Best Reading Apps for Elementary Kids (Ages 6–11)
Learning to read—and learning to love reading—are two of the most important milestones in a child’s education. For elementary-age kids (typically ages 6 to 11), building strong reading habits at home is just as important as what happens in school. That’s where reading apps can make a real difference. Whether your child is just beginning to read simple sentences or starting to explore chapter books, the right app can offer age-appropriate reading practice in a fun, engaging, and often interactive format.
But with so many apps on the market, it’s not always easy for parents to know where to start. Some apps focus on early phonics skills, while others support fluency, vocabulary growth, or reading comprehension. Some come packed with leveled readers or audiobooks, while others offer personalized reading plans based on a child’s skill level and interests. And while many reading apps come with a monthly subscription, there are also excellent free or freemium options worth exploring.
This ranked list highlights the best reading apps for elementary kids, from first-graders just sounding out words to fifth-graders looking for longer and more challenging reads. Every app here has been evaluated based on usability, reading content quality, design for kids, and parent reviews. We’ve included both free and paid options, along with details like recommended age range, pros and cons, and why parents love the app.
Whether you’re looking to support a reluctant reader, provide extra practice at home, or simply encourage your child to explore books independently, these apps offer a wide range of support. And many of them are designed with educational input, so your child is not just being entertained—they’re developing foundational literacy skills that will serve them for years.
Explore the list to find the app that best fits your child’s needs and reading level. From interactive storybooks and gamified challenges to curated book libraries and guided reading practice, there’s something here for every young reader.
1
Reading Rockets
304
49
Reading Rockets is an informative resource offering expert advice on how to teach phonics and early reading. In addition to articles and expert tips, it provides a variety of printable activities and videos for parents and educators. It's an excellent resource for understanding the phonics process and accessing teaching tools.
www.readingrockets.org
2
Phonics Genius
182
25
This app is a phonics flashcard-based learning tool. It focuses on teaching letter sounds and word recognition, with over 2,000 words categorized by letter sounds, including digraphs and blends. The app provides a simple, clear, and effective way for children to practice their phonics skills at their own pace.
www.phonicsgenius.com
3
Montessori Crosswords
181
34
Based on the Montessori method, this app helps children practice phonics and spelling by having them form words from letters. It combines phonics principles with Montessori's tactile learning style, encouraging children to build words with visual and auditory cues while learning about letter sounds and word patterns.
www.monkeystyleapps.com
4
Squeebles Phonics
166
30
Squeebles Phonics combines learning and play in an interactive way. The app includes spelling challenges, phonics-based games, and activities that help children practice letter sounds, blending, and word recognition. It features a customizable reward system that motivates kids to keep progressing.
www.squeebles.com
5
ABCmouse
121
23
ABCmouse is a complete learning platform that includes lessons on phonics, letter sounds, word formation, and reading comprehension. It combines fun games, videos, and activities to teach kids foundational reading skills in a highly engaging and child-friendly format. Its curriculum adapts to each child's learning pace.
www.abcmouse.com
6
Teach Your Monster to Read
112
17
This award-winning app is designed for young children, guiding them through phonics and early reading skills via fun and interactive games. The app covers everything from letter sounds to blending and word formation. It’s designed to keep kids engaged with its vibrant graphics and game-like structure.
www.teachyourmonstertoread.com
7
Starfall
97
13
Starfall is an educational app that focuses on helping kids learn to read and write through phonics-based lessons. It includes interactive activities, stories, and songs to teach children letter sounds, sight words, and basic reading skills. The program also reinforces early literacy skills like rhyming, blending, and segmentation.
www.starfall.com
8
Endless Alphabet
92
17
Endless Alphabet teaches young readers letter sounds and vocabulary by using fun animated monsters. Each word is illustrated with playful animations that reinforce the meaning of words, while kids can drag letters around to spell words, improving their letter recognition and phonics skills.
www.originatorkids.com
9
Starfall Learn to Read
89
17
Starfall's Learn to Read program is a comprehensive resource for early literacy. It uses a multi-sensory approach, engaging kids with songs, animated stories, and interactive activities to teach phonics, sight words, and letter sounds. The app is structured around easy-to-follow lessons that build skills step-by-step.
www.starfall.com
10
Reading Eggs
76
9
Reading Eggs is an engaging, comprehensive program designed to teach phonics and reading through interactive activities and songs. It offers personalized lessons for every child, starting with letter sounds and progressing to word-building and reading fluency. The app includes rewards and games to keep kids motivated.
www.readingeggs.com
11
PhonicsPlay
43
5
PhonicsPlay offers interactive phonics games that help children practice their letter sounds, blending, and word-building skills. The app has a wide variety of activities, from flashcards to story-based games, to keep kids engaged while they learn to read. It follows phonics teaching standards like those used in the UK.
www.phonicsplay.co.uk
12
Hooked on Phonics
39
7
Hooked on Phonics is a popular reading program that teaches kids how to read by focusing on phonics and word formation. With interactive lessons, games, and videos, it helps children recognize letter sounds, blend them, and begin reading words. The app uses a step-by-step approach to ensure mastery of each concept.
www.hookedonphonics.com
13
Jolly Phonics
26
4
Jolly Phonics uses a systematic approach to teach phonics through interactive songs, games, and worksheets. The app is based on the Jolly Phonics program, which emphasizes the teaching of letter sounds, blending, and digraphs through multisensory activities. It is well-suited for children just beginning to learn phonics.
www.jollylearning.co.uk
14
Loom Learn to Read
20
3
Loom is a phonics-based app that provides a user-friendly experience to teach kids letter sounds and word recognition. The app allows children to start with simple words and advance to more complex ones as they master each level. It uses interactive graphics to maintain engagement and develop reading skills.
www.loomlearning.com