With the best preschool learning apps, you can not only give your child excellent fundamental early learning but also help them fall in love with it!
Preschool education can nurture youngsters to thrive beyond the classroom and help instill crucial skills that will definitely be beneficial throughout their life. In fact, studies show that kids who attend preschool have an advantage in all areas of learning and have “better attendance, fewer behavior problems, and increased chances of reading at grade level in 4th grade.” This is true whether you’re homeschooling a preschooler or sending them to a traditional in-person preschool
In today’s world of technology, you can give your young kids quality educational support by simply downloading a few of the great preschool educational apps. The best preschool apps for kids ages 5 and under help your child not only get acquainted with technology but also allow them to grasp important lessons and skills in a fun, playful manner.
With that in mind, I’ve reviewed and ranked the top educational apps for preschoolers based on a variety of key factors, including ease of use, entertainment factor, educational quality, cost, and more (click here to learn about our entire Editorial Process & Methodology for product reviews). As someone who started teaching back in 2009, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits educational apps like Noggin, Homer, and the others in the list below can offer for students young and old alike.
This guide has been completely updated for 2023 to include the best options currently available so you can be confident you’re getting the most useful guidance around.
What are the Best Preschool Learning Apps?
1. Noggin
Noggin | eBooks
Noggin's always-growing library of eBooks features your kids' favorite Nick Jr. characters, letting you read together or turn on narration and let your child explore the book at their own pace.
When it comes to the best apps for preschoolers, it’s hard to top Noggin.
Noggin lets preschool kids play fun games, enjoy personalized lessons, and do engaging activities that feature their favorite Nick Jr. characters from shows like Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, and more.
Noggin is designed for kids ages 2 to 7 and offers games and activities to help build foundational skills in math, reading, creative thinking, and more.
The Noggin app also has an immense library of eBooks and ad-free Nick Jr. TV episodes to promote learning.
Key Features
- Interactive games make learning fun for preschool kids
- Personalized approach to learning
- Exclusive learning videos you can’t find anywhere else
- Features kids’ favorite Nick Jr. characters
- Age-appropriate content keeps little kids engaged
Pricing
Noggin offers a 30-day free trial to all new customers and is $7.99 a month thereafter. See our Noggin pricing guide or our Noggin review for more details.
2. Homer
HOMER - The Essential Early Learning Program and App for Kids 2-8
HOMER is a personalized learning app designed to help kids fall in love with learning. There are over 1,000 learning activities across all subjects, and the content is tailored to your child's age and interests.
Ranked as the best educational learning app for various subjects by parents, Homer is one of the most trusted educational apps by parents and teachers as well.
Made for young kids aged 2-8, this app offers a playful way of learning skills and lessons.
Homer offers a variety of fundamental subjects like Math, Reading, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills, and Social and emotional learning- almost everything required for a quality preschool education.
Parents can even personalize their kids’ learning experience according to their interests so that children not only learn but also enjoys as well. This also in turn motivates them to keep coming back for playing their favorite “game”. A win for parents and teachers who struggle to gain a child’s attention while teaching them important lessons.
Moreover, your child will never run out of “new” activities as Homer offers more than 1,000 different activities for them to explore.
And what is even better is that Homer has been proven to improve early reading scores by a whopping 74%.
All in all, it’s one of the best apps for all-around preschool learning and development.
Key Features
- Kid-safe
- Fun app that’s also educational
- Interactive game-like interface
- Easy to use for kids
- Great way to teach kids creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Safe as it has no popup advertisements in-app
- Compatible with all kinds of smartphones, laptops, and computers
Pricing
HOMER pricing is as follows:
- Annual Plan: $79.99 per year
- Monthly Plan: $12.99 a month
HOMER offers a 30 days full access free trial.
3. Galaxy Kids
Galaxy Kids – A Galaxy of Learning Fun
Galaxy Kids is an innovative app that gives kids 1-on-1 speaking practice and real-time grammar correction through virtual AI tutors, making English learning feel like a game while building their fluency and confidence.
I’m a huge believer that AI is going to revolutionize education, and Galaxy Kids is a prime example of the possibilities of this technology. With this innovative app, your child gets 1-on-1 speaking practice and real-time grammar correction from virtual AI tutors. It’s like having a personal English tutor, but without the hefty price tag.
Designed especially for children under 8, the app makes learning English feel like playing a game. With its AI-driven approach, your child can engage in free-flowing conversations on real-life topics, receive instant feedback on pronunciation, and enjoy interactive classes with AI English teachers. As someone who’s taught English to elementary-aged kids, an app like this could truly be a game-changer in the coming years.
