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Phonics vs Spelling Apps: What's the Difference?

Understanding when to use phonics apps vs spelling apps—and the best options for each.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Child learning phonics and spelling

📖 Phonics Apps

Teach letter-sound relationships for reading (decoding words).

  • • "A makes the /a/ sound"
  • • Best for ages 3-7
  • • Foundation for reading

✏️ Spelling Apps

Teach how to write words correctly (encoding words).

  • • Memorizing correct letter order
  • • Best for ages 5+
  • • Foundation for writing

The simple rule: Start with phonics (reading), then add spelling (writing). Most children begin phonics apps around age 3-4, then transition to spelling apps around age 5-6 once they can sound out basic words.

Below we've ranked the best apps for both phonics and spelling to help you choose the right tools for your child's stage.

Our Top Picks:

1

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics. Free on web, $4.99 mobile app. Covers first 2 years of learning to read.

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Best for - Systematic phonics for ages 3-6 (free on web)
Price - Free (web) / $4.99 (app)
Grades - Pre-K-1 (Ages 3-6)
Platforms - Web (free), iOS ($4.99), Android ($4.99), Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free on desktop
  • ✓ BAFTA award-winning
  • ✓ Systematic synthetic phonics

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range (3-6)
  • ✗ British accent audio
  • ✗ Mobile apps not free
2

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 - Unlimited spelling practice K-6 (100% free)
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
3

Hooked on Phonics

Hooked on Phonics has been teaching children to read for 35+ years with its proven phonics methodology.

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Best for - Proven phonics program for ages 3-8
Price - $50-80/yr
Grades - Ages 3-8
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Established brand (35+ years)
  • ✓ Proven methodology
  • ✓ Good for struggling readers

Cons

  • ✗ Subscription required
  • ✗ Limited age range
4

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 - 35+ spelling games with teacher tools
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
5

Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC teaches phonics and early reading skills through interactive lessons for children ages 3-8.

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Best for - Free early phonics for ages 3-8
Price - Free
Grades - Ages 3-8
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free
  • ✓ No ads
  • ✓ Well-designed interface

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range
  • ✗ Not spelling-specific
  • ✗ No web version
6

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 - Competitive spelling leagues
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phonics teaches letter-sound relationships for reading (decoding words). Spelling teaches how to write words correctly (encoding words). They're related but different skills—phonics helps you read "cat," spelling helps you write it.

Our Verdict

For phonics (ages 3-6): Start with Teach Your Monster to Read (free on web) or Duolingo ABC (free app).

For spelling (ages 5+): Once phonics basics are in place, SpellingJoy provides unlimited free spelling practice with K-6 curriculum, 134+ word lists, and progress tracking.

Bottom line: Phonics first, then spelling. Both skills work together—strong phonics makes spelling easier, and spelling practice reinforces phonics.

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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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