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10 Best Reading Apps for Kids in 2025

I’m always amazed at how quickly kids pick up technology – 40% of American kids use a tablet by age 2, nearly 25% have their own cellphone by age 8. But here’s the catch: even with all that screen time, nearly half of 4th graders struggle with reading. What is the good news? As a seasoned teacher, I know that with the right support, kids can catch up and enjoy the subject. In this article, I’ll share the best reading apps for kids that make learning feel like play.

Key points

• A closer look at the best apps to help kids read of all ages – from playful alphabet games for preschoolers to tools that help older students strengthen comprehension.
• What makes these apps work: interactive stories, read-aloud features, progress tracking, and reward systems that keep kids motivated to read more.
• Recommendations for kids who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia.
• Honest pros and cons of each app, plus real feedback from parents on Reddit.
• And for families looking to reduce screen time, a great alternative – Brighterly’s free printable worksheets that let kids practice the same reading skills offline.

What is the best reading app?

The best reading app is the one that fits your child’s needs. For preschoolers, look for gamified apps with fun, cartoon-like features. Elementary students favor a variety of exercises, while older kids need an interesting book selection. For struggling readers, personalized lessons with platforms like Brighterly can make the difference.

10 best apps that help you read

• Teach Your Monster to Read
• Khan Academy Kids
• Duolingo ABC
• Hooked on Phonics
• Reading Eggs
• ABCmouse
• Learning Ally
• Raz-Kids
• Epic

Note. If you want to limit your child’s screen time, there’s a fantastic free option –  Brighterly  Reading worksheets for kids. These printed activities are designed for children from grades 1 to 9 and cover a wide range of engaging topics, from stories and science to everyday life, keeping kids interested. 

With these sheets, younger learners can practice phonics, letter recognition, and simple reading skills, while older students can improve critical thinking, vocabulary, and comprehension with more challenging texts and exercises. The worksheets are carefully created by reading experts and include clear instructions, examples, and self-check questions, so children can work independently while building strong reading habits – but without any gadgets.

Best learn to read apps: Paid options comparison

	Age group	Features	Cost
Brighterly	Pre-K– Grade 9	– 1-on-1 online lessons with certified tutors – customized learning plans – phonics & comprehension focus	$17.3/lesson  when you choose the annual plan (3 lessons per week)
Teach Your Monster to Read	Pre-K	-Fun monster   characters – phonics games – letter sounds  – award-winning learning game	$8.99 app (one-time)
Hooked on Phonics	Pre-K – Grade 2	– Step-by-step phonics lessons – practice packs – 100+ digital books	$12.99/month
Reading Eggs	Pre-K – Grade 6	– combining voice and written words	$9.99/month (includes reading programs)
Epic!	4-12 years (Elementary – Middle School)	– 40,000+ books, – learning videos – offline reading	$13.99 per month
Learning Ally apps to teach reading	4+  (Elementary – High School, esp. dyslexia)	– Human-read audiobooks – highlighted text – built-in assistive tech	$135 per year
Raz-Kids	K – 5 Grade	– Large library of leveled e-books – interactive quizzes and exercises – fun rewards system	About $294.99/year (includes app + full program)
ABC mouse	Pre-K – Grade 2	– Games, songs, and interactive lessons – progress tracking for parents	$14,99/month

Best learn to read apps free: Comparison

	Age group	Features	Best for
Khan Academy Kids	Pre-K – Grade 2	– Adaptive paths  – 1000s of free activities	Parents seeking an all-in-one free app
Duolingo ABC	Pre-K – Grade 2	– 700+ fun lessons – sight words,  – handwriting practice	Learners who are starting to read

#1 Brighterly: a strong alternative to the best app for learning to read

Age group: Pre-K – 9 Grade

Best for: kids who require personalized tutoring to gain confidence and achieve reading fluency

I should note that Brighterly isn’t just an app – it offers a comprehensive learning platform for kids. The Brighterly math and reading platform provides personalized one-on-one lessons with expert tutors, tailored to each child’s reading level and learning style. This structured approach helps students in grades 1-9 gain confidence, enjoy learning, and make real, lasting progress.

