There are many free educational apps for kids and adults that are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for both children and adults.
In today’s society, technology is used in our daily lives, so learning doesn’t have to be done in the classroom. There are many free educational apps that can be beneficial to your or your child’s learning.
Advantages of Learning Apps
- Free educational apps make learning possible anytime and anywhere. With these apps being easily accessible right on your phone or tablet, you can learn anywhere or on the go.
- Certain free educational apps can serve as online study resources. By utilizing online tutorials and eBooks, you can expand your knowledge as you have access to a number of different books.
- With learning apps, you can monitor your children’s progress. If you have an app on your child’s device or devices, you can know how they are progressing in reading, math, science, and more.
- Learning apps aren’t just for children. Anyone can use them. There are free educational apps that adults can also benefit from as well.
- Using mobile devices is a tool to spark a child’s interest in learning something. They can learn anything through online activities or playing a game. While they might get bored in the classroom setting or having a traditional presentation, learning apps can present information in a fun and exciting way that can be engaging for younger kids.
- One of the key advantages of free educational apps is being able to personalize what you learn. Since you might not be dealing with due dates or deadlines for assignments, you can learn at your own pace
- If you use free educational apps in a school setting, the communication gap between students and their teachers or professors is narrowed. Teachers are able to give out assignments, communicate with students, and share lesson plans.
50 Best Free Educational Apps
Multi-subject Apps
1. Khan Academy
Age level:
7+
Features:
Khan Academy offers 4000 courses in many different subjects, including math, art, history, economics, computing, and more. The courses feature practice exercises and instructional videos. The free educational app also has a personalized learning dashboard that shows the progress you’ve made and how close you are to achieving your goals.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Ability to learn and work at your own pace, while having a wide variety of subjects to choose from. The app is also free and accessible.
- Cons: There is less interactive learning compared to if you were sitting with someone face-to-face. By using Khan Academy, you are also only exposed to one teaching style that might not be best for you.
2. Khan Academy Kids
Age level:
2+
Features:
Khan Academy Kids is one of the free educational apps that engages kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math. Kids are also encouraged to build creativity and build social-emotional skills. Kids can also be guided through activities with the help of five whimsical and fun characters.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Similar to Khan Academy, kids have the chance to learn and work at their own pace, while having a wide variety of subjects to choose from. The app is also free and accessible.
- Cons: There is less interactive learning compared to if you were sitting with someone face-to-face, and you are exposed to only one teaching style.
3. BrainPop
Age level:
4+
Features:
BrainPops allows you to learn about a variety of different subjects. There is also a multitude of different activities alongside the lessons.
Premium versions:
There are different versions based on your role.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: You can learn a variety of different subjects, and do the activities that go along with the lesson.
- Con: Without a subscription, you do not gain access to all the lessons.
4. BrainPop Jr.
Age level:
4+
Features:
BrainPop Jr. covers a wide variety of subjects, such as math, science, social studies, engineering, and more. There are also activities and quizzes to help with learning.
Premium versions:
There are different versions based on your role.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There are many teaching resources the apps offer, and kids get many engaging and comprehensive learning tools.
- Con: Without a subscription, you do not gain access to all the lessons, and if you don’t dive deeper, the learning can be superficial if you don’t dive deeper.
5. Quizlet
Age level:
4+
Features:
Quizlet is a self-directed study app that is helpful for studying or reviewing material a student might be tested on. The platform allows users to organize information into study sets that you either make themselves or find ones already created.
Premium version:
$35.99.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Quizlet has seven different study modes you can choose from. You can make flashcards, quiz yourself on how well you know information within a study set, play a time-based game where you match terms and definitions, and more. Quizlet is also a great way to study for tests because of the study modes that are offered.
- Con: You can learn incorrect information as any user is able to create and share a study set.
6. Fact Monster
Age level:
5+
Features:
Fact Monster is a free educational online learning service for kids. Your child can learn math, science, language arts and more. The service provides reference materials, flashcards, fun facts, and homework help.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Fact Monster includes a wide range of topics you can learn from. The app also has rich reference materials.
- Con: Fact Monster is only online
7. Poptropica
Age level:
4+
Features:
This is a story-based game where kids are able to create their own characters and then complete educational quests. For example, you will visit historical figures such as Thomas Edison or Leonardo da Vinci or visit places like the Aztec Empire.
