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Roundup · Ages 2–5

The best early-reading apps for ages 2–5

The apps that actually help a preschooler crack the code — letters, phonics, and first words. These are the reading-focused apps we've reviewed for ages 2–5, ranked by our overall score, with every ad, in-app purchase, and data flag laid out.

6 picks · same rubric, honest numbers · verified from live App Store & Google Play data.

The picks — ranked

1. 1

   Starfall Learn to Read

   An old-school phonics workhorse.

   9.3/10
   No adsNo purchasesShares nothing
   Read the full review →
2. 2

   Endless Alphabet

   Delightful word-play with a small, honest upsell.

   9/10
   No adsIAP to $8.99Shares nothing
   Read the full review →
3. 3

   Teach Your Monster to Read

   Worth the one-time $9 — ad-free, with no subscription trap.

   8.8/10
   No adsNo purchasesShares nothing
   Read the full review →
4. 4

   Endless Reader

   Strong for emerging readers — mind the unlock price.

   8.7/10
   No adsIAP to $29.99Shares nothing
   Read the full review →
5. 5

   Learn to Read - Duolingo ABC

   Free and ad-free to use — but it shares data.

   8.6/10
   No adsNo purchasesShares data
   Read the full review →
6. 6

   Sago Mini First Words: Kids 1+

   Sweet for the very young — and cleaner than its siblings.

   8.5/10
   No adsIAP to $79.99Shares nothing
   Read the full review →

Side by side

How we picked