Maths anxiety is real, and it starts early. Many children begin to dread numbers by the time they reach primary school, not because they lack ability, but because traditional drill methods feel boring and high-stakes. The best maths apps for kids flip this dynamic entirely — turning multiplication tables into monster battles, fractions into puzzles, and counting into exploration. We have tested and reviewed the top maths apps for children aged 5 to 12, prioritising those that build genuine understanding rather than just surface-level memorisation.
Why Maths Apps Help Children Who Struggle with Numbers
A maths app removes the social pressure of getting an answer wrong in front of classmates. Children can try, fail, and try again in a private, consequence-free environment — which is exactly how deep learning happens. The best apps also use adaptive algorithms that automatically adjust difficulty, ensuring children are always working just at the edge of their ability — challenging enough to grow, easy enough not to give up. Studies from the Journal of Educational Psychology have shown that game-based maths learning improves both performance and attitude toward the subject.
The 5 Best Maths Apps for Kids in 2026
1. Prodigy Math — The Role-Playing Game That Teaches Curriculum Maths
Website: https://www.prodigygame.com | Google Play: Play Store | App Store: App Store
Prodigy is a fantasy role-playing game where children cast spells and defeat monsters by answering maths questions. The curriculum is aligned to school standards in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, covering content from Year 1 through Year 8. Teachers and parents can set specific learning objectives, making Prodigy unusually versatile as both a home supplement and a classroom tool. The core game is completely free, with an optional premium membership (around £8.95/month) that adds extra content. Children who say they hate maths often ask to play Prodigy — which says everything.
2. SplashLearn — Structured Practice with Real Curriculum Alignment
Website: https://www.splashlearn.com | Google Play: Play Store | App Store: App Store
SplashLearn offers over 4,000 curriculum-aligned maths games and activities covering counting, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, and more. The app generates detailed parent and teacher reports showing exactly where children are excelling and where they need more practice. It is particularly effective for children who need structured reinforcement of specific skills — for example, a child who has learned long multiplication in school but needs extra practice before it sticks. A free plan covers basics, with premium plans from £9.99/month unlocking the full library.
3. Khan Academy Kids — Free Maths Learning from Pre-K to Grade 5
Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/kids | Google Play: Play Store | App Store: App Store
Khan Academy Kids includes a robust maths curriculum alongside its reading content, making it an all-in-one learning platform for children aged 2–8. The maths content covers shapes, patterns, counting, simple addition and subtraction, and early number sense — all presented through mini-games, sing-alongs, and interactive stories. The app is completely free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no data collected for advertising purposes. For parents of younger children looking for a trustworthy, zero-cost maths foundation, Khan Academy Kids is the gold standard.
4. DragonBox Numbers — Making Maths Genuinely Intuitive
Website: https://dragonbox.com | Google Play: Play Store | App Store: App Store
DragonBox takes a unique approach: rather than drilling facts, it builds deep number intuition through visual, tactile play. Children manipulate colourful number characters to explore how numbers work, develop a sense of magnitude, and understand operations conceptually before they ever see a traditional equation. Developed by Norwegian education researchers, DragonBox has won multiple international education awards. It is particularly valuable for children who are not responding to conventional drill-based apps. Available on iOS and Android, with a one-off purchase price of around £4.99.
5. Mathletics — Curriculum-Aligned with a Competitive Edge
Website: https://www.mathletics.com | Google Play: Play Store | App Store: App Store
Mathletics offers comprehensive curriculum coverage for ages 5–16 and adds a live competition element — children can challenge other students worldwide in speed maths rounds, which many find highly motivating. The platform is used by over 5 million students globally and is trusted by school districts in the UK, Australia, and the US. The curriculum coverage is exceptionally thorough, making Mathletics an excellent choice for older children preparing for assessments or wanting to consolidate school learning at home.
How to Choose the Right Maths App for Your Child
Consider your child’s age and current level first. A child who finds maths frustrating needs an app that builds confidence gently — DragonBox or Khan Academy Kids are ideal starting points. A child who is already engaged with maths and wants more challenge will thrive with Prodigy or Mathletics. For structured supplemental practice aligned specifically to school curriculum, SplashLearn is the most precise tool available. Most apps offer free trials — always use these before committing to a subscription.
Making Maths App Time Count
Consistency matters more than duration. Fifteen minutes of maths app practice four times per week produces better outcomes than an hour-long session once a week. Celebrate specific achievements — ‘You completed ten multiplication problems without help today!’ — rather than vague praise. And if your child discovers a concept they want to explore further through the app, follow that curiosity into books, real-world examples, and conversations. The app is the spark; your engagement fans the flame.
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