Premium version:
$3.99/month.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The world you play in is visually stunning with high-quality animation.
- Con: There are ads and limited interaction with other players.
Free Educational Math Apps
8. Prodigy Math Game
Age level:
4+
Features:
By playing Prodigy Math Game, players can explore new worlds and embark on quests while practicing math.
Premium version:
$59.99.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a lot of fantasy content, you receive feedback and hints, and you can use the read-aloud feature.
- Con: The math is not fully integrated into the adventure and there is a high premium cost.
9. Coolmath Games
Age Level:
13+
Features:
Coolmath Games offers many different activities and games that can help your child increase their math skills. The games are educational and can help improve critical thinking skills, such as logical reasoning, memory recall, strategy, and more.
Premium version:
None
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: It is a suitable place for kids to learn different math-related skills.
- Con: Some of the games might include minimal math, and there are ads on the site.
10. Bedtime Math
Age level:
3+
Features:
Bedtime Math offers a story-based math problem for your child to solve before they go to sleep every night. The math covers the basics, such as addition and subtraction each month. You can also customize the math problems to fit your child’s skill level.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a story-based daily routine and the app can be used for kids just starting out in pre-K all the way to high school. This app can help children feel more confident in their mathematical abilities.
- Con: There is a slow load time. Also, specific ages or grade levels aren’t listed.
11. Formulia
Age level:
12+
Features:
The app covers a wide range of formulas so that all of your formulas are in one place. The app’s collection of formulas are pulled together from the different branches that are present in math, physics, and chemistry.
Premium versions:
There are in-app purchases.
Systems:
Android
Pros and cons:
- Pros: The app has a user-friendly interface, and it doesn’t require an internet connection.
- Cons: Some formulas might be missing.
12. Endless Numbers
Age level:
3+
Features:
This app can help preschoolers learn number recognition, patterns, sequences, and more by interacting with cute, little monsters.
Premium version:
There are in-app purchase options
System:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pros: There are a variety of different games that make number exploration easy while being effective.
- Cons: Some of the app’s features might be distracting for young children.
13. Math Training for Kids
Age level:
3+
Features:
Math Training for kids helps students learn the four basic concepts of math by helping them with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Premium version:
None.
Systems:
Android
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There are fun activities your child can use for practice, and the app has appealing graphics.
- Con: The app is only available for Android users.
Science
14. Science360
Age level:
12+
Features:
The National Science Foundation’s Science 360 app provides a way to learn about science and engineering news, view images, and watch videos.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS (tablets only)
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Content comes from the NSF or scientists and universities from around the world, so while you or your child uses it, you are seeing quality information.
- Con: It can be hard to use this app in a classroom setting.
15. NASA
Age level:
Older elementary school and up.
Features:
You can explore the news, watch videos, and learn about past and present missions.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android, iOS, Amazon
Pros and cons:
Pro: There are daily updates and incredible images you can view. It’s also a great way to get kids interested in science and space exploration.
Con: There is a ton of information with not a lot of guidance, so this app can be overwhelming for some kids.
16. NSF Science Zone
Age level:
4+
Features:
NSF Science Zone features hundreds of videos and high-resolution photos from a dozen different areas of science. You can learn about hundreds of different discoveries, while diving into the latest scientific innovations.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There are a lot of accurate and up-to-date science articles, images, and videos. The app also stimulates scientific exploration and curiosity.
- Con: There is little guidance or interactivity. The app also requires an internet connection.
17. Plum’s Creaturizer
Age level:
4+
Features:
This augmented reality app can help your child learn what a creature needs to survive. Your child is able to create all kinds of different creatures that are a mashup of different animals.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Your child can express their creativity as they create their creatures. They also get to learn about different animals and what they need to survive.
- Con: Only available for IOS devices.
18. Play and Learn Science
Age level:
4+
Features:
This app features different science games that can help your child learn about different scientific concepts, such as water, motion, weather, and more.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The games provided are fun and engaging. Also, your child is able to gain problem-solving skills.
- Con: Since there is a lot of variety, your child might need extra guidance to access specific resources.
