The Best Spelling Apps for ESL Learners in 2025 (That Actually Work)

English spelling can feel notoriously unpredictable for ESL learners. Silent letters, inconsistent phonics, and numerous exceptions ("i before e except after c"… except when it's not) make it a real challenge (University of the People). But in 2025, technology is on our side. There's a growing arsenal of spelling tools for English learners – from immersive vocabulary apps to gamified quizzes – that actually help improve English spelling in practical ways. The key is finding an English spelling app for adults and teens that meets your needs: whether that's listening to pronunciation, learning at your own pace, focusing on American vs. British spelling, or simply making practice fun. Below we explore some of the best spelling apps for ESL learners today, explaining what each one does, who it's for, and how it can help you improve English spelling.

What Makes a Great ESL Spelling App?

Not all spelling apps are created equal. As an English learner, consider tools that offer:

• Immersive Learning: Apps using real-world contexts (sentences, images, audio) help you learn spelling through usage, not just memorizing rules. Context and repetition reinforce correct spelling naturally (Top Apps for Adults to Improve Spelling Skills).

• Pronunciation Practice: Since English isn't phonetic, hearing words spoken is vital. Good apps pronounce words for you and even let you spell out what you hear, linking sound to correct letters.

• Memory Aids (Spaced Repetition): Research shows spaced repetition – reviewing words at strategic intervals – dramatically boosts long-term retention (Bridge TEFL). The best apps schedule short daily practice sessions to cement your spelling knowledge. To understand the science behind this powerful technique, see our comprehensive guide to spaced repetition and memory.

• Adaptability and Pace: Everyone learns differently. Apps that adapt to your level, track your progress, and let you go at your own pace are ideal for ESL learners balancing busy schedules.

• Regional Spelling Options: If you're aiming for American English or British English specifically, choose an app that supports regional spelling differences (color vs. colour, analyze vs. analyse, etc.). Many modern spelling apps let you pick US or UK spelling modes (Spelling Master).

With those criteria in mind, let's dive into the apps to learn spelling in English that actually work.

Spelling Master (Android, iOS) – Interactive Quiz Challenge

One standout is Spelling Master, an app designed as a series of fun quizzes and games to master English spelling. It's great for both high schoolers and adults (and it's free to start). Spelling Master presents multiple game modes – from classic quizzes to "find the misspelled word" challenges – that keep you engaged. The difficulty progresses in levels, ensuring you build a solid foundation before moving on (University of the People).

Importantly for ESL learners, Spelling Master lets you choose American or British spelling at the start, so you can focus on the variant you need (Spelling Master). Each word comes with audio pronunciation and even usage examples, so you're not just rote-learning letters – you're hearing and seeing the word in context (Spelling Master). After each quiz, you get feedback and can review mistakes, which helps you learn from errors instead of repeating them. The app's listen-and-spell mode is perfect for training your ear: it speaks a word, and you try to spell it, linking sounds to correct spelling. Overall, Spelling Master combines interactive learning with a bit of gaming spirit (there's even a global leaderboard and points system) to make spelling practice enjoyable. It's an excellent English spelling app for adults who want a fun, progressively challenging way to drill those tricky words. (Free with ads; Offline mode; Premium upgrade removes ads and adds features.)

Spelling.School (Web/App) – Spaced Repetition for Rapid Progress

If you're looking to master lots of words quickly through daily practice, Spelling.School is tailor-made for you. This tool uses a spaced repetition system behind the scenes, which is proven to reinforce memory by reviewing words at just the right intervals (Bridge TEFL). In plain terms: the app will quiz you on a word, and if you get it right, it might wait a few days before showing it again; if you struggle, you'll see it more often until it sticks. This personalized approach means you're always focusing on the words you haven't mastered yet, optimizing your study time. To learn more about how spaced repetition works, see our deep dive into the science of spelling and spaced repetition. And for a broader look at spelling apps, check out our guide to the best spelling apps for kids.

