Best Online Spelling Websites & Apps in 2025 for Teens, Adults, and ESL Learners

Improving your spelling is easier than ever in 2025, thanks to a wide range of websites and apps. Whether you're a teen preparing for exams, an adult honing your writing skills, or an ESL learner striving for English proficiency, there are plenty of tools to help you master spelling. In fact, many adults find they have gaps in their spelling knowledge due to how they were taught or reliance on autocorrect (see our guide on why adults struggle with spelling for more on this). In this comprehensive comparison, we explore the best online spelling platforms and mobile apps - both free and paid - and highlight what makes each one stand out. We focus on resources suited for older students and adult learners (including English language learners), while also noting a few great options for younger kids.

What Makes a Great Spelling Tool?

When evaluating spelling websites and apps, we considered several key factors:

• Curriculum and Word Lists: A strong spelling program offers extensive word lists (often organized by grade or difficulty) and covers spelling rules and patterns (like phonics, prefixes/suffixes, and common exceptions). For example, top tools cover all English spelling rules and even provide phonics-based courses (Spellzone).

• Interactive Learning: The best platforms make learning engaging with features like audio (to hear pronunciations), visual aids, and games. Multi-sensory teaching - seeing, hearing, and typing words - is proven to fix spellings in memory. Many programs include fun spelling games, quizzes, or challenges to motivate learners (Spelling Stars).

• Adaptability and Levels: Good spelling tools adapt to different skill levels. They might offer placement tests or adaptive quizzes that adjust difficulty as you improve. Ideally, a single platform can serve a range of ages - from children to adults - and even support those with dyslexia or other learning needs (Spellzone).

• Progress Tracking: Especially for older students and self-learners, progress tracking and feedback are important. The top sites provide instant grading on tests, detailed reports of errors (to identify patterns like common spelling mistakes), and sometimes even analytics that pinpoint which spelling rules you struggle with (Power Spelling).

• User-Generated Content: Many online spelling programs let teachers, parents, or learners create custom word lists for practice. This means you can focus on the specific words you need to learn (for example, your weekly school list or industry-specific terms). Custom lists can usually be used in games and tests on platforms like Spelling Stars and Home Spelling Words.

Keeping these criteria in mind, let's dive into the top spelling websites and apps of 2025.

SpellQuiz

SpellQuiz is a comprehensive online platform for spelling and vocabulary practice that caters to all ages, from elementary students to adults. It offers structured spelling tests by grade level (Grade 1 through 12 and even adult-level) and adaptive quizzes. SpellQuiz is especially friendly for ESL learners - it's explicitly designed to help non-native speakers and adult learners improve spelling, vocabulary, and listening comprehension. Users can start with basic spelling practice (reading and typing simple words with audio support) and progress to difficult words and even spelling bee preparation. In fact, SpellQuiz includes a Spelling Bee Training mode to simulate spelling contests and an extensive vocabulary builder. The platform is mostly web-based, with a free trial available, and it tracks your progress as you master words. With a mix of audio prompts, typing exercises, and quizzes, SpellQuiz makes a solid all-around choice for teens and adults looking to boost their spelling skills.

Spellzone

Spellzone is another heavyweight resource for learning English spelling that has gained popularity in schools and among individual learners. It's an online program suitable for ages 6 through adult, so both kids and grown-ups can use it. Spellzone shines in teaching the rules and patterns of English spelling in a structured way. It offers a comprehensive spelling course based on phonics progression and covers all English spelling rules with step-by-step lessons and exercises. The platform is known for its multi-sensory approach (users see, hear, and type words) and is also friendly for learners with dyslexia or those learning English as a second language. Spellzone lets teachers or parents assign work and then uses time-saving reports to track each student's progress. It includes thousands of pre-loaded word lists (grouped by spelling pattern, difficulty, or curriculum), and you can also create your own lists for custom practice. While Spellzone requires a subscription after a free trial, it has proven results - schools report students often improve their spelling age by 6–18 months after using it. For anyone who wants a thorough, rule-based program (especially older learners who want to fill gaps in their spelling knowledge), Spellzone is a top choice.

