CSW vs. Study Together: Which Free Study Tool Should You Use in 2025?
If you’ve spent any time looking for virtual study tools, you’ve probably come across CSW and Study Together. The best part? Both are completely free platforms that help students stay focused and connect with others while studying. While they share the same price tag (exactly $0), they take quite different approaches to getting the job done. When it comes down to it, CSW is an all-in-one study platform, while Study Together keeps things simple with its Discord-based approach.
I’ve spent time testing both free platforms extensively, so let’s dive into how they stack up against each other.
CSW vs. Study Together at a glance
While both free platforms aim to help you study better, CSW and Study Together are built for distinctly different types of students.
CSW is better for students who want a feature-rich, dedicated study app with built-in video collaboration and customizable tools, all without spending a dime.
Study Together is best for Discord users who prefer a straightforward, community-based approach to studying without additional software or cost.
| Feature | CSW (Free) | Study Together (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Full-featured dedicated app | ⭐⭐⭐ Discord-based platform |
| Study Environment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Video rooms, customizable timer | ⭐⭐⭐ Voice channels only |
| Task Management | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Built-in notes and task tracking | ⭐⭐⭐ Basic task lists |
| Media Integration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ YouTube and music player included | ⭐⭐ Limited to Discord features |
| Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly customizable experience | ⭐⭐ Minimal customization options |
| Cost | Free | Free |
The free platforms take very different approaches to virtual studying
CSW’s primary interface is a dedicated free application that brings everything under one roof. Within the app, you can customize your study environment, connect with other students via video, and manage your tasks and notes all in one place. The platform really shines with its pomodoro timer customization – you can adjust everything from work intervals to break notifications to match your study style, without paying a cent.
Study Together takes a more minimalist approach, leveraging Discord’s familiar interface for its study sessions. While this means you won’t need to learn a new platform if you’re already a Discord user, it also means you’re limited to what Discord can do. There’s no video study sessions or custom timers here – just straightforward voice channels for focused study time. But for many students, that’s exactly what they need, especially given that it’s free.
Feature comparison dives deeper into the differences
Study Environment
CSW’s free video-enabled study rooms feel like having your own virtual library group study room. You can see your study partners’ faces, share screens when needed, and even create themed study spaces. The built-in YouTube and music player means you can keep your study playlist going without switching tabs – a remarkable feature set for a free platform.
Study Together’s Discord channels are more like dropping into a coffee shop where everyone’s studying quietly. While you can’t see other students, the voice channels provide that ambient “studying together” feeling that many find motivating, all through Discord’s free platform.
Task and Note Management
CSW comes equipped with integrated task lists and note-taking features that sync across your study sessions. Having everything in one place means you’re not constantly jumping between apps to check your to-do list or jot down important points. The fact that these features are included in the free version is particularly impressive.
Study Together keeps things simple with basic task management through Discord. While you can track your basic to-dos, you’ll likely want a separate note-taking app for more detailed study materials.
The verdict? It depends on your study style
CSW is the clear winner if you:
- Value seeing your study partners face-to-face
- Want to customize your study environment
- Need integrated task and note management
- Prefer having all your study tools in one place
- Like background music while you study
Study Together makes more sense if you:
- Already use Discord regularly
- Prefer voice-only study sessions
- Want a simple, no-frills approach
- Like being part of a larger study community
- Don’t need extensive customization options
What’s particularly impressive is that both platforms offer their full feature sets completely free. There’s no premium tier to unlock additional features – what you see is what you get, and what you get is pretty substantial in both cases.
Still undecided? Think about how you actually study best. Do you thrive with lots of features and customization options, or do they just distract you from getting work done? Are you looking for a complete study ecosystem, or do you just need a quiet place to focus with occasional community interaction?
The beauty of both platforms is that they serve different needs equally well – and neither will cost you anything to try out. Since they’re both free, you could even test them both to see which better suits your study style.
Remember, the best study platform is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Both of these are solid choices – it just comes down to your personal study habits and preferences.
This comparison was last updated in December 2024. While both platforms are currently free, features and pricing may have changed since then.