19. MarcoPolo Ocean
Age level:
4+, made for ages 0 to 5
Features:
By using this app, children are able to learn about biodiversity, animal attributes, and marine ecosystems. Your child can build and explore the ocean by doing different activities that bring the ocean to life.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is free play and puzzles that help guide your child’s learning about marine life and vessels.
- Con: You can’t track what your child has previously done and you can’t adjust the setting to make puzzles easier or more difficult.
20. Periodic Table
Age level:
12+
Features:
This app gives different kinds of content to help your child learn and memorize the elements of the periodic table.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Easy to use and navigate around the app.
- Con: You will need a decent internet connection to use as you might want to watch some of the videos about the elements.
21. True or False Chemistry
Age level:
4+
Features:
This app helps you learn about the elements of the periodic table by answering true/false questions.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The app doesn’t require wifi, and the app is easy to use.
- Con: You are only able to learn about the elements in the one format the app has to offer, so other resources may be needed.
Free Educational Apps for Reading
22. Kid Mode: Play + Learn: Multiple Reading Skills
Age level:
2 to 8
Features:
The app uses well-known cartoon characters to help kids learn the alphabet and gain other reading skills. Some of the characters include the Teletubbies, Thomas the Train, and Winnie the Pooh.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android, Kindle Fire
Pros and cons:
- Pro: On top of the reading skills your child can gain, there are math activities your child can try.
- Con: This app is not available for iOS devices.
23. Libby
Age level:
2+
Features:
If you don’t have access to a library but you have a library card, this app allows access to your library’s digital resources. While this app won’t teach your child how to read, the app offers a variety of material for your child to read or listen to.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android, iOS, and Windows
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There are a lot of quality books offered. You can also place up to 10 book reservations at a time.
- Con: Libby does require you to pay for a library card. Unfortunately, if you want to put a popular book at home, you might have to wait a few weeks before it’s your turn to have access.
24. Starfall ABCs
Age level:
4+
Features:
Starfall ABCs allows your kids to learn letters, vowels, and words.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Easy to navigate. There are simple activities offered that lend themselves well to your child understanding letters and their sounds.
- Con: if used in a classroom setting, there isn’t a way for teachers to review what a student has mastered.
25. Kindle
Age level:
4+
Features:
Kindle is free to download and use, and you gain access to a large collection of books. The app has many books that are great for young kids.
Premium version:
Kindle Unlimited for $9.99/month.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a large collection of free books. Also, since you can download Kindle on your devices, the books become portable so you are able to read anywhere you go.
- Con: Kindle has limited functionality as it offers few features beyond being an e-book reader.
26. Bamboo Learning
Age level:
4+
Features:
Bamboo Learning comes with 25 free books and reading comprehension activities. The app reads to, listens to, and interacts with its user.
Premium versions:
Bamboo Learning Plus gives access to over 100 books.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Users are able to learn at their own pace.
- Con: The only available in the Apple App Store.
27. LitCharts
Age level:
11+
Features:
LitCharts is an approach for understanding, analyzing, and explaining literature. You can find reviews, summaries, themes, and more for hundreds of books.
Premium versions:
An annual or monthly subscription allows you to download PDFS and have access to more in-depth analysis.
Systems:
Android
Pros and cons:
- Pro: LitCharts offers a solid way for kids to do literature analysis if the app is used appropriately.
- Con: The only available for Android devices, but it can be accessed online.
28. Epic
Age level:
4-12
Features:
With Epic Basic, your child can be given a free book to read every day, and you can choose between thousands of books. Children can build their own book collections, rate the books they’ve finished reading, and more.
Premium version:
$7.99
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a wide range of books offered by popular, well-loved authors. The app also offers a built-in Merriam-Webster dictionary that is easily accessible.
- Con: There is limited access without in-app purchases. You also can’t search books by age.
Free Coding Apps
29. PBS KIDS ScratchJr
Age level:
4+
Features:
Using PBS KIDS ScratchJR allows kids to create their own interactive stories and games. To create this app, PBS Kids teamed up with MIT developers as a way to introduce kindergarteners and 1st graders to coding fundamentals.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The app focuses on creativity rather than just coding. There are lots of choices in terms of characters and scenes.
