25 Best Reading Apps for Kids of All Ages (Free, Paid & Online)
If you’re a parent, you already know how tricky it can be to balance screen time with learning time.
The good news… There are plenty of reading apps out there that don’t just keep kids busy—they actually help them build stronger reading skills.
From colorful phonics games for preschoolers to audiobook libraries for older kids, these apps turn reading into something fun instead of a chore.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up 25 of the best reading apps for kids of all ages—whether you’re looking for free options, paid subscriptions, or online resources.
You’ll find apps for toddlers just starting with the ABCs, apps that help with reading challenges like dyslexia, and even interactive tools that make reading feel like play.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which apps are worth downloading so your child can spend screen time building a lifelong love of reading.
1. Epic!
Epic! is often called the “Netflix for kids’ books,” and for good reason.
It gives your child access to over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and learning videos all in one place.
Parents love that it’s tailored by age and reading level, so your child only sees books that fit their stage. There are read-to-me books for little ones, chapter books for older readers, and even quizzes to check comprehension.
The app also tracks progress, which makes it easy for parents to see how much their child is reading.
Epic! is subscription-based, but schools often provide free access—making it a smart pick whether you’re homeschooling, supporting schoolwork, or just encouraging more reading at home.
Also Read: 27 Free & Paid eBook Apps Every Reader Should Try
2. ABCmouse
ABCmouse is one of the most popular learning platforms for kids ages 2–8, and reading is a big part of it.
The app uses a step-by-step learning path that includes stories, phonics games, and interactive lessons to build early literacy skills.
What sets ABCmouse apart is how it blends reading with other subjects like math and science, so kids see reading as part of everything they do. Parents can track progress and set goals, and kids earn tickets to unlock fun rewards, which keeps them motivated.
While it requires a subscription, ABCmouse is packed with content, making it a solid investment if you want an all-in-one solution for early learning and reading.
3. Starfall Learn to Read
Starfall is a trusted name in early literacy, and their “Learn to Read” app is designed with preschoolers and kindergarteners in mind.
The app focuses on phonics, sight words, and sentence building, all through playful animations and songs. What parents really appreciate is that it’s ad-free, safe, and easy for young children to navigate on their own.
The lessons feel like games, so kids stay engaged without realizing they’re practicing core reading skills.
Starfall is free to use online, with a low-cost membership option for full access.
If you’re looking for something simple, research-backed, and affordable, Starfall is a fantastic starting point for kids who are just learning to read.
4. Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is built specifically to help kids ages 2–13 learn to read and grow their comprehension skills.
The app breaks reading into five programs: phonics, spelling, comprehension, grammar, and fluency. Kids start with a placement test to find their level, and then follow lessons filled with colorful games, songs, and interactive books.
Parents can check progress through detailed reports, which makes it easy to see improvements.
The app also includes “Fast Phonics,” designed to build confidence in younger readers.
While Reading Eggs is subscription-based, many parents find it worthwhile because it grows with your child—from their very first letters to more advanced chapter books.
Also Read: 27 Free Novel Reading Apps Every Book Lover Should Try
5. Hooked on Phonics
A classic name in literacy, Hooked on Phonics has been helping kids learn to read for decades—and now it’s available as an app.
The program follows a proven, step-by-step system that introduces letter sounds, blends, and sight words through interactive lessons.
After each lesson, kids can practice reading short stories that match their new skills, which helps build confidence. The app is bright, easy to use, and perfect for kids in preschool through early elementary grades.
Parents also get printable worksheets and offline resources, which extend the learning beyond the screen.
Hooked on Phonics is subscription-based, but it’s backed by a strong reputation and success stories from families everywhere.
6. Teach Your Monster to Read
Teach Your Monster to Read turns phonics into an adventure game where kids help their monster progress by learning sounds, blending, and reading words.
Designed in collaboration with teachers, it’s ideal for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are just starting out.
The app covers the first two years of reading, from letter recognition to complete sentences.
Parents love that it’s engaging enough to keep kids coming back without feeling like “schoolwork.” Plus, it’s free on desktop and available at a low cost on mobile devices.
If you want a fun, game-style way to kickstart reading, this app is a must.
Also Read: 31 Apps for Book Lovers
7. Homer
Homer Reading is built for kids ages 2–8 and takes a personalized approach to literacy.
The app adapts lessons to your child’s age, skill level, and even interests—so a child who loves animals might see stories about animals woven into their lessons.
The program covers phonics, sight words, vocabulary, and comprehension, using a mix of interactive stories, songs, and games. Parents get progress tracking and tips for reinforcing skills at home.
Homer requires a subscription, but it’s a parent favorite because kids feel like they’re playing, while you know they’re building the foundations of strong reading habits.
8. Duolingo ABC
Duolingo ABC brings the playful style of the famous language app to early literacy.