Wordela (formerly 7Spell/Ultimate Spelling)

Wordela is the modern incarnation of the well-known 7Spell/Ultimate Spelling software. It's a cloud-based spelling and vocabulary program designed to assist learners of all ages - from children up to college students and adult learners. Wordela brings a huge database of words (over 140,000 words in its dictionary) and hundreds of expert-crafted word lists. One standout feature is its use of science-backed learning techniques like spaced repetition and adaptive testing (Speed Reading Lounge). Learners can work through interactive modules, including games like word search and hangman, and even print flashcards or worksheets for offline practice. Wordela is structured to be very flexible: it can be used in schools, homeschools, or by individuals. It offers different tracks (for example, an education track for schools, a homeschool curriculum, and an individual track for personal improvement). Progress tracking and analytics are a big emphasis - Wordela's reports help identify your specific spelling trouble spots (the program claims to use powerful analytics to pinpoint spelling error patterns and development stages). There is a subscription fee (around $9/month as of the latest info), but they offer a free trial to get started. Overall, Wordela is one of the most robust vocabulary-and-spelling combo platforms in 2025, great for dedicated learners. (It's worth noting that Wordela is built by the same team behind "Ultimate Spelling," and it effectively upgrades that program with a slick online interface and up-to-date content.)

Spelling.school

Spelling.school is an up-and-coming platform (and the host of this very blog) that aims to make mastering spelling fun and easy for older students and adults. It's a newer entry in the spelling arena, but it's designed with contemporary learners in mind. Spelling.school offers a modern, streamlined interface for practicing spelling, with a focus on real-world vocabulary and commonly misspelled words. The platform provides daily exercises, quizzes, and even spelling challenges to keep users engaged. One of its key strengths is tailoring content for its audience: it's great for teens, college students, and ESL learners who need to polish their spelling for academic or professional reasons. While younger kids can certainly use Spelling.school, the tone and vocabulary are especially suited for more mature learners (think SAT prep or business English vocabulary). Spelling.school is free to use, with premium plans in the works that will add personalized progress tracking and expanded word lists. If you're looking for a fresh resource that's specifically geared toward adult and ESL spelling improvement, Spelling.school is definitely worth a look. For more app recommendations, see our guide to the best spelling apps for kids and our guide specifically for ESL learners. (Plus, since it's a newer site, you can expect frequent updates and new features as it grows.)

VocabularySpellingCity (Vocabulary A-Z)

For over a decade, VocabularySpellingCity was a go-to online spelling website for many teachers, parents, and kids. It offered dozens of game-based activities and interactive spelling tests that made learning spelling and vocabulary fun. Users could input their own word lists or use the site's pre-made lists to play games like word unscramble, hangman, and spelling flash cards. SpellingCity also integrated vocabulary and definitions, so students learned word meanings along with spelling. As of 2025, SpellingCity's features have been rolled into Vocabulary A-Z, a comprehensive literacy program by Learning A-Z. Vocabulary A-Z combines all the beloved SpellingCity games with additional vocabulary lessons and reporting tools for teachers. The focus now is on K-5 students (so it's ideal for elementary level), and it's typically used in classrooms for spelling and phonics practice. If you remember SpellingCity, you'll find the same engaging approach in Vocabulary A-Z: students practice weekly spelling lists through games and quizzes, earn badges and rewards, and improve both spelling and phonics skills. It's a paid program (often purchased by schools), but there may be free trial access for families or teachers. While it's targeted at younger learners, older ESL beginners might also enjoy the clear, simple games for basic English spelling practice.

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed has quickly become one of the most popular spelling programs in schools across the globe. It describes itself as "The Science of Spelling," reflecting its foundation on modern reading and literacy research. Spelling Shed is a curriculum-based platform: it provides a full spelling curriculum for each grade level, aligned with phonics and word study principles. Millions of students use Spelling Shed's web and app games to practice their spelling words each week. The program includes carefully sequenced word lists, from simple phonetic words up to challenging multisyllabic words, incorporating lessons on morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots) and word meaning. For students, Spelling Shed is all about gamification - kids earn points by playing fun mini-games that require spelling words correctly, and they can compete on leaderboards (even classroom leagues are available). Teachers love Spelling Shed for its ease of use and robust data: it automatically tracks scores and progress, so teachers can see which words or spelling patterns give students trouble. The platform has won multiple education awards (even in 2024 and 2025, it snagged awards for its innovation in EdTech). While Spelling Shed primarily targets elementary and middle school students, its approach (explicit spelling instruction combined with engaging practice) can benefit any age group that needs structured practice. They offer a free version with basic games and a paid subscription for full access to the curriculum and tracking tools. If you're a teacher or homeschooler wanting a proven program grounded in science-of-reading research, Spelling Shed is a top pick.

