Looking for apps to help your child with dyslexia? Here are the top apps for dyslexic kids, by age, plus free tools already built into your phone or tablet and a 10-minute way to find the right one.
Good dyslexia apps feel like fun, not schoolwork. They use:
- games
- puzzles
- quizzes
It is best to use a mix of apps to help a dyslexic child learn, such as:
Free 10-minute course
Help a dyslexic child learn word sounds
Fun sound puzzles, in 3 short activities. 10 minutes a day, with free printable worksheets.
What are the best apps to help with dyslexia?
The best apps help dyslexic children improve their reading, writing and spelling. Different apps suit different ages.
Dyslexia apps for children aged 4–8
- Apps for younger children help them learn to read and write. Many use multi-sensory learning, with games, puzzles and activities to teach phonics, reading and spelling.
Dyslexia apps for children aged 8+
- Apps for older children help with planning and producing written work. Speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools are very useful, and many have spelling and grammar checkers.
Top 10 reading, writing and spelling apps for dyslexic children
Apps for kids with dyslexia are a great way to practise reading and writing. Here are 10 popular apps:
- Nessy – an online reading and spelling program that makes learning fun.
- Dyslexia Gold – fun activities to help improve reading and spelling.
- Word On – helps kids with dyslexia write more easily.
- Voice Dream Reader – reads text out loud.
- ABC Spelling Magic – learn spelling patterns using pictures and sounds.
- Montessori Words & Phonics – learn letter sounds with interactive games and flashcards.
- Writing Wizard – practise forming letters and words.
- Epic – a huge library of kids’ ebooks and audiobooks.
- Clipboard TTS – reads text out loud with natural voices.
- KidDyslexiaTest – a screening app to help parents spot early signs of dyslexia. It can’t diagnose dyslexia, so talk to your child’s teacher if you’re worried.
Every child is different, so try a few apps to see which ones help most. Combine them with other support, like help in the classroom, assistive technology and reading aids.
Try it today: find the right app in 10 minutes
- Pick one goal (2 minutes). What does your child find hardest right now: letter sounds, spelling, reading or writing?
- Choose 2 apps (2 minutes). Pick two apps from the list that match that goal.
- Play together (5 minutes). Sit with your child and try each one. Watch: are they having fun, and is it the right level?
- Keep the winner (1 minute). Keep the one they enjoy, and set a goal of 10 minutes a day.
Want help choosing the right tech for your child?
The Assistive Tech card helps you find the apps and gadgets that make reading and writing easier for your child, with steps for you on the front and an activity for your child on the back. It’s one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Best spelling apps for dyslexia
These spelling apps use games and challenges to make learning fun, which is especially helpful for dyslexic children:
Free dyslexia apps and tools
There are many free and low-cost dyslexia apps that can help with reading, writing and spelling. Some of the best free tools are already on your devices:
- Read-aloud on phones and tablets – iPhones, iPads and Android devices can read the screen out loud. Look for “Spoken content” or “Select to speak” in the accessibility settings.
- Immersive Reader – built into Microsoft Word, Edge and Teams, it reads text aloud and lets your child change the spacing and colours.
- Voice typing – lets your child speak their ideas instead of typing them.
- Natural Reader – text-to-speech that reads text out loud.
- MindMeister – mind-mapping to help plan writing.
For more free tools, see our top 10 dyslexia reading aids.
Could it be something more?
If your child gets frustrated with every app, or can’t stick with one for more than a minute or two, it may be worth looking at their focus. Read about the 3 types of ADHD. If the maths apps are the hardest of all, read about dyscalculia symptoms.
Helpful articles
The bottom line
The best dyslexia apps make reading, writing and spelling fun. Pick one goal, try a couple of apps together, and keep the one your child enjoys. Don’t forget the free read-aloud tools already on your devices. For screen-free activities too, the Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute cards, including Assistive Tech.
