BrainPOP vs National Theatre Collection
BrainPOP
brainpop.com
National Theatre Collection
nationaltheatre.org.ukSide by side
| Figure | BrainPOP | National Theatre Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9.92/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 6 |
| Spec score · Educational Video Libraries | 8.2 (#4) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Accessibility | BrainPOP says it strives to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 standards and includes Microsoft Immersive Reader in BrainPOP, BrainPOP Jr., and BrainPOP Science. | Closed captions are available on every production and audio description is available for many titles. |
| Founded | 1999 | 1963 |
| Headquarters | New York, New York, United States | London, UK |
| Integrations | BrainPOP supports Clever, ClassLink/OneRoster API, Google SSO, and LTI integrations, and lists Google Workspace and Schoology among supported school tools. | The collection is distributed through Bloomsbury's Drama Online and ProQuest's integrated library solution. |
| What it does | BrainPOP offers animated educational movies and learning activities for students, with products for grades K–3, 3–8, middle school science, and English language development. | The National Theatre Collection streams professionally filmed theatre productions for classroom teaching through Drama Online. |
Plans
BrainPOP
- BrainPOP Jr. (Family)$119 a year
- BrainPOP for grades 3–8 (Family)$129 a year
- BrainPOP Combo (Family)$159 a year
- BrainPOP ELL classroom license (all grades)$210 a year
- BrainPOP Español/Français classroom license (3–8)$240 a year
- BrainPOP Jr. classroom license (K–3)$275 a year
- BrainPOP classroom license (3–8+)$330 a year
- District partnershipPriced on request
- School subscriptionPriced on request
National Theatre Collection
- EdTA member accessFree
- UK state-funded schools and FE collegesFree
- UK state-funded schools and FE collegesFree
- Higher education institutionsPriced on request
- Independent schools and higher-education institutionsPriced on request
- UK independent schools and worldwide schoolsPriced on request
In their own words
BrainPOP
BrainPOP offers animated educational movies and learning activities for students, with products for grades K–3, grades 3–8, middle school science and English language development. Activities include vocabulary practice, quizzes, challenges and creative responses such as drawing. Family subscriptions include BrainPOP Jr. for K–3 at $119 a year, BrainPOP for grades 3–8 at $129 a year, and a K–8 Combo at $159 a year; each lists two child profiles. Teacher classroom licenses range from BrainPOP ELL at $210 a year to BrainPOP for grades 3–8+ at $330 a year. The listed classroom licenses provide front-of-class access; the Jr. and 3–8+ licenses omit student accounts and progress tracking. School and district subscriptions add student, administrative and integration features, with prices by quote. BrainPOP supports Clever, ClassLink/OneRoster API, Google SSO and LTI, and lists Google Workspace and Schoology among supported tools. A school can use only one SSO integration at a time. Family access is available on the website and through BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. iOS apps.
National Theatre Collection
National Theatre Collection brings filmed theatre productions and related learning materials into classrooms. Its catalogue covers UK productions ranging from Shakespeare to literary adaptations and classic comedies. Each play is accompanied by resources to help students explore themes, performance, and technique. Learning Packs include plot synopses with timecodes, production notes, and pointers for further research; where available, Rehearsal Insights provide rehearsal diaries and Staff Director notes. Primary Packs and Cross-Curricular Learning Guides support English, History, Geography, and PSHE. The collection also offers Key Stage 3 Packs and lesson plans for some productions. It is designed for schools and further education, including a curated selection for UK state primary schools. UK state-funded schools and FE colleges have free access. Higher education institutions can request a trial and subscription through the sales team, while UK independent and worldwide schools can ask JCS Online Resources about subscription and trial details. The service is available on the web.