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Best Spelling Bee Prep Apps in 2025

Prepare for spelling competitions with apps featuring official word lists and timed practice.

SpellingJoy TeamSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Student preparing for competition

Our Top Picks:

1

VocabularySpellingCity

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

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Best for - Official competition word lists
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.

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Best for - Leagues simulate bee pressure
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

Word Wizard

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

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Best for - Word roots and origins
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
4

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.

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Best for - Practice bee words free
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
5

Simplex Spelling

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

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Best for - Phonics pattern mastery
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

Frequently Asked Questions

VocabularySpellingCity has official Scripps word lists. SpellingJoy is free and lets you create custom bee word lists.

Our Verdict

VocabularySpellingCity has official Scripps word lists ($117-125/yr).

SpellingJoy is free - create custom lists with your bee words.

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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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