Galaxy Kids has been developed by leading educators, psychologists, and software engineers, emphasizing fluent speaking over mere vocabulary and grammar memorization. The result? Your child builds both fluency and confidence in English, all from the comfort of home.
Key Features
- Real-time Grammar Correction: It’s like having a live tutor around, ensuring your child learns the language correctly.
- Free-Flowing Conversations: Engage in discussions on real-life topics, making learning relevant and fun.
- Instant Pronunciation Feedback: Helps your child perfect their accent and clarity.
- Interactive AI Classes: Makes learning dynamic and responsive to your child’s needs.
- Step-by-Step Learning Path: Ensures structured and progressive learning.
Pricing
Galaxy Kids offers a free trial lesson, allowing you to experience its features firsthand. For detailed pricing and subscription plans, read our full Galaxy Kids review.
4. Khan Academy Kids
Another staple in the list of educational apps for preschoolers is Khan Academy for Kids. This free preschool app is a junior version of Khan Academy and is made for toddlers to second graders.
Khan Academy Kids covers a range of fundamental subjects like math, English, reading, social skills, etc that are extremely important for preschoolers. It uses a range of interactive methods like games, animations, sing-along songs, and cute characters to keep young kids engaged and also to help teach kids important lessons.
Khan Academy Kids offers a curriculum that is expertly designed and complies with Common Core Standards and Early Learning Outcomes Framework, so you can rest assured that your kid gets the best quality preschool education.
Furthermore, it offers two great learning paths to make learning customized for your kid. Adaptive Learning Path and Independent learning. Parents can choose either one of them which best suits their kid’s learning requirements.
In addition to this, Khan Academy for kids is a research-backed app with proven results. Research by a psychologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that children of lower-income families who used this educational app for 3 months made significant increases in their pre-literacy skills, bringing them close to the national norm.
Key Features
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Kid-friendly app for preschoolers
- Colorful and eye-catching visuals
- Off-screen videos and printables
- 100 % ad-free app
- Curated by experts
- Available for all smartphones, laptops, and computers
Pricing
Khan Academy Kids is a completely free preschool app.
5. Moose Math
This math app, created by Duck Duck Moose (which was acquired by educational technology giant Khan Academy in 2016) is designed to expose young children to basic math principles. So If you want to give your child a strong mathematical base, then this preschool app can be a great choice for you.
Moose Math teaches and builds on 5 basic early math skills for young learners: Numbers, Geometry, Counting, Addition and subtraction, and measurement. The curriculum offered by this preschool app is in line with Common Core State Standards so if you are preparing to send your kid to elementary school then this app can help you to do so hassle-free!
It teaches these areas of math by using fun interactive activities and math games like joining the dots, Pet Bingo, Paint pet, Moose Juice, and lost and found. There are five distinct levels of games, and students must move through them in order to advance. It even generates reports so that parents and teachers can keep track of their preschoolers progress.
Key Features
- The curriculum complies with Common Core State Standards
- A great app for preschoolers with an interactive elements and a game-like interface
- Available on Amazon AppStore, Google Play, Apple Store
- Reward system to motivate kids and keep your child entertained
- Generates reports
Pricing
Moose Math is a completely free preschool app with no hidden in-app purchases.
6. Alphatots Alphabets
Teaching kids the alphabet and phonics at an early age can prove to be very beneficial in helping them develop sound literacy abilities.
AlphaTots Alphabets helps toddlers learn their ABCs in a fun and game-like way. With 26 different puzzles and games for the 26 letters of the alphabet, this preschool app teaches kids the alphabet by using an action word for each letter, basically, the kid performs that action for each letter. For example, for the letter “B” they will “build a robot” and for the letter “z” they will “Zap’ aliens.
This innovative, unique and diverse way of teaching alphabets is what makes this preschooling app stand out amongst the others. It introduces a letter, its name, and the letter sounds it produces using vivid, vibrant images and outstanding pronunciation so that your child clearly absorbs these literary skills all while playing!
Key Features
- Colorful and interactive interface
- Large and colorful letter images in games and songs that children can read in both upper and lower case
- Great way to start building early reading skills
- Equipped with Parent Gate to keep the app kid safe
- No third-party advertisements
- Available for Android, iPhone, and Ipad.
Pricing
AlphaTots Alphabet is available for $2.99 for iOS and Android users.
7. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
This preschool app has everything that you may need to introduce your toddler to the world of education. From shapes, letters, numbers, and counting to the identification of patterns your toddler will learn all the fundamentals of preschool in a fun and engaging manner.
It offers a set of seven fun educational activities for your preschooler. The ultimate goal in each of these fun activities is to fill the monkey’s box with fruit. To do so, the child will learn to count fruits with the monkey, learn which letter they start with, match them with pictures, and solve puzzles
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox allows children to select a cartoon sticker and set it on a personalized virtual canvas board once a series of activities are completed successfully. This helps them gain a sense of accomplishment and also keeps them motivated.
Key Features
- Available in 8 languages: German, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Korean, and Japanese(only on Google Play)
- Intended for use by children so no complicated menus or navigation.
- Unlimited playing with a continuous flow of games
- Adorable characters and friendly interface
- No.1 in the app store for educational preschool apps
- Available on Google Play and App store
Pricing
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox offers a free version as well as a premium paid subscription that costs $4.99 a month or $42.99 a year for the annual plan.
8. Toca Nature
Toca Nature was created to bring Nature to your child’s fingertips. Suitable for older preschoolers this app helps them to explore creativity in a clear and open-ended way.
Almost like Minecraft, this app allows youngsters to grow plants to create a forest, pick berries, mushrooms, or nuts to feed various animals, elevate a mountain and take in the scenery, Travel around various locations and make friends with a fox or even capture a shot of a bird building a nest. It basically allows them to enjoy nature digitally without the hazards of a natural environment.
Preschoolers learn a lot of non-academic skills with this app. By dragging and dropping to create their personalized scenery, kids learn hand-eye coordination while also helping them to broaden their imaginations.
Children can also make new friends which help them build their social skills early on. It also has a few challenges to spark their cognitive abilities. What’s more is that by playing this game, children may learn to appreciate nature and their environment even more!
Key Features
- Extremely creative
- Calm Aura
- Imaginative and creative interface
- Child-friendly app for preschoolers
- Available on Google Play and app store
Pricing
This app costs $3.99 on Google Play as well as on the Apple App Store. There are several in-app purchases available, ranging in price from $.99 to $13.99.
9. The Monster at the End of This Book
If your child loves Sesame Street, then this app will be a great treat for them.
This is an interactive edition of the popular Sesame Street book from the 1970s, in which Grover advises children not to flip the pages so they can avoid the monster at the conclusion of the book. It offers different activities for kids on every page of the book.
All of these features are hands-on, with youngsters being asked to untie ropes, touch a knot to make it unravel, knock down brick barriers, and tickle Grover by touching on his image.
Along with building hand-eye coordination, this app also helps build a child’s literary skills. Grover the main Character and various other characters in the book read out the words aloud for kids as they appear on screen, keeping them well interacted. They also give hints helping children to use their thinking abilities.
Aside from being fun for tiny kids, The Monster at the End of this Book may provide a chance for parents to discuss with their children when they are terrified of anything- letting kids know that their parents are a safe space to open up to!
Key Features
- Interactive interface
- Fun activities
- Popular Character
- Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
Pricing
The Monster at the End of This Book app costs $4.99 for iPhone and iPad users and the same for Android devices.
10. Spelling and Phonics: Kids Games
For all those parents on a budget looking for a great preschooling app to teach their kids spelling and phonics, then this app is the one for you.
This completely free app is made to help toddlers and preschoolers learn spelling in a playful manner. Even parents can play with their kids. This not only helps children to grasp spellings more quickly but also is a great useful bonding time.
With this preschool learning app, children will learn the alphabet, their shape, phonics, word pronunciation and will also learn to connect pictures with their names. To teach them this, this app offers a different variety of game modes such as fill in the blanks, blank spelling, and Consonant vowel-consonant mode.
Even more, it also produces report cards to help parents and children know their accomplishments and areas that require more attention.
Key Features
- Certificates and stickers to motivate kids
- Clear sounds to aid with learning phonics
- Colorful visuals
- No third-party advertisements
- Kid-friendly app for preschoolers
- Free of cost
Pricing
Spelling and Phonics: Kids Games is a completely free-of-cost app. It also does not offer any in-app purchases as well
Tips for Choosing the Best Preschool Learning App
Downloading the right app for your preschooler is extremely crucial.
As I’ve learned when using educational apps with kids of all ages, some apps are more engaging and interactive than others, and some are better suited for specific learning objectives.
When selecting an app for a preschooler, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind to ensure it’s both educational and age-appropriate. Here are some things to consider:
- Age-Appropriateness: You want to make sure the app is actually designed for preschool-age children, typically between the ages of 3 to 5. It should offer activities and content suitable for their developmental stage.
