15 Best Educational Apps for Kids for 2025

Keeping students fully engaged in their classroom lessons can be a challenge. The situation is not better at home, with parents struggling to have their kids attend to their homeworks and other school-related activities. If this describes your household and the kids, it’s time to shift gears and turn to what kids nowadays can’t have enough of: apps, games, and their gadgets. 

Studies suggest that educational technology could be an effective tool to support the education system and that its incorporation could play a major role in a vast range of educational designs and modern trends of learning when applied methodically. Further, the application of educational technology in various classroom settings is developing as more elaborate and creative forms of this technology are improved and integrated into the modern K-12 system (Pierce & Cleary, 2016).

In the same regard, Morgan (2013) stated that when students are allowed to use devices with an array of features, they are inspired and engaged to learn using their visual and auditory senses, and even those apps with kinesthetic images are tremendously benefitting for them. Education has greatly transformed with time and technology. And with the help of these learning apps for kids, knowledge is not just enhanced, but studying is made fun and easy for kids as well. 

Some children complain that they have nothing to do, or that they have boring and difficult lessons. Those are the reasons why most of the time, students cannot focus on learning a subject or even keep up with their lessons. Then there is no need to chase after kids to get them to study. In this article, we will showcase the features of the best 10 educational apps that will keep children glued to their seats. 

Children perceive information and learn in different ways. Some use their auditory sense more while others tend to be more visual learners. There are educational apps that focus on helping children to read and improve their comprehension ability, and it can be said that these apps are in parallel with the evidence suggesting that these electronic versions do help children learn better and enhance student engagement and comprehension.

For example, in previous studies, Matthew (1997) compared comprehension levels among 37 third-grade students in two experiments who read either a print text or the electronic version and found that when pupils used the electronic version, they had notably higher comprehension scores during the story retelling session. It was also found that in experiment 2, 30 children that read stories in the print version from the previous experiment read an addition of two more stories when reading the electronic version compared to when they just read the print version. Pearman’s (2008) study proves to be of the same findings with Matthew’s study, in that the former also found suggestive higher comprehension scores among 54 second-graders who read both electronic texts and print texts. Pearman found that more students were more excited and focused to read electronic texts than print texts.

Additionally, Pearman (2008) noted how students who read the electronic storybooks were able to be more focused on understanding content, with the use of features that makes reading a lot easier than if they had to recognize and interpret every word in the process. Moreover, she found that when sound effects are utilized in reading, it significantly improved their ability to understand as a result of the sound effects being able to convey the mood of the setting of the story and how the action takes place, thus the readers’ understanding of the story is enhanced (Matthew, 1997; Pearman, 2008, as cited in Morgan, 2013). 

Further, other significant studies have shown how educational apps help students acquire achievement. In one such study, Lopuch (2013) found that the use of iPad apps as a part of their education program for elementary and middle school students resulted in a better achievement when a national assessment of Common Core domains was administered. In just a span of three months of using iPads, students were able to raise their performance at 9%, showing such remarkable improvement from the 51st to the 60th percentile (Lopuch, 2013, as cited in Loveless, n.d.).

As a result of technology now becoming more mainstream, students find class lectures and presentations less interesting and these apps tend to be more appealing to the younger ones. Utilizing educational apps in class or even at home is a way to get children interested in topics that they might complain of as difficult or boring, thus enhancing learning. Indeed, the incorporation of various educational apps and technology in K-12 education is becoming more widely used and popular, and it would be a shame to miss out on these fun and engaging trends in learning.

Some teachers are also encouraged to use technology to gamify teaching. They can try a jeopardy maker for instance. Here are the 10 best learning apps for kids that will keep them at the edge of their seats and their minds active even at home.

How can parents choose the right educational app for their child?

With countless educational apps available, selecting the most effective one for your child can feel overwhelming. Here are some essential factors to consider:

• Age appropriateness: Ensure the app's content is tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage to maximize learning impact.
• Educational value: Look for apps that align with educational standards and offer substantive content, focusing on skills like reading, math, or problem-solving.
• User engagement: Apps should feature interactive elements and engaging visuals that hold your child’s interest while reinforcing learning objectives.
• Ease of use: Choose apps with intuitive interfaces that children can navigate independently, promoting a smooth learning experience.
• Safety features: Opt for apps with strong privacy policies and minimal ads to protect your child’s data and limit distractions.
• Progress tracking: Select apps that provide feedback or reports, allowing you to monitor your child’s progress and adapt learning goals as needed.

