Top 5 best free reading apps to learn to read at home
Discover five free reading apps to learn to read at home with phonics, practice routines, and book access.
You can absolutely learn to read at home with the right mix of practice, phonics, and fun.
And the best part is that several great free reading apps really do exist, without forcing you into pricey subscriptions on day one.
Notice: This content is independent and has no affiliation, sponsorship, or control over the entities mentioned.
Why apps to learn to read can work so well at home
Apps to learn to read work at home because they turn repetition into something you actually stick with.
Instead of “study time” feeling heavy, you get short activities that build skills in a predictable routine.
The best literacy apps also adapt to your pace, which matters whether you’re helping a child or using adult literacy apps for yourself.
When you hear people say “I want the best app for learning how to read,” they’re usually asking for three things.
- Clear phonics practice that connects letters to sounds.
- Simple progress steps that don’t overwhelm you.
- Enough fun to keep you coming back tomorrow.
That’s exactly the filter you’ll use in a minute to choose your favorite.
How to download reading apps to learn
To download reading apps to learn, you just need to use the official app store on your device and follow a safe, simple checklist.
This is the fastest way to install apps to learn to read without headaches, fake copies, or confusing “look-alike” apps.
On iPhone or iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your device.
- Tap Search and type the app name, like “Duolingo ABC” or “Libby.”
- Tap the app result that shows the correct developer name and solid ratings.
- Tap Get, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
- When it finishes, tap Open and allow only the permissions that make sense.
On Android (Google Play Store)
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Use the search bar to type the app name, like “Khan Academy Kids” or “Starfall.”
- Confirm the right app by checking the publisher, downloads, and reviews.
- Tap Install and wait for the download to finish.
- Tap Open and adjust settings if asked.
If you’re downloading from the web (safe option for some learn-to-read programs)
Some learn to read online programs can be used directly in your browser, which is helpful if you don’t want to install anything.
- Use the official website of the program.
- Look for a button like Play or Start.
- If it asks to create an account, use a strong password and keep parent controls on when needed.
Safety note: Download apps only from official stores or official websites, and avoid “modded” or unofficial downloads.
Quick safety checklist before you tap “Install”
- Check the developer/publisher name matches the real brand.
- Read a few recent reviews, not only the top ones.
- Be cautious with apps that request too many permissions.
- Prefer apps with clear descriptions and consistent updates.
- If you’re installing reading apps for kids, enable parental controls and limit in-app purchases.
What to look for in reading apps before you download
Before you tap install, check if the app is teaching reading in a real sequence.
You want it to start with letter sounds, then blend sounds, then build words, and only then expand into stories.
This is why people often search for the best phonics apps specifically.
Also, be honest about who the learner is.
Reading apps for kids should feel playful and guided.
Meanwhile, older learners might prefer a calmer interface, clearer goals, and practical reading.
If you’re shopping for “apps to help 2nd graders with reading,” look for sight words plus decoding support.
If you’re learning as an adult, you’ll want confidence-building practice that doesn’t feel childish.
Quick checklist that saves you time
- Does it clearly cover phonics and decoding.
- Does it offer short daily sessions you can repeat.
- Does it give feedback when you miss a sound or word.
- Does it include reading practice, not only games.
- Is the free version truly usable for steady progress.
Now let’s get to the part you came for.
Top 5 best free reading apps to learn to read at home
Below are five options that are widely used and have a genuinely helpful free experience.
Some are fully free, and some are free on the web or include a free tier that’s still worth your time.
1) Duolingo ABC (100% free literacy app for early readers)
If you want a straightforward, kid-friendly option, Duolingo ABC is one of the cleanest “start here” choices.
It’s designed for early learners and focuses on the building blocks: letters, phonics, and early word skills.
It’s also described by Duolingo as 100% free, which makes it easy to recommend when you want apps to learn to read without a paywall.
- Great for: preschool to early elementary routines.
- Strength: short lessons that feel like a game, with clear structure.
- Tip: keep sessions short, and repeat lessons until they feel “too easy.”
If you’re specifically trying to learn to read at home with a child, this is a low-stress daily habit builder.
2) Khan Academy Kids (free learning app with strong early reading content)
If you want a broader learning app that still supports reading in a big way, Khan Academy Kids is a standout.
It’s described as 100% free and ad-free on Google Play, which is rare in this category.
It includes early literacy activities, read-alouds, and practice that works well for consistent home use.
- Great for: ages roughly 2–8, especially early reading confidence.
- Strength: variety, so you don’t burn out on one activity type.
- Tip: use the reading-focused sections first, then treat the rest as “bonus learning.”
When people search “best online learn to read program,” they often want structure plus motivation.
This one does a good job of making reading practice feel normal, not intimidating.
3) Starfall Learn to Read (free app built around phonics practice)
If you want something classic and phonics-forward, Starfall Learn to Read is a strong pick.
Starfall describes this as a free Learn to Read app with books, games, and movies.
It’s been used for years by families who want systematic practice in a gentle format.
