23/05/2026 2:25 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
0
I've been trying to wrap my head around AI lately since my boss mentioned we might start using it for data sorting at work and I'm totally new to this so I need something that starts from zero. I commute about 45 minutes each way on the train here in Chicago so it has to be a mobile app experience otherwise I just wont do it because my laptop is way too heavy to lug out on the CTA every single day.
Right now I'm torn between Brilliant and Sololearn. Brilliant seems really visual and hands-on which I usually like but I heard it gets expensive fast if you dont catch a sale. Sololearn has that AI path but I dont know if its too focused on just the coding side of things? I also looked at the Coursera app but it feels kinda clunky for quick lessons on a phone screen and I'm worried I'll get bored with long videos.
- Budget: looking to keep it under 25 or 30 dollars a month
- Time: 30-40 mins daily during my morning commute
- Goal: just understand how LLMs and neural networks actually work without drowning in heavy calculus yet
- Device: iPhone only
I'm leaning towards Brilliant because the interactive bits look cool but is it actually worth the sub price for a total beginner? Or is there some other hidden gem app I missed that's better for learning the theory on the go?
2
23/05/2026 2:25 pm
> Right now I'm torn between Brilliant and Sololearn. Honestly, I went through this exact same struggle a few years back when I was trying to figure out data science on my commute. I started with Sololearn but it felt way too much like just learning to code Python without explaining the logic behind the AI. I would suggest being careful with that one if you want actual theory. I eventually bit the bullet on Brilliant.org Premium Annual Subscription and it was a total game changer for the neural network stuff. Their modules are super visual which is great for the train. Just a warning tho... make sure to download your lessons before you get on the CTA. The signal in the tunnels is terrible and the app can get buggy if it loses connection mid-problem. It might be a bit pricey, but for a beginner, it really helps things click without the math-heavy burnout.