Aimed at kids ages 3–8, it features more than 700 mini lessons that teach letters, sounds, phonics, and early reading skills. Lessons are short, colorful, and engaging—perfect for kids with shorter attention spans.
Parents will appreciate that it’s completely free, with no ads or hidden costs, making it a safe and budget-friendly choice.
Whether your child is practicing letter sounds or putting words together, Duolingo ABC is a fantastic way to build confidence in those first years of reading.
9. Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is a free, all-in-one learning app that includes reading, math, and social-emotional lessons.
For reading, it offers an extensive library of books, interactive stories, and phonics-based activities.
The app is designed for ages 2–8 and is completely ad-free, which parents love.
Kids are guided by friendly animal characters who make learning fun while reinforcing skills. Parents also get access to progress reports and can adjust lessons to fit their child’s pace.
Since it’s free and created by the well-respected Khan Academy team, this app is a no-brainer for families who want high-quality literacy support without the cost.
10. Reading.com
Reading.com is designed to make learning phonics a parent-child experience.
Unlike many apps where kids play independently, this one encourages co-play—parents and kids read side by side, following a structured program.
The app uses phonics games, stories, and practice tools to guide kids step-by-step from letters to reading sentences.
Parents love that it makes teaching at home simple, even if you don’t have a background in education.
While it does require a subscription, families find value in the shared experience—it turns learning into bonding time, which can be just as rewarding as the reading progress itself.
11. Brighterly
Brighterly offers online math and reading worksheets, but its reading section is especially useful for parents who want structured practice.
The app and website provide printable and digital worksheets that focus on phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary skills. Parents can easily pick worksheets by grade level, making it a flexible add-on to whatever kids are already learning.
While it’s not as gamified as some other apps, Brighterly is great if you prefer a straightforward, school-style approach to strengthening reading.
Many parents use it alongside fun reading apps like Epic! or Starfall, to make sure their child gets both practice and play.
12. Learning Ally
Learning Ally is designed for kids with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Instead of struggling through print, children get access to thousands of human-narrated audiobooks that align with school curricula. Parents and teachers love it because it helps kids stay on grade level while reducing frustration.
The app also includes features like text highlighting and speed adjustments, which make reading along easier.
Though it requires a subscription, many families find it life-changing for kids who need extra support.
If your child has difficulty with traditional reading, Learning Ally can open doors and help them rediscover the joy of stories.
13. Raz-Kids
Raz-Kids is a teacher-favorite app that provides a huge library of leveled eBooks with interactive features.
Kids can listen to books read aloud, read on their own, and then take comprehension quizzes to test what they learned.
The app tracks progress and awards points that kids can use to unlock fun rewards, which keeps them motivated. Parents appreciate how structured the program is, making it easy to see reading growth over time.
Raz-Kids requires a subscription, but because it’s widely used in schools, many children may already be familiar with it. It’s a solid choice for extra practice at home.
14. Libby
Libby, created by OverDrive, connects directly to your local library and gives you access to thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks.
All you need is a library card, and your child can instantly start borrowing age-appropriate books.
Parents love Libby because it’s safe, ad-free, and supports family reading without any cost.
For kids, the app makes borrowing books feel as easy as streaming a show, and audiobooks are especially helpful for reluctant readers or car rides.
If your family already loves story time, Libby is a no-brainer—offering free access to high-quality children’s books right from home.
15. Hoopla
Hoopla is another library-powered app that offers eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and even movies and TV shows.
With a library card, parents can give kids unlimited access to reading materials without paying for subscriptions.
The app allows downloads for offline reading, making it great for travel. Parents like the ability to filter content by age group, ensuring kids only see appropriate titles.
Like Libby, Hoopla is free if your library participates, making it a perfect budget-friendly way to encourage reading.
It’s especially great for older kids and teens who enjoy graphic novels, audiobooks, or series that keep them hooked.
16. Spark Reading
Spark Reading is designed to strengthen comprehension skills for kids in grades 2–8.
Instead of long stories, it uses short, engaging reading passages followed by questions that test understanding. Parents love it because the passages are bite-sized, making it easier to squeeze in practice without overwhelming kids.
The app also adapts to each child’s level, giving just the right amount of challenge.
Spark Reading is subscription-based, but many families find it a good supplement to schoolwork, especially if their child struggles with comprehension or test prep.
It’s perfect for turning a few spare minutes into meaningful practice.
17. Dear Reader
Dear Reader takes a very different approach to reading—it gamifies classic literature by turning it into word puzzles.
Available through Apple Arcade, kids (especially older ones) solve challenges by moving words around within famous stories like Pride and Prejudice or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Parents like that it introduces classics in a fun, interactive way, while kids enjoy it because it feels like a game, not homework.
