Educational Apps for Kids
Updated · By Edulist · 6 sources
How to choose educational Apps for Kids
- Pick one goal per app
Apps that do one thing well, like XtraMath for math facts or Epic for reading, usually beat apps that try to do everything. Decide what skill you want to build first.
- Check for ads and in-app purchases
Khan Academy Kids and Duolingo ABC have no ads, subscriptions or in-app purchases. Free apps with ads, like Duolingo's free tier or ABCya on the web, are fine but noisier.
- Match the app to reading level
Pre-readers need audio-led apps like Khan Academy Kids. Readers can handle text-heavy practice like IXL. Mismatched apps frustrate kids fast.
- Look for a parent dashboard
Progress reports show whether time in the app is actually learning. IXL, Prodigy, DreamBox and Khan Academy all offer parent views.
- Read the subscription terms
Many apps auto-renew after a free trial. Note the renewal date, and check whether a plan covers one child or a whole family before you buy.
- Set a screen-time plan
The American Academy of Pediatrics' 2016 policy suggests about an hour a day of high-quality media for ages 2–5, watched together when possible. For older kids, set limits that leave room for reading, play and sleep.
What makes a good educational app
The best learning apps share a few traits: they adapt to your child's level, they give quick feedback, they don't bury learning under ads or purchases, and they show parents what was learned. Fancy graphics matter much less than a clear skill path.
Browse by age: educational apps for preschoolers, kindergarten apps and apps for elementary students. Or start with free learning apps.
Popular educational apps compared
| App | Ages or grades | Subjects | Price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khan Academy Kids | Pre-K–2 | Reading, math, writing | Free, no ads |
| PBS KIDS | Pre-K–2 | Math, reading, science, art | Free |
| Epic | Pre-K–6 | Reading library | $84.99 a year on the App Store |
| Prodigy | 1–8 | Math (and some reading) | Free to play; memberships from $58.95 a year |
| IXL | Pre-K–12 | Math, language arts, science, social studies | From $9.95 a month |
| Khan Academy | K–12 | 840+ courses | Free |
| Duolingo | Grade 2–adult | Languages, math, music | Free with ads |
| Scratch | K–10 | Coding | Free |
For subject lists, see math apps, reading apps, coding apps and language apps. Our ranked picks are in the best learning apps for kids and the best educational websites for kids.
How to use learning apps in a homeschool day
- As warm-ups: 10 minutes of math facts or phonics before the main lesson.
- As practice: reinforce what you taught, not replace it.
- As independent time: while you work with a sibling.
Can scholarships or ESAs pay for learning apps?
Some ESA programs allow educational software and subscriptions; others limit or exclude them. Each program writes its own rules. See what ESA funds can be used for, then save the apps you like to your wishlist.
Featured educational Apps for Kids
Hand-picked from the grid above because they fit this page well.
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Questions
Are educational apps actually good for kids?
They can be, when they're well designed and used in moderation. Apps work best for practice and review, like math facts or reading, and less well as a replacement for a teacher, books or hands-on play.
What is the best free educational app for kids?
For ages 2–8, Khan Academy Kids is fully free with no ads or in-app purchases. PBS KIDS games are free too. Older kids can use Khan Academy, Zearn for math and Scratch for coding at no cost.
How much time should kids spend on learning apps?
For young children, short sessions of 10–20 minutes are plenty. For school-age kids, 15–30 minutes per subject is typical. Balance app time with reading, outdoor play and hands-on work.
Save it. Get it funded.
Save products free, then apply once for the scholarships that can pay.