Khanmigo Review:
Most AI tools try to be everything at once. ChatGPT writes essays, codes websites, and tells jokes. But sometimes, you don't want a "know-it-all" bot. You just want to pass Algebra.
Enter Khanmigo.
Created by the non-profit Khan Academy, this is not just another chatbot. It is a dedicated tutor designed to help you learn, not just finish your homework.
As of late 2025, it is free for teachers and about $4/month for students. But is it actually better than the free tools you already use?
Here is the honest review.
1. The "Socratic" Method: No Easy Answers
If you paste a math problem into ChatGPT, it often spits out the answer immediately. This gets you the points, but it doesn't help you on the test.
Khanmigo works differently. It uses the Socratic Method. This means when you ask for help, it asks you a question back.
You: "How do I solve 2x + 4 = 10?"
Khanmigo: "What do you think is the first step to get x by itself?"
It forces you to think. If you make a mistake, it gently corrects your logic rather than just giving you the solution. This makes it annoying if you are trying to cheat, but incredible if you are trying to study.
2. It Lives Inside the Assignments
The biggest pain with other AI tools is switching tabs. You have your homework in one window and the bot in another.
Khanmigo is built directly into the Khan Academy website. It "sees" exactly what video you are watching or which exercise you are stuck on.
Context Aware: It knows you are on "Unit 4: Quadratic Equations," so it won't give you a Calculus explanation by mistake.
Code Tutor: If you are learning to code on Khan Academy, Khanmigo can look at your specific lines of code and tell you which line has the bug.
3. For Teachers: It Is Now Free
This is the game-changer. Thanks to a partnership with Microsoft, Khanmigo is 100% free for teachers in the US and over 180 other countries.
It doesn't just chat; it does the paperwork for you.
Lesson Plans: It creates standards-aligned plans in seconds.
Differentiation: It can take a complex text and rewrite it at different reading levels for different students.
Rubrics: It generates grading criteria so you don't have to start from scratch.
The Verdict: Who Is It For?
Feature | ChatGPT | Khanmigo |
Cost | Free (Basic) / $20 (Plus) | $4/mo (Students) / Free (Teachers) |
Teaching Style | Gives answers instantly | Asks questions to guide you |
Safety | Can "hallucinate" facts | "Grounded" in Khan's trusted content |
Fun | Can write songs/poems | Can roleplay as historical figures |
Buy it if: You are a parent who wants a safe, ad-free tutor for your child, or a student who actually wants to master math.
Skip it if: You just want to copy-paste answers to get homework done quickly.
Conclusion
Khanmigo is the "vegetables" of the AI world. It might not be as instant or flashy as ChatGPT, but it is much healthier for your brain. It ensures you actually learn the material so you don't blank out during the final exam.
Next Step: If you are a teacher, go claim your free Khanmigo account right now. If you are a student, ask your parents to try the $4 monthly plan, it costs less than a fancy coffee.
