Comparison · updated November 2026
The Best Spelling Apps for Kids
Compared honestly, ours included. Each one is good at something; the trick is matching it to your child.
At a glance
| App | Price | Grades | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spellcove (that's us) | Free on the web · app subscription | 1–5 | Kids who need practice to feel like a game | Plays any school list; full game free in the browser |
| VocabularySpellingCity | Free tier · paid membership | K–12 | Teachers managing many classes | Huge list library; the best features need a membership |
| Spelling Shed | Paid app ($2.99) · school subscription | K–6 | Schools that assign spelling online | Built around class logins and teacher assignments |
| Squeebles Spelling Connect | Subscription · free demo | K–5 | Families following UK-style weekly lists | 8,500 pre-recorded words and 160+ lists; light on game variety |
| Spelling Stars | Subscription · 7-day free trial | K–6 | Practising one weekly list | Web-based; good for weekly lists, less pattern teaching |
How to choose
For a child who drags their feet: pick the one where spelling is the game, not a gate in front of it. That's where Spellcove fits best.
For a teacher running many classes: a school platform with logins and reporting (SpellingCity or Spelling Shed) is worth the setup.
For one list a week, at home: anything that takes your own words works. Spellcove's list maker does it free, with no account.
The cheapest way to decide: play free
The whole Spellcove game runs in your browser. Try a voyage with your child tonight.
Questions
What is the best spelling app for kids?
We're biased, but for kids in grades 1–5 who need practice to feel fun, we think it's Spellcove. Try it free in the browser before deciding.
Are there good free spelling apps?
Yes. Spellcove's full game is free on the web, and several apps have free tiers. Watch for ads between questions in free apps.
Apps or worksheets?
Both. Paper builds careful writing; games build fast recall. Our free worksheets pair with any list.
Take the cove with you
The Spellcove app has everything you can play here, plus the parts that need a real app: every word read aloud so kids can practice alone, offline play for car rides, a parent view of which words have stuck, and the full treasure collection.
Coming soon on theApp Store