By considering these factors, parents can select apps that foster learning in a fun, secure, and meaningful way.

Best Educational Apps for Kids

1. ABCmouse.com: Best Overall App for Early Learning

ABCmouse.com can be a crowd favorite. It is downloadable on any iPad, iPhone, and most Android phones or tablets. With a wide range of learning activities and videos that teach math, science, art, reading, and so much more, it brings “everyday" things and basic concepts to life that will keep kids’ curiosity up while learning and having fun.

This app does wonders for early learning education for children ages 2-8. It is on a considerably low-cost subscription basis. Users may opt for a one-month free trial, then $10/month subscription. 

2. Quick Maths: Best App to Improve Mathematics Ability

Yu-Hui et al. (2018) suggested that different avenues of learning such as toys and board games to be instrumental to critical solving ability in young students as supplementary for traditional methods of learning. Quick Maths features fundamental arithmetic skills and concepts, and new challenges with every difficulty level as the child’s skill and ability advances and develops. What makes it more exciting and challenging is that kids can practice their math skills against time.

This innovative app is best for students in grades 2-6, and added to its perks is handwriting recognition, which makes it helpful and fun for kids to practice handwriting as they can draw and write their answers. The cost is free and it’s available on the App Store for iPhone and Ipad. 

3. Duolingo: Best Language Learning App

Duolingo offers free language courses for over 30 languages through fun lessons where you can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Language and interactive games on computers provide learners with real and creative avenues of learning, thereby creating opportunities for learners to enhance their skills and knowledge (Senel & Akman, 2016).

Indeed, Duolingo proves to be a fun and interactive app where users can practice through audio, word identification, and short, easy exercises. Most suitable for kids aged 10+, but take note, it is not just designed for children—it is also for anyone who wants to learn any foreign language be it French, Italian, Spanish or any language that one finds interesting.

It is totally free on iOS or Android, but it comes with an optional ad-free Duolingo Plus for $6.99/month. 

4. YouTube Kids: Best App Made Just For Kids

YouTube Kids app only shows age-appropriate educational videos and is great for kids ages 2-12 as it screens YouTube content. It is created for kids to explore on their own with a wide collection of shows and topics that will surely entertain and enhance their learning skills as well. Parents and guardians can set up controls or customize the child’s use with Parental Controls.

You can get it for free on iPhone, iPad, or any Android devices. 

5. SplashLearn: Learning that’s fun, effective, and personalized

SplashLearn is an innovative and engaging online learning platform designed for children to enhance their math and ELA skills in a fun and interactive way. Available on Web, iOS, and Android devices, SplashLearn offers an extensive library of math and ELA lessons and games for kids from pre-kindergarten to grade 5. The platform employs personalized learning paths, engaging graphics, and intuitive features, making learning math an enjoyable experience for kids. With its research-backed curriculum, the platform aligns with Common Core and state standards, ensuring children receive a comprehensive and effective education. The platform’s progress tracking and reporting feature allows parents to monitor their child’s learning and identify improvement areas.

Parents can take advantage of a 7-day trial before subscribing to one of the pricing plans, starting at just $7.49 per month when billed annually.

CodeMonkey makes learning programming fun and engaging for kids aged 5 and up. This interactive platform teaches children coding through game development, offering a hands-on experience where they learn to write real code in a playful environment. With its combination of video games and coding lessons, kids solve puzzles and build their own games while gaining valuable problem-solving skills.

The app’s curriculum is designed to be accessible yet comprehensive, offering step-by-step coding challenges that progressively teach the basics of languages like Python and CoffeeScript. It supports individual learning and classroom settings, making it an excellent choice for parents and educators.

CodeMonkey is accessible online and will be available on iOS and Android soon. The app offers a free version with limited access, while the full subscription provides all lessons and features. Pricing starts at $7/month, with discounts for annual subscriptions.

7. Effling: Your Child's Gateway to Academic and Creative Excellence

Effling offers an innovative approach to personalized learning, designed to adapt to each student’s individual needs. It is a versatile platform, available on Android (iOS version coming soon), that combines effective assessments with customized learning paths, making it ideal for students in various educational settings, from primary schools to higher education.