What's refreshing about Spelling.School is its emphasis on short daily practice. Instead of cramming for an hour, you only need to spend 5–10 minutes each day – perfect for busy adults. In those few minutes, you'll get a burst of intensive spelling immersion. The app exposes you to new vocabulary with meanings or in sentences (so you learn in context) and then prompts you to spell them. By learning through immersion rather than dry rules, you naturally absorb spelling patterns. Over time, this daily habit can dramatically expand your vocabulary and spelling accuracy. There are no boring lectures on phonics rules here – you learn by seeing, hearing, and spelling a ton of English words in context.

Who is it for? ESL learners at any level – whether you're trying to nail basic everyday words or advanced academic terms. The app adapts to your level and remembers your progress. And because it's web-based, you can use it on any device. If you've struggled with traditional memorization techniques, Spelling.School's modern, tech-assisted approach might just be the game-changer. Give it a try (it even nudges you with reminders – consistency is key!) and watch your word bank grow. Try it for yourself at Spelling.School – you might be surprised how much you learn in just a week of daily drills.

Spellzone (Web) – Comprehensive Course for Serious Learners

For those who want a deep-dive into English spelling rules and extensive practice, Spellzone is a powerhouse. Spellzone is an online program used by schools and individual learners alike, covering English spelling from A to Z in a structured way (Spellzone). It's not just an app with a few quizzes – it's a complete course and reference combined. You start with a diagnostic Spelling Ability Test to identify your weak areas, then Spellzone generates a custom learning pathway focusing on those spelling units (Spellzone). This adaptive approach is great for ESL learners because it targets the specific letter patterns or rules you personally struggle with (maybe it's doubling consonants, or distinguishing -tion vs -sion endings, etc.).

Spellzone's curriculum is phonics-based and covers all the spelling rules (yes, including all those exceptions!). Each unit teaches a rule or pattern with clear explanations and examples. But it's not dry theory – you get lots of practice through games, tests, and multi-sensory activities to reinforce each point (Spellzone). For example, you might learn about silent "e" one day, then play a word search or fill-in-the-blank game using words with that pattern. There are also thousands of pre-made word lists, including lists tailored for ESL learners and even translations for words into 90+ native languages (Spellzone) – extremely helpful if you need to see a quick translation of a difficult word.

Another strength of Spellzone is its flexibility for different English variants. It flags differences between British and American spelling and vocabulary where relevant, and you can choose which to focus on. This is useful if you want to avoid accidentally learning the "wrong" variant for your needs. The platform also tracks your progress meticulously. If you're studying on your own, you can see your improvement over time; if you're a teacher or parent, you can monitor a student's activity and scores. Spellzone isn't free (it has a subscription model, though there's a free trial), but if you're serious about improving English spelling and maybe preparing for exams or overcoming specific trouble spots (even dyslexic learners use it), it's worth the investment. Plan to dedicate about 10 minutes a day or 20–30 minutes a week on it (Spellzone) – consistency will yield results. This is a spelling tool for English learners who love a systematic approach and lots of resources at their fingertips.

WordUp Vocabulary (Android, iOS) – Contextual Learning through Immersion

WordUp is primarily a vocabulary app, but it earns a spot here because of how effectively it boosts your spelling indirectly through contextual learning. WordUp's philosophy is that you learn words best by seeing and hearing them in use. The app shows you short video clips from movies/TV, example sentences, definitions, and even translations for each new word (Top Apps for Adults to Improve Spelling Skills). As an ESL learner, this immersion means you're not just learning what a word means – you're also repeatedly seeing its spelling while your brain connects it with meaning and sound. Over time, that naturally makes spelling feel intuitive.

For example, if you struggle to remember how to spell "receive," WordUp might show you a scene from a show where someone says "I didn't receive the package," with subtitles on. You'll also see the definition and maybe a fun fact about the word origin. By encountering the word in different contexts, you reinforce the correct spelling without rote drilling. WordUp essentially turns vocabulary building into a form of spelling practice through repetition. It even uses a spaced repetition style "Knowledge Map" that tracks which words you know well and which you don't (WordUp). Words you're shaky on will pop up again later until you've truly mastered them.

