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Best Reading Apps for 4th Grade (2026)

Expert-ranked reading apps for 4th graders that build comprehension, vocabulary, and a love of reading.

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Stack of books for young readers

Our top picks

1

Epic!

Best overall

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

Best for:40,000+ books including chapter books, graphic novels, and audiobooks for independent readersPrice:$84.99/yrGrades: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

Newsela

Best for nonfiction

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

Best for:Real news articles adapted to 5 reading levels with built-in comprehension quizzesPrice:School pricingGrades:Grades 2-12Platforms: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
3

IXL

Best adaptive practice

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

Best for:Adaptive ELA practice covering vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension for all gradesPrice:$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
4

Raz-Kids

Best leveled reading

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 across 29 levels with listen-read-record and comprehension quizzesPrice:$132/yr (classroom)Grades:K-5Platforms: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
5

BrainPOP

Best for engagement

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

Best for:Animated videos across all subjects that build vocabulary and background knowledgePrice:$119-159/yrGrades:K-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Engaging animated videos
  • Covers all subjects
  • Quiz assessments

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not spelling-specific
6

Lexia Core5 Reading

Best for struggling readers

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.

Best for:Research-backed adaptive reading intervention used by 1 in 4 US schoolsPrice:School pricingGrades:Pre-K-5Platforms: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
Our pick
7

SpellingJoy

Best free spelling companion

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:100% free spelling practice with 134+ word lists to strengthen reading through spellingPrice:100% FreeGrades:K-6Platforms: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

What is the best reading app for 4th grade?

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 4th graders. With 40,000+ books including chapter books, graphic novels, and audiobooks, it gives independent readers a massive library to explore. It also offers reading quizzes and is free for teachers during school hours.

What is the best reading app for nonfiction?

Newsela is the best nonfiction reading app for 4th graders. It adapts real news articles to 5 different reading levels so every student can engage with current events. Built-in comprehension quizzes reinforce understanding, and content is refreshed daily.

What is the best free reading app for 4th grade?

SpellingJoy is 100% free with no subscriptions or hidden costs, offering spelling practice that directly supports reading development. For a free book library, Epic! offers a limited free tier (1 book/day), and Raz-Kids is free through many schools.

How do reading apps help 4th graders improve comprehension?

Reading apps build comprehension through leveled content, built-in quizzes, and vocabulary exposure. Apps like Newsela and Raz-Kids include comprehension checks after every reading. IXL provides adaptive ELA practice that targets specific skills. Regular reading on Epic! builds fluency and background knowledge naturally.

Our Verdict

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 4th graders with its massive library of 40,000+ books including chapter books and graphic novels that keep independent readers engaged.

For nonfiction and current events, Newsela is unmatched with real articles adapted to every reading level.

If your child is struggling, Lexia Core5 provides research-backed intervention that schools trust.

Pair any reading app with SpellingJoy for free spelling practice that reinforces the vocabulary your child encounters while reading.

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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