With Effling, educators can create personalized quizzes, tests, and exercises that cater to the strengths and weaknesses of each student, allowing for targeted learning and real-time progress tracking. The app supports various subjects, including mathematics, science, and language arts, helping students master the areas they need the most support.

Effling is particularly useful for kids aged 3-7 years, though its adaptive learning features make it suitable for learners at any age. It is free, offering access to a wide range of learning resources and activities at no cost. It now has Asia access and will be launched globally soon.

8. Epic!: Best Unlimited Learning and Reading Appa

Epic! is an e-book library that offers over 40,000 children’s books—absolutely an amazing library that any child can have access to any time, anywhere. It includes a vast collection of books from audiobooks and eBooks to read-along books. It is the best app for children to explore their reading interests and develop a love of reading. It is appropriate for kindergarten as well as for kids aged 6-12.

You can get it on iOS or Android and start a free 30-day trial. The app costs $7.99 per month. 

9. ClassDojo: Best Educational Communication App

Education is not just about studying and learning. Communication among teachers, students, and parents is also instrumental in learning. That is why ClassDojo was created, to make learning more fun and interactive. It is a communication app where teachers can easily keep track of the students and update the parents of their performance or inform them of any announcements, class activities, photos, videos, or any other educational content within this app. Students can also add their completed activities, such as homework and projects, and share them with the class and with their parents as well.

This app is well-suited to younger learners as it features cute characters for classroom decorations and cute monsters to monitor behavior. It is free to download on Android. 

10. Science 360: Best Science App for Kids

Science 360 is an amazing educational app that lets students explore science content, such as the latest science images and videos from around the globe. With this information-packed app, science and engineering are brought to life on the small screen with its high-quality videos, news, and information on all major branches of science gathered from different scholars and accredited higher learning institutions.

This app is most appropriate for K-12 students as it provides tips and notes for rigorous courses and examinations. Smyrnova-Trybulska et al. (2017) emphasized that students, especially those in elementary, need to be strongly prepared with skills that the 21st century demands through advanced learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Science 360 is produced by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is available on iOS and Android for free. 

11. Spelling Stage: Best Spelling Challenges for Kids

According to Yesilel (2017), there are a number of advantages that Technology-Enhanced Language Learning provides; software that enables the use of voice help students to develop skills in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and comprehension as well. In that case, Spelling Stage may be an ideal app for the aspiring spelling bee wiz and champion! It comes with a paid subscription that gives access to a wide selection of words from simple to complex with audio and visual cues. The game imitates a spelling bee contest that young and older students will surely enjoy. Users may even use screen recording apps to document the words they have spelled for later reference. Features also include creating your own content to practice.

Purchase a 1-month subscription for $1.99, 3 months for $5.99, and 12 months for $7.99.  You may also try the free trial and see for yourself what the app has to offer. Available on iOS.

12. Starfall ABCs: Best Alphabet App for Kids

Easily one of the best language learner apps for kids and then some, this fun and exciting learning app is designed for kids ages 2-5. Starfall ABCs features an animated introduction to learning words and letters in the English Language Arts. Children will love to explore and learn the alphabet for it also features a wide variety of games and songs. It has a free version but it can be upgraded to a paid version where you can have more access to learning and exciting offers. It is available for free download on Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire, as well as on Amazon.

13. Handwriting Success: Best App for Handwriting Practice

Handwriting Success transforms handwriting practice into a fun and interactive experience. It utilizes the power of tablets and styluses to make learning captivating. Moreover, it goes beyond static worksheets. Young learners can use the app to trace letterforms, experiment with pen width and opacity, and digitally erase mistakes. This interactive approach fosters a sense of play and experimentation, encouraging children to participate actively in their learning. The app provides clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring children develop proper posture, penmanship techniques, and a consistent writing style.

Furthermore, Handwriting Success caters to a wide range of ages and abilities. The app offers the complete Getty-Dubay® handwriting program, encompassing eight workbooks for beginner to advanced learners. This comprehensive curriculum allows children to progress at their own pace, mastering each step before moving on to the next.

Parents or guardians can download the app free from the Apple Store or Play Store. Meanwhile, the workbooks and other resources start at $12.99.