- Con: There are no training modules or step-by-step guides for your child to learn from.
30. Bee-Bot
Age level:
7-14
Features:
This app allows children to learn the basics of coding. Using a cartoon bee, children are able to learn to code by solving different puzzles. The app can also help with teaching your child a range of computer science concepts, such as sequences of forward and backward directional language that helps develop your child’s coding skills.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There are over 1000 levels your child can complete. While working with the app, your child can gain a number of different skills such as visual-spatial development, problem-solving and decision-making, and more.
- Con: There is limited support available.
31. Codecademy Go
Age level:
4+
Features:
Codecademy Go helps you learn how to code. The app focuses on programming, design, development courses, and more.
Premium versions:
To access the Pro courses, you will need to sign up for the Codecademy Pro subscription. You can choose between Pro Lite, which is $14.99/month and Pro, which is $19.99/month. There is also a subscription offered to students and businesses.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Codecademy Go allows you to practice coding on the go and allows you to track your progress.
- Con: There isn’t a lot of guidance, since the app is completely self-directed.
32. Hopster Coding Safari
Age level:
4+
Features:
This app helps build logic by using pleasing visuals. Children get introduced to computational thinking and learning foundations regarding how coding works.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a kid-friendly presentation and easy game mechanics leading to easily accessible levels.
- Con: The game only provides basic feedback on a misplaced block, which means it can be difficult for your child to understand any errors.
33. Encode: Learn to Code
Age level:
4+
Features:
The app offers kids a chance to learn to code at their own pace by taking bite-sized lessons. There are lessons for JavaScript, Python and more.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Kids start learning the basics of coding and can become proficient in coding lingo.
- Con: It is only available for IOS devices.
34. CodeSpark Academy
Age level:
4+
Features:
The app allows your kids the chance to do hundreds of activities and games designed to teach them the fundamentals of computer science.
Premium versions:
After a free trial, there is a monthly subscription of $9.99.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The app exposes kids to programming early, which can lead to an ignited interest in STEM.
- Con: If this app is being used in a classroom study, teachers will need to compensate for lack of in-game help. Extra instructional help from parents might be needed as well.
35. Sololearn
Age level: 12+
Features:
Sololearn has a large selection of free programming courses that help you learn how to code. You can learn coding concepts, grow your current programming skills, or stay up-to-date about the latest coding trends.
Premium version:
Monthly subscription: $12.99/month
Annual subscription: Try 14 days free, then pay $5.83 per month
Systems:
Android and IOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Sololearn allows you to learn on the go as you take courses that are tailored to you.
- Con: There are many ads on the platform if you don’t sign up from one of the subscriptions offered.
36. Swift Playgrounds
Age level:
4+
Features:
With Swift Playgrounds, you can learn Swift, a programming language that was created by Apple. To master the basics, you are able to solve puzzles and follow Apple-designed lesson plans.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: The colorful and easy-to-learn interface and challenges make it easy to create with IOS Code. The app is also a good choice for beginners.
- Con: You can only learn one coding language.
Free Educational Art Apps
37. Toca Life World: Build Stories
Age level:
6-12
Features:
This world-building app inspires children to use their creativity while they create their own stories as they build their own world. The app comes with eight locations and 39 characters to start their storytelling journey.
Premium versions:
In-app purchases ranging from $.99 to $13.99
Systems:
Android, iOS, and Amazon
Pros and cons:
- Pro: A child is able to express their creativity.
- Con: There are in-app purchase opportunities if you’re looking to not spend money on the app.
38. DailyArt
Age level:
12+
Features:
Every day, users can open the app to see one piece of fine art with a quick-to-read story about it. You can also discover the DailyArt archive, which is filled with classic, modern, and contemporary art pieces.
Premium version:
Premium: $5.99
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: You can learn about a variety of different artwork and artists.
- Con: The app could use more diversity in the artwork and artists highlighted.
39. Superhero Comic Book Maker
Age level:
3+
Features:
Using this app, kids are able to express themselves creatively by creating personalized animated comic books that feature monsters and superheroes.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Wide range of characters offered.
- Con: Your child isn’t able to change images while recording the story. Also, academic learning for older children is limited.
