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Best Spelling Bee Prep Apps in 2026

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

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: January 15, 2026
Student preparing for competition

Our top picks

1

Vocabulary A-Z

Official Scripps lists

Vocabulary A-Z (formerly VocabularySpellingCity) offers vocabulary and spelling games for K-5 students with classroom management features for teachers. $108/year covers up to 36 students.

Best for:Official competition word listsPrice:$108/yr (classroom)Grades:K-5Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

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

Cons

  • Rebranded from VocabularySpellingCity
  • Requires annual subscription
  • Classroom-focused pricing
Our pick
2

SpellingJoy

Free custom lists

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.

Best for:Practice bee words freePrice:100% FreeGrades:K-6Platforms: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
3

Spelling Shed

Competition mode

Spelling Shed is a UK-based spelling app with gamification features including competitive leagues and rewards. Home subscription $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr for up to 5 students.

Best for:Leagues simulate bee pressurePrice:$29.99/yr (home)Grades:Ages 5-11Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Strong gamification features
  • Competitive leagues
  • Cross-platform

Cons

  • UK curriculum focus
  • British accent audio
  • Original app phased out for subscription model
4

Word Wizard

Etymology

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:Word roots and originsPrice:$4.99 one-timeGrades: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
5

Simplex Spelling

Patterns

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

Best for:Phonics pattern masteryPrice:$5-15/appGrades:K-5Platforms: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

Best app for spelling bee prep?

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

Are there free spelling bee apps?

SpellingJoy is free and allows custom word lists. However, official Scripps lists require VocabularySpellingCity subscription.

Our Verdict

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

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

ST

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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