This app is fantastic for intermediate to advanced learners aiming to expand beyond basic vocab. It covers common to very advanced words – and yes, learning how to spell "ubiquitous" or "entrepreneur" correctly is much easier when you've seen them 10 times in different fun contexts! WordUp is free to use, with an optional premium for extra features. It's also great for those preparing for English tests (IELTS, TOEFL) where vocabulary and spelling matter. While WordUp won't quiz you on spelling letter-by-letter, it will make sure you encounter the same words enough times (with audio + visual reinforcement) that their spelling gets imprinted in your memory. If traditional spelling drills bore you, give WordUp a try and learn naturally.

Elevate (Android, iOS) – Brain-Training that Includes Spelling

Looking for something a bit different? Elevate is a popular brain-training app that, among its many mini-games, includes exercises to sharpen your spelling. Elevate isn't an ESL-specific app – it's meant to improve your overall communication and analytical skills – but it's very useful for high-intermediate to advanced English learners, especially adults who want to stay sharp. The app creates a personalized training program for you and adapts as you improve (Top Apps for Adults to Improve Spelling Skills).

When it comes to spelling, Elevate's approach is through quick games. One game might show you a word missing a letter and you tap the correct letter to complete it. Another might quiz you on commonly confused words (was it "their" or "there"?). Because Elevate mixes these spelling drills in with other skills (reading, writing, even math), it's perfect for a busy adult who wants a well-rounded mental workout. You might only spend 5 minutes on Elevate each day, but in that time you'll practice a little spelling, a little vocabulary, etc., all in a slick, gamified format. The app tracks your progress with nice graphs, so you can actually see your spelling game scores go up over time (Top Apps for Adults to Improve Spelling Skills).

One thing to note: Elevate's content is geared toward native-level English, so it assumes a strong basic vocabulary. The spelling challenges often focus on polishing your skills (catching small errors or speed under pressure) rather than teaching foundational spelling rules. So, this is best for ESL learners who are at an upper-intermediate level or above and want to refine their spelling accuracy and speed. It's also a great choice if you find pure language apps too dull – Elevate keeps you motivated by injecting a competitive element (you vs. your past scores, or you can see how you rank percentile-wise). The core version is free with limited games per day; a premium subscription unlocks more. If you identify as a "busy adult" who could use a daily brain boost, Elevate can sneak in spelling practice without it feeling like any extra work.

Eductify English Spelling & Grammar (Android, iOS) – Master the Rules

Sometimes, the best way to conquer English spelling is to tackle the rules head-on. English Spelling & Grammar by Eductify (also known just as "Spelling and Grammar" on the app stores) is like having a comprehensive workbook in app form – but with the convenience of instant quizzes and feedback. This app is packed with lessons and quizzes on every spelling rule and quirk you can imagine: short vs. long vowels, double consonants, silent letters, homophones, prefixes and suffixes, irregular plurals – the list goes on (Eductify). In fact, there are over 100 categories of exercises covering both spelling and key grammar points that often trip up learners (Eductify).

For ESL learners, this is gold. You can systematically work through troublesome areas. Not sure when to use -ible vs -able or -tion vs -sion? This app will explain it and then drill you with multiple-choice questions until you've got it (Eductify). The quizzes are gamified (it even invites you to "compete in spelling games and become a spelling champion" as you progress (Eductify)). After each question, you get instant feedback, and your stats are stored so you can see improvement. One handy feature: you can create a study plan in the app, scheduling which topics to practice each day (Eductify). This helps keep you on track, a bit like having a teacher assign homework.

This app also addresses grammar (like common errors with who/whom, verb tenses, punctuation, etc.), which complements the spelling practice nicely – often a spelling mistake is grammar-related (e.g. its vs it's confusion). For an ESL learner preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or even a spelling bee or SAT, Eductify provides a structured review. It's suitable for a wide range of ages; the interface is simple enough for motivated kids, but the content definitely goes into advanced territory useful for adults (they explicitly mention it's suitable for high school, university students, and adult learners alike) (Eductify). While the app is free to download and much content is accessible, there is a very affordable PRO subscription (~$2.99 per quarter) to unlock all features and question sets (Eductify). If you're the type who finds comfort in rules and wants everything laid out clearly, give this one a go. By systematically working through its lessons, you'll notice those "tricky words" aren't so tricky anymore.

