HOMER
An early learning app for ages 2–8 that builds a personalized pathway in reading and phonics, plus math, social-emotional learning, thinking skills and creativity, with 1,000+ activities and up to four child profiles.
What is HOMER?
HOMER is an early learning app for children ages 2–8, made by the early learning company Begin. It covers reading, math, social-emotional learning, thinking skills and creativity. Reading is the centerpiece, with a step-by-step pathway that leads from letters to early reading.
The core idea is personalization. When you sign up, you share your child's age, level and interests, such as dinosaurs, space or princesses. HOMER then builds a learning journey that mixes skills practice with topics your child already loves.
How it works
Children play short lessons and activities on a phone or tablet. HOMER suggests about 15 minutes a day. A typical session:
- Your child opens their own profile.
- HOMER serves the next reading lesson on their path, such as a letter sound or a short word.
- They practice with games, stories, poems or songs.
- They explore other subjects, like early math or a creativity activity.
Kids can play on their own after setup. Parents get printables and learning tips, and one membership covers up to four child profiles.
What it covers
HOMER groups content into five stages: Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Early Learner and Growing Learner. Across them, the subjects look like this:
| Subject | What HOMER says it builds |
|---|---|
| Reading | A pathway from letters and sounds to sight words, then reading and spelling |
| Math | Number recognition, counting, shapes and number operations |
| Social-emotional learning | Naming feelings, self-awareness and social skills |
| Thinking skills | Memory, focus and problem solving |
| Creativity | Pretend play, storytelling and art |
For a 2-year-old, for example, reading activities focus on recognizing letters, hearing rhymes and first sounds, and early concepts of print.
Who it's best for
HOMER fits toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners who enjoy apps and do well with independent play. It suits families who want reading plus a bit of math and social-emotional learning in one place, especially with siblings.
Look elsewhere if your child is past second grade and still struggling, or if you want a parent-led program. A scripted app like Reading.com or a dedicated program on our phonics programs page may fit better.
Pricing at a glance
HOMER is a subscription with a 30-day free trial on its website. As of October 2026, the App Store lists monthly plans from $7.99 to $12.99 and an annual plan at $59.99. Website subscribers cancel by email at least 24 hours before renewal, and fees are nonrefundable.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Maybe. Some programs, like Arizona's ESA, allow supplementary materials and online learning, but each program decides whether an early learning app qualifies. Check our scholarships overview for your state. You can save HOMER to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- ABCmouse covers a broader early curriculum across more subjects.
- Reading Eggs is a leveled reading program with lessons and placement.
- Khan Academy Kids is free and covers similar ages.
- Duolingo ABC is a free, reading-only app.
See more on our early learning programs, preschool reading and best reading apps for kids pages.
Who HOMER is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Toddlers and preschoolers starting letters and sounds
- Families who want reading plus math and SEL in one app
- Siblings, with up to four profiles per membership
Look elsewhere if
- Struggling readers past second grade
- Families who want a parent-led, scripted reading curriculum
- Households avoiding screen-based learning
HOMER pros and cons
Pros
- Clear step-by-step early reading pathway
- Personalized by age, level and interests
- Up to four child profiles
- Ad-free, with parent resources
- Generous 30-day free trial on the website
Cons
- Several different prices across offers and stores
- Website cancellations require an email
- Nonrefundable subscriptions
- Less systematic than a dedicated phonics curriculum
What’s included
- Step-by-step reading pathway from letters to early reading
- 1,000+ activities across reading, math, SEL, thinking skills and creativity
- Personalized to age, level and interests such as dinosaurs, space or vehicles
- Up to four child profiles on one membership
- Ad-free, with printables and tips for parents
- Separate HOMER Learn with Sesame Street product
How much does HOMER cost?
HOMER is a subscription. The US App Store lists several plan prices as of October 2026: monthly memberships from $7.99 to $12.99, a three-month membership at $20.99 and an annual membership at $59.99. The price you see depends on the offer and where you sign up. One membership covers up to four child profiles.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly (App Store, from) | $7.99/mo | Monthly | $7.99/mo |
| Annual (App Store) | $59.99/yr | Yearly | $5/mo |
Free trial: The HOMER website advertises a 30-day free trial. Trials convert to a paid plan unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the period ends.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
HOMER holds 4.4 stars from about 25,000 ratings on the US App Store as of October 2026 and is an Apple Editors' Choice. Apple's editors highlight its comprehensive early literacy program, from letter tutorials to short books, poems and songs.
Common praise
- Comprehensive early literacy activities
- Kid-friendly design for independent play
- Personalized themes keep kids interested
Common complaints
- Subscription prices differ by offer
Sources: apps.apple.com · id601437586
HOMER family reviews
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HOMER FAQs
How much does HOMER cost?
As of October 2026, the US App Store lists HOMER monthly memberships from $7.99 to $12.99, a three-month plan at $20.99 and an annual plan at $59.99. The price you are offered depends on the promotion and where you sign up.
Does HOMER have a free trial?
Yes. The HOMER website advertises a 30-day free trial. Cancel at least 24 hours before it ends if you don't want to be charged.
What ages is HOMER for?
HOMER is designed for ages 2–8, from toddlers through early elementary, with content organized by stage from toddler to growing learner.
How do I cancel HOMER?
Website subscribers cancel by emailing support@beginlearning.com at least 24 hours before renewal. App Store or Google Play subscribers cancel in their store's subscription settings.
Is HOMER good for learning to read?
HOMER's reading pathway takes children step by step from letters toward reading, and it is a strong practice tool. For children who are struggling, pair it with a structured phonics program and reading aloud together.
Who owns HOMER?
HOMER is part of Begin, an early learning company. HOMER's subscriptions are governed by Begin's terms of use.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: