They both have completely different purposes, despite both being about maths.
3b1b is a channel with the goal to teach math topics in the clearest way possible.
Numberphile is about interviews with mathematicians telling stories which happen to be "in mathematics".
If you want to get a better understanding of a maths topic you're currently studying, 3b1b is the clear winner. If you want to get people to wonder about the diversity of maths topics out there, Numberphile is the better option.
Not to mention the part where it humanizes mathematicians themselves. Instead of thinking of Neil Sloane in the abstract as "the guy who started OEIS", I now have a picture of a nerdy, sweet grandpa who loves to talk about integer sequences.
This is spot on. Of all the Numberphile videos I've seen, the interviews with Conway, Graham, and Ribet stand out - as much for the non-mathematical undercurrent as the math itself. Haran built up the credibility to get access to those guys and that's no mean feat.
I've also learned a lot about specific math topics from 3b1b. It takes me a few tries to get through any video since the soundtrack causes me to doze off. Would love it if he would release versions with just his narration.
perhaps on 1 v 1 basis, but Brady's total output volume and quality across all his channels is probably unparalleled in the realm of general science outreach and education.
3b1b is a channel with the goal to teach math topics in the clearest way possible.
Numberphile is about interviews with mathematicians telling stories which happen to be "in mathematics".
If you want to get a better understanding of a maths topic you're currently studying, 3b1b is the clear winner. If you want to get people to wonder about the diversity of maths topics out there, Numberphile is the better option.
Not to mention the part where it humanizes mathematicians themselves. Instead of thinking of Neil Sloane in the abstract as "the guy who started OEIS", I now have a picture of a nerdy, sweet grandpa who loves to talk about integer sequences.