Best learn to read apps vs. Brighterly: features you should know

• Expert reading tutors
• Lessons designed just for your child
• Alignment with the US standards

Expert reading tutors

Brighterly’s certified reading tutors are the guiding force behind every child’s learning journey, bringing both expertise and a genuine love for teaching. Each tutor is carefully chosen for their skills and experience with children. With their guidance, kids not only improve their reading but also gain confidence and a real enthusiasm for learning.

Lessons designed just for your child

Every child starts with a complimentary one-on-one session to see where they stand. Brighterly then designs a learning plan tailored specifically to their pace, strengths, and goals. As confidence grows, the program also focuses on helping kids read faster while keeping full comprehension intact.

Alignment with the US standards

Importantly, Brighterly’s reading program adheres to US school standards and Common Core, so your child stays in sync with classroom learning. This feature also makes this platform a perfect fit for exam preparation, so take note.

Brighterly: pricing

Brighterly offers affordable one-on-one lessons starting at $17.30 (for three sessions per week, 12-month plan), with the first lesson free.

Brighterly reading app: pros and cons

On Trustpilot, parents say they notice a discovery in their child’s abilities, as their school performance improves after using Brighterly

Pros	Cons
Tailored 1-on-1 lessons	Lesson duration is 45 minutes
Fun, gamified, and interactive learning experience	Requires consistent internet access
Follows the US curriculum and Common Core standards
Free trial and diagnostic test

#2 Teach Your Monster to Read is a fun pick among apps that help with reading

Age group: Preschool – Kindergarten

Best for: Early readers, phonics practice

One of my favorite tools for early readers is Teach Your Monster to Read. What makes it special is the way it combines phonics with storytelling – children don’t just memorize sounds, they use them to move their monster forward through fun quests. It covers everything from letter recognition to reading short sentences, which makes it great for kids aged 3-6. Parents often tell me that their children forget they’re “learning” because the experience feels like play.

Reading app for kindergarten – Teach your monster to read: features

• Interactive games teach phonics and sight words
• Fun characters motivate children to keep practicing
• Progress tracking allows parents to see improvements

Teach your monster to read: pricing

The mobile app requires a one-time purchase of $8.99 to unlock full content, or children can play on the website for free with limited content.

Best app for kids reading – Teach your monster to read: pros and cons

Parents love the platform, but a few reviews mention differences in sounds due to its British English

Pros	Cons
Highly engaging and interactive	The app can be too fast for preschoolers
Supports phonemic awareness development	Screentime may need to be limited, as the app can be too engaging
	Limited content in the free version

#3 Khan Academy Kids best free reading app for kids

Age group: Pre-K – Grade 2

Best for: Comprehensive early learning

For parents hunting for a solid but free learning platform, Khan Academy Kids often comes up as a top pick. What I appreciate is how it mixes vibrant characters, interactive stories, and playful exercises – kids genuinely enjoy themselves while building reading and math skills. The lessons adjust to each child’s pace, so even if a concept feels tricky, the app gently guides them forward. In my experience, it’s ideal for ages 3-7 who benefit from a structured yet playful learning approach.

Khan Academy Kids: features

• Wide range of subjects beyond reading
• Interactive activities and games
• Aligned with educational standards

Reading apps for elementary students Khan Academy Kids: pricing

Completely free with no ads!

Khan Academy Kids: pros and cons

Parents on the Apple Store and on Reddit highly praise Khan Academy, although some note that it lacks parental controls.

Pros	Cons
High-quality educational material across various subjects	Might be overwhelming due to the vast amount of content
Interactive exercises and practice problems to reinforce learning	Requires constant internet access
	Lack of parental control

#4 Duolingo ABC best reading app for kids free

Age group: Pre-K – Grade 2

Best for: learners who are starting to read and recognize letters

Now, let’s talk about what is probably the most popular app among young readers. Duolingo ABC is designed for children who are just beginning to recognize letters and simple words. I really like how it combines short, interactive lessons with colorful visuals that keep kids engaged without overwhelming them. The app focuses on phonics, word recognition, and early reading comprehension. I think it’s a perfect fit for kids ages 3 to 6.

Duolingo ABC: features

• Letter recognition and phonics lessons
• Interactive games and activities
• Progress tracking for parents

Duolingo ABC: pricing

Free to use with no advertisements

Best educational app for learning to read Duolingo ABC: pros and cons

Parents say the app keeps kids motivated and engaged, but there’s no easy way to review past content.

