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Top 10 Best Spelling Apps for Kids in 2025

Find the perfect spelling app for your child with our comprehensive reviews and comparisons.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Child using spelling app on tablet

Choosing the right spelling app can make a huge difference in your child's literacy development. With dozens of options available, we've tested and compared the top spelling apps to help you find the perfect fit for your child's needs and your budget.

Whether you're looking for a free option or a comprehensive classroom solution, our expert reviews cover pricing, features, and real-world effectiveness.

Our Best Spelling Apps in 2025:

1

VocabularySpellingCity

VocabularySpellingCity offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers.

Read VocabularySpellingCity Review
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Best for - Comprehensive classroom features
Price - $117-125/yr
Grades - K-5
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ 35+ learning games
  • ✓ Strong classroom integration
  • ✓ Teacher dashboard

Cons

  • ✗ Price increased significantly (was $35/yr)
  • ✗ Requires annual subscription
2

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards.

Read Spelling Shed Review
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Best for - Fun competitive spelling practice
Price - $38/yr
Grades - Ages 5-11
Platforms - Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ Strong gamification features
  • ✓ Competitive leagues
  • ✓ Affordable pricing

Cons

  • ✗ UK curriculum focus
  • ✗ Less suitable for US standards
3

SpellingJoy

SpellingJoy is a free spelling practice platform for K-6 students. It offers word lists aligned with US curriculum standards, including Dolch and Fry sight words.

Read SpellingJoy Review
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Best for - Free unlimited spelling practice
Price - Free
Grades - K-6
Platforms - Web

Pros

  • ✓ Completely free - no hidden costs
  • ✓ K-6 curriculum coverage
  • ✓ 134+ pre-made spelling lists

Cons

  • ✗ Web-only (no native mobile apps)
  • ✗ Classroom features coming soon
4

IXL

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

Read IXL Review
Best for - Comprehensive K-12 learning
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
5

Reading Eggs

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

Read Reading Eggs Review
Best for - Ages 2-13 reading & spelling
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
6

ABCmouse

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

Read ABCmouse Review
Best for - Early learning (ages 2-8)
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
7

Simplex Spelling

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

Read Simplex Spelling Review
Best for - Research-backed phonics 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
8

Khan Academy Kids

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

Read Khan Academy Kids Review
Best for - Free educational content
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
9

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read uses a game-based approach to teach systematic phonics for early readers.

Read Teach Your Monster to Read Review
Best for - Engaging phonics for ages 3-6
Price - Free (web)
Grades - Ages 3-6
Platforms - Web free, Apps $8.99

Pros

  • ✓ Free on web
  • ✓ Systematic phonics approach
  • ✓ Engaging game format

Cons

  • ✗ Limited age range
  • ✗ Apps cost money
10

Word Wizard

Word Wizard features a talking movable alphabet that helps young children learn phonics and spelling through interactive play.

Read Word Wizard Review
Best for - Tactile letter manipulation
Price - $6-10 once
Grades - Ages 4-10
Platforms - iOS, Android

Pros

  • ✓ One-time purchase
  • ✓ Talking movable alphabet
  • ✓ Good for younger learners

Cons

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

Frequently Asked Questions

VocabularySpellingCity is the most comprehensive with 35+ activities, but it costs $117-125/year. For a free option, SpellingJoy offers unlimited spelling practice with no subscription.

Our Verdict

VocabularySpellingCity is the most comprehensive option with 35+ activities, but at $117-125/year, it's a significant investment.

For a completely free alternative, SpellingJoy offers unlimited spelling practice with no subscription required.

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.

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