding MIT class. (Mit About — official documentation)
MIT explicitly states that it does not offer credit or certification to users of OCW. (Mit About — official documentation)
OCW materials can be browsed without enrollment or an account, and are not tied to a course start or end date. Materials can also be downloaded. (Mit About — official documentation)
Khan Academy’s official app page describes free, self-paced practice in math, science and other subjects. This statement concerns the core app, not every separately named AI service. (Khan Downloads — official documentation)
The app page describes interactive exercises, mastery levels and progress synchronization between app and web. (Khan Downloads — official documentation)
The official downloads page describes downloading videos to a library for offline study. This is not a promise that every exercise works offline. (Khan Downloads — official documentation)
Alison says it is free to study and complete its courses. A printed or digital certificate can be an optional purchase after completion; this should not be rewritten as every certificate being free. (Alison Free — official documentation)
Alison describes a free Learner Record showing completed courses and results for learners who do not purchase a Certificate or Diploma. (Alison Free — official documentation)
Alison describes its courses as self-paced and self-taught and states that it does not offer tutoring assistance on course content. (Alison How — official documentation)
edX lists individual courses, certificates, executive education and online degrees. The qualification and assessment need to be read for the particular offering. (Edx — official documentation)
The catalog identifies the institution attached to a course or program, with university offerings in subjects such as computing, data science and business. (Edx — official documentation)
The edX site lists MicroMasters and MicroBachelors alongside bachelor’s and master’s degree categories. The name of a pathway alone should not be treated as a university degree or automatic credit. (Edx — official documentation)
Sources and access details
Official sources read 29 October 2026. Descriptions concern the named resource, edition, model or learning format. They are not independent product tests or guarantees of learning or employment outcomes. Check current access, price and terms with the provider.