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Best Math Apps for 2nd Grade (2026)

Expert-ranked math apps to help your 2nd grader build number sense, master addition and subtraction, and love math.

STSpellingJoy Team
Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Child practicing math with colorful blocks and a tablet

Our top picks

1

SplashLearn

Best overall

SplashLearn offers game-based math and ELA practice for Pre-K through 5th grade. Known for engaging gameplay that keeps kids motivated.

Best for:Game-based math and ELA for Pre-K to 5th gradePrice:$80/yrGrades:Pre-K-5Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Strong math AND reading content
  • Game-based learning kids love
  • Personalized learning paths

Cons

  • Premium features require subscription
  • Reading is newer than math content
  • Can be addictive for some kids
2

Prodigy

Most engaging

Prodigy uses game-based learning to teach math, with a newer English/ELA component.

Best for:RPG-style math practice that keeps kids motivatedPrice:$59-180/yrGrades:Grades 1-8Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Engaging game format
  • Free basic version
  • Curriculum aligned

Cons

  • In-game purchase prompts
  • Premium expensive
  • Primarily math-focused
3

DreamBox

Best adaptive

DreamBox is an adaptive K–8 math program that provides rigorous and personalized instruction using interactive visuals and intelligent scaffolding. Widely used in schools and homes.

Best for:Personalized math instruction with visual interactivityPrice:$12.95/moGrades:K-8Platforms:Web, iOS

Pros

  • Personalized learning adapts in real time
  • Strong visual and conceptual explanations
  • Aligned with Common Core and state standards

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Can be overwhelming for some younger students
4

IXL

Most comprehensive

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

Best for:Standards-aligned practice across all subjectsPrice:$79-159/yrGrades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

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

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Spelling is small part of ELA
5

Khan Academy Kids

Best free

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

Best for:Completely free early learning with no adsPrice:FreeGrades:Ages 2-8Platforms:iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • No ads

Cons

  • Only goes to age 8
  • Not specialized for spelling
  • No web version
6

Zearn

Best curriculum

Zearn is a standards-aligned digital math platform offering comprehensive instruction, practice, and remediation. Free for families, premium for schools.

Best for:Full math curriculum used in thousands of U.S. schoolsPrice:Free (core)Grades:K-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Full curriculum for grades K–8
  • Free access for individuals
  • Embedded instruction and practice

Cons

  • Requires stable internet
  • Interface can feel clinical
7

ABCmouse

Best all-in-one

ABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.

Best for:Full early learning curriculum including math foundationsPrice:$45-59/yrGrades:Ages 2-8Platforms:All platforms

Pros

  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Engaging content
  • Progress tracking

Cons

  • Requires subscription
  • Only to age 8

Frequently asked questions

What math skills should a 2nd grader be learning?

Second graders typically work on addition and subtraction within 100, place value, measurement, telling time, counting money, and beginning multiplication concepts. The best math apps for 2nd grade cover these Common Core-aligned skills through interactive practice.

Are free math apps good enough for 2nd graders?

Yes. Khan Academy Kids and Zearn both offer high-quality, curriculum-aligned math content completely free. Khan Academy Kids is best for ages 2-8, while Zearn provides full K-8 math lessons used in thousands of schools. Paid apps like SplashLearn and DreamBox offer more gamification and adaptive features.

How much screen time should a 2nd grader spend on math apps?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent limits on screen time for children. For educational apps, 15-20 minutes per session is ideal for 2nd graders. Short, focused sessions are more effective than long stretches. Most apps on this list have built-in session timers or parental controls.

Which math app is best for a struggling 2nd grader?

DreamBox is the best choice for struggling 2nd graders because its adaptive technology adjusts in real time to meet each child where they are. It provides visual scaffolding and adjusts difficulty automatically. Zearn also offers strong remediation support with embedded instruction before practice.

Our Verdict

SplashLearn is our top pick for 2nd grade math thanks to its game-based approach, personalized learning paths, and strong curriculum alignment. Kids stay engaged while building real math skills.

For families on a budget, Khan Academy Kids and Zearn deliver excellent math instruction completely free. Zearn is especially strong for 2nd grade with its full curriculum aligned to Common Core standards.

If your child is struggling, DreamBox provides the best adaptive experience, adjusting in real time to meet learners exactly where they are.

Looking to strengthen spelling alongside math? SpellingJoy offers 100% free spelling practice for K-6 students with unlimited games, tests, and 134+ word lists - the perfect complement to any math app on this list.

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.