The best Ello alternatives in 2026
AI reading and maths tutor for ages 5–9 that listens as your child reads aloud. Ello scores 7.9/10 in our AI learning apps for kids ranking. 2 alternatives score higher. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
6 alternatives, best first
Full AI learning apps for kids ranking →- 1
Khan Academy Kids
Best forFamilies with children aged 2–8 who want a broad, completely free learning app with no ads or upsells
Free, ad-free reading and maths app for ages 2–8 with a personalised learning path
Has that Ello doesn't: Works offline
Free
8.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Read Along by Google
Best forChildren who know the alphabet and are learning to read, especially in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Indian languages
Free reading app whose AI reading buddy listens as children read aloud, even offline
Has that Ello doesn't: Works offline
Free
Our Read Along by Google verdict →Ello vs Read Along by Google
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Prodigy Math
Best forKids in grades 1–8 who need motivation to do regular maths practice
Fantasy maths game for grades 1–8 with an adaptive algorithm that sets each question
Has that Ello doesn't: Independent children's privacy certification stated (e.g. kidSAFE, iKeepSafe)
Free plan · paid from $12.99/month
7.6/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
SplashLearn
Best forFamilies wanting one app for both maths and reading across pre-K to grade 5
Maths and reading games for ages 2–11 with adaptive practice that adjusts to each child
Free trial · from $7.99/month
7.5/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Synthesis Tutor
Best forFamilies wanting a structured, tutor-like maths programme for primary-age children
AI-powered maths tutor for ages 5–11 with hands-on lessons and mastery checks
Free trial · from $119/year
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Buddy.ai
Best forPre-schoolers learning their first English words, including children learning English as a second language
Voice-based AI tutor that teaches young children English words through talk and games
Has that Ello doesn't: Independent children's privacy certification stated (e.g. kidSAFE, iKeepSafe)
Free trial · from $14.99/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Ello?
In our AI learning apps for kids ranking, Khan Academy Kids scores highest among the alternatives (8.3/10). Best for: Families with children aged 2–8 who want a broad, completely free learning app with no ads or upsells. Ello scores 7.9/10.
Is there a free alternative to Ello?
Yes. Khan Academy Kids is free (Everything is free, with no ads or subscriptions), and scores 8.3/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Ello alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Paid Unlimited price isn't published and reviewers say the upgrade is pushed hard. Story Creation stories are AI-generated in real time and not reviewed by a human first. No independent privacy certification named; Ello 2.0 is rated 3.2 on Google Play.