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Best Reading Apps for 3rd Grade (2026)

Expert-ranked reading apps to build comprehension, vocabulary, and a love of chapter books for 8-9 year olds.

SJ
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Child reading a chapter book

Our Top Picks:

1

Epic!

Epic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.

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Best for - 40,000+ books with chapter books and audiobooks for independent readers
Price - $84.99/yr
Grades - Pre-K-6 (Ages 2-12)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV

Pros

  • ✓ 40,000+ books from quality publishers
  • ✓ Read-To-Me and audiobooks
  • ✓ Offline reading available

Cons

  • ✗ Free tier very limited (1 book/day)
  • ✗ Price increased recently
  • ✗ Not spelling-focused
2

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.

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Best for - 800+ leveled eBooks with comprehension quizzes across 29 levels
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
3

IXL

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

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Best for - Personalized ELA skill-building with detailed progress analytics
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
4

Newsela

Newsela adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels, making current events accessible to students grades 2-12.

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Best for - Real news articles adapted to 5 reading levels with built-in quizzes
Price - School pricing
Grades - Grades 2-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Real news at 5 reading levels
  • ✓ Current events keep kids engaged
  • ✓ Built-in comprehension quizzes

Cons

  • ✗ Primarily for schools
  • ✗ Not for early readers
  • ✗ Subscription required
5

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 - Reading Eggspress program designed for ages 7-13 with spelling integration
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
6

Lexia Core5 Reading

Lexia Core5 is a research-backed adaptive reading program used in 1 in 4 US schools. Strong focus on Science of Reading principles and early literacy intervention.

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Best for - Research-backed Science of Reading program for struggling readers
Price - School pricing
Grades - Pre-K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Research-backed (Science of Reading)
  • ✓ Adaptive learning paths
  • ✓ Strong for struggling readers

Cons

  • ✗ Primarily sold to schools
  • ✗ Not available for individual purchase
  • ✗ Interface can feel clinical
7

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 that reinforces 3rd grade vocabulary and reading fluency
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
8

BrainPOP

BrainPOP uses animated videos to teach concepts across all subjects for K-8 students.

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Best for - Animated videos that build reading comprehension across all subjects
Price - $119-159/yr
Grades - K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Engaging animated videos
  • ✓ Covers all subjects
  • ✓ Quiz assessments

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Not spelling-specific

Frequently Asked Questions

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 3rd graders. It offers 40,000+ books including popular chapter book series, audiobooks, and Read-To-Me features. For leveled reading, Raz-Kids provides 800+ eBooks across 29 levels with comprehension quizzes after every book.

Our Verdict

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 3rd graders, offering the largest library of chapter books, audiobooks, and educational content for independent readers.

For targeted comprehension practice, Raz-Kids and Newsela provide leveled content with built-in assessments that track progress over time.

If your child needs intervention support, Lexia Core5 is research-backed and used in 1 in 4 US schools.

Pair any reading app with SpellingJoy for free spelling practice that reinforces 3rd grade vocabulary and builds reading fluency.

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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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