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Best ABCmouse Alternatives in 2025

Free and affordable early learning alternatives to ABCmouse.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Young child learning

Our Top Picks:

1

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.

Read Khan Academy Kids Review
Best for - Free comprehensive early learning
Price - Free
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free
  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ No ads

Cons

  • ✗ Only goes to age 8
  • ✗ Not specialized for spelling
  • ✗ No web version
2

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive reading program for children ages 2-13 with lessons, games, and books.

Read Reading Eggs Review
Best for - Reading + spelling combined
Price - $70-100/yr
Grades - Ages 2-13
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Wide age range
  • ✓ Comprehensive program
  • ✓ Includes spelling component

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Can be overwhelming
3

Starfall

Starfall teaches reading through systematic phonics with engaging activities for Pre-K through 5th grade.

Read Starfall Review
Best for - Free basic content
Price - $35/yr
Grades - Pre-K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Good for early readers
  • ✓ Systematic phonics approach

Cons

  • ✗ Limited for older students
  • ✗ Dated interface
4

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics for early readers.

Read Teach Your Monster to Read Review
Best for - Free engaging phonics
Price - Free (web)
Grades - Ages 3-6
Platforms - Web free, Apps $8.99

Pros

  • ✓ Free on web
  • ✓ Systematic phonics approach
  • ✓ Engaging game format

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range
  • ✗ Apps cost money
5

IXL

IXL is a comprehensive adaptive learning platform covering all subjects from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Read IXL Review
Best for - All subjects K-12
Price - $79-159/yr
Grades - Pre-K-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • ✓ Adaptive learning
  • ✓ Detailed analytics

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Spelling is small part of ELA
6

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. It offers word lists aligned with US curriculum standards, including Dolch and Fry sight words.

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Best for - Free spelling practice
Price - Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free - no hidden costs
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum coverage
  • ✓ 134+ pre-made spelling lists

Cons

  • ✗ Web-only (no native mobile apps)
  • ✗ Classroom features coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Khan Academy Kids is completely free and covers similar early learning content including reading, math, and social-emotional skills.

Our Verdict

Khan Academy Kids is the best free ABCmouse alternative.

For spelling specifically, SpellingJoy is free for K-6.

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About the Author

SpellingJoy Team

The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.

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