10 Best Math Apps for Kids in 2025

From game-based practice to adaptive instruction, find the perfect math app for your child with our expert reviews and comparisons.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Child learning math on tablet

Math apps have revolutionized how kids learn and practice math. From engaging games that make practice feel like play to adaptive programs that personalize instruction, today's math apps can build confidence and skills effectively.

Whether you want free options like Prodigy and Khan Academy Kids, rigorous adaptive programs like DreamBox, or curriculum-aligned platforms like Zearn, our reviews cover everything: pricing, age ranges, teaching approach, and real effectiveness.

Our Top Picks:

1

Prodigy

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

Visit Prodigy
Visit Site
Best for - Engaging RPG-style math practice for grades 1-8
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
2

DreamBox

DreamBox is an adaptive K–8 math program that provides rigorous and personalized instruction using interactive visuals and intelligent scaffolding. Widely used in schools and homes.

Visit DreamBox
Visit Site
Best for - Personalized K-8 math with visual learning
Price - $12.95/mo
Grades - K-8
Platforms - Web, iOS

Pros

  • Personalized learning adapts in real time
  • Strong visual and conceptual explanations
  • Aligned with Common Core and state standards

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Can be overwhelming for some younger students
3

Khan Academy Kids

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

Visit Khan Academy Kids
Visit Site
Best for - Completely free early math for ages 2-8
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
4

Zearn

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

Visit Zearn
Visit Site
Best for - Free standards-aligned K-8 math lessons
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
5

IXL

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

Visit IXL
Visit Site
Best for - Thorough Pre-K through 12 skill practice
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
6

Mathletics

Mathletics is an online platform offering curriculum-aligned math practice and live competitive games. Widely used in schools around the world.

Visit Mathletics
Visit Site
Best for - Live math competitions with global rankings
Price - $99/yr
Grades - K-12
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Live competitions and global rankings
  • Curriculum-aligned content
  • Detailed reporting for educators

Cons

  • Pricey for families
  • Can feel repetitive
7

DragonBox

DragonBox offers a suite of playful, conceptual math games for kids ages 4–14. Apps teach algebra, numbers, geometry through intuitive gameplay.

Visit DragonBox
Visit Site
Best for - Game-based algebra & number sense
Price - $7.99-$24.99 (one-time)
Grades - K-9
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • Highly engaging game-based learning
  • Focuses on number sense and algebra
  • Strong conceptual teaching

Cons

  • Limited content per app
  • No progress tracking
8

Mathseeds

Mathseeds teaches foundational math skills through animated lessons, games, and quizzes for early learners. Part of the Reading Eggs ecosystem.

Visit Mathseeds
Visit Site
Best for - Gamified K-3 math with rewards
Price - $89/yr (with Reading Eggs)
Grades - K-3
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Fun, colorful interface
  • Aligned with Common Core
  • Rewards-based progression

Cons

  • Requires full subscription
  • Not ideal beyond grade 3
9

Photomath

Photomath lets students scan handwritten or printed math problems and get instant solutions with step-by-step breakdowns. Ideal for homework help.

Visit Photomath
Visit Site
Best for - Camera-based problem solving for older kids
Price - Free / $9.99/mo Plus
Grades - 6-College
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • Instantly solves problems with camera
  • Offers step-by-step explanations
  • Covers algebra to calculus

Cons

  • Encourages over-reliance on answer tools
  • Limited conceptual teaching
10

Elephant Learning

Elephant Learning is a data-driven math platform that builds conceptual understanding quickly through tailored exercises. Popular among homeschoolers.

Visit Elephant Learning
Visit Site
Best for - Data-driven math acceleration PreK-8
Price - $35/mo
Grades - PreK-8
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • Claims "1 year of math in 3 months"
  • Detailed reporting and analytics
  • Custom learning paths

Cons

  • No free tier
  • Interface lacks modern polish
  • Premium pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Prodigy is the most popular with its engaging RPG-style gameplay that makes math practice fun. It's free to play (premium features cost $59-180/year). For adaptive instruction, DreamBox is highly regarded. Khan Academy Kids is the best completely free option for ages 2-8.

Our Verdict

For engaging game-based practice: Prodigy wins—it's free to play with 50,000+ math questions wrapped in an RPG adventure kids love.

For adaptive instruction: DreamBox offers the deepest personalized learning with visual explanations, though at $12.95/month it's an investment.

For free options: Khan Academy Kids (ages 2-8) and Zearn (K-8) are both excellent and completely free.

For homework help: Photomath solves problems via camera with step-by-step explanations—great for algebra through calculus.

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.