Education

Gimkit vs. Kahoot: Which Learning Tool is Right for You?

Here’s a detailed comparison between Gimkit and Kahoot, both offer gamified learning tools. Let’s find which is one is better!

Ah, gamified learning tools—those platforms that make you almost want to learn while still secretly wishing you could get back to your TikTok feed. It’s no wonder that gamified learning tools have become the go-to solution for educators who want to make learning feel like, well, less of a drag.

But with the rise of platforms like Gimkit and Kahoot, teachers are now faced with a new dilemma: Which of these two tools will actually get their students engaged, rather than just distracted?

Think of it like choosing between two workout routines: one promises a fast-paced burst of energy (Kahoot), while the other lures you into a more methodical, thoughtful approach (Gimkit).

They both have their merits, but they’ll give you entirely different results depending on your mood, goals, and how much you’re willing to sweat (metaphorically, of course).

So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down and see if Kahoot and Gimkit truly deserve the hype, or if they’re just trying to convince you to sign up for a free trial while secretly plotting to empty your bank account.

The Basics: A Quick Introduction to the Gladiators

Before we start picking apart the finer details, let’s get on the same page about what these two tools are actually offering.

Kahoot is the lively, attention-grabbing quiz game where students race against the clock, answering multiple-choice questions for points. It’s all about speed, competition, and flashy visuals.

It’s been around for ages (since 2013, if we’re being specific), and it’s probably the first platform that comes to mind when you think “gamified learning.”

It’s the educational equivalent of a buzzer round on a game show—quick, loud, and maybe a little overwhelming.

Gimkit, on the other hand, is a newer player on the block. It offers a similar question-answer format, but with a twist: students earn in-game currency for correct answers, which they can use to buy upgrades and power-ups.

This adds a layer of strategy to the process. So while it still involves answering questions, Gimkit gives students the freedom to invest their time and effort into something a little more complex.

Think of it as a trivia game with the occasional plot twist, like playing Monopoly with a bunch of sixth graders who really love financial strategy.

Gimkit

User Interface: “Just One More Click” vs. “Wait, What Am I Doing?”

Let’s be honest—when it comes to software, we all want the simplest option. After all, if you need a manual to navigate the tool, then it might not be worth your time. So, which tool delivers on this front?

Kahoot’s interface is a dream for anyone who wants to jump in and get started without breaking a sweat. You create a quiz, add your questions, and bam, you’re ready to go.

It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly intuitive. Teachers can get a session up and running in mere minutes, and students don’t need a PhD to figure out how to join a game.

It’s the “instant coffee” of edtech—quick and effective, without much fuss.

Gimkit, however, might give you the feeling of a newbie trying to decipher a complicated recipe. Sure, the basic framework is easy enough to grasp, but the additional customization options can overwhelm first-time users.

You need to adjust not only the questions but also the game modes, the in-game currency settings, and a host of other options to get the most out of it. It’s a bit like making a gourmet meal: lots of components, but it takes time to figure out the right combination.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to fiddle with every setting, you’ll probably enjoy the depth of customization. If you just want a quick quiz, you might find yourself questioning why you didn’t just stick to Kahoot.

Kahoot

Speed vs. Strategy: The Race to the Finish Line

This is where the two tools truly diverge. When it comes to gameplay, Kahoot is the 100-meter dash, while Gimkit is more of a chess match.

Kahoot thrives on speed. Students answer questions as fast as they can, with the clock ticking down, hoping to rack up as many points as possible before time runs out. It’s fast-paced, it’s high-stakes, and it’s designed to keep everyone on their toes.

However, this quick-fire approach means students often don’t have time to fully process the questions—they just need to act fast. While this may be fun, it doesn’t necessarily encourage deeper learning. It’s more about reflexes than reflection.

Gimkit, on the other hand, turns the whole quiz process into a game of resource management. Students earn money for each correct answer, which they can spend on upgrades that improve their chances of success later on. The strategic element introduces a slower, more thoughtful pace.

Students have to decide when to use their money, when to save it, and how best to build their power-ups. It’s like watching someone play a game of Settlers of Catan, but instead of building roads, they’re answering trivia questions. For some, this strategic depth is the hook.

