Lingokids vs ABCmouse: Which Preschool Learning App Fits?

Lingokids vs ABCmouse: the short answer

Lingokids and ABCmouse are both subscription learning apps for kids ages 2 to 8, and both are used mostly as screen time that teaches something. They differ in structure and feel.

ABCmouse is built around a guided learning path. Ten levels move from preschool through 2nd grade, covering reading, math, science, social studies and art. Kids earn tickets and spend them on a virtual room and pets.

Lingokids is built around play. More than 4,000 games, songs and short shows cover literacy, math, science, art, music and social-emotional skills. It's polished and ad-free, with a limited free tier.

If you want a clear sequence toward kindergarten skills, ABCmouse is more structured. If you want something your toddler will happily watch and play that's still educational, Lingokids is more fun.

Teaching approach

ABCmouse sets a starting level and walks your child step by step through letters, sounds, counting and shapes, then phonics, sight words and early addition, and finally reading comprehension, place value and early science. Common Sense Media describes the path as 10 levels with Spanish navigation and some Spanish activities. Activity quality varies, and some activities feel dated.

Lingokids uses what it calls a "Playlearning" method. A curated path guides kids, but they can also explore games, shows and songs freely. Topics include letters and phonics, numbers and shapes, biology and coding basics, music and art, and movement and yoga. It's entertainment-first rather than a structured curriculum.

What a lesson looks like

ABCmouse: Your child opens the path and completes a few short activities, like a phonics game, a book and a puzzle, earning tickets. A session is usually 15 to 20 minutes for a preschooler. You can set the level and time limits.

Lingokids: Your child picks a game, show or song, each just a few minutes long, and moves through the path or explores. Most kids 3 and up can use it alone. A parent PIN protects settings, and Plus adds progress reports and offline play.

Price and value

ABCmouse is a paid subscription. As of October 2026, its price is shown at sign-up and varies with promotions and platform. The free trial requires a card and converts to a paid plan unless you cancel. Age of Learning also offers a limited free-to-play mode. See ABCmouse pricing and cancellation details.

Lingokids has a free tier with daily limits. As of October 2026, US App Store prices for Lingokids Plus run about $14.99 to $15.99 a month or $71.99 to $89.99 a year, and a free trial is offered.

For Lingokids, the yearly plan costs far less than 12 monthly payments. With either app, set a reminder before the trial ends.

Who should choose ABCmouse

• Preschoolers who benefit from a clear, sequenced path
• Parents who want to see progress by level
• Kids motivated by collecting rewards
• Families who want content through 2nd grade

Who should choose Lingokids

• Toddlers and preschoolers who love songs and shows
• Families who want to try a free tier first
• Parents who want social-emotional and life-skills content
• Families looking for safe, ad-free screen time

Alternatives to both

• Khan Academy Kids: free, ad-free and broad. See ABCmouse vs Khan Academy Kids.
• Starfall: focused phonics for $35 a year. See Starfall vs ABCmouse.
• PBS Kids and Pok Pok: free or calm, open-ended play.
• Hooked on Phonics: a structured way to teach reading.

See the best apps for toddlers and best learning apps for kids.

Can you use a scholarship for either?

Sometimes, but it's less common. Early learning subscriptions are occasionally allowable in education savings account programs that cover pre-K or educational software, but many programs serve only kindergarten and up, and some limit spending to curriculum or approved vendors. A structured early-learning curriculum is more likely to qualify than an entertainment-first app. Each program decides. Learn about education savings accounts, save your pick to your wishlist, and apply once to the scholarships your family may qualify for.