- Educational Content: Look for apps that offer a variety of educational content, including early literacy (letters, phonics), numeracy (numbers, counting), shapes, colors, and basic problem-solving activities. The app should align with early learning objectives so that your kid is having productive screen time.
- Interactive Elements: Preschoolers learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences. Choose apps with engaging activities that involve tapping, dragging, and swiping, as these help develop fine motor skills and keep children engaged.
- Engaging and Fun: Young kids learn best when they’re having fun. The app needs to be enjoyable and fun for your child. Look for apps that incorporate game-like elements, animations, and colorful graphics to make learning exciting.
- Clear Learning Objectives: A good preschool app should have clear learning goals for each activity. It should provide feedback or reinforcement when a child completes a task successfully.
- No or Minimal Ads: Be cautious of apps with excessive ads, as they can disrupt the learning experience and may not be suitable for young children. You want to go with apps that offer ad-free or premium versions.
- Parental Controls: It’s a good idea to opt for an app offers robust parental control features. Ideally, you should be able to set screen time limits, password-protect settings, and control access to additional content or purchases.
- Offline Play: While internet connectivity can be beneficial, having the option for offline play can be super helpful, especially when traveling or in areas with limited internet access.
- Safety and Privacy: Verify that the app prioritizes the safety and privacy of children. It should have a clear privacy policy and not collect sensitive information without parental consent.
- Cost: Consider your budget when choosing a preschool learning app. Some apps offer a one-time purchase fee, while others have subscription models. And some are even free. Evaluate the cost in relation to the app’s content and quality.
- Feedback and Progress Tracking: Apps that provide feedback on your child’s learning progress and achievements can help you understand their learning journey.
By weighing these elements, you’re not just picking a preschool learning app; you’re curating an educational journey for your child. Choose wisely, and you’ll align it with their developmental needs, create a safe and enriching learning space, and make sure it’s a whole lot of fun along the way. It’s not just an app — it’s an opportunity to shape their early learning experience.
What are the Benefits of Preschooling Apps?
Preschooling apps offer a wide variety of features that can help your child excel in their early education. Some of these benefits include:
- Tailored Learning: In a way, many of these apps are like having a personal tutor for your little one. They adapt to your child’s pace, making sure they get the right dose of challenge and success.
- Brain Development: Preschool learning apps are designed to exercise those developing brains. They sneak in essential skills like letters, numbers, and shapes through fun and engaging activities.
- Fine Motor Skills: The swiping, tapping, and dragging in these apps are more than just fun and games; they’re developing fine motor skills that will serve your child well in everyday tasks.
- Independence Boost: As your child progresses through the app, they’re sure to gain confidence and independence. They’re learning how to explore and solve problems on their own.
- Interactive Fun: Let’s face it, preschoolers are inquisitive by nature. Educational preschool apps provide interactive experiences that keep them engaged while fostering curiosity.
- No More “I’m Bored”: Long car rides, doctor’s office waiting rooms, rainy days – these apps are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your little one entertained and engaged.
- Educational Playtime: Learning and play don’t have to be separate activities. Preschool learning apps seamlessly blend education and fun, creating a harmonious balance.
- Progress Tracking: Many of the best apps for preschoolers provide feedback on your child’s progress. It’s like having your own personal learning progress report to see how far they’ve come.
- Preparation for School: These apps are a fantastic prelude to formal education. They help your child build foundational skills that will serve them well in kindergarten and beyond.
- Positive Screen Time: In a world filled with screens, these apps offer a way to ensure that screen time is productive and beneficial.
- Digital Literacy: Early exposure to digital tools can set your child on the path to becoming tech-savvy.
All in all, preschool learning apps are a great way to teach your child basic fundamentals of education and also to keep them engaged in an interactive and playful manner!
Other Useful Resources
- The Best Educational Apps for Kids
- The Best Homeschool Apps
- The Best Educational Game Apps
- The Best Coding Apps for Kids
A Final Word on Preschool Learning Apps
Whether you’re looking to supplement your homeschooling, give your little ones a head start on their educational journey, or just want to make their screen time more productive, the best preschool learning apps offer a host of benefits for kids and parents alike.
Finding the right app for your kid doesn’t have to be difficult. Remember, most of the apps on our list above offer free trials or a free version. So you can try out a few different ones to see which ones work best for your child.
Do you have any other suggestions for the best preschool learning apps? Let us know in the comments below!