ClassArena vs Gimkit: Comparing Two Ways to Game-ify Review
Gimkit makes review feel like a real game, with strategy built into its modes. ClassArena takes the game-show route instead. Here is a clear look at how they compare and when each one earns its place.
At a glance
| Gimkit | ClassArena | |
|---|---|---|
| Game format | Strategy games on each device (earn and spend in-game money) | Team game shows on the projector, 8 modes |
| Student devices | One per student | None required; optional phone buzzers |
| Student accounts | Not needed to join live games or assignments | Not needed, ever |
| Free plan | Gimkit Basic: rostering, reports, ~3 rotating free modes | Free: 1 active game, 4 modes (Quiz Board, Face-Off, Buzz-In, Wheel), 2 teams per game, 1 buzz-in room for up to 25 students. Pro: $6/mo or $48/yr for all 8 modes. |
| Paid plan | Gimkit Pro: $14.99/mo or $59.88/yr | ClassArena Pro: $6/mo or $48/yr |
| Homework mode | Yes, Assignments (Pro) | No; built for live class play |
Competitor details checked against their own help and pricing pages in September 2026. Plans change, so confirm current pricing before you buy.
Strategy on devices vs a show on the projector
In Gimkit, students join a live game from their own device with a game code, no account needed. They earn in-game money by answering questions and decide how to spend it on upgrades and power-ups, so strategy mixes with recall. Gimkit also offers Assignments, which let students play a kit on their own time as homework; that is a Pro feature.
ClassArena doesn't try to be a video game. It's a game show for the room: teams on a Jeopardy-style board, a Face-Off, a Lightning round, a bracket Tournament, Word Storm, Off Limits, a randomizer Wheel and Buzz-In. The teacher runs it from the front and the class plays together.
Pricing, side by side
Gimkit Basic is free for teachers and includes rostering, reports and live games with as many students as you want in the featured modes. Gimkit says there are generally three free modes at any given time; the full set of modes, Assignments and image and audio questions come with Gimkit Pro, which is $14.99 a month or $59.88 a year.
ClassArena's free plan includes 4 of its 8 modes (Quiz Board, Face-Off, Buzz-In and the Randomizer Wheel) with no rotation, 1 active game, up to 2 teams per game and one buzz-in room for up to 25 students. Pro is $6 a month or $48 a year and adds the other four modes, unlimited games, up to 8 teams, unlimited buzz-in rooms and per-student analytics.
Devices and classroom management
Gimkit, like most device-based tools, works best when every student has a working device and you're comfortable with the room going quiet while everyone plays. That is a great setup for focused practice.
ClassArena works with no student devices at all, which helps with younger grades, device-free days and classes where screens pull attention away. When you do want devices, Buzz-In mode can use phones as buzzers.
Homework vs review day
If you want students to keep practicing outside class, Gimkit's Assignments are a real advantage and ClassArena has no equivalent. If your goal is a lively in-class review where the teacher can stop and teach, ClassArena is built for exactly that.
Pick Gimkit when…
- You want students to practice as homework with Assignments.
- Your class enjoys strategy and in-game economies.
- Every student has a reliable device and you want individual practice.
Pick ClassArena when…
- You want a free plan whose modes don't rotate — Quiz Board, Face-Off, Buzz-In and the Wheel are always free.
- You need a review game that works with no student devices.
- You want team competition and whole-class discussion on one screen.
Frequently asked questions
Is ClassArena cheaper than Gimkit?
ClassArena Pro is $6 a month or $48 a year. Gimkit Pro is $14.99 a month or $59.88 a year. Both have free plans; ClassArena's always includes 4 modes (Quiz Board, Face-Off, Buzz-In and the Randomizer Wheel).
Does ClassArena have homework assignments like Gimkit?
No. ClassArena is built for live, in-class team play. If self-paced homework practice is your main need, Gimkit's Assignments are a better fit.
Do students need accounts for either tool?
No. Gimkit students join with a game code, and ClassArena never asks students to sign up.
Can a class play ClassArena without Chromebooks?
Yes. The teacher runs the game on the projector and students play in teams. Devices are optional.
Try a ClassArena game free
Make a free teacher account, or play a ready-made game from the public library on your projector first.