SpellingJoy
For Teachers

Best IXL Alternatives in 2026

Free and affordable alternatives to IXL's $79-159/year subscription.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Student learning

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.

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Best for - Free math, reading, and more
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

Prodigy

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

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Best for - Free math practice game
Price - $59-180/yr
Grades - Grades 1-8
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Engaging game format
  • ✓ Free basic version
  • ✓ Curriculum aligned

Cons

  • ✗ In-game purchase prompts
  • ✗ Premium expensive
  • ✗ Primarily math-focused
3

Vocabulary A-Z

Vocabulary A-Z (formerly VocabularySpellingCity) offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers. $108/year covers up to 36 students.

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Best for - Comprehensive spelling focus
Price - $108/yr (classroom)
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

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

Cons

  • ✗ Rebranded from VocabularySpellingCity
  • ✗ Requires annual subscription
  • ✗ Classroom-focused pricing
4

Education.com

Education.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.

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Best for - Digital + printable
Price - $120/yr
Grades - Pre-K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Huge worksheet library
  • ✓ Printable resources
  • ✓ Good for homeschool

Cons

  • ✗ Web only
  • ✗ Expensive
5

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards. Home subscription $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr for up to 5 students.

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Best for - Gamified spelling
Price - $29.99/yr (home)
Grades - Ages 5-11
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Strong gamification features
  • ✓ Competitive leagues
  • ✓ Cross-platform

Cons

  • ✗ UK curriculum focus
  • ✗ British accent audio
  • ✗ Original app phased out for subscription model
6

Zearn

Zearn is a standards-aligned digital math platform offering comprehensive instruction, practice, and remediation. Free for families, premium for schools.

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Best for - Free K-8 math curriculum
Price - Free (core)
Grades - K-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Full curriculum for grades K–8
  • ✓ Free access for individuals
  • ✓ Embedded instruction and practice

Cons

  • ✗ Requires stable internet
  • ✗ Interface can feel clinical

Frequently Asked Questions

Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids offer free comprehensive education. For math specifically, Zearn provides a full free K-8 curriculum.

Our Verdict

Khan Academy is the best free all-subject alternative.

For math, Zearn offers a full free K-8 curriculum with digital lessons.

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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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