SpellingJoy

Best Spelling Apps for Dyslexia in 2026

Research-backed, Orton-Gillingham based, and multisensory spelling apps for children with dyslexia.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Child learning with support

Apps are a supplement, not a replacement for professional intervention. Work with a reading specialist for comprehensive dyslexia support.

Our Top Picks:

1

Simplex Spelling

Simplex Spelling uses research-backed methods and is particularly effective for students with learning differences.

Best for - Orton-Gillingham approach
Price - $5-15/app
Grades - K-5
Platforms - iOS

Pros

  • ✓ Research-backed methodology
  • ✓ Great for special needs students
  • ✓ One-time purchase

Cons

  • ✗ iOS only
  • ✗ Multiple apps to purchase
  • ✗ No web version
2

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive reading program for children ages 2-13 with lessons, games, and books.

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Best for - Visual and auditory learning
Price - $70-100/yr
Grades - Ages 2-13
Platforms - All platforms

Pros

  • ✓ Wide age range
  • ✓ Comprehensive program
  • ✓ Includes spelling component

Cons

  • ✗ Expensive
  • ✗ Can be overwhelming
3

Word Wizard

Word Wizard features a talking movable alphabet that helps young children learn phonics and spelling. Award-winning app with 140,000+ copies sold to schools.

Best for - Moveable alphabet approach
Price - $4.99 one-time
Grades - Pre-K-5 (Ages 4-10)
Platforms - iOS, Android, Amazon

Pros

  • ✓ Talking movable alphabet
  • ✓ NYT praised as "Speak N Spell for iPad generation"
  • ✓ Parents Choice Award winner

Cons

  • ✗ Limited to younger ages
  • ✗ Less curriculum alignment
  • ✗ No web version
4

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 - Phonemic awareness building
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
5

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 - Self-paced free practice
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
6

Starfall

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

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Best for - Basic visual learning
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for: Orton-Gillingham or multisensory approach, audio support, adjustable pace, phonics-based instruction, and repetition options.

Our Verdict

Simplex Spelling is the most dyslexia-specific ($5-15 one-time).

SpellingJoy is free with adjustable, self-paced practice.

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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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