Pros	Cons
Interactive and engaging, also supportive for children with learning challenges	Limited content compared to other apps
Completely free with no ads	May require adult supervision for younger children
	Difficult to relearn certain skills

#5 Best reading app for kids iOS: Hooked on Phonics

Age group: Pre-K – Grade 2

Best for: young kids building phonics and reading skills

Hooked on Phonics is a well-structured reading program I often recommend for kids who specifically need a clear, step-by-step approach. What I appreciate most is how the app gently guides kids through phonics, word recognition, and comprehension using a mix of interactive games, songs, and storybooks. The clean, intuitive interface also makes it easy for young learners to use independently.

Hooked and phonics: features

• Phonics-based lessons
• Interactive reading games
• Progress tracking for parents

Hooked and phonics: pricing

A monthly subscription to the app costs $12.99

Hooked and phonics best reading app for kids: pros and cons

Users say that even short lessons on the app deliver noticeable results, though some mention that the app occasionally freezes.

Pros	Cons
Structured lessons that build upon each other	Requires a subscription after the free trial, and canceling can be tricky
	Sometimes the app freezes

#6 Reading Eggs is among the top learn to read apps for kindergarten

Age group: Pre-K – Grade 6

Best for: developing phonics and foundational reading skills

Reading Eggs is a fun, game-based app that helps children build reading skills gradually. In my experience, its songs, animations, and interactive lessons keep kids highly engaged. While more advanced readers might find some exercises easy, it’s an excellent choice for elementary-aged children to strengthen phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension with confidence.

Reading Eggs: features

• Phonics-based lessons
• Interactive reading game

Reading Eggs: pricing

The Reading Eggs app offers a 30-day free trial, or you can purchase the monthly program for $9.99, which includes full access to the app.

Reading Eggs is the best learning to read app: pros and cons

On Reddit, parents note that children quickly learn phonics with the app, but one user mentioned that it teaches a British accent.

Pros	Cons
Structured lessons that build upon each other	Requires a subscription after the free trial
Engaging and interactive content	Some parents report overstimulation in children
	Accent choice requires careful consideration

#7 ABCmouse is one of the best apps to help kindergarteners read 

Age group: Pre-K – Grade 2

Best for: Early readers and young learners who want interactive lessons

What’s interesting about the ABCmouse app? It’s a leading educational reading app for young children, particularly recommended for ages 2-8. Kids love its colorful interface, and as a teacher, I appreciate the interactive lessons and wide selection of leveled books. The app also includes puzzles and creative activities that support literacy, math, and other early learning skills.

ABCmouse: features

• Thousands of books, games, songs, and puzzles
• Step-by-step curriculum for reading and early literacy
• Reward system to motivate children

ABCmouse best app for kids reading: pricing

The app costs around $14.99 per month, giving full access to all games, lessons, and activities.

ABCmouse: pros and cons

Among the reviews, parents appreciate the exercises for children, though some say the program isn’t worth the money, as their kids quickly lost interest.

Pros	Cons
Engaging curriculum that blends reading with interactive learning	Older kids may outgrow it quickly
	Some activities feel repetitive after a few weeks

#8 Best reading app for kids with dyslexia: Learning Ally

Age group: 4+

Best for: children with reading difficulties, including dyslexia

Learning Ally is an excellent app for children with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. It reads texts aloud while highlighting words, allowing children to see and hear simultaneously. Parents can adjust the reading speed and track progress, making learning both comfortable and effective. I find it especially beneficial for children aged 7 to 14, helping them build confidence and independence in reading.

Learning Ally: features

• Texts read aloud with synchronized word highlighting
• Adjustable reading speed
• Supports children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties
• Builds confidence and independence in reading

Learning Ally: pricing

A subscription costs $135 per year, and to access audiobooks, you need to become a Learning Ally member.

Best apps for struggling readers – Learning Ally: pros and cons

Users say these apps are rare and useful, but on Reddit, they note it’s hard to resume where they left off, and each book is read in a different voice.

Pros	Cons
Extensive library of audiobooks	Hard to resume where you left off
Suitable for children with reading difficulties	Each book has a different narrator’s voice
	Slow customer support

#9 Raz-Kids is one of the best educational reading apps

Age group: K – 5 Grade

Best for: kids who benefit from reading aloud.

