Best for - Free reading, phonics, and comprehension practice
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
Raz-Kids
Raz-Kids (by Learning A-Z) provides a leveled reading library with 800+ eBooks across 29 levels, audio support, and comprehension quizzes. $132/year for up to 36 students.
Best for - 800+ leveled eBooks with comprehension quizzes
Price - $132/yr (classroom)
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android
Pros
✓ 800+ leveled eBooks (29 levels)
✓ Listen-Read-Record feature
✓ Comprehension quizzes for every book
Cons
✗ Primarily for schools/classrooms
✗ Price increased from $115 to $132
✗ Requires Learning A-Z subscription
6
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.
Best for - Affordable phonics and early reading practice
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
8
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.
Best for - Free spelling practice to reinforce reading skills
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Khan Academy Kids is the best completely free reading app for 1st graders. It covers phonics, sight words, and comprehension with no ads or subscriptions. Teach Your Monster to Read is also free on web and offers systematic phonics games.
Our Verdict
Reading Eggs is the best overall reading app for 1st graders, with a structured curriculum that builds phonics, fluency, and comprehension through engaging lessons and games.
For a personalized approach, HOMER adapts to your child's interests and reading level, creating a unique learning path that keeps them motivated.
Khan Academy Kids is the best free option with quality phonics and reading content and no hidden costs.
Pair any reading app with SpellingJoy for free spelling practice that reinforces the vocabulary your child is learning to read.
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.