Vocabulary.com (Web, Android, iOS) – Adaptive Learning and Spelling Bees

Vocabulary.com is a beloved website-turned-app that helps you learn new words through adaptive quizzes. While its primary goal is expanding your vocabulary and comprehension, it's fantastic for spelling practice – especially because it includes an addictive Spelling Bee game mode. Here's how it works: Vocabulary.com has a massive database of words and definitions. It learns which words you know and which you don't, and it tailors questions accordingly. Sometimes it will test you by giving a definition and asking you to type the word (great for spelling recall), or by pronouncing a word and having you spell it out (just like a spelling bee) (Vocabulary.com, Vocabulary.com). If you spell it wrong, it shows you the correct spelling and often a mnemonic or explanation, helping you learn from the mistake. Then that word will appear again later (they also use a form of spaced repetition) until you get it right consistently.

For ESL learners, Vocabulary.com is useful because it provides clear, easy-to-understand definitions and example sentences for words. If you spell something wrong, you're not just told "Wrong!" – you get context that helps you remember. You can also explore lists on specific topics, including lists of commonly misspelled words, academic words, or even specialized lists like "Words Every Intermediate ESL Student Should Know". The Spelling Bee mode is a fun way to challenge yourself. You listen to a word (the audio is very clear) and try to spell it. It feels like a game, and you can compete to get high scores or streaks. In fact, Vocabulary.com frequently runs spelling challenges and has leaderboards, which can be motivating if you enjoy a bit of competition.

Another plus: it's free for personal use. You can create an account and start learning immediately. The app version syncs with the website, so you can practice on your laptop at home and then on your phone during your commute. While it doesn't explicitly teach spelling rules, by using Vocabulary.com regularly you'll incidentally conquer the spelling of hundreds of words, from basic to advanced. It's like having a personal tutor that always knows what word to give you next. If you like the idea of learning through a combination of definition quizzes and spelling challenges – and you want a resource that grows with you from ESL beginner level up to college-level vocab – Vocabulary.com is a must-try.

Duolingo (Web, Android, iOS) – Language Learning with Spelling Practice

No list of language apps would be complete without Duolingo. While Duolingo is a full language-learning app (covering reading, writing, listening, speaking), it certainly helps improve English spelling for beginners and lower-intermediate learners. If you set English as the language you're learning (they have courses like English for Spanish speakers, English for Portuguese speakers, etc.), Duolingo will drill you on writing what you hear and translating sentences into English. In doing so, you'll often find yourself having to spell English words under a little bit of pressure (there's that ticking progress bar and the cute owl watching you!).

Duolingo's gamified lessons include exercises like: "Type what you hear" – the audio says "The cat is on the bed" and you must spell it out correctly. If you typo bett instead of bed, it marks it wrong (and usually reminds you of the correct spelling). Over time, this helps you pay attention to details like silent letters or unusual spellings, because you can't progress without correcting them. Another exercise might have you arrange letters to spell a word correctly, which directly builds spelling skill. Duolingo's strength is consistency and motivation: it encourages you to practice a little each day (maintain your "streak"), which is exactly what you need for spelling improvement. It turns learning into a game, with XP points, levels, and cute animations, so you're more likely to stick with it (English Language College).

Now, Duolingo is most beneficial for ESL learners at beginner to intermediate levels – those who are still learning basic vocabulary and sentence structure. If you're at an advanced level, Duolingo's English course might feel too easy and won't focus on the niche difficult words. Also, Duolingo doesn't explicitly teach spelling rules, so you'll learn by exposure and practice rather than by rule explanations. But that works well for many learners: you start to spell "Friday" correctly after typing it in a sentence enough times, even if you never studied why it's spelled that way. The app is free with ads (and a premium option to remove ads and unlock some features). It's accessible and fun – a great starting point for building fundamental spelling confidence in English while also picking up grammar and speaking skills.

