Formative vs Smartschool (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: Smartschool does not list a price
Free plan
Tie
Both have one
Higher rating
Formative
4.3 against 4.0
Same job?
Yes
Both are Education tools

Side by side

Compared on	Formative	Smartschool
Our rating	4.3Better	4.0
Starts at	$12/mo	Free
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Category	Education	Education
Plans	From $12/mo	Free
Key features	Real-time visibility into student responses as they work Works across quizzes, open responses, and drawing assignments Live dashboard for spotting misunderstandings during a lesson Free tier for standard use Operating since 2014	Handwritten work submitted and assessed Guided questioning instead of answer-giving Content aligned to state standards Real-time class performance data for teachers Tutoring in 200-plus languages, three difficulty levels
Pros	Genuine real-time insight during a lesson, not just after grading Works across many assignment types, not limited to one format Long operating history refining live formative assessment specifically	Reads the working, where the errors that matter actually live Guides with questions rather than supplying answers Free for individual teachers to start
Cons	More features and analytics require a paid plan Real-time monitoring requires students working on connected devices during class Less useful for entirely offline or paper-based assignments	District pricing is by demo with no figures published Handwriting recognition on genuinely messy work is imperfect Maths only
Company	Formative, founded 2014	Smartschool

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260814. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Formative better than Smartschool?

In our reviews Formative scores 4.3 and Smartschool scores 4.0. The better pick depends on the job. Formative: Live visibility into every student's work, since 2014. Smartschool: Maths tutor that reads handwritten working and guides students with questions, not answers.

Which is cheaper, Formative or Smartschool?

Formative: from $12/mo. Smartschool: free.

Do Formative and Smartschool have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

More comparisons

Formative compared with

All Formative alternatives

Smartschool compared with

All Smartschool alternatives