Duolingo ABC review

Duolingo ABC applies the bite-sized lesson style of the Duolingo language app to early reading. Its App Store listing describes more than 700 lessons on the alphabet, phonics, sight words and vocabulary for preschool through second grade, plus interactive stories that read text aloud and highlight each word as it is spoken. Activities include letter tracing and drag-and-drop prompts, and mini games and rewards keep children coming back. Duolingo says there are no ads or in-app purchases, so the app is free in practice, and lessons work offline. It ranks this high because it is a polished, safe, zero-cost reading tool. Its range is narrow, though: it teaches reading only, ends at second grade level, and does not describe the parent reporting that IXL or Prodigy offer. Pair it with Khan Academy Kids for math, or see our reading apps list for deeper phonics programs. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Parents of 3 to 7 year olds who want short, free reading lessons on a phone or tablet.

Price

Free, with no ads or in-app purchases.

There are no ads or in-app purchases to worry about
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Over 700 lessons on the alphabet, phonics, sight words and vocabulary
• Interactive stories that read words aloud and highlight each word
• Tracing and drag-and-drop activities
• Mini games and rewards that keep children motivated
• Works offline

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free, with no ads or in-app purchases
• Strength: Short lessons suit young attention spans
• Strength: Offline play for car trips and flights
• Weakness: Reading only, with no math in this app
• Weakness: Content stops at second grade level
• Weakness: No detailed parent dashboard described

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Grades: Preschool to second grade
• Lessons: 700+
• Offline: Yes

Where it ranks

Duolingo ABC is No. 5 in our Best Online Learning for Kids verdict.