Spelling Stars (and Home Spelling Words)

If you want a flexible tool to create your own spelling lists and turn them into games and tests, Spelling Stars might be the perfect solution. Spelling Stars is an online spelling program designed for teachers and classrooms (grades K-9), allowing educators to manage weekly spelling lists, assignments, and tests easily. You can use the built-in grade-level lists or input your own custom lists - either way, the system will automatically generate games, practice activities, and tests based on those words. Students can log in from anywhere to practice their spelling through a variety of arcade-style games (like crossword, word search, memory match, etc.) and take their spelling tests online. To keep kids motivated, Spelling Stars awards trophies for practice and gameplay, and it provides a "To Do" dashboard so students see what assignments they need to finish. Everything is available 24/7, which is great for homework or remote learning. Teachers get detailed reports, including how many times a student played each game and which words were missed on tests, making it easy to identify where extra help is needed.

For families and homeschoolers, the same team offers Home Spelling Words, a version of the platform tailored to home use. It features the same extensive library of word lists and games, but with a more parent-student friendly interface. Home Spelling Words markets itself as "the leading spelling website for high-quality spelling lists for Kindergarten through 9th grade", and indeed it provides both ready-made lists and the ability to create your own. Parents can set up their kids' weekly spelling practice and track scores on practice tests. Both Spelling Stars and Home Spelling Words have free components (some games and lists) and premium plans for full access. They're excellent for anyone who wants a customizable spelling practice solution. For example, if you have a specific list of words (say for a science class or SAT prep), you can plug them in and instantly have a suite of games and quizzes to practice those words.

Power Spelling

Power Spelling is another robust platform aimed at improving spelling through technology and data. It's designed with classroom use in mind but can be used by individual learners as well. The hallmark of Power Spelling is its combination of automated testing, game-based practice, and detailed analytics. Teachers (or self-learners) can create spelling tests that students take online; the tests are auto-graded with instant results, saving teachers a lot of time. In practice mode, Power Spelling offers a suite of games to make spelling practice fun and engaging (similar to other platforms, games like word races, flash cards, etc. are included). What really sets it apart is the reporting dashboard - it doesn't just mark right or wrong, but it analyzes which letters and patterns were missed. One teacher praised that it "uses powerful analytics with fun and engaging gaming to identify spelling miscue patterns" and provides detailed word breakdowns that correlate with spelling development stages. In other words, Power Spelling might tell you that a student consistently misses words with, say, the "ei" pattern, which could inform a targeted lesson on that rule. The platform also includes vocabulary exercises, so it can double as a vocab builder. Power Spelling usually requires a license (schools can get quotes, and there's a free trial for individual users). If you love data-driven learning and want to pinpoint your spelling weaknesses scientifically, Power Spelling is a fantastic tool in 2025.

Scripps Word Club App

For students gearing up for spelling bees (or anyone who loves a good word challenge), the Word Club app by Scripps National Spelling Bee is a must-try. Word Club is the official mobile app of the renowned Scripps Spelling Bee, and it's completely free. Available for iOS and Android, this app lets your child (or you!) have fun while mastering the Words of the Champions - the very same word list used in real spelling bee competitions. The app is quite versatile: it features five spelling game modes and three vocabulary modes, so you can practice spelling the words or even learning their meanings. The format is quiz-like and adaptive; for example, one mode might give you a word's audio pronunciation and definition, and you have to spell it, while another mode could be a multiple-choice on the correct spelling. As you play, Word Club tracks your progress through the official study lists, including the School Spelling Bee Study List and the full list of 4,000 words that could appear in regional and national bees. It also has some added gameplay elements (like earning points or awards) to keep you motivated. All the words in Word Club come from the Merriam-Webster Unabridged dictionary, so you're learning accurate definitions and pronunciations. This app is ideal for middle schoolers preparing for competitive spelling, but it's also great for any avid speller who wants to challenge themselves with difficult words. Even adults find it enjoyable to test their spelling on some championship-level vocabulary. Since it's free, Word Club is a no-brainer download if you're serious about spelling.

