Best Math Apps for Kids in 2026: A Parent's Complete Comparison Guide
After testing 20+ math apps with my three kids, here's my honest breakdown of what actually works. No affiliate links, no sponsored content—just real results from a real family.
Let me save you the 200+ hours I spent testing math apps. Over the past two years, I've downloaded, trialed, and actually used more than 20 different math apps with my three kids. Some were disasters (one literally made my 8-year-old cry). Some were surprisingly good. Here's what I learned—including the questions most parents forget to ask before downloading anything.
Disclosure: I'm not affiliated with any app company. No one paid me to write this. I'm just a mom who got tired of wasting money on apps that didn't work and wanted to share what I learned.
Why I Started This Testing Journey
It started when my middle child, Sofia (then 6), came home crying because she was the slowest at 'math minute' tests in class. I immediately did what any modern parent does—I searched 'best math app for kids' and downloaded the first five results. Three months and $150 later, Sofia hated math even more. That's when I realized: most 'best of' lists are either outdated, sponsored, or written by people who never actually used the apps with real kids.
So I decided to do it myself. Properly. I created a spreadsheet (I know, I'm that mom), tested each app for at least 2-4 weeks, tracked my kids' engagement and progress, and asked them directly what they liked and hated.
What I Looked For (The Criteria That Actually Matter)
Before diving into specific apps, here's what I learned actually matters—versus what marketing makes you think matters:
What Actually Matters
- •Will they use it voluntarily? The best educational content is worthless if your kid won't touch it after day three.
- •Does it teach or just test? Many apps drill facts without explaining concepts. Kids memorize but don't understand.
- •Progression clarity: Can you (and your child) see what they've learned and what's next?
- •Frustration tolerance: Does it handle wrong answers well? Some apps are punishing in ways that create anxiety.
- •Parent involvement level: Do you need to sit with them, or can they learn independently?
What Matters Less Than You Think
- •Fancy graphics: My kids got bored of 'pretty' apps just as fast as simple ones.
- •'Curriculum aligned': Often marketing speak. The question is whether YOUR kid learns.
- •Awards and ratings: Many are outdated or based on design, not educational effectiveness.
- •Celebrity endorsements: Just... no.
The Apps I Tested (Honest Reviews)
Category 1: Gamified Math (Game-Based Learning)
These apps make math feel like playing a video game. Great for reluctant learners, but watch for 'game > learning' imbalance.
Prodigy Math
- •The Good: Free core content, RPG style that kids love, curriculum-aligned
- •The Bad: Heavy upselling to kids (pets, outfits), can spend more time on game than math
- •Who it's for: Kids who love video games, need motivation to practice
- •Who should skip: Kids easily distracted by game elements, parents bothered by in-app purchases
- •My kids' verdict: 'Fun but I mostly want to get the pets' (not ideal)
DragonBox Series
- •The Good: Genuinely clever concept introduction, beautiful design
- •The Bad: Limited content, expensive to buy full series, kids finish quickly
- •Who it's for: Introducing new concepts, visual learners
- •Who should skip: Daily practice needs, budget-conscious families
Sorokid
- •The Good: Visual mental math method, actual skill-building (not just drilling), rewards without overwhelming the learning, clear progression parents can track, self-paced
- •The Bad: Focused specifically on mental math (not all math topics), requires consistent practice to see results
- •Who it's for: Building mental calculation skills, kids who need visual learning, parents who want minimal involvement
- •Who should skip: Kids looking for a 'just for fun' game experience
- •My kids' verdict: Sofia (the one who cried about math minutes) actually asked to practice. That alone was worth it.
Category 2: Practice & Drill Apps
These focus on building fluency through repetition. Good for kids who already understand concepts and need speed/accuracy.
IXL
- •The Good: Comprehensive curriculum coverage, excellent diagnostics, detailed parent reports
- •The Bad: Can feel like homework, scoring system frustrates some kids (you lose points for mistakes), not very engaging
- •Who it's for: Self-motivated learners, parents who want detailed tracking
- •Who should skip: Kids who already resist math, those needing encouragement
- •My kids' verdict: My oldest (11) tolerates it. Younger two refuse to touch it.
Khan Academy Kids
- •The Good: Completely free, well-designed for younger kids (2-8), includes non-math content
- •The Bad: Limited upper elementary content, can feel 'young' for older kids
- •Who it's for: Younger children (Pre-K to 2nd grade), families wanting free comprehensive content
- •Who should skip: Kids above 2nd grade level, those needing focused math practice
Mathway (for older elementary)
- •The Good: Shows step-by-step solutions, covers advanced topics
- •The Bad: More of a calculator than a learning tool, subscription expensive
- •Who it's for: Homework help, understanding solution steps
- •Who should skip: Building foundational skills, younger children
The Comparison Table
Here's my honest comparison based on actual use with my kids:
| App | Age Range | Engagement | Learning | Price | Parent Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prodigy | 6-12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Free (upsells) | Low |
| Sorokid | 4-12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free trial + sub | Low |
| IXL | 5-18 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Subscription | Medium |
| Khan Academy | 2-8 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free | Low |
| DragonBox | 4-9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One-time | Low |
My Recommendations by Situation
If your child hates math and needs motivation
Start with Prodigy or Sorokid—whichever gaming style appeals more. The goal is just getting them to engage with numbers without tears. Once they're willing, you can add more structured practice.
If your child is slow with mental math
Sorokid specifically addresses this. The visual method builds genuine mental calculation ability, not just memorization. This is what finally helped Sofia with those math minute tests.
If you want comprehensive curriculum coverage
IXL is the most thorough, but only if your child will actually use it. Khan Academy is a free alternative for younger kids.
If you're on a tight budget
Khan Academy (completely free) + Prodigy free version gives decent coverage. Add a free trial of Sorokid to see if the mental math approach clicks with your child.
Red Flags I Learned to Watch For
- •Aggressive upselling to kids: If your child keeps asking for in-app purchases, the app is designed to sell, not teach.
- •No clear progression: If you can't tell what your child has learned after two weeks, the app isn't tracking well.
- •Punishment for mistakes: Losing points, harsh sounds, or negative feedback creates anxiety.
- •Game overshadowing learning: If your child describes the game elements but can't tell you what math they did, reconsider.
- •Requires constant parent involvement: Unless you have unlimited time, look for apps kids can use independently.
The Bottom Line
There's no single 'best' math app—only the best app for your specific child. My three kids use three different apps (well, two now share Sorokid). The important thing is finding something they'll actually use consistently.
My advice: Take advantage of free trials. Test with YOUR kid for at least two weeks before committing. Watch them use it—don't just check completion badges. And most importantly, if an app causes tears or fights, delete it immediately. No app is worth damaging your child's relationship with math.
Start with one app at a time. Too many options overwhelm kids (and parents). Give each app 2-4 weeks of consistent use before judging.