Best Free Math Apps for First Graders: Honest Review
A fair comparison of free math apps for first graders: what each one does well, where it falls short, and how to pick the right one for your child.
How we compared these apps
We compared the apps on five points: whether the content matches first grade, whether it builds understanding or just drills facts, how good the feedback is, how many ads and upsells there are, and how easy it is for a 6-7-year-old to use alone. Prices and free tiers change, so check each app's page before you commit.
Quick comparison
| App | Where | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khan Academy Kids | iOS, Android | Free, no ads | All-round learning in grades K-2 |
| Prodigy Math | Browser, iOS, Android | Free, paid membership offered | Kids who love game worlds |
| SplashLearn | Browser, iOS, Android | Limited free tier | Adaptive difficulty |
| Starfall | Browser, iOS, Android | Free, paid membership offered | The youngest first graders |
| PBS KIDS Games | Browser, app | Free | Fans of PBS characters |
| ABCya | Browser, app | Free with ads, paid version offered | Variety of short games |
| Math Princess (our app) | Browser, any device | Free, optional Pro $3.49 | Quick practice with no sign-up |
Free math apps for first graders, in detail
Khan Academy Kids: best comprehensive free app
Platform: iOS, Android · Price: Free
Covers early math and reading with character-guided activities. No ads and no in-app purchases. It needs a parent account, which is a small hurdle. Less game-like than some rivals, but well made.
Prodigy Math: best for reluctant learners
Platform: iOS, Android, Browser · Price: Free, premium membership available
An adventure game where math unlocks moves. Very engaging for kids who love games. Be aware that membership offers are shown to families often.
SplashLearn: best for adaptive practice
Platform: iOS, Android, Browser · Price: Limited free tier
Difficulty adapts to the child's level and the design is clear. The free tier covers only a few activities a day, so sustained daily practice may need a subscription.
Starfall: best for young first graders
Platform: Browser, iOS, Android · Price: Free, premium available
Simple, gentle activities with counting and early addition. A good fit for kids who find busy apps overwhelming.
PBS KIDS Games: best for character fans
Platform: Browser, app · Price: Free
Math games with familiar PBS characters. Good for kids who already watch those shows.
ABCya: best for variety
Platform: Browser, app · Price: Free with ads, paid version available
Many short games sorted by grade. The free version shows ads, so sit nearby for the first sessions.
Math Princess: our own app
Platform: Browser (any device) · Price: Free, optional Pro $3.49 one-time
Built for ages 6-8. Addition, subtraction, counting and comparison with pictures, levels, stars and confetti rewards. No ads, no login, no subscription. The Pro upgrade adds multiplication, logic puzzles, themes and progress stats, and is optional.
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How to choose the right app for your child
- Your child gets bored quickly: try a game-style app like Prodigy or PBS KIDS Games.
- Your child feels overwhelmed: start with Starfall or a simple browser game with big pictures.
- You want everything in one place: Khan Academy Kids covers a lot for free.
- You want practice at the right level: an adaptive app such as SplashLearn adjusts for you.
- You do not want to register: use a browser game that opens in seconds.
Red flags when picking a free app
- Ads that interrupt a question or tempt the child to tap them.
- Constant pop-ups asking to upgrade or to buy something.
- Content that does not match first grade, such as skipping straight to hard topics.
- Feedback that only says "wrong" without letting the child try again.
The real test: after a session, does your child ask to play more? That is a well-designed app. If they put it down the moment the timer ends, keep looking.
FAQ: Best Math Apps for First Graders
What should I look for in a math app for a first grader?
Look for clear visuals, no aggressive ads, adjustable difficulty and content that matches first grade: counting, addition and subtraction within 20, comparing numbers and simple word problems.
How much screen time should math apps take?
10-15 minutes a day is plenty for useful practice without screen fatigue. Short and regular beats long and rare.
Are free math apps good enough for first grade?
Yes, for practice and fluency. Free options like Khan Academy Kids cover a lot. Paid plans mostly add progress reports and extra content, which are nice but not required.
Do math apps replace working with a parent?
No. Apps are good for practice, but explaining ideas with objects, drawings and conversation is what builds understanding. Use the app for the practice part.
Is Math Princess really free?
The free version works in any browser without registration. A one-time Pro upgrade ($3.49) adds extra modes. It is our own project, so treat our own ranking with that in mind.
🥇 Try our top pick — completely free!
No download, no login, no subscription. Open math-princess.com on any device and start playing in 10 seconds.
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