SplashLearn is popular but costs $80/year with auto-renewal billing that frustrates parents. We found free and cheaper math apps that are just as engaging.
SplashLearn has earned a loyal following with its colorful math and ELA games that kids genuinely enjoy. But at $80/year with auto-renewal billing, many parents are searching for alternatives that deliver the same engagement without the subscription headaches.
The most common complaints? Parents get charged automatically without clear reminders, cancellation requires navigating app store settings rather than the app itself, and the free tier is so limited it barely counts as a trial. If your child loves game-based math but you don't love the price tag, you have real options.
The good news is that several free and lower-cost apps now match or exceed SplashLearn's quality. Khan Academy Kids offers comprehensive free learning for younger children. Prodigy provides engaging math games with a generous free tier. And Zearn delivers full curriculum-aligned math lessons at no cost to families.
SplashLearn's strength is making math feel like a game. When evaluating alternatives, prioritize apps that offer engaging gameplay, adaptive difficulty, curriculum alignment, and progress tracking. The best replacements keep kids motivated without relying on aggressive upselling or limited free access. If your child also needs reading and spelling practice, look for platforms that cover multiple subjects so you can consolidate subscriptions.
Khan Academy Kids offers free, comprehensive early learning content covering reading, math, and more for children ages 2-8.
Visit Khan Academy KidsProdigy uses game-based learning to teach math, with a newer English/ELA component.
Visit ProdigyZearn is a standards-aligned digital math platform offering comprehensive instruction, practice, and remediation. Free for families, premium for schools.
Visit ZearnDreamBox is an adaptive K–8 math program that provides rigorous and personalized instruction using interactive visuals and intelligent scaffolding. Widely used in schools and homes.
Visit DreamBoxABCmouse offers a full early learning curriculum with thousands of activities for children ages 2-8.
Visit ABCmouseStarfall teaches reading through systematic phonics with engaging activities for Pre-K through 5th grade.
Visit StarfallMathseeds teaches foundational math skills through animated lessons, games, and quizzes for early learners. Part of the Reading Eggs ecosystem.
Visit MathseedsSplashLearn is a solid app, but $80/year with auto-renewal frustrations makes it worth exploring alternatives. For younger kids (ages 2-8), Khan Academy Kids is the clear winner - it's completely free, ad-free, and covers math, reading, and more with no hidden costs.
For math-focused practice, Prodigy's free tier gives kids engaging RPG-style math games through 8th grade, and Zearn provides full curriculum-aligned lessons at no cost. If budget isn't the main concern and you want the most adaptive experience, DreamBox offers excellent personalized math instruction.
Our recommendation: Start with Khan Academy Kids or Zearn (both free). For early elementary (K-3), Mathseeds bundles math with Reading Eggs for a well-rounded experience. You may find you don't need to spend anything at all.
Try SpellingJoy FreeAbout 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.