Best Apps for Kids to Learn English in 2026: 8 Apps Compared

Khan Academy Kids is our pick for most families, and the reason is simple: it is free, ad-free and genuinely good. Created with early learning experts, it covers phonics, sight words, reading, early maths and social-emotional learning for ages 2 to 8. Books, games and activities can be downloaded for offline use, which helps on trips.

The limit is age range. Older children will outgrow the content, and the app runs on phones, tablets and Chromebooks rather than as a full web app. For preschool and early primary children, though, it is the best free English learning app available, and parents should start here before paying for anything.

Lingokids is built for young children learning English, including children for whom English is a second language. Its lessons use songs, games, videos and interactive activities, which keeps short sessions fun. Parents get progress reports, and the content adapts to the child's level.

The honest catch is that the full library sits behind a paid plan, and pricing varies by app store and offer, so check the current price in the app before you subscribe. For families who want a playful, English-focused app with a clear learning path, Lingokids is a strong pick.

ABCmouse offers a long, guided curriculum for ages 2 to 8, with more than 13,000 activities across reading, maths, science, art and music. Children follow a learning path, earn tickets and customise avatars, which keeps many children motivated over months. The app is ad-free and supports up to three child profiles on Premium.

The price is the decision point. Premium costs 14.99 dollars a month, or 79.99 dollars a year on the web, after a trial on web sign-ups, while Basic access gives up to 10 activities a day for free. If you want English plus other subjects in one app, ABCmouse is worth it. If you only need English, a focused app may suit better.

Duolingo ABC brings the Duolingo style to early reading. Short lessons cover phonics, sight words and simple stories, with characters and rewards that keep children coming back. It is free, which makes it an easy second app alongside Khan Academy Kids or Lingokids.

The limit is depth. Duolingo ABC suits early readers best, and older or more advanced children will need a richer app such as ABCmouse or Starfall. For a free, daily phonics habit, it is excellent, and the price cannot be beaten.

Studycat, formerly Fun English, teaches English through games that focus on vocabulary, listening and speaking. Children play with words, match sounds and practise pronunciation in a colourful world that feels like a game rather than a lesson. That design suits young learners who resist formal study.

The catch is that full access needs a paid plan after a trial, so check the current price in the app store. Studycat is also narrower than ABCmouse, focusing on English rather than a full curriculum. For English vocabulary and speaking practice, it is a joyful pick.

Monkey Junior covers vocabulary, phonics and reading for young learners, with lessons organised by level so children can start at the right place. It offers a large library of words, images and audio, and lessons can be used offline. Parents can track progress and adjust levels as a child improves.

The trade-off is price and polish. Full access needs a paid plan after a trial, and the interface can feel busy next to Duolingo ABC or Khan Academy Kids. For families who want a deep vocabulary library for English learning, Monkey Junior is a solid choice.

Endless Alphabet teaches vocabulary one word at a time, with a monster animation that acts out the meaning of each word. Children learn letters, sounds and word meanings together, which makes it a favourite for preschoolers. The humour and animation keep young children engaged in a way that flashcards cannot.

The limit is scope. Endless Alphabet teaches words, not a full reading curriculum, so pair it with a phonics app such as Duolingo ABC or Starfall. Some word packs need an in-app purchase, so check the current pricing before you buy the full set.

Starfall is a long-running learn-to-read site and app for pre-K to grade 3, with a free learn-to-read section and a home membership at 35 dollars a year. Its phonics sequence is clear and steady, which suits children who need a calm, structured path rather than a flashy game.

The design feels dated next to Lingokids or Khan Academy Kids, and game variety is lower. For budget-conscious families who want solid phonics, that hardly matters. Starfall remains one of the best value English reading tools available.