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Top 10 Best Spelling Apps for Kids in 2025

Help your child master spelling with the right app. We evaluated 40+ spelling apps to find the best options for every age and learning style.

Last Updated: December 2025

40+ apps evaluated
6 evaluation criteria
10 best spelling apps

Our Top Picks:

  • • SpellingJoy - Best overall (free, research-backed)
  • • ABCmouse - Best for early learners (ages 2-8)
  • • Reading Eggs - Best for phonics foundation
  • • SpellQuiz - Best for spelling bee prep
  • • Night Zookeeper - Best for creative writers

Browse by Grade Level:

👶Pre-K🎒Kindergarten1️⃣1st Grade2️⃣2nd Grade3️⃣3rd Grade4️⃣4th Grade5️⃣5th Grade6️⃣6th Grade🏠 Homeschool🏆 Spelling Bee
1
✨

SpellingJoy

Top 3Editor's Choice

Research-backed spelling practice for grades K-6

Grade-level word lists based on Dolch & Fry research•Ages 5-12•Web, iOS, Android
100% free spelling testsResearch-backed word listsNewer platform
Visit Site
2
🐭

ABCmouse

Top 3

Full curriculum suite for early learners

Comprehensive early learning (ages 2-8)•Ages 2-8•Web, iOS, Android
Comprehensive curriculumEngaging rewardsSubscription required
3
🥚

Reading Eggs

Top 3

Phonics-based spelling and reading lessons

Structured phonics foundation•Ages 3-13•Web, iOS, Android
Research-backed phonicsStructured progressionSubscription required
4
✏️

DoodleSpell

Personalized daily spelling practice

Daily adaptive practice (10 min/day)•Ages 5-11•Web, iOS, Android
Only 10 min/day neededAdapts to levelSubscription required
5
🏙️

VocabularySpellingCity

Teacher-created lists with 40+ games

Syncing with classroom spelling lists•Ages 6-12•iOS, Android
Excellent teacher integrationMany gamesSubscription for full features
6
🎯

SpellQuiz

Spelling bee preparation and dictation

Spelling bee prep and advanced vocabulary•Ages 5-18•Web
Great for spelling beesFree basic versionWeb-only
7
🦉

Night Zookeeper

Creative writing meets spelling

Creative writers who need spelling support•Ages 6-12•Web, iOS
Highly engagingDevelops writing tooSubscription required
8
👾

Spelling Monster

Fun monster games for weekly words

Practicing school spelling words at home•Ages 6-12•iOS, Android
Easy to add school wordsKids love monstersLimited built-in lists
9
⭐

Super Spelling

Rewards-based vocabulary builder

Building core vocabulary with rewards•Ages 4+•iOS
Great rewards systemHigh-quality audioiOS only
10
🏆

Spell Friendzy

Competitive spelling bee practice

Competitive spelling with friends•Ages 6-12•iOS, Android
Motivating competitionSocial learningRequires internet

Our Evaluation Methodology

We evaluated 40+ spelling apps using a comprehensive framework based on educational research and practical usability. Our criteria include:

Educational Foundation

Alignment with Dolch, Fry sight words and phonics research

Age Appropriateness

Suitable content and difficulty for target age group

Engagement

Games, rewards, and motivation mechanics

Learning Effectiveness

Spaced repetition and proven techniques

Audio Quality

Clear, natural word pronunciation

Platform Availability

Access on iOS, Android, and Web

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best spelling app for kids?

Based on our evaluation of 40+ apps, SpellingJoy is the best overall spelling app for kids. It offers research-backed word lists based on Dolch and Fry sight words, a free adaptive placement test, and structured 36-week curricula for each grade level (K-6). Best of all, it's free to use with no account required.

Are free spelling apps as good as paid ones?

Yes, many free spelling apps are highly effective. SpellingJoy offers comprehensive free spelling practice based on validated educational research. The key factors are research-backed content, appropriate difficulty, and engagement—not price.

How long should my child practice spelling each day?

For most children, 10-15 minutes of focused spelling practice daily is optimal. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than longer, irregular ones. Apps like DoodleSpell and SpellingJoy are designed around this principle.

At what age should children start using spelling apps?

Children can start with basic letter and phonics apps at age 3-4. By ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st grade), they're ready for apps teaching CVC words. From 2nd grade onward, apps can introduce complex spelling patterns.

Can spelling apps replace classroom instruction?

Spelling apps work best as a supplement to classroom instruction, not a replacement. They excel at repetitive practice, immediate feedback, and motivation. Combine app-based practice with reading and writing activities for best results.

Ready to Improve Your Child's Spelling?

Start with our free placement test to find the right level, then explore our research-backed spelling curriculum.

Visit SpellingJoyTake Free Placement Test