Grammarly & Ginger (Web, Keyboard apps) – Write and Get Instant Feedback

While not "spelling apps" in the sense of quizzes or courses, tools like Grammarly and Ginger are invaluable writing assistants that every ESL learner should consider. Whenever you write in English – be it an email, an essay, or a social media post – these tools act like a vigilant proofreader, catching your spelling mistakes (along with grammar and punctuation). How does this help you learn spelling? Simple: each time Grammarly underlines a word and suggests the correct spelling, you're learning from your real-world mistakes. For instance, if you consistently misspell "separate" as "seperate," seeing that correction pop up in your Gmail or Word document trains you to remember the right spelling next time. It's immediate feedback in the context of your own writing, which is often more memorable than random quiz questions.

Grammarly is available as a browser extension and a mobile keyboard. The free version checks for basic spelling and grammar issues (English Language College). It's pretty accurate and even explains some mistakes (e.g. it might say "Use their for possession" if you wrote "there house"). Ginger similarly offers a keyboard app and has a focus on grammar and spelling checking (English Language College). Ginger can even translate and rephrase sentences, which is handy if you think in your native language and want to convert to English. The free versions of these tools have some limitations (Grammarly's premium catches more advanced errors, and Ginger's free version has a cap on how much text you can check at once), but for many learners the free tier is enough to significantly clean up writing.

Why include them on this list? Because using a spell checker tool builds good habits. Over time, you'll notice you're making fewer mistakes as the correct spellings become second nature. For example, maybe you used to typo "definately" in your texts – but after the tenth time Grammarly corrected it to "definitely," you don't even think about it anymore. It's like having a patient teacher watching over your shoulder whenever you write. Plus, these tools often allow you to set the dialect: American vs British English, etc., so they'll respect the spelling conventions you need. They won't replace dedicated study, but as a daily spelling tool for English learners going about your life, they provide that gentle corrective nudge that keeps you learning.

(Pro tip: don't just mindlessly accept corrections – take a second to recall the correct spelling in your mind. That little extra effort helps transfer it to your memory!)

Fun Word Games (Scrabble Go, Word Battle, Crosswords)

Learning can and should be fun! If you're tired of drills and courses, consider some word game apps that indirectly sharpen your spelling. Classic word games like Scrabble Go (mobile version of Scrabble) or Words With Friends force you to think of English words from given letters – fantastic for practicing spelling, because if you misspell a word, the game won't accept it (University of the People). Scrabble Go even has dictionary support, so you can learn new words from opponents. It's a fun way to immerse yourself in forming words, and you'll start remembering odd spellings as you use them to score points (ever wonder why there's no "q" without "u" in English? Scrabble will drill that into you fast!).

Another addictive one is NY Times Spelling Bee (available in the NYT Games app). It presents 7 letters and you make as many words as possible – great for creative thinking about spelling patterns. For a competitive twist, try Word Battle, an online multiplayer game where everyone gets the same random letters and races to spell the highest-scoring word in 40 seconds (University of the People). It's fast and thrilling (and you'll pick up a bunch of new words from seeing what others form).

If you enjoy crosswords, the NY Times Crossword app or other crossword puzzle apps are excellent too. They don't teach spelling directly, but to fill the crossword you must spell each answer correctly, or it won't fit. Crosswords also expose you to lots of vocabulary, and the clues often give hints about tricky spellings (like "British variant, colour"). The NYT Crossword has various difficulty levels Monday (easy) through Saturday (hard) (University of the People), so you can start simple. Solving crosswords regularly is a sneaky way to improve spelling and vocabulary while having a relaxing time.

Finally, if you're prepping for a spelling bee or just love competition, check out dedicated spelling bee apps like "Scholar: Spelling Bee Quiz" (iOS) which focuses on commonly misspelled words and keeps drilling you in a fun way (Reddit r/teaching), or the new Spelling Bee games in "Spelling Better" (they offer 1v1 battles and group quiz games for spelling words – turning study into a social game). These can be engaging, but they're best used as a supplement – playing 15 minutes a day can significantly boost your speed and confidence with spelling. Remember, games alone won't teach you all the rules, but they will get you comfortable with spelling under pressure and help reinforce what you've learned elsewhere.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Match

With so many options, which app should you start with? That depends on your goals and learning style:

• Best Free All-Rounder: If you're just starting out or want a bit of everything, Duolingo is a great free app to build basic spelling and vocab skills in English. It's fun and low-pressure for daily practice.

