Quizizz and Kahoot are both quiz-based game platforms frequently mentioned in ESL teacher communities, and both are used for classroom question-and-answer practice. They overlap in purpose but differ in how sessions typically run. Quizizz generally supports both a live, host-led mode and a self-paced homework mode. Kahoot's core experience is usually built around a live, teacher-hosted session with a shared leaderboard. Knowing when each fits will help you use both more effectively — and both publish their own current pricing and feature details on quizizz.com and kahoot.com.
Feature Comparison
The comparison below reflects the general design of each platform rather than exact figures, since free-tier limits and pricing change over time — always check the platform's own site for current details.
| Feature | Quizizz | Kahoot | LexFizz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live host-led session | Supported | Core feature | No live leaderboard |
| Self-paced / homework mode | Generally supported | Usually a paid Challenge mode | All exercises, always |
| Account required to host/create | Typically yes | Typically yes | No account at all |
| Account required to play | Often just a game code or nickname | Often just a game PIN or nickname | No account, no code |
| Free tier | Free tier with paid upgrades — see quizizz.com | Free tier with paid upgrades — see kahoot.com | All features free |
| No ads | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Always ad-free |
| Embed in LMS/website | Limited outside the platform | Not typically supported | Free iframe |
| Works without student devices | Usually requires student devices for live mode | Requires student devices for live mode | One screen or individual |
Quizizz: What It Does Best
Quizizz's design generally supports both live and self-paced play from the same quiz, which gives teachers flexibility: run a session live in class, then assign the identical quiz as homework afterward. It commonly includes per-student progress reporting, which can help identify which questions caused difficulty. Its exact feature set and limits depend on the current plan — see quizizz.com for details.
Best Quizizz use cases
- Assigning the same quiz for both a live class session and self-paced homework follow-up.
- Reviewing per-student or per-question performance data after a session.
- Running quizzes at each student's own pace during class, rather than a single synchronised pace.
Kahoot: What It Does Best
Kahoot's core strength is the energy of its live, synchronised session: a countdown timer, music, and a shared leaderboard visible to the whole class. For a lesson review, an end-of-term activity, or a warm-up challenge, this format tends to produce strong engagement when every student has a device and joins at the same time.
Best Kahoot use cases
- Live whole-class review games at the start or end of a lesson.
- End-of-unit or end-of-term competitive quizzes with a shared leaderboard.
- High-energy activities when whole-class, same-pace engagement is the priority.
Key Differences Summarised
The clearest practical distinction: Quizizz's design generally supports at-your-own-pace play even during a live session, so students who finish early or need more time are less likely to be blocked by the group's pace. Kahoot's live mode is usually synchronised — everyone answers the same question at the same time, which is part of what creates its competitive energy but also means faster and slower students move together.
Both platforms typically require individual student devices for their live modes and usually require an account for the teacher hosting or creating content — check each platform's current requirements before planning a lesson around either.
Where LexFizz Fits
LexFizz is a free alternative to both, with no account required for teachers or students and no game code to join. It does not offer a live, host-led session with a shared leaderboard like Quizizz or Kahoot — each learner plays independently. In exchange, there is no setup step, no subscription tier, and every exercise page is a direct, instant link. For everyday homework, warm-ups, and self-study, LexFizz is the most accessible option; for live, competitive whole-class energy, Quizizz and Kahoot each offer a version of that experience worth checking directly on their sites.
Our Verdict
Use Quizizz when you want a quiz that can run live in class and then be reassigned as self-paced homework. Use Kahoot when you want maximum synchronised, competitive whole-class energy and have individual student devices. Use LexFizz when you need free, no-account, no-code exercises that work for homework, warm-ups, and self-study at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Quizizz and Kahoot?
Quizizz generally supports both a live, host-led mode and a self-paced homework mode from the same quiz, often with at-your-own-pace play even during a live session. Kahoot's core live mode is usually synchronised, with everyone answering the same question at the same time on a shared leaderboard. Both offer free tiers with paid upgrades — see quizizz.com and kahoot.com for current details.
Does Quizizz or Kahoot require student devices?
Both typically require individual student devices for their live modes, usually joined with a game code or PIN. If your classroom has limited device access, a no-device or single-screen approach like LexFizz's projected exercises may be more practical for some activities.
Which is better for whole-class engagement — Quizizz or Kahoot?
Both are designed to create strong classroom engagement through live, competitive quiz sessions. Kahoot's format is typically fully synchronised, which many teachers find produces a distinct competitive buzz. Quizizz commonly allows at-your-own-pace play even in a live session, which can suit mixed-ability groups better. The better fit depends on your class and goals — trying each is the most reliable way to decide.
Can both Quizizz and Kahoot be used for homework?
Quizizz generally supports a straightforward self-paced homework mode from the same quiz used live in class. Kahoot typically offers a similar self-paced option as a paid Challenge-style feature — check kahoot.com for current availability. LexFizz is the simplest homework option of the three — share any exercise URL and students can start immediately with no account or code required.
Which platform is better for creating custom ESL quiz content?
Both Quizizz and Kahoot allow teachers to build custom multiple-choice quizzes, typically with an account. Feature depth (question types, media support, reporting) varies by plan on each platform — see quizizz.com and kahoot.com for current specifics. LexFizz does not offer a quiz-creation tool; it provides ready-made Quiz, Gameshow Quiz, and True or False exercises instead.
Are Quizizz and Kahoot free?
Both offer free tiers with paid upgrades for additional features — see quizizz.com and kahoot.com for current pricing and limits. LexFizz is completely free with no restrictions, no subscription, and no ads on any of its exercises.
Can I use Quizizz and Kahoot together?
Yes. Some teachers use Kahoot for a high-energy synchronised warm-up and Quizizz for a follow-up self-paced review or homework set. LexFizz works well alongside either as a free, no-account, no-code supplement for everyday practice.
Which is better for young learners — Quizizz or Kahoot?
Both are widely used with younger learners and are generally designed with an accessible, game-like interface. Kahoot's fast-paced synchronised format is often highlighted for its energy with primary and lower-secondary age groups. Quizizz's flexibility for at-your-own-pace play can suit mixed-level classes. LexFizz's Quiz, Gameshow Quiz, and True or False are similarly accessible for young learners at no cost.
Does LexFizz offer an equivalent to Quizizz or Kahoot?
LexFizz covers the core question-based formats used by both platforms: Quiz and Gameshow Quiz (similar in spirit to a Quizizz or Kahoot round) and True or False for quick checks. All exercises are free and require no account or game code, which is the key difference from both platforms' typical setup.
Which ESL quiz platform should I start with?
Start with LexFizz for instant, no-account, no-code quiz-style practice. Once you have identified a specific need — a live synchronised class competition, or a self-paced quiz with detailed per-student reporting — consider adding Kahoot or Quizizz and comparing their current free-tier features directly on their sites.