14. Lingokids: Best Safe Educational Platform

Lingokids excels in creating a secure and enriching educational environment for young learners, ensuring that their online interactions are safe and productive. The platform’s certification by the kidSAFE Seal Program underscores its dedication to child safety, offering parents peace of mind as their children explore the app’s extensive learning materials. This certification involves rigorous testing and compliance with strict safety standards, covering aspects such as data privacy, content appropriateness, and secure user interactions.

Beyond its commitment to safety, Lingokids offers a rich array of features designed to foster an engaging and effective learning experience. The app incorporates a variety of interactive activities, including games, videos, songs, and puzzles, all aimed at making language learning fun and accessible. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners all find something that resonates with them. Lingokids is downloadable on the App Store, Play Store, and Amazon Appstore for free.

15. Monster Math: Math Fluency for Kids

Monster Math is a research-backed, game-based math app aimed at ages 5–9 (Grades K–3). It builds strong number sense and math-fact fluency through immersive, story-driven learning—not rote drills—by embedding addition, subtraction, doubles, and multiplication strategies into engaging visual puzzles and adventures.

What sets it apart is its neuroinclusive design: calming visuals, no timers, and distraction-free gameplay crafted to support children with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences.

Kids progress through playful worlds and storylines featuring friendly monsters, making math feel like fun rather than practice. Core users include young learners, neurodivergent children, parents, teachers, and homeschoolers seeking engaging, standards-aligned reinforcement.

The app’s seamless blend of strategic visual learning, curriculum alignment, and inclusive gameplay helps it stand out from typical drill-based competitors.

In today’s education landscape, bridging the gap between traditional and modern learning methods often requires the use of comprehensive technological platforms. While educational apps provide immense support, integrating them into a broader framework can maximize their effectiveness. One such tool that caters to both classroom environments and home-based learning is a robust learning management system. These systems enable teachers, parents, and students to seamlessly manage coursework, track progress, and access a central hub of resources. They also integrate features like personalized learning paths, progress analytics, and collaborative tools that align with the unique educational needs of each child.

For parents looking to ensure a unified and structured learning approach, leveraging a well-designed platform can pay significant dividends. By embedding educational apps directly into a learning management system, children can experience a cohesive yet flexible educational journey, allowing them to build skills in a fun, interactive, and organized way. This holistic strategy nurtures a love for learning while ensuring that the child remains aligned with academic milestones.

Bridging the Gap with Technology

The fast-changing advancements in the world of education and technology have left some traditional teachers behind. They simply do not want to embrace change as they are not really comfortable with it and tend to stick with their own, old teaching styles. But in this modern age, students are always connected online and want innovation and more exciting ways to learn. 

Suffice to say, the acquisition of knowledge can come from different sources, and teachers and students alike can become more flexible and modern by going with the in-demand flow in education and embracing the realities that trends in education have been changing. Using educational apps and modern EdTech such as the best flipbook software can always help teachers and even parents in educating children by bringing a fresh and more appealing approach to a particular subject. With the use of modern technology and these educational apps, a more modern way of learning and teaching has never been this fun and effective.

Accepting technology helped by little bit of parenting strategies can also go a long way in advancing the cause of your kids. Sometimes, children cross the boudaries of acceptable behavior. If your first impulse is to use strong language, you might want to consider how not to talk to your child instead and raise confident, well-adjusted kids.

If you’re short on resources, why not head over to this list of fun and free educational websites for kids. These should keep them busy while enjoying learning along the way.

Key Insights

• Impact of Educational Technology: Studies suggest that educational technology enhances student engagement and comprehension, particularly when integrated into classroom settings and home learning environments.
• Diverse Learning Tools: Educational apps cater to various learning styles, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, making learning more inclusive and effective.
• Increased Student Performance: Research shows significant improvements in student performance when educational apps are incorporated into learning. For example, students using iPads for three months showed a 9% increase in performance.
• Engagement and Motivation: Apps like ABCmouse.com and Quick Maths leverage gamification and interactive elements to keep students engaged and motivated to learn.
• Language and Literacy Development: Apps such as Duolingo and Epic! provide valuable resources for language learning and reading, helping students improve their literacy skills.
• Parental Involvement: Apps like ClassDojo and YouTube Kids allow parents to monitor and support their children's learning activities, fostering a collaborative educational environment.
• Science and STEM Learning: Apps like Science 360 and Starfall ABCs promote interest and learning in science and STEM subjects, preparing students for future academic challenges.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Many educational apps are available on multiple platforms (iOS, Android) and offer flexible pricing options, including free versions and trial periods.

