Khanmigo vs jacTUTOR vs Tutor AI (2025): Which AI Tutoring App Works Best for Students?

If you’ve ever used an AI tutor, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s really teaching you or just feeding answers back at lightning speed. I’ve spent the past few months researching and testing the most popular AI tutoring apps in Australia to find out which ones genuinely improve learning.

The result? Some tools feel like having a real teacher in your pocket. Others? More like an answer machine with a nice interface. In this article, I’ll walk you through what I discovered while using three of the most talked-about AI tutors in 2025: Khanmigo, jacTUTOR, and Tutor AI, so you can decide which one fits your learning goals best.

Khanmigo: The Digital Mentor That Thinks Like a Teacher

When I first tried Khanmigo, developed by Khan Academy with support from Microsoft, I immediately noticed how different it felt. Instead of spitting out direct answers, it nudges you with questions like, “Why do you think that works?” or “Can you explain the next step?”

If you’re the kind of student who learns best by thinking through problems, Khanmigo is one of the few AI tools that truly supports that process. It’s like having a calm teacher sitting next to you, patient, curious, and never judgmental.

Why You’ll Like It

• It encourages active thinking rather than passive copying.
• You can use it for maths, science, coding, or even writing analysis.
• Teachers can integrate it into their classes for feedback and lesson planning.

What Might Frustrate You

• It’s not yet widely available in Australia for personal use.
• You often need school or institutional access to use it.
• It’s slower-paced, great for deep learning, not for last-minute cramming.

Expert View:
Dr. Lisa Greer, an education technologist from UNSW, told me something that sums up Khanmigo perfectly:

“It’s one of the few AI tutors that actually teaches. It models how to think, not what to memorise.”

If you’re after genuine understanding and your school supports it, Khanmigo is one of the most valuable AI learning tools available.

jacTUTOR: Australia’s Curriculum Champion

If you study in Australia, you’ve probably come across Jacaranda textbooks. Their new AI assistant, jacTUTOR, is embedded right inside their online resources, and it’s surprisingly effective.

Unlike global AI apps, jacTUTOR knows exactly what Year 8 Maths or Year 11 Biology in NSW looks like. When you ask a question, it doesn’t just answer; it aligns with what you’re supposed to learn that term.

Why You’ll Like It

• It’s fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
• You get real-time help that stays on-topic for your syllabus.
• It’s safe; there’s no random information from the wider web.

What Might Frustrate You

• It’s not something you can just download and use independently; schools need to subscribe.
• The tone is quite structured; it’s not conversational like ChatGPT or Gemini.
• For now, it’s mainly suited for middle and high school students.

Expert View:
According to digital learning specialist Paul Matthews,

“jacTUTOR bridges a gap that global AI tools often miss: local context. It’s designed for Australian students, not a generic international audience.”

If your school uses Jacaranda, you’re already in luck. But for independent learners, access might be tricky unless Jacaranda introduces a direct-to-student version in the future.

Tutor AI: Your 24/7 Homework Companion

Now, let’s talk about Tutor AI, the app you’ll probably find in your phone’s app store right now. Compared to the structured environments of Khanmigo and jacTUTOR, Tutor AI is refreshingly open; anyone can download it and start using it immediately.

It’s built for accessibility and speed. You snap a picture of a maths question or type in a query, and within seconds, the AI breaks down each step with explanations.

I found it particularly handy for those late-night study sessions when you’re stuck on a problem and need a quick, clear answer.

Why You’ll Like It

• Instant results and simple explanations.
• Works on any phone, no school integration needed.
• Offers both free and paid versions (starting around US$9.99/month).

What Might Frustrate You

• Its explanations can feel generic; they’re not tied to the Australian curriculum.
• It shines in maths and science but struggles with complex writing or reasoning.
• Without human oversight, it’s easy to misunderstand answers if you rely on it blindly.

Expert View:
Dr. Samantha Boyd, an AI learning researcher at Monash University, noted:

“Tutor AI works brilliantly as a quick helper, but it’s not a replacement for guided learning. Think of it as your first-aid kit, not your entire hospital.”

If you’re a self-learner or a university student, Tutor AI’s flexibility makes it worth having, just don’t expect it to understand your syllabus perfectly.

My Honest Comparison: Which AI Tutor Actually Wins?

Feature	Khanmigo	jacTUTOR	Tutor AI
Best For	Deep learning and concept building	Aligned school-based learning	Quick, flexible homework help
Ease of Access	Institutional access (limited)	Through schools only	Anyone can download
Subjects	Math, science, coding, writing	Curriculum subjects (Years 7–12)	Mostly maths, some science
Pricing	School subscription / TBD	Bundled in Jacaranda packages (~AUD $50–$125/year)	Free + Premium (US$9.99/mo)
AI Quality	Pedagogical reasoning	Curriculum precision	Speed and simplicity
Best For	Thoughtful learners	School-based users	Independent students

My Verdict

If you want to understand your subjects deeply, Khanmigo is the clear winner. It guides you to think, reason, and learn like a teacher would, just without the coffee breath.

If you’re in school and want AI that fits perfectly with your coursework, jacTUTOR is your best option. It’s local, reliable, and designed specifically for Australian education.

And if you just want fast answers to get through homework, Tutor AI is your everyday lifesaver, quick, simple, and mobile-friendly.

Each one has its place. AI isn’t about replacing teachers or tutors; it’s about giving you more control over how and when you learn.

The Future of AI Tutoring in Australia

We’re only scratching the surface. By 2026, AI tutors will likely track your progress over time, predict what you’ll struggle with, and adapt lessons automatically. Imagine a system that knows you’re about to fail a test before you even take it and helps you fix it.

But here’s the catch: AI can only teach well when it’s built responsibly. Transparency, data privacy, and curriculum accuracy will matter just as much as flashy tech. As AI grows smarter, educators must stay involved to make sure these tools serve students, not the other way around.