Best Free Spelling Apps for Kids in 2025

Completely free spelling apps with no subscriptions or hidden costs. Quality practice without breaking the bank.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Child learning spelling on tablet

You don't need to pay $100+ per year for quality spelling practice. Several excellent spelling apps are completely free, with no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, and no hidden costs.

We've tested the best free options to help you find effective spelling practice without spending a dime.

Our Top Picks:

1

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.

Read Khan Academy Kids Review
Best for - Free comprehensive early learning
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
2

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. It offers word lists aligned with US curriculum standards, including Dolch and Fry sight words.

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Best for - Free unlimited spelling practice
Price - Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • Completely free - no hidden costs
  • K-6 curriculum coverage
  • 134+ pre-made spelling lists

Cons

  • Web-only (no native mobile apps)
  • Classroom features coming soon
3

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics for early readers.

Read Teach Your Monster to Read Review
Best for - Free engaging phonics (web version)
Price - Free (web)
Grades - Ages 3-6
Platforms - Web free, Apps $8.99

Pros

  • Free on web
  • Systematic phonics approach
  • Engaging game format

Cons

  • Limited age range
  • Apps cost money
4

Starfall

Starfall teaches reading through systematic phonics with engaging activities for Pre-K through 5th grade.

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Best for - Free basic reading/phonics
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
5

VocabularySpellingCity

VocabularySpellingCity offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers.

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Best for - Limited free access to premium features
Price - $117-125/yr
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • 35+ learning games
  • Strong classroom integration
  • Teacher dashboard

Cons

  • Price increased significantly (was $35/yr)
  • Requires annual subscription
6

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards.

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Best for - Free trial of full features
Price - $38/yr
Grades - Ages 5-11
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Strong gamification features
  • Competitive leagues
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • UK curriculum focus
  • Less suitable for US standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Khan Academy Kids and SpellingJoy are completely free with no subscriptions. Teach Your Monster to Read is free on web. Many others offer limited free tiers or trials.

Our Verdict

Khan Academy Kids is the most comprehensive free educational app, though it's not spelling-focused.

For dedicated spelling practice, SpellingJoy is 100% free with unlimited word lists, pronunciation audio, and progress tracking.

Try SpellingJoy Free

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.