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Best Reading Eggs Alternatives in 2025

Free and cheaper learn-to-read apps to replace Reading Eggs.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Child learning to read

Reading Eggs is a popular learn-to-read program—but at $70-100/year, it's a significant investment. Whether you want a free alternative or just a different approach, there are excellent options.

The best news? Khan Academy Kids is 100% free and teaches the same foundational reading skills. We've tested all the top Reading Eggs alternatives to help you find the right fit.

💰 Save $100/year

Khan Academy Kids offers the same quality learn-to-read content as Reading Eggs—completely free, with no ads. Backed by Khan Academy's nonprofit mission.

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 - 100% free learn-to-read 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
2

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 - Free web phonics + affordable apps
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
3

HOMER

HOMER creates personalized reading journeys for children ages 2-8 based on their interests and skill level.

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Best for - Adaptive learning path for ages 2-8
Price - $80/yr
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Personalized learning path
  • ✓ Comprehensive reading program
  • ✓ Good for early readers

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Limited age range
4

Starfall

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

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Best for - Free phonics foundation
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

ABCmouse

ABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.

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Best for - Full early learning curriculum
Price - $45-59/yr
Grades - Ages 2-8
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Comprehensive curriculum
  • ✓ Engaging content
  • ✓ Progress tracking

Cons

  • ✗ Requires subscription
  • ✗ Only to age 8
6

Epic!

Epic! provides access to a library of 40,000+ children's books, audiobooks, and educational videos. $84.99/year or $13.99/month.

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Best for - 40,000+ books to practice reading
Price - $84.99/yr
Grades - Pre-K-6 (Ages 2-12)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Web, Apple TV

Pros

  • ✓ 40,000+ books from quality publishers
  • ✓ Read-To-Me and audiobooks
  • ✓ Offline reading available

Cons

  • ✗ Free tier very limited (1 book/day)
  • ✗ Price increased recently
  • ✗ Not spelling-focused
7

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 - 100% free spelling practice 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

Reading Eggs costs $70-100/year, which adds up. Some families want free options, different teaching approaches, or alternatives that work better for their child's learning style. Khan Academy Kids offers similar quality for free.

Our Verdict

Best free alternative: Khan Academy Kids is 100% free with phonics, reading, and more for ages 2-8.

Best phonics game: Teach Your Monster to Read is free on web and kids love the adventure format.

Best if willing to pay: HOMER offers personalized learning paths at $80/year (cheaper than Reading Eggs).

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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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