For others, it might feel like adding a few extra layers of complexity to something that was already working fine.

Customization: Setting Up Your Playground

Both platforms offer customization, but in very different ways.

Kahoot allows teachers to create their own quizzes or pull from a huge library of pre-made quizzes. You can add media like images and videos to questions, but for the most part, you’re working with a template.

It’s quick, simple, and accessible—but it can feel a little limiting after a while. If you’ve used Kahoot enough times, you might start longing for more options or ways to change things up.

Gimkit, by comparison, offers a more customizable experience. Teachers can tweak everything from game modes to how money is earned and spent, making it feel more like a tailored experience.

If you’re someone who loves to adjust the settings to fit your classroom’s unique needs, Gimkit has a lot more to offer. Want to set up a competitive “capture the flag” mode or a “team mode” challenge? Done.

While this makes Gimkit a little more flexible, it also makes the platform slightly more time-consuming to set up. For teachers who value personalization but don’t want to spend hours fine-tuning, this could be a deterrent.

Engagement: The Fun Factor

A learning tool can only be as effective as its ability to keep students engaged. So, which platform makes learning fun?

Kahoot is, without a doubt, more visually engaging. The colorful design, countdown timers, and flashy animations make it feel like a live game show.

The immediate feedback and leaderboard create a competitive environment that’s sure to keep students’ eyes glued to the screen. The speed and excitement can also be a great way to energize students before a lesson or to review material in a lively way.

However, this high-energy environment may not be suitable for all students. The constant rush to answer quickly can create stress rather than engagement, especially for those who don’t thrive under pressure.

Gimkit, by contrast, is the more thoughtful kind of fun. It’s less about racing against the clock and more about playing the long game. Students aren’t just chasing high scores—they’re making strategic decisions on how to spend their money and build their power-ups.

This creates a different kind of excitement, one that appeals more to students who enjoy a challenge that requires planning. However, the slower pace may not be for everyone.

Some students might prefer the instant gratification that comes with Kahoot’s fast rounds.

6. Pricing: How Much Are You Willing to Pay for Fun?

Ah, the price tag. The elephant in the room.

Kahoot offers a free version with some basic features, but for larger classes, more features, and detailed reporting, you’ll need to sign up for a paid plan.

For many teachers, the free version works just fine, especially if you’re only using it for occasional review or quizzes.

But if you plan on using it regularly, especially in a classroom setting, the premium plan might be necessary.

Gimkit is also free, but its best features are locked behind a paywall.

Teachers who want to unlock the full potential of the platform—like custom game modes and advanced customization options—will need to invest in a subscription.

Gimkit’s pricing is slightly steeper than Kahoot’s, especially for classrooms with a large number of students. If you’re using Gimkit often and want the full experience, be prepared to shell out.

The Learning Curve: How Much Effort Will You Put In?

Here’s the thing: Kahoot is simple. So simple, in fact, that it can be too simple. If all you want is a basic quiz to get your class engaged, Kahoot will do the job without much thought required.

The drawback is that it doesn’t encourage much deeper learning—it’s more of a quick hit than a sustained experience.

Gimkit, on the other hand, requires a bit more brainpower. Both for the teacher and the student. The setup is more involved, and students will need to grasp the financial and strategic components of the game in order to get the most out of it.

While this can lead to more meaningful engagement, it also requires a bit more investment up front.

Gimkit vs. Kahoot: So, which is better one?

The Verdict: The Better One Is…

Both Kahoot and Gimkit have their place in the classroom, but they serve different needs. If you want a quick, no-fuss way to get your students involved in a competitive quiz, Kahoot is your go-to.

Its simplicity, fast pace, and ability to energize a classroom make it a perfect choice for lighthearted review sessions or fun classroom breaks.

But if you’re looking for something more engaging, where students can strategize, reflect, and make meaningful decisions, Gimkit is the way to go.

It might take a little more effort to set up, but the payoff is a more immersive, strategic experience that goes beyond the usual speed-and-points game.

In the end, the choice between Gimkit and Kahoot comes down to what you value most: speed and simplicity, or strategy and depth.

Both can be effective tools, but they require different levels of investment—whether it’s your time or your students’ attention. Choose wisely!

Related Articles