SpellingJoy

Best Spelling Apps for iPad in 2026

Top-rated spelling apps for iPad. Native iOS apps and web options compared.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Child using iPad

Our Top Picks:

1

Simplex Spelling

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

Best for - Touch-optimized, offline
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

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 - Montessori moveable letters
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
3

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 - Free, touch-optimized
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

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 - Full 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
5

ABCmouse

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

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Best for - Complete early learning
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

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 - Free in Safari browser
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

Simplex Spelling ($5-15 one-time) is the most recommended iPad-native app. Khan Academy Kids is free with excellent iPad support.

Our Verdict

Simplex Spelling is the best iPad-native spelling app ($5-15 one-time).

SpellingJoy works free in Safari on iPad.

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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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