Best for: Kids in grades 1–8 who need motivation to do regular maths practice
Price: Freemium · from $12.99/month
Free: All educational content and teacher tools are free
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Made by: Prodigy Education Inc.
App store ratings: iOS 4.8★ (252K) · Android 4.7★ (68.8K)

What it is

Prodigy Math turns curriculum-aligned maths practice into a role-playing game: children answer questions to win battles and complete quests. An adaptive algorithm starts from a placement test, then goes back to basics or jumps ahead based on each child's answers. The game is free; paid memberships unlock in-game extras and more parent tools.

What the AI does

Adaptive algorithm that sets questions to each child's level
Placement test that starts below grade level and moves up
Parent dashboard and monthly emailed progress reports

Pros and cons

Free tier includes all the maths content
Highly motivating game design
iKeepSafe certified for COPPA and FERPA; in-game chat limited to pre-set phrases
Plays in the browser as well as on iOS and Android

Members-only pets, gear and areas push children to ask for a paid plan
In-game currency is sold through the app
Practice is game-wrapped questions rather than tutoring or explanation

How it scores

Learning quality7

Ease of use8.5

Features7

Value for money7.5

Platforms9

Hugely popular and free to play, with a real adaptive engine; the membership upsell aimed at what kids want in-game counts against it.

Feature checklist · 5 of 9

Lessons or practice adapt to the child's level as they go (yes)
Listens to the child speak or read aloud and responds (no)
Reading or phonics practice (no)
Maths practice (yes)
Progress dashboard or reports for parents or teachers (yes)
No ads in the app (no)
Works offline (no)
Independent children's privacy certification stated (e.g. kidSAFE, iKeepSafe) (yes)
Free plan with ongoing learning, not just a trial (yes)

How we score apps →

Alternatives

See all Prodigy Math alternatives, ranked →

Khan Academy Kids 8.3/10Families with children aged 2–8 who want a broad, completely free learning app with no ads or upsells
Read Along by Google 8.1/10Children who know the alphabet and are learning to read, especially in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Indian languages
Ello 7.9/10Parents of 5–9-year-olds who want a tutor that actually listens to their child read
SplashLearn 7.5/10Families wanting one app for both maths and reading across pre-K to grade 5

Khan Academy Kids vs Prodigy Math Read Along by Google vs Prodigy Math Ello vs Prodigy Math

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