• Best for Intensive Spelling Practice: For focused spelling improvement, especially if you want those tricky words sorted, Spelling Master and Eductify's Spelling & Grammar app are top choices. Spelling Master offers game-like quizzes and supports listening & American/British options, while Eductify gives you a thorough rule-based training. Both are excellent for self-study.

• Best for Pronunciation + Spelling: If connecting spoken and written words is your priority, try apps that say the word out loud and have you spell it. Correct Spelling (Voice Spelling Checker) on Android is superb here – speak the word, see it corrected, and practice pronouncing it correctly. Spelling Notebook on iOS is another neat tool: it pronounces custom words you add, and tests you – perfect for practicing those words you personally struggle with.

• Best for Busy Adults: Elevate gets our nod for busy learners who crave variety. In a few minutes a day, you'll polish your spelling in the mix of other brain training – it never feels like a chore, and the adaptive difficulty keeps it challenging.

• Best for Vocabulary Immersion: To grow your vocabulary while implicitly learning spelling, go with WordUp Vocabulary or Vocabulary.com. WordUp uses videos and clever reminders (spaced repetition) to lock in words, and Vocabulary.com turns learning into a personalized game. Both will make you a more confident reader and writer.

• Best for Mastering Lots of Words Fast: If you're aiming to rapidly boost your English spelling and word bank, Spelling.School is highly recommended. Its use of spaced repetition and daily micro-sessions can help you absorb hundreds of new words and their spellings in a short time. It's perfect for those who want immersive learning without memorizing dry rules. Try it for yourself at Spelling.School and see the difference a few weeks can make! For more app recommendations, see our comprehensive guide to spelling apps, and if you're struggling with specific tricky words, our guide to commonly misspelled words and memory tricks can help.

In the end, the best spelling app is the one you'll actually use consistently. All the tools above actually work – but only if you commit to that regular practice, be it through gamified challenges or daily flashcards. The English spelling mountain can be steep, but with these apps, you have experienced guides to lead you. Mix and match them based on your needs (there's no rule you can't use a game like Scrabble alongside a study app like Spellzone, or even supplement with printable worksheets for handwriting practice). Apps to learn spelling in English have made the journey engaging and tailored to you, so take advantage of them. For practical strategies on building a consistent spelling practice routine, see our guide for busy parents – many of the tips apply to adult learners too. Stick with it, and soon enough you'll find yourself writing in English with confidence – no spell-check needed. Happy spelling! (Bridge TEFL)

Sources

• University of the People - Best Spelling Games for Adults (highlights adult-friendly spelling apps like Scrabble GO, Spelling Master, and others for improving spelling with fun games)
• Top Apps for Adults to Improve Spelling Skills - highlights WordUp Vocabulary, Elevate, and other apps for improving spelling skills
• Bridge TEFL - Enhancing ESL Courses With Spaced Repetition: What Teachers and Learners Need to Know
• Spelling Master - Spelling Master English Words app on Google Play (supports UK and US English spelling modes)
• Spellzone - adaptive spelling course (ages 6 to adult), covers all spelling rules with multi-sensory learning
• WordUp - AI Vocabulary Builder app on Google Play (uses spaced repetition Knowledge Map)
• Eductify - English Spelling & Grammar app on App Store (over 100 categories of exercises covering spelling and grammar)
• Vocabulary.com - Spelling Practice Test 60 vocabulary list
• Vocabulary.com - Spelling Practice 2, Unit 9 vocabulary list
• English Language College - Top Free Apps for English Learners to Practice Language Skills (includes Duolingo, Grammarly, Ginger)
• Reddit r/teaching - Suggestions for fun app to improve high school-level spelling