It’s not for absolute beginners, but for middle schoolers and teens, it’s a clever way to build vocabulary, sharpen comprehension, and get familiar with literary works in a fresh format.
18. Literal
Literal transforms reading into a chat-style experience that feels like texting.
Classic books and stories are broken into conversations between characters, which makes them much easier and more engaging for today’s kids and teens.
Parents find it especially useful for reluctant readers, since the text-message format feels familiar and less intimidating than pages of text.
Literal offers both free and premium options, with a growing library of stories.
For kids who love social media and texting, Literal can be the perfect bridge to get them reading more while still feeling “cool” and modern.
19. Night Zookeeper
Night Zookeeper combines reading and writing into one magical, gamified platform.
Aimed at ages 6–12, it encourages kids to create stories, complete challenges, and receive feedback on their writing—all within a colorful, interactive world.
Parents like that it builds both reading comprehension and creativity, while keeping kids engaged through missions and rewards.
Teachers often recommend it because it ties reading and writing skills together, helping kids become more confident communicators.
It does require a subscription, but families who try it often find it’s worth it for the creative spark it brings to literacy learning.
20. Booksy
Booksy is a great app for kids who are transitioning from learning to read to reading on their own.
What makes it unique is the feature that lets kids record themselves reading aloud, helping them practice fluency and hear their own progress.
Parents appreciate that the app offers books matched to grade levels and tracks how long kids spend reading.
Teachers often recommend Booksy for extra at-home practice, especially for early elementary students.
While some features are free, premium options unlock more content. If you want an app that makes kids active participants in their reading, Booksy is a smart pick.
21. Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader is a powerful text-to-speech app that’s especially helpful for kids with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
It can read aloud eBooks, PDFs, and web pages in natural-sounding voices, while highlighting text as it goes.
Parents love that it turns almost any text into an audiobook, giving kids independence while still reinforcing word recognition.
It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the most polished assistive reading tools out there.
For families who need extra support with reading, this app can make a huge difference in confidence and comprehension.
22. Speechify
Speechify is another text-to-speech app, but it’s geared toward making reading faster and easier for kids and teens.
It can turn homework, books, and even notes into audio instantly, letting kids listen instead of struggle through dense text. Parents appreciate its flexibility—it works across devices and supports scanned documents too.
While older kids benefit most, even younger ones with learning difficulties can use it.
The premium plan unlocks high-quality voices and more features, but even the free version is very functional.
If you want a modern assistive tool, Speechify is a great choice alongside or instead of Voice Dream Reader.
23. YouTube Kids
While not a traditional reading app, YouTube Kids offers a large library of read-along videos and story-based content.
Many publishers and educators upload children’s books read aloud with animations, which can help reluctant readers follow along.
Parents like that the app has filters and parental controls, making it safer than standard YouTube.
It’s especially useful for kids who enjoy watching and listening to stories instead of diving straight into text.
Best of all, it’s completely free, so it works well as a supplement to more structured reading apps.
24. ABCya!
ABCya! blends fun educational games with reading practice, making it a hit with kids in early elementary grades.
The app covers phonics, spelling, sight words, and comprehension through colorful games that feel more like playtime than homework.
Parents like that it’s easy for kids to use independently while still reinforcing classroom skills.
While there’s a free version, the premium plan removes ads and unlocks more content.
If your child loves games but needs extra reading practice, ABCya! is a fun way to sneak in learning without resistance.
25. Endless Alphabet / Endless Reader
The Endless series is a favorite among preschool parents.
Endless Alphabet and Endless Reader teach letters, phonics, and sight words through adorable animated monsters.
Each interaction is playful, with characters that react when kids drag and drop letters or complete words.
Parents love that it’s safe, engaging, and perfect for very young learners just starting their reading journey.
While not free, the apps are a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, making them a good long-term investment.
If you want your toddler or preschooler to see reading as fun from the start, the Endless apps are a wonderful choice.
My Final Take
Finding the right reading app for your child really depends on their age, learning style, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
If your little one is just starting out, playful apps like Teach Your Monster to Read or Endless Alphabet make those early phonics lessons feel more like a game than schoolwork.
For elementary-age kids who need structure, Epic!, Raz-Kids, or Reading Eggs are hard to beat—they offer a wide range of leveled books and track progress as kids move up.
And if your child struggles with reading due to dyslexia or attention issues, assistive tools like Learning Ally, Voice Dream Reader, or Speechify can make all the difference.
The great thing is, you don’t have to stick with just one.
Many parents mix and match—a library app like Libby for free books, plus a phonics app like Hooked on Phonics, and maybe a fun, creative option like Night Zookeeper.
That way, kids get variety, and reading never feels like a chore.
At the end of the day, the “best” reading app is the one your child actually enjoys using.
If they’re excited to open it up—even for just 10 minutes a day—you’ve already won half the battle.