- Great for: early phonics, letter-sound relationships, and steady repetition.
- Strength: it stays focused on reading fundamentals.
- Tip: pair it with real-world practice, like reading labels or simple books together.
If your goal is finding reading apps that feel “school-like” without feeling boring, this is worth trying.
4) Teach Your Monster to Read (free web version for phonics and early reading)
If you want a game that feels like an adventure, Teach Your Monster to Read is famous for keeping kids engaged.
The official site lets you play now for free on the web, which is perfect if you want to start today without spending anything.
Just keep in mind that the mobile app can be paid depending on the store and region, so the “free” path is typically the web version.
- Great for: kids who resist practice but love games.
- Strength: phonics-driven progression that rewards persistence.
- Tip: use headphones and sit nearby, so you can reinforce sounds out loud.
This is one of those apps to help learn to read that actually solves the motivation problem.
5) Libby (free reading app for access to books, audiobooks, and practice)
If you’re already decoding simple words and you need more reading material, Libby can become your secret weapon.
Libby lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free with a library card.
It’s not a phonics trainer, but it’s a powerful way to practice daily reading with content you genuinely like.
- Great for: building volume, consistency, and reading enjoyment.
- Strength: access to tons of books without buying them.
- Tip: start with short books, and re-read favorites to build fluency.
This is one of the most underrated book reading apps for turning “learning” into a real habit.
How to choose the best app for learning how to read for your situation
The “best” choice depends on your starting point, not on hype.
So here’s a simple matching guide you can use in under a minute.
| What you need most | What to use first | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Letter sounds and first words | Duolingo ABC or Starfall Learn to Read | Phonics-forward practice with clear steps |
| Variety and daily motivation | Khan Academy Kids | Lots of activities to prevent boredom |
| High engagement for reluctant learners | Teach Your Monster to Read (web) | Game loop that keeps you coming back |
| More books to practice daily | Libby | Free access to ebooks and audiobooks via library |
If you’re supporting a child, you can rotate two apps.
If you’re learning yourself, you can focus on one phonics tool plus daily reading practice.
A simple 15-minute routine to learn to read at home
If you do this daily, you’ll feel progress faster than you expect.
The key is consistency, not marathon sessions.
- 5 minutes of phonics in Duolingo ABC, Starfall, or Teach Your Monster to Read.
- 5 minutes of guided practice inside Khan Academy Kids, focusing on reading-focused activities.
- 5 minutes of real reading using Libby with an easy ebook, or a simple printed book.
On hard days, cut it to 7 minutes instead of skipping entirely.
That “never miss twice” mindset is how home learning turns into a real skill.
Helpful extras you might see online, and how they fit
While searching for literacy apps, you’ll run into a few names that are real but not always the best match for learning to read from zero.
For example, Kindle Reader and the Kindle cloud reader app are great for reading ebooks, but they don’t teach phonics directly.
A read it later app can save articles to practice later, but it assumes you already read basic text comfortably.
You might also see “best language learning apps” and even “best language app” lists that include tools like Babbel, sometimes mentioning babbel multiple users plans.
Those can support vocabulary and language learning, yet they are not the same as apps to learn to read for beginners.
In school or workplace settings, you may hear about the moodle app or litmos app, but those are learning platforms, not dedicated reading instruction for early decoding.
And yes, the internet is messy.
You may even see unrelated searches like psychic app, psychic text app, medium reading app, or “best fortune teller app,” which have nothing to do with literacy development.
So if you feel overwhelmed, that’s not you failing.
That’s just search results being search results.
Common mistakes that slow you down (and how to fix them)
Most reading progress stalls for predictable reasons.
Once you spot them, you can fix them quickly.
- Jumping to harder books too soon, which creates frustration and avoidance.
- Skipping phonics practice, which is like trying to run without learning to walk.
- Doing long sessions once a week instead of short sessions daily.
- Only using games and never doing “real reading” with simple text.
- Comparing progress to someone else’s timeline instead of your own.
The fix is simple.
Keep phonics daily, keep reading daily, and keep it short enough that you actually do it.
FAQ about free reading apps
Are these apps really free?
Some are described by their publishers as fully free, while others are free in a specific format like the web version or free access through libraries.
Always double-check your app store screen for your region before you download.
What if you need apps to help 2nd graders with reading?
Focus on phonics gaps plus fluency practice, then add simple books for daily reading.
Use one structured phonics option and one reading-practice option to keep it balanced.
What about adult literacy apps?
If you’re learning as an adult, you still benefit from phonics-first practice plus real reading you can understand.
Start simpler than you think, and build confidence step by step.
Pick one app today and start
You don’t need the perfect plan to begin.
You just need a starting point you can repeat tomorrow.
If you want the simplest path, start with Duolingo ABC or Starfall for phonics, then add Libby for daily reading practice.
That combination is practical, free-friendly, and designed for real life.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember this.
Reading is built through small wins that compound.
So choose one of these apps to learn to read, do 15 minutes today, and let momentum do the rest.
