SpellingJoy
For Teachers

Best Apps for ESL / ELL Students (2026)

Free and effective tools to help English language learners build spelling, reading, and vocabulary skills.

SJ
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Student learning English with educational app

Our Top Picks:

1

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a 100% free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. Unlimited spelling games, unlimited tests, 134+ word lists, custom list creation, and progress tracking - all completely free with no subscriptions and no hidden costs.

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Best for - Free spelling practice with visual word lists and placement tests
Price - 100% Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ 100% free - unlimited games, tests, and lists
  • ✓ No subscription or hidden costs ever
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum with 134+ word lists

Cons

  • ✗ Web-only (no native mobile apps yet)
  • ✗ Classroom features coming soon
2

Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC teaches phonics and early reading skills through interactive lessons for children ages 3-8.

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Best for - Free phonics and letter recognition for early English learners
Price - Free
Grades - Ages 3-8
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free
  • ✓ No ads
  • ✓ Well-designed interface

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range
  • ✗ Not spelling-specific
  • ✗ No web version
3

Reading Eggs

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

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Best for - Structured reading program with spelling component for ages 2-13
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
4

Khan Academy Kids

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

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Best for - Free early learning covering reading, math, and vocabulary
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
5

Starfall

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

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Best for - Systematic phonics approach ideal for building English foundations
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
6

HOMER

HOMER creates personalized reading journeys for children ages 2-8 based on their interests and skill level.

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Best for - Adaptive reading lessons personalized to each learner's level
Price - $80/yr
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Personalized learning path
  • ✓ Comprehensive reading program
  • ✓ Good for early readers

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Limited age range
7

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics. Free on web, $4.99 mobile app. Covers first 2 years of learning to read.

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Best for - Free game-based phonics that builds decoding skills
Price - Free (web) / $4.99 (app)
Grades - Pre-K-1 (Ages 3-6)
Platforms - Web (free), iOS ($4.99), Android ($4.99), Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free on desktop
  • ✓ BAFTA award-winning
  • ✓ Systematic synthetic phonics

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range (3-6)
  • ✗ British accent audio
  • ✗ Mobile apps not free

Frequently Asked Questions

The best apps for ELL students combine phonics, vocabulary, and spelling practice. SpellingJoy offers free spelling practice with 134+ word lists, Duolingo ABC provides free phonics lessons, and Khan Academy Kids covers broad early learning skills - all at no cost.

Our Verdict

SpellingJoy is the best free option for ELL students who need structured spelling practice — with 134+ word lists, placement tests, and unlimited games at no cost.

For phonics foundations, Duolingo ABC and Khan Academy Kids are both completely free and excellent for early English learners.

Ready to get started? Try SpellingJoy free — no account required, no limits, no hidden costs.

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ST

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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