Kortext vs OpenStax
Kortext
kortext.com
OpenStax
openstax.orgSide by side
| Figure | Kortext | OpenStax |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.8 (#14) | 8.9 (#3) |
| Accessibility | Kortext study describes its learning experience as accessible and includes accessibility features and reading options. | OpenStax works toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 compliance and uses Level Access for automated and manual accessibility reviews. |
| Founded | 2013 | 2012 |
| Integrations | Kortext study integrates with learning management systems and libraries, and supports Microsoft Teams collaboration. | Assignable supports LTI 1.3 and major LMS platforms including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle. |
| Support | The company directs users to contact its support team through the support link on its contact page. | OpenStax says its support team helps instructors and students with questions about textbooks, instructor resources, and Assignable through its support center or email. |
Plans
OpenStax
- OpenStax textbooksFree
- OpenStax Assignable$15, paid once
- OpenStax AssignablePriced on request
In their own words
Kortext
Kortext provides higher education institutions with digital content discovery, study platforms, learner analytics, and staff workflows. Kortext study gives users access to more than five million eBooks and digital resources. Students can highlight and bookmark material, create rich-text notes and flashcards, and generate citations in referencing styles. The study experience includes accessibility features and reading options, integrates with learning management systems and libraries, and supports Microsoft Teams collaboration. Kortext IQ is an AI assistant for higher education that draws from trusted sources in a secure, ring-fenced environment. Kortext teach supports content selection, VLE-integrated course planning, assessment, grading, and learner engagement insights; Kortext insights presents faculty and student engagement data and trends for university leaders. Library licensing options include perpetual access, rental or subscription, demand-driven or patron-driven acquisition, and free OA/OER eBooks. The app is listed for Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows, with browser access also described. Institutional pricing is tailored to needs and budget; no specific price is listed.
OpenStax
OpenStax is a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes free, openly licensed textbooks and related materials for introductory courses. Subject matter experts write the textbooks, which are peer-reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Books can be read online on the web, Android or iOS, or downloaded as free PDFs; low-cost print editions are also offered. Most titles are accessible without an account, although a small number require sign-in. Students can highlight, take notes and create study guides, with a free student account required for some features. Educators with a free account can access test banks, PowerPoint slides, solutions manuals and customization tools. OpenStax Assignable lets instructors assign readings, assessments and supporting materials through an LMS, with automatic grading and gradebook synchronization. It supports LTI 1.3 and Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace and Moodle. Textbooks cost nothing. Assignable starts at $15, paid once, billed per student per semester; instructors use it free, and a two-week trial begins on the first day of access. Institutional pricing is by contact.