Other Notable Spelling Apps and Games

In addition to the major platforms above, a number of mobile apps and online games can supplement your spelling practice:

• Spelling Master (App): A progressive game-based app where you advance through levels of spelling challenges. You must beat one level to unlock the next, ensuring you've mastered basic words before moving on. Spelling Master also includes a quiz mode that reviews your mistakes at the end, so you can learn from any errors. There's even a listen-and-spell feature to practice spelling from audio prompts, which helps with learning pronunciations (University of the People).

• Correct Spelling (App): A simple but effective app geared towards ESL learners and anyone who wants to drill tricky words. It pronounces words for you and asks you to spell them, then immediately tells you if you're right or wrong. Through repetition, users learn the correct spellings and how to say the words aloud. It's very useful for non-native speakers to train their ear and spelling at the same time.

• English Spelling Rules (App): This app is like a reference guide and quiz in one. It teaches various English spelling rules (for example, "i before e except after c") and points out common exceptions. Users can study lists of commonly misspelled words and take quizzes on them. It's a great way to review the technical side of spelling - perfect for learners who want to understand why words are spelled a certain way.

• SpellingNotebook (App): A handy mobile digital notebook for spelling goals. With SpellingNotebook, you can create your own custom list of words (perhaps words you got wrong on a test or new vocabulary you encounter) and practice them anytime. The app will speak the word out loud and prompt you to spell it, so it mimics the experience of a teacher reading out a word in a spelling test. It's a convenient tool to have on your phone so you can squeeze in spelling practice on the go.

• Scrabble GO (Game): The classic word-building board game has a popular app version. While Scrabble is primarily about vocabulary, it's also a sneaky way to improve spelling. The game will only accept correctly spelled words on the board, so you're implicitly training your spelling each time you play. Plus, you have to form words from a random set of letters, which gets you thinking about letter combinations and spelling patterns. Scrabble GO allows you to play against friends or join global leagues and tournaments, making spelling into a social competition.

• New York Times Spelling Bee (Game): This addicting daily puzzle isn't a traditional spelling drill, but it deserves a mention for how engaging it is. In the NYT Spelling Bee, you're given 7 letters arranged in a hive, and you must create as many words as possible (of four letters or more) that include a certain "key" letter. It's fantastic for building vocabulary and practicing spelling, because as you experiment with letter combinations, you'll often think of new words or learn from the ones you missed. Many adults have made this puzzle part of their daily routine, and over time it can sharpen your anagramming skills and reinforce correct spellings of lots of words. (The game is available in the NYT app/website; basic puzzles are free, while full access is for subscribers.)

• Crosswords and Other Word Puzzles: Classic crosswords (like the NY Times crossword) can indirectly help your spelling, since you can only complete the puzzle if each answer is spelled correctly. Crosswords also introduce less-common words and proper names, expanding your knowledge. As UoPeople's blog notes, with crosswords "the puzzle can only be completed once every word is spelled correctly," so you get immediate feedback on your spelling. Other word puzzles like Wordle or word search games provide fun casual practice with spelling patterns and vocabulary, even if they're not explicitly teaching spelling rules.

Each of these apps and games adds a little extra spice to your study routine. They are especially useful if you find yourself getting bored with standard exercises - switching to a quick round of a game can keep you engaged and still learning. For serious improvement, you'd use them alongside a structured program like the ones discussed earlier.

Choosing the Best Spelling Tool for Your Needs

With so many great resources available, which one should you choose? The truth is, the best spelling website or app depends on your specific goals and situation. Here are our top recommendations by category to help you decide:

• Best Overall Comprehensive Program: SpellQuiz - Its broad range of levels (K-12 to adult) and mix of spelling tests, vocabulary, and listening practice make SpellQuiz an excellent all-around choice for most learners. It's particularly great for self-study and ESL practice with its clear structure and adaptive learning. Runner up: Spellzone, for those who want a more rule-based, curriculum feel and have the budget for a subscription.

• Best for ESL Learners: Correct Spelling (mobile app) - This app is laser-focused on helping non-native speakers learn to spell and pronounce English words correctly. It's simple, portable, and effective for daily practice. Also consider SpellQuiz or Spellzone, which both explicitly support ESL learners with appropriate content and paced lessons. For a comprehensive look at ESL-focused spelling apps, see our dedicated guide to the best spelling apps for ESL learners.

