OpenStax

Name: OpenStax
Brand: OpenStax

Free, peer‑reviewed college textbooks for every student

softwareOnline Learning educationtextbooksopen-source

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Our Verdict

Best for

College students and instructors needing free, peer-reviewed textbooks

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If you require interactive features or a matching title unavailable

What is OpenStax?

OpenStax provides high‑quality, peer‑reviewed textbooks that are free to download, print, or use online. The content covers a wide range of subjects from physics to economics, all licensed under an open‑access model. Educators can customize PDFs, add instructor notes, and integrate the materials into learning management systems, making higher education more affordable and adaptable for diverse learning environments.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

open source✅ Yes

api available❌ No

support optionsEmail, Help Center

Key Features of OpenStax

All textbooks are available for free download in PDF and HTML formats.

Content is peer‑reviewed by subject‑matter experts to ensure academic rigor.

Instructors can download editable PDFs to add notes, highlights, or problem sets.

Interactive elements such as embedded quizzes and simulations enhance online learning.

Materials are licensed under Creative Commons, allowing redistribution and adaptation.

Books are optimized for viewing on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

OpenStax integrates with major LMS platforms via simple URL linking.

Use Cases for OpenStax

Student self‑study

Download free textbooks to study offline without any cost.

Course syllabus building

Professors select and customize OpenStax books to match their curriculum.

Supplemental reading

Add open‑access chapters as extra resources for blended‑learning courses.

International education

Provide affordable textbooks to students in low‑resource regions.

Pros & Cons of OpenStax

Pros

Completely free for students and educators
High academic quality with peer review
Open licensing permits modification and redistribution
Broad subject coverage across STEM and humanities

Cons

Limited interactive features compared to commercial e‑textbooks
Not all courses have a matching OpenStax title
Customization requires PDF editing tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Are OpenStax textbooks really free?

Yes, all books can be downloaded, printed, or used online at no cost.

Can I modify the content for my class?

Yes, the Creative Commons license allows you to edit, adapt, and redistribute the material.

Do OpenStax books include supplemental resources?

Many titles include instructor manuals, test banks, and interactive simulations.

Is there an API for accessing the catalog?

OpenStax does not currently provide a public API.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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CK-12 is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to educational materials through its flexible, customizable web-based platform. It provides high-quality digital textbooks, simulations, and practice exercises primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The platform empowers teachers to tailor content to their specific curriculum needs while offering students personalized learning experiences through adaptive practice tools and interactive modules. By leveraging open-educational-resource (OER) principles, CK-12 makes comprehensive learning resources accessible to classrooms worldwide without subscription costs.

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