FAQ

1. How do educational apps enhance student engagement? Educational apps enhance student engagement by incorporating interactive and multimedia elements that make learning fun and appealing. They utilize features such as gamification, visual and auditory aids, and personalized learning paths to capture and maintain students' interest.
2. What are the benefits of using educational technology in classrooms? The benefits of using educational technology in classrooms include improved student engagement, personalized learning experiences, better comprehension and retention of information, and the ability to track and assess student progress in real-time. Technology also facilitates collaborative learning and can make complex subjects more accessible.
3. Which educational apps are best for early learning? ABCmouse.com is highly recommended for early learning, offering a comprehensive range of activities and videos that cover various subjects like math, science, and reading. Starfall ABCs is another excellent app for young children, focusing on language and literacy skills.
4. Can educational apps improve math skills? Yes, educational apps like Quick Maths are specifically designed to improve math skills. These apps provide interactive and timed challenges that help students practice fundamental arithmetic and advance their mathematical abilities in a fun and engaging way.
5. Are there educational apps for learning new languages? Duolingo is a popular app for learning new languages, offering courses in over 30 languages. It provides interactive lessons that cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing, making language learning accessible and enjoyable for users of all ages.
6. How do educational apps support literacy development? Educational apps support literacy development by providing engaging reading materials, interactive storybooks, and tools for practicing vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension. Apps like Epic! offer a vast library of eBooks and audiobooks that cater to different reading levels and interests.
7. What role do parents play in using educational apps? Parents play a crucial role in using educational apps by setting up controls, monitoring their children's progress, and providing support and encouragement. Apps like ClassDojo allow parents to stay informed about their child's activities and achievements, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
8. Are there educational apps focused on science and STEM subjects? Yes, Science 360 and Starfall ABCs are excellent educational apps that focus on science and STEM subjects. These apps offer high-quality videos, images, and interactive content that bring science and engineering concepts to life for students.
9. How accessible are educational apps in terms of platforms and pricing? Educational apps are generally accessible on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. Many apps offer free versions or trial periods, with optional subscription plans that provide additional features and content. This makes educational apps a flexible and cost-effective solution for enhancing learning.
10. What are the key trends in educational apps for kids?

Key trends in educational apps for kids include the increasing use of gamification, personalized learning paths, interactive multimedia content, and tools for real-time progress tracking. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating STEM education and language learning into app-based learning experiences.

References:

• Pierce & Cleary (2016). The K-12 educational technology value chain: Apps for kids, tools for teachers and levers for reform. Education and Information Technologies, 21 (4), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-014-9357-1
• Morgan, H. (2013). Multimodal children’s e-books help young learners in reading. Early Childhood Education Journal, 41, 477483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-013-0575-8 
• Senel, M., & Akman, D. (2016). Fun teaching! Fun tech-ing ! Interactive educational games for young learners. Participatory Educational Research, Special Issue 2016-I, 12-21. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.16.spi.1.2
• Ching, Y., Hsu, Y. & Baldwin, S. (2018). Developing computational thinking with educational technologies for young learners. TechTrends, 62, 563573. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-018-0292-7
• Smyrnova-Trybulska, E., Morze, N., Kommers, P., Zuziak, W., & Gladun, M. (2017). Selected aspects and conditions of the use of robots in STEM education for young learners as viewed by teachers and students. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 14 (4), 296-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-04-2017-0024
• Yesilel, D. (2017). Technology-enhanced language learning for digital natives. Participatory Educational Research, Special Issue 2016-IV, 97-111. http://www.perjournal.com/archieve/spi_16_4/per_16_spi_4_14.pdf
• Matthew, K. (1997). A comparison of the influence of interactive CDROM storybooks and traditional print storybooks on reading comprehension. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 29 (3), 263277. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20204639
• Pearman, C. J. (2008). Independent reading of CD-ROM storybooks: Measuring comprehension with oral retellings. The Reading Teacher, 61(8), 594602. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/102320/
• Lopuch, M. (2013). The Effects of Educational Apps on Student Achievement and Engagement. Chicago, IL: eSpark Learning.
• Loveless, B. (n.d.). Are learning apps helping or hurting education? Education Corner.