NewHomeschool ELA courses for K-5 — a voiced daily English lesson
SpellingJoy
For Teachers

Best Typing Apps for 5th Grade (2026)

Build keyboard fluency and digital literacy with the best typing apps for 5th graders.

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Student typing on a keyboard in a classroom

Our top picks

Our pick
1

SpellingJoy

Best free

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 + QWERTY keyboard practicePrice: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
2

IXL

Best comprehensive

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

Best for:Adaptive ELA and typing 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
3

Prodigy

Best game-based

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

Best for:Engaging game format with typing interactionPrice:$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
4

Kahoot!

Best for classrooms

Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform where teachers create live quizzes that students answer on their devices. Over 9 billion cumulative participants. Free basic plan, paid plans from $48/year.

Best for:Live quiz typing challenges in classPrice:Free / $48-72/yr (teacher)Grades:K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Free basic plan for teachers
  • Live multiplayer quizzes students love
  • Huge library of user-created kahoots

Cons

  • Free plan limited to 10 players
  • Premium features require paid plans
  • Can be more game than learning
5

ABCya

Best game variety

ABCya offers educational games for Pre-K through 6th grade across all subjects. Free with ads, or pay for ad-free premium access.

Best for:Typing games within a large educational libraryPrice:$70/yr (ad-free)Grades:Pre-K-6Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Large game library
  • Free tier with ads
  • Covers all subjects

Cons

  • Free version has ads
  • Games vary in educational value
  • Not a structured curriculum
6

Scratch

Best for coding + typing

Scratch is MIT's free visual programming language where kids drag and drop code blocks to create animations, games, and stories. The most popular coding platform for kids worldwide.

Best for:Building typing fluency through block and text codingPrice:FreeGrades:2-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Completely free forever
  • From MIT - trusted institution
  • Huge community of projects to explore

Cons

  • Limited progression to text-based coding
  • Web-only (no mobile app)
  • Can be overwhelming at first

Frequently asked questions

What typing speed should a 5th grader have?

Most 5th graders should aim for 20-30 words per minute with reasonable accuracy. By the end of 5th grade, students who practice regularly can reach 30-40 WPM, which sets them up well for middle school assignments.

Are free typing apps good enough for 5th graders?

Yes. SpellingJoy and Scratch are both completely free and provide meaningful keyboard practice. SpellingJoy combines spelling with QWERTY keyboard input, so students build two skills at once without any subscription cost.

How often should a 5th grader practice typing?

Aim for 15-20 minutes of typing practice 3-4 times per week. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Many teachers build typing into daily warm-up routines or homework assignments.

Can typing apps help with spelling too?

Absolutely. Apps like SpellingJoy use a QWERTY keyboard input mode where students type spelling words letter by letter, reinforcing both correct spelling and proper finger placement simultaneously.

Our Verdict

SpellingJoy is the best free option for 5th graders who need typing practice combined with spelling reinforcement. Its QWERTY keyboard mode turns every spelling assignment into a typing lesson.

For a comprehensive all-subjects platform, IXL provides adaptive practice that grows with your student. And if your child loves games, Scratch builds real typing fluency through creative coding projects.

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.

Related articles

Typing.com Alternatives

Top alternatives to Typing.com

Spelling Apps for 5th Grade

Best spelling apps for 5th graders

Coding Apps for Kids

Learn to code through play