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Best Reading Apps for 5th Grade (2026)

Expert-ranked reading apps for comprehension, vocabulary, and independent reading — perfect for ages 10-11.

SJ
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Student reading a 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 read-to-me audio, offline reading, and up to 4 kid profiles
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

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 at 5 adjustable reading levels with built-in comprehension 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
3

IXL

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

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Best for - Adaptive ELA and reading comprehension drills across all subjects Pre-K through 12
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

BrainPOP

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

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Best for - Animated educational videos covering reading, vocabulary, and all subjects for K-8
Price - $119-159/yr
Grades - K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

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

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Not spelling-specific
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.

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Best for - 800+ leveled eBooks across 29 reading levels 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

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 adaptive reading intervention used in 1 in 4 US schools
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 - 100% free spelling and vocabulary practice with 134+ word lists for K-6
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

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 5th graders. With 40,000+ books from quality publishers, audiobooks, offline reading, and up to 4 kid profiles, it gives 10-11 year olds a massive library at their fingertips. For nonfiction and current events, Newsela is an excellent choice with articles adapted to 5 reading levels.

Our Verdict

Epic! is the best overall reading app for 5th graders with its massive library of 40,000+ books, audiobooks, and offline reading. For building real-world reading skills, Newsela is unbeatable with current events adapted to your child's level.

If your 5th grader needs vocabulary and comprehension drills, IXL offers adaptive practice across all subjects. For visual learners, BrainPOP makes complex topics click through animated videos.

For spelling and vocabulary practice that costs nothing, try SpellingJoy free — 134+ word lists, unlimited games, and progress tracking with no subscription required.

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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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