Quick Guide: Top Math App Picks for 2026
- Early learners (ages 3–7): Khan Academy Kids (free, ad-free), Funexpected Math, Moose Math, Bedtime Math
- Primary and middle school (grades 1–8): Khan Academy, Prodigy Math Game, SplashLearn, DragonBox suite
- Intensive support: Brighterly (live tutoring), Elephant Learning, DreamBox
- Homework help: Photomath (now Google-owned)
- What to look for: Age-appropriate content, curriculum alignment, progress tracking, minimal ads, and strong parental controls
- Pro tip: Pair any math app with Kidslox to manage screen time and keep learning sessions focused
Whether it’s school or fun, kids are using their devices as their primary learning tool. And since tablets and smartphones aren’t going away any time soon, parents are facing the same challenge: how do you make sure screen time builds skills rather than just passing time?
Math apps offer a unique solution to this tough question. The best ones take full advantage of what devices do well (think interactive exercises, visual problem-solving, adaptive difficulty) to engage young minds in ways that workbooks or notebook guides can’t.
But the big challenge? A quick app store search for “math app for kids” returns thousands of options. Some are excellent. Many are sketchy.
A few are little more than ads dressed up as “educational apps”.
To help you find the best math app for your kids, we’ve compiled the top math apps for 2026, organized by age and learning style.
We’ll also cover what to look for when evaluating any math app – and how pairing these tools with parental controls keeps learning time focused and balanced.
How to Choose a Math App for Kids
Before downloading any app, you’ll want to make sure you’ve found one that’s both legitimate and effective.
As you browse, consider these five factors:
Age and skill fit
Choose an app designed for your child’s current grade level and abilities. Apps for preschoolers focus on counting and number recognition; apps for older kids tackle fractions, algebra, and beyond. Look for curriculum alignment with standards like Common Core to ensure the content reinforces what they’re learning in school.
Learning approach
Kids learn differently. Some thrive with playful exploration (puzzle-based apps like Funexpected or DragonBox). Others need structured practice (Khan Academy, SplashLearn). Some benefit from live tutoring (Brighterly). And sometimes they just need help getting unstuck on homework (Photomath). Match the app to your child’s needs.
Design and safety
Prioritize apps with no ads or minimal advertising – especially for younger children. Check for COPPA compliance and clear privacy practices. The best educational apps respect your child’s data and don’t interrupt learning with pop-ups.
Progress tracking
Look for parent dashboards that show what your child is working on, where they’re excelling, and where they might need extra support. Good reporting helps you celebrate wins and address gaps before they become problems.
Guardrails
Some apps include in-app purchases, membership upsells, or social features that need oversight. Use device restrictions or parental control tools like Kidslox to prevent surprise charges and keep your child focused on learning rather than distractions.
Best Math Apps for Early Learners (Ages 3–7)
Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is one of the best free educational apps available in 2026. Designed for ages 2–8, it covers early math alongside reading, phonics, and creative activities, all without ads or subscriptions.
The app features personalized learning paths that adapt to your child’s progress, plus a library of content available offline.
Kids will love characters like Kodi the Bear that guide them through lessons that align with Head Start and Common Core standards. Plus, parents can track progress across devices by logging into a single account.
Funexpected Math
Funexpected Math takes a different approach to early learning. Rather than drilling math facts, it builds deeper conceptual knowledge through puzzle-based gameplay.
Built for kids ages 3–7, Funexpected Math helps them explore ideas such as numbers, shapes, logic, and early coding concepts through more than 10,000 interactive tasks.
Funexpected has an AI-powered digital tutor that interacts with children via voice. The app adapts to each child’s development stage and works offline – helpful for car rides and waiting rooms.
Funexpected Math won the Kidscreen 2025 award for Best Original Learning App, and no reading is required, making it accessible for the youngest learners.
Moose Math
Moose Math is technically part of the Khan Academy family, but worthy of its own mention.
Moose Math turns early math concepts into a city-building adventure. Kids ages 3–7 practice counting, addition, subtraction, sorting, and basic geometry through five multi-level activities. As they progress, they earn rewards to build their own town.
Developed with a Stanford educator and aligned with Common Core K–1 standards, Moose Math makes foundational skills feel like genuine play. Like Khan Academy Kids, it’s completely free with no ads.
Bedtime Math
Bedtime Math flips the script on math practice. Instead of screen-based drills, it delivers a daily math story designed for parent-child conversation – think bedtime stories, but with numbers!
Each problem comes in four difficulty levels (from “Wee Ones” to “Sky’s the Limit”), so siblings of different ages can participate together. Bedtime Math can also help reduce math anxiety for parents who may feel uncertain about helping with homework.
Best Math Apps for Primary and Middle School (Grades 1–8)
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is the companion platform to Khan Academy Kids. It’s designed for older for learners and offers plenty of great content for older children.
The main Khan Academy platform covers everything from basic arithmetic through calculus and beyond. Video lessons break down concepts step by step, and mastery-based practice adapts to each student’s level.
Khan Academy works offline, offers real-time feedback, and provides detailed dashboards for parents and teachers. It’s completely free with no ads—supported entirely by donations.
Prodigy Math
Prodigy transforms math practice into a fantasy adventure. Kids create wizard avatars and battle monsters by solving curriculum-aligned math problems.
The free version includes full access to educational content. There are optional membership plans that unlock additional rewards and motivation features, such as pets and gear, so parents should set expectations about what’s free versus paid.
The app also includes social features that let classmates connect, so reviewing privacy settings is worthwhile.