Raz-Kids is a reading platform for children from kindergarten to grade 5, accessible through the Kids A-Z app and used by many U.S. schools and families. It offers a large library of leveled e-books, interactive quizzes, and a fun rewards system. A favorite feature among parents is that kids can record themselves reading aloud to build confidence, and the app tracks all the books and exercises they’ve completed.

Raz-Kids is the best reading app for kids: features

• Ability to record reading and playback for self-assessment
• Teacher and parent dashboards to monitor progress
• Quizzes and comprehension checks after each book

Raz-Kids: pricing

The Kids A-Z app itself is free to download, but access requires a subscription to the full Raz-Plus program, which costs $158.99-294.99 per year. The subscription acts as an all-in-one pass, giving access to the entire program.

Raz-Kids is the best app to learn to read: pros and cons

Google has many positive reviews, as parents praise how engaging the games are, though some find registration tricky and rather costly.

Pros	Cons
Children can record themselves reading aloud to build confidence	Registration can be tricky
Interactive quizzes and a reward system	Subscription is relatively expensive
	Some parents may find the interface a bit overwhelming for younger children

#10 Epic! stands out among the apps that help with reading

Age group: Elementary – Middle School

Best for: kids who enjoy exploring a wide range of books

Epic! is one of my favorite apps to recommend because it feels like a digital library right in your child’s pocket. With thousands of books, audiobooks, and learning videos, kids can always find something that matches their interests. I like that it encourages independent reading while still tracking progress, so parents can see how much their child is exploring. It’s especially handy for families who want a wide variety of stories without constantly buying new books.

Epic!: features

• Access to thousands of books and audiobooks
• Personalized recommendations
• Progress tracking for parents

Epic!: pricing

Epic! offers a 7-day free trial, after which a subscription is required: $13.99 per month or $63.74 per year

Epic! best story reading app for kids: pros and cons

On Reddit, users say Epic is a convenient app, but note that new releases are infrequent and sometimes costly.

Pros	Cons
Extensive library of books and audiobooks. Plus, it is convenient for traveling	New releases are infrequent
	Can be expensive

What are the top apps to help kindergarteners read?

The best apps to help kindergarteners read are Teach Your Monster to Read and Hooked on Phonics, which focus on phonics, letter recognition, and building early reading confidence. I would also include ABCmouse. As a teacher, I often see children happily practicing every day with these fun apps.

Best reading app for kids Reddit

Parents on Reddit praise Teach Your Monster to Read, noting that preschoolers enjoy learning with its funny monsters. Another Parent’s Choice Leader is Duolingo ABC, known for its simple interface, clear tasks, and being completely free.

What are the most recommended reading apps for elementary students?

The most recommended reading apps for elementary school students are Khan Academy Kids and Raz-Kids. I recommend them because they are perfect for this age group, as they combine structured lessons with interactive exercises. And of course, for support, I also recommend Brighterly a program ideal for its personalized, one-on-one approach that helps children effectively overcome reading difficulties.

Best reading apps for kids Reddit

Brighterly stands out as a top reading platform, with a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot – one of the highest overall. Many parents mention Reading Eggs on Reddit for its game-based learning and colorful design, while others praise Khan Academy Kids for its well-organized, hands-on activities.

What are the most useful reading apps for middle school students?

For middle school students, I recommend the Brighterly platform. Each child works one-on-one with a professional tutor on a personalized plan, building reading skills and confidence step by step. For extra practice, the online library Epic is a great supplement.

Reading apps for kids: Which one to choose?

If you want your child to learn while having fun, Teach Your Monster to Read or Duolingo ABC are ideal choices.
If you want your child’s learning to follow a structured program, Khan Academy Kids or Raz-Kids is the top choice.
If your child has reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, better to choose Learning Ally.

But if your child needs personal support, Brighterly is a perfect choice. The platform offers one-on-one lessons with certified reading tutors, so every session is fully focused on your child’s needs. This is what your kid will get when they start learning with Brighterly:

• Certified expert reading mentors
• Individual Lessons
• Brighterly reading program aligned with the Common Core 

Try Brighterly – Book free reading lesson