We need to bring learning to people instead of people to learning.
Elliot Masie, Theatrical producer
Smartphones seem to be grafted to us now: we need them to communicate with each other, do our shopping, and get around. Recent studies have shown that they are mostly used by teens and young adults under 24. So why not use these smartphones, which take up just a little too much space in our lives, to improve your grades at school? Just like private lessons, home lessons, or other methods, it is another - generally fairly affordable - means to give students supplemental instruction. History, geography, chemistry, economics, mathematics, here's a series of apps useful for students, young and old, looking for an affordable homework helper.
| Age Group | App Name | Focus Area | Free / Paid | Key Feature / Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Students | Khan Academy Kids | Early math, reading, problem-solving | Free | Colorful interactive lessons that adapt to each child’s level |
| Elementary School Students | DoodleMath | Math practice (K–5) | Free + Paid | Personalized daily exercises that build confidence through play |
| Elementary School Students | Prodigy Math Game | Math fluency & motivation | Free + Paid | Game-based quests linked to U.S. school standards |
| Elementary School Students | Zearn Math | Math comprehension | Free | Interactive lessons aligned with U.S. curriculum |
| Elementary School Students | Squeebles | Arithmetic and number sense | Paid | Fun, character-based math games improving focus and accuracy |
| Middle and High School Students | DragonBox Algebra | Algebra and problem-solving | Paid | Visual puzzles simplify abstract algebra concepts |
| Middle and High School Students | StudyPug | Math (Algebra–Calculus) | Paid | Bite-sized video tutorials with instant practice feedback |
| Middle and High School Students | Photomath | Step-by-step math solutions | Free + Paid | Scan handwritten problems for instant guided answers |
| Middle and High School Students | Mathos AI | AI-powered tutoring | Free + Paid | Intelligent feedback that detects and corrects errors |
| Middle and High School Students | Khan Academy | Math, science, humanities | Free | Full learning library with practice sets and quizzes |
| College and Adult Learners | Brilliant | Math, science, data skills | Paid | Hands-on, problem-based learning for critical thinking |
| College and Adult Learners | Duolingo | Language learning | Free + Paid | Gamified lessons with daily streaks and level goals |
| College and Adult Learners | Learning Upgrade | Literacy, numeracy, career skills | Free + Paid | Designed for adult learners reentering education |
| College and Adult Learners | Quizlet | Study and memorization | Free + Paid | Customizable flashcards, quizzes, and active recall tools |
| College and Adult Learners | Busuu | Language and communication | Free + Paid | Real-world practice with native speakers |
| Students with Special Needs | Special iApps | Literacy and communication | Paid | Simple interface without ads; ideal for SEN learners |
| Students with Special Needs | Talking Mats | Visual communication | Paid | Symbol-based conversation system for expressing thoughts |
| Students with Special Needs | Proloquo2Go | AAC communication | Paid | Voice-output communication tailored to user vocabulary |
| Students with Special Needs | DayCape | Scheduling and emotion tracking | Free + Paid | Helps students plan and communicate daily activities |
| Students with Special Needs | Brain in Hand | Anxiety and self-management | Paid | Combines coping tools with direct support connection |
Are Tutoring Apps Effective in Enhancing Student Learning?
Before rushing to download the best math and science tutoring apps, it's wise to first ask yourself if they are truly a good solution for struggling students. After all, some of them can be costly, and there may even be free academic support and learning materials you could use. Just like after-school learning programs, homework help, or peer tutoring, tutoring apps have their own place within a student’s study strategies and learning process. Whether apps for reading and writing, school math such as geometry and algebra, or foreign languages, the games and quizzes make the subjects attractive to students. The exercises are generally set up in a fun manner, improving numeracy and reading skills without being boring. Even if the student is doing well at school, using these apps regularly can help improve their grades and help them graduate and study at the undergraduate college of their choice.
Games let children have fun while still learning something. This fosters an eagerness to learn and continue learning - an essential element for succeeding academically. Apps let you work on improving your grades no matter where you are, ensuring academic success even on a busy schedule. Smartphone apps are also a good way for parents to follow their children’s progress. Many apps will save your progress and offer statistics on instructional videos viewed and test-taking. Parents can monitor their children's progress by checking the phone at regular intervals to see if they have completed their online homework.
Additionally, there are also free tutoring organizations that offer academic support to special needs students, which should be worth considering in addition to apps?
Tutoring apps blend structured learning with flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace wherever they are. Many use gamification, adaptive feedback, and visual learning techniques to turn challenging subjects into enjoyable experiences. This combination of convenience and engagement is why they’ve become essential tools for modern education.
Top Free and Paid Tutoring Apps for Various Age Groups
An app that's suitable for one age mightn't be good for another. It's important to look for apps appropriate to your age or your children's age. Here are just some of our favorite picks.
Elementary School Students
While games are great for learning, some kids need the minimalism of a school blackboard to concentrate. This is what MathBoard offers: simple exercises that grow with the student’s abilities, written up on a digital blackboard. Got really young kids? You could go with these apps.
Middle and High School Students
Teens will find these apps useful in learning for a specific assignment, studying for exams, or improving their study skills.
Also consider the benefits of online tutoring, especially in conjunction with all of these learning tools! Are free tutoring apps an effective way to learn without a tutor to guide you? We don't think so, but there are ways to work with both to maximize their effectiveness.
College and Adult Learners
While tutoring apps are excellent for independent study, combining them with live tutoring offers the best results. Apps strengthen daily practice, while tutors provide personalized explanations and feedback that software can’t match. Students who blend both approaches tend to achieve faster progress and stronger retention.
Specialized Tutoring Apps for Students with Special Needs
Attending school when you are on the autistic spectrum can be exceedingly stressful. Here are a few apps that help autistic students or students with other disabilities cope with school life.
Apps are certainly great for practice and self-study, but you can't replace the insight, experience, and guidance that a teacher or tutor can provide. These apps should always be complemented by personalized lessons from an educator. Luckily for you, on Superprof, you can search for almost any subject you like, and with most tutors on the platform offering the first session for free, you can try a few potential tutors out before choosing the one that's right for you.
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