Best Educational Apps for Kids in 2026: 8 Apps Compared

Khan Academy Kids is our first pick for most families because it is free, ad-free and broad. Children aged 2 to 8 can work on letters, phonics, numbers, shapes, stories and social skills through games, books and videos, with a friendly cast that keeps younger children engaged. A parent area lets adults see progress and adjust settings.

The main limit is scope. Older children will outgrow the age range, and families that want a strict daily path may prefer ABCmouse. For a preschool or early primary child, though, Khan Academy Kids gives a strong, safe starting point at no cost, which is why we place it first.

Duolingo ABC suits a child who is learning to read, from preschool through first grade. Short lessons cover letter sounds, blending, sight words and handwriting, with games that keep practice brief and repeatable. Because it is free with no ads or in-app purchases, parents do not need to manage purchase locks for this app.

Use it as a reading companion, not a whole curriculum. Pair it with Khan Academy Kids for maths and wider learning, or with books read together at home. For a child who needs extra phonics practice, Duolingo ABC is one of the clearest free tools available.

PBS Kids Games is a good free choice for children who already love PBS characters. Games cover maths, reading, science, art and social skills, and the nonprofit PBS background gives parents a clearer privacy story than many commercial apps. Children can pick a game by character or subject, which helps on days when a structured lesson feels too much.

Depth varies by game, so this is better as a supplement than a sole curriculum. Use it for playful practice after a main lesson, and check the parent section for guidance on age-appropriate games. For a free, low-risk addition to a learning routine, PBS Kids Games is easy to recommend.

ABCmouse suits families that want a clear path rather than a set of separate games. Children aged 2 to 8 move through levels covering reading, maths, science, art and music, with rewards and a classroom-like structure. Parents can track progress and see which skills a child has practised, which helps when a teacher asks what to work on at home.

Price is the decision point. Full access needs a subscription, and prices can vary by platform and promotion, so check the official site and app store listing before you pay. Try the free access first, and only subscribe if your child uses the path regularly for several weeks.

Lingokids is a playful option for ages 2 to 8, with games, songs and activities covering literacy, maths, science and social skills. The tone is light and musical, which suits younger children who learn best through play. Parents get progress reports and can set up profiles for more than one child, which helps families with siblings.

The free tier is limited, so full access needs a subscription. Check the current price on the official site, since app store prices can differ. Lingokids fits families that want joyful, game-led learning and are happy to pay for a fuller library after a free trial.

Epic is the pick for families that want reading volume and choice. Children aged 2 to 12 can browse books, audiobooks and videos, with Read-To-Me support for younger readers and quizzes for older ones. A parent dashboard and multiple child profiles help families share one account without mixing progress.

Epic is a library, not a full curriculum. It will not replace maths practice or structured phonics, so pair it with Khan Academy Kids or Duolingo ABC for a balanced routine. For a child who loves stories and needs more books at home, Epic's library is a strong value after the trial.

Prodigy Math turns maths practice into a game for ages 6 to 14, with battles, pets and rewards tied to answering questions correctly. The free core covers curriculum-aligned maths, and a parent account lets adults see progress and set goals. For a child who resists worksheets, that game layer can turn practice into something they ask for.

Watch the membership prompts. Paid membership adds extras, and some parents find the in-game upsell distracting. Set expectations before a child starts, use the free core first, and check whether membership adds learning value or only game rewards for your child.

ScratchJr introduces coding to children aged 5 to 7 through colourful blocks that move characters, add sounds and tell stories. There are no purchases and no ads in the core app, and projects stay on the device, which gives parents a simple privacy story. It teaches sequencing, cause and effect and creative thinking without reading-heavy instructions.

The age range is narrow by design. Older children will want Scratch, the fuller coding platform for ages 8 and up, while younger children may need an adult beside them at first. For a first coding app, ScratchJr is a safe, free and genuinely creative choice.