SpellingJoy
For Teachers

Best Typing.com Alternatives in 2026

Free and paid keyboarding and typing apps for kids and students.

STSpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: March 30, 2026
Child typing on a keyboard

Our top picks

1

IXL

Best comprehensive

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

Best for:All subjects K-12 with ELA keyboardingPrice:$79-159/yrGrades:Pre-K-12Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Comprehensive K-12 coverage
  • Adaptive learning
  • Detailed analytics

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Spelling is small part of ELA
2

Prodigy

Best game-based

Prodigy uses game-based learning to teach math, with a newer English/ELA component.

Best for:Game-based learning with typing elementsPrice:$59-180/yrGrades:Grades 1-8Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Engaging game format
  • Free basic version
  • Curriculum aligned

Cons

  • In-game purchase prompts
  • Premium expensive
  • Primarily math-focused
3

ABCya

Best typing games

ABCya offers educational games for Pre-K through 6th grade across all subjects. Free with ads, or pay for ad-free premium access.

Best for:Free typing games for younger studentsPrice:$70/yr (ad-free)Grades:Pre-K-6Platforms:Web, iOS, Android

Pros

  • Large game library
  • Free tier with ads
  • Covers all subjects

Cons

  • Free version has ads
  • Games vary in educational value
  • Not a structured curriculum
4

Education.com

Best worksheets

Education.com offers thousands of worksheets, printables, and learning activities for Pre-K through 8th grade.

Best for:Typing worksheets and printable activitiesPrice:$120/yrGrades:Pre-K-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Huge worksheet library
  • Printable resources
  • Good for homeschool

Cons

  • Web only
  • Expensive
5

Scratch

Best for coding + typing

Scratch is MIT's free visual programming language where kids drag and drop code blocks to create animations, games, and stories. The most popular coding platform for kids worldwide.

Best for:Keyboard skills through coding projectsPrice:FreeGrades:2-8Platforms:Web

Pros

  • Completely free forever
  • From MIT - trusted institution
  • Huge community of projects to explore

Cons

  • Limited progression to text-based coding
  • Web-only (no mobile app)
  • Can be overwhelming at first
Our pick
6

SpellingJoy

Best free spelling + keyboard

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:Free QWERTY keyboard spelling practicePrice: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

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free typing program for kids?

ABCya offers free typing games for younger students, and Scratch teaches keyboard skills through coding. For spelling-focused keyboard practice, SpellingJoy is 100% free with a QWERTY keyboard input mode.

Is Typing.com free?

Typing.com offers a free basic plan with ads and limited features. Premium school plans cost extra. Several alternatives like ABCya and SpellingJoy offer free keyboarding activities without requiring a subscription.

What age should kids start learning to type?

Most educators recommend introducing typing around ages 7-8 (2nd or 3rd grade) when children have the hand size and coordination for a standard keyboard. Younger children can start with hunt-and-peck games on ABCya or SpellingJoy.

What are the best Typing.com alternatives for schools?

IXL and Prodigy are popular school-friendly alternatives that include keyboarding within broader curricula. Education.com offers printable typing resources. For free classroom spelling with keyboard input, SpellingJoy supports teacher-assigned word lists.

Our Verdict

IXL is the best comprehensive Typing.com alternative with adaptive practice across all subjects including ELA keyboarding skills.

For free typing games, ABCya is a great choice for younger students, while Scratch builds real keyboard fluency through coding.

Want free keyboard-based spelling practice? SpellingJoy offers a QWERTY keyboard input mode with 134+ word lists - 100% free, no subscription required.

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.

Related articles

Coding Apps for Kids

Build keyboard skills through code

Kahoot Alternatives

Interactive classroom apps

Free Spelling Apps

All free options