Procreate is the better choice for artists seeking a powerful and intuitive digital art tool with a one-time purchase model and strong community support. Brilliant is more suitable for individuals looking for interactive and personalized STEM education with a subscription-based model and multi-platform accessibility.
| Attribute | Procreate | Brilliant |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface (UI) Design | Simple, intuitive, and aesthetically appealing, resembling a real canvas. Minimalist design can present a steeper learning curve. Customizable. | User-friendly interface, easy to navigate, clean interface, straightforward signing-up process. |
| Learning Curve | Easier to learn compared to programs like Photoshop, but still has a learning curve. | Courses are designed for beginners, with options to progress to intermediate and advanced levels. |
| Content Quality and Accuracy | Offers realistic drawing tools with a wide variety of brushes mimicking traditional media. | Content is created by math and science educators, some from top universities like MIT, Duke, and Cambridge. The platform focuses on STEM topics. |
| Interactive Exercises and Activities | Limited information on specific interactive exercises within the app. | Offers interactive courses, problems, and quizzes. It uses a hands-on learning approach. Interactive lessons make complex ideas easier to grasp. |
| Personalized Learning Paths | Doesn't offer structured learning paths within the app itself. | Tailored based on user-provided information to match specific needs. |
| Progress Tracking and Analytics | No built-in progress tracking or analytics feature. | Easy to stay on track and see progress. |
| Offline Accessibility | All features are accessible offline, except for updating the app or sharing files. All files are stored locally. | Lessons can be downloaded for offline viewing on the iOS app, but this feature isn't available for Android or desktop users. Some instability issues reported. |
| Subscription Model and Pricing | One-time purchase model. Procreate for iPad costs $12.99, and Procreate Pocket for iPhone is $4.99. No subscriptions or hidden fees. | Offers both free and premium options. Monthly: $24.99 per month. Annual: $161.88 per year (about $13.49 per month). Groups (3+): $299.88 per year. A 7-day free trial is available for the premium plan. |
| Platform Compatibility | Exclusively available for iPad and iPhone. Requires iPadOS/iOS 15.4.1 or newer. | Accessible via desktop, iOS, and Android devices. |
| Customer Support and Resources | Offers a robust support system, including regular software updates with bug fixes. An active Procreate community forum is available. The Procreate Handbook is a free resource. | Not available |
| Community Engagement and Collaboration | Has a thriving community where artists share insights, seek advice, and find inspiration. Integrates with social media platforms. | Has a community feature for users to connect, share progress, and discuss problems. |
| Creative Toolset (Brushes, Layers, Effects) | Offers a comprehensive creative toolset, including customizable brushes, blending modes, and layer support. Supports advanced features such as alpha lock, clipping masks and blend modes. | Not applicable, as the platform focuses on STEM learning rather than digital art and design. |