SpellingJoy

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

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 - Free spelling 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

Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids offer free comprehensive education. For spelling specifically, SpellingJoy is free.

Our Verdict

Khan Academy is the best free all-subject alternative.

For spelling, SpellingJoy is completely free.

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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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