40. Draw and Tell
Age level:
3+
Features:
Draw and Tell allows kids to draw, color, decorate with stickers, create animations, and record stories.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Kids can be storytellers or just color for fun.
- Con: Once a child records a story, they aren’t able to go back and make changes.
41. Google Arts & Culture
Age level:
12+
Features:
Google Arts & Culture shares stories and knowledge that was gathered from over 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There is a large amount of art you can discover and learn about. You can also search for different art.
- Con: There aren’t any lessons provided to help guide your learning. Also, not all well-known artists are represented.
42. Joy Doodle: Movie Color and Draw
Age level:
12+
Features:
Kids Doodle is an easy-to-use painting application that allows kids to doodle freely. Kids can choose from 10 different brushes and adjust the brush size and color.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Kids can express their creativity by creating whatever they would like, and you can save the doodles as images.
- Con: There is no instruction or templates.
Free Educational Apps for Learning Languages
43. Duolingo
Age level:
4+
Features:
Duolingo allows you to learn Spanish, German, Danish, Italian, and more by memorizing new words and phrases. You are able to track your progress as you do game-like lessons that will help you build speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
Premium versions:
Duolingo offers a free version, where you can learn content. The app also has a Super version and a Super Family version. With the Super versions, you can get personalized practice, unlimited test outs, and more. If you go with the Super Family version, you can have up to six accounts.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: There rewards system as you begin to complete levels faster. You can also learn a language whenever you have a spare moment.
- Cons: Duolingo isn’t going to leave you fluent in a language. While you get to a basic understanding of a language where you can make simple sentences. If you are learning a language with the goal of fluency in mind, you should supplement Duolingo with a language course and practice or learn the language in other ways.
44. Memrise
Age level:
12+
Features:
Memrise offers you a way to learn a new language by teaching you language essentials, listening to audio clips of people speaking, and more.
Premium version:
Membership subscription for $8.49/month or $59.99/year.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pros: There are high-quality video and audio resources, and you can customize your learning process by setting your own goals.
- Cons: Words and phrases are taught in isolation rather than in context, and there is not a lot of writing or speaking practice.
45. EngVarta
Age level:
12+
Features:
EngVarta allows you to practice your English speaking skills by talking with an expert.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pros: You can practice anytime and anywhere.
- Cons: You are relying on English Experts to speak with.
46. Babbel
Age level:
12+
Features:
With Babbel, you can learn a new language at your own pace with courses tailored to your skill level.
Premium versions:
Monthly subscriptions start at $6.95/month.
Systems:
Android and IOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: Using Babbel, you can have real-world conversations within the app and it is good for building basic knowledge of a new language.
- Con: You don’t want to use Babble as your only way of learning a new language.
Free Educational Apps for Getting Active
47. GoNoodle
Age level:
5-12
Features:
This app offers a number of movement and mindfulness videos that can be a great way to get your child moving and on their feet.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
Android and iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: the videos and games are fun and there are plenty of brain breaks.
- Con: it does require a solid internet connection in order to avoid buffering videos.
48. Super Stretch Yoga
Age level:
4+
Features:
Super Stretch Yoga gets your kids up and moving. The app has your child do poses based on things found in nature, such as the mouse pose or the eagle pose.
Premium versions:
None.
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: engaging visuals and demonstration visuals.
- Con: is that the explanations are a bit fast.
49. Exercise: At Home Workout App
Age level:
4+
Features:
The app gets you up and moving by offering short workout videos you can do at any time.
Premium versions:
1-week subscription, 3-month subscription, 1-year subscription
Systems:
iOS
Pros and cons:
- Pro: You can keep track of your progress, and no equipment or exercise machines are necessary.
- Con: After your free trial period, you may need to upgrade your subscription.
50. Cosmic Kids
Age level:
3-9
Features:
Cosmic Kids offer yoga and mindfulness videos for young kids. They follow Jaime as she embarks on yoga adventures and explains mindfulness.
Premium versions:
After a free trial, $10/month or $65 a year.
Systems:
Android, iOS, Apple TV, ROKU, and fireTV.
Pros and cons:
- Pro: This app gets kids up and moving by using fun and engaging storytelling to guide yoga and mindfulness.
- Con: Unless you get a subscription, access to videos can be limited.