• Best Free Spelling Resource: Scripps Word Club App - It's hard to beat the Word Club app, which is free and offers a ton of content (4,000 words from beginner to champion level) in an engaging format. Even if you're not in spelling bee mode, it provides excellent advanced vocabulary practice at no cost. For basic free spelling practice, also check out SpellingTraining.com, a simple website with interactive spelling tests and games for kids that let you type, listen, and learn for free.

• Best for Classroom Use: Spelling Shed - With its science-backed curriculum, easy class management, and massive popularity in schools, Spelling Shed is our top pick for teachers. It keeps students motivated with games while ensuring they're learning the right patterns each week. Honorable mentions: Spelling Stars and Power Spelling. Spelling Stars is fantastic for teachers who want to customize lists and see detailed reports on student engagement, while Power Spelling is ideal for data geeks who want to analyze spelling errors and progress closely.

• Best for Homeschoolers: Home Spelling Words - This platform was built with homeschool families in mind. It offers a structured yet flexible way to practice weekly spelling words with games, and it lets you use either the provided lists or your own curriculum's word lists. The ability to have multiple kids' accounts and track each one's quizzes is very handy for a homeschool parent. Additionally, Wordela has a dedicated homeschool track and could be a great investment if you want to incorporate vocabulary-building alongside spelling in a homeschool setting.

• Best for Improving Writing (Spell-Checkers): If your main concern is catching spelling mistakes in your writing (for work or school papers), a writing assistant like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor can be invaluable. These aren't learning tools, but they automatically correct misspellings and can help you notice the words you frequently misspell. Over time, they might help you learn those spellings. However, to truly learn and remember spellings (especially of new words), you'll want to use one of the dedicated study tools above rather than relying solely on auto-correct.

• Most Fun Way to Practice: Scrabble GO and the NY Times Spelling Bee - For adults and teens who want a fun, low-pressure way to build their spelling skills, these games are awesome. Scrabble GO turns spelling into a strategic game against others, and every valid word you play reinforces your spelling knowledge. The NYT Spelling Bee (and similar word puzzles) broaden your vocabulary and make you think critically about letter combinations. They're perfect for word nerds to unwind while still learning.

• Best New Resource to Watch: Spelling.school - As a newcomer on the scene, Spelling.school is carving out a niche for older students and ESL learners. It's already a great free resource with its quizzes and tips, and it's only expected to grow. If you like being an early adopter, give it a try and watch as new features roll out. It could soon become one of the top contenders in the spelling space.

Conclusion

In 2025, there's no excuse for poor spelling - not with all these fantastic websites and apps at your fingertips. Whether you need to master academic vocabulary, prep for a spelling bee, or just avoid those embarrassing typos in emails, there's a tool above that can help you achieve your goal. Many learners use a combination of these resources: for example, you might use Spellzone or Spelling.school for structured lessons and throw in a game of Spelling Bee or Scrabble in the evenings for extra fun. Consistent practice is key. For practical strategies on building a consistent spelling practice routine, see our guide for busy parents – many tips apply to adult learners too. If you're struggling with specific tricky words, our guide to commonly misspelled words and memory tricks can help. The English language has a reputation for tricky spelling rules and exceptions, but with the right practice and tools, anyone can become a confident speller. Happy spelling!

Sources

• SpellQuiz - online spelling tests and vocabulary for K-12 and adult learners
• Spellzone - adaptive spelling course (ages 6 to adult), covers all spelling rules with multi-sensory learning
• Wordela - cloud-based spelling program for children, high-school, and college students (includes extensive word lists and games)
• Spelling Stars - lets teachers create custom spelling lists, generates games/tests, with student trophies and 24/7 list access
• Home Spelling Words - at-home spelling platform with K-9 word lists and online tests (use your own lists or provided ones)
• Power Spelling - uses analytics + gaming to identify spelling error patterns; provides detailed reports on student progress
• Spelling Shed - award-winning spelling curriculum based on science of reading, used by millions of students worldwide
• Scripps Word Club - free mobile app with 5 spelling modes to master 4,000 "Words of the Champions" (official spelling bee word list)
• Vocabulary A-Z - upgrade from VocabularySpellingCity, combines spelling games with vocabulary lessons
• Speed Reading Lounge - highlights adult-friendly spelling apps like Spelling Master (leveled challenges) and others
• University of the People - highlights adult-friendly spelling apps like Scrabble GO, Spelling Master, and others for improving spelling with fun games
• SpellingTraining.com - free online spelling training & games for grades 1, 2, 3 and 4