SplashLearn
Formerly known as Splash Math, SplashLearn offers over 8,000 adaptive games covering PreK through Grade 5 math (plus reading content). The platform adjusts difficulty based on each child’s performance and provides detailed progress tracking for parents.
Teachers can use SplashLearn for free, which means your child may already encounter it in the classroom. For home use, it’s a solid choice for families who want comprehensive, game-based practice with clear reporting on what their child is mastering.
DragonBox Suite
DragonBox includes several apps covering number sense, place value, long addition and subtraction, algebra, and geometry – all designed as games rather than lessons.
Kids manipulate objects, solve puzzles, and gradually internalize mathematical thinking without realizing they’re doing “math.”
There’s no reading required for the early apps, and research from the University of Washington backs the approach. DragonBox apps are now part of the Kahoot!+ family, offering subscription and individual purchase options.
i-Ready Learning Games (formerly Motion Math)
If your child’s school uses i-Ready, they likely have access to the Learning Games library, which was formerly the standalone Motion Math apps.
Games like Hungry Guppy, Hungry Fish, Bounce, Match, and Zoom target specific skills like place value, number sense, and fractions through device motion and interactive puzzles.
These games aren’t sold directly to consumers; they’re part of the i-Ready platform that schools subscribe to. But parents will see them come home as assigned practice, and they’re worth knowing about.
Deeper Support: Tutoring and Adaptive Programs
Sometimes lighter-weight apps aren’t enough. Kids who’ve fallen behind, need enrichment beyond grade level, or simply learn better with live instruction, may benefit from more intensive options.
Brighterly
Brighterly pairs kids in grades 1–9 with certified tutors for live, one-on-one video sessions. The platform emphasizes a “Why Not What” teaching philosophy – helping kids learn the reasoning behind math concepts rather than just memorizing procedures.
Each session includes interactive games and puzzles, and parents receive reports after every lesson. For families who want structured tutoring at a fraction of traditional rates, Brighterly offers an accessible entry point.
Elephant Learning Math Academy
Elephant Learning makes a bold promise: one year of math growth in three months, with just 30 minutes of practice per week. The app uses a language-based teaching approach for ages 2–16, adapting continuously to each child’s level.
Optional coaching sessions with PhD mathematicians are available for kids who need extra support. The platform also addresses math anxiety directly, making it a strong choice for children who’ve developed negative associations with the subject.
DreamBox Math
DreamBox is one of the most research-validated adaptive math programs available. Its Intelligent Adaptive Learning technology evaluates every click and interaction, adjusting in real time to provide the right challenge.
Studies show that just one hour per week with DreamBox can drive significant growth. It’s particularly well-suited for homeschool families or as a supplement to classroom instruction. Note that it’s designed for computers, Chromebooks, and iPads—not smartphones or Android tablets.
What About Homework Helpers and AI-Powered Tools?
AI-powered math tools are becoming more common, from Photomath to Google Lens homework features to general-purpose AI assistants. These can be genuinely helpful—when used correctly.
For instance, apps like Photomath let kids point their camera at any math problem (including printed or handwritten) and receive instant, step-by-step solutions.
When it comes to these apps, you’ll want to set clear expectations with your child: use these tools to understand how to solve problems, not to copy answers.
Encourage them to attempt problems first, then check their work. Ask for hints rather than full solutions.
This makes it critical to pair AI homework tools with oversight. These apps work best when parents stay involved, and kids understand the difference between getting help and avoiding the work entirely.
Quick List: Other Solid Math Apps for Kids
Here are a few more options worth exploring:
- XtraMath (K–8): Free math-facts fluency practice with daily 10-minute sessions. Simple, effective, and run by a nonprofit.
- Matific (ages 4–12): Curriculum-aligned platform used in 40+ countries with strong multilingual support. Good for internationally mobile families.
- Marble Math Junior (ages 9+): Earn points and avoid obstacles while practicing math skills—a more game-forward option for kids who need extra motivation.
- Monster Math (ages 4–8): Interactive number game with adaptive difficulty that adjusts as kids improve.
Many legacy math apps still exist in app stores, but prioritize options with active development and recent updates to ensure compatibility and ongoing content improvements.
Tips for Making Math Apps Work for Your Family
Even the best math app is still screen time. Here’s how to make it count:
Set a routine for using math apps
Short, consistent sessions – 10 to 30 minutes daily – beat occasional marathon cram sessions. Build math app time into your child’s schedule so it becomes a habit rather than a battle.
Mix on-screen and off-screen
Pair app practice with real-world math! You can make this simple by measuring ingredients while cooking or building with blocks, and talking about shapes. The best learning happens when digital practice connects to tangible experience.
Use parental controls strategically
Tools like Kidslox let you limit total daily app time, block distracting apps during homework hours, and create “learning mode” profiles that whitelist only approved educational apps. You can track usage across all your child’s devices and adjust as needed.
Talk about learning versus shortcuts
For homework helpers like Photomath, set clear rules: use them to check work and understand steps, not to copy answers. Kids who understand why they’re using these tools get more out of them.
Stay Ahead of the Latest Kids Tech & Apps with Kidslox
At Kidslox, we help parents find the right balance between screen time and learning time. Our tools let you manage apps across devices, set healthy limits, and ensure your child’s digital experience supports their growth.
To learn more about how Kidslox can help your family – and how parental controls play a key role in making educational apps work – visit Kidslox today. And explore our full library of guides for more recommendations on educational apps, online safety, and raising kids in a digital world.
Together, we can create the best learning environment for your child – in and out of the classroom!
