Review · Learning
Spelling Shed review
A spelling game and curriculum from EdShed where kids practice word lists in games such as Hungry Horses, Penalty Spell-out and the original Spelling Bee.
By the DBotMaker research desk · Updated November 12, 2026
- Capabilities (40%)
- 9.3
- Ease of setup (30%)
- 8.8
- Value (30%)
- 9.0
Spelling Shed ranks first because it is a spelling product from top to bottom rather than a reading app with a spelling section. On the US App Store, EdShed lists games such as Hungry Horses, Penalty Spell-out, Shed Load, Squirrel Scurry and the original Spelling Bee, plus Missing Words and Definitions games for vocabulary. Kids pick from over 1,000,000 word lists or a parent's custom list, choose one of four levels from easy to extreme, and can switch on phonics mode to spell with graphemes. Hive games add real-time multiplayer with classmates, and play works offline. The app costs $2.99 once; the full Science of Spelling curriculum is a website subscription, and the US pricing page asks for a quote rather than showing a price. Some App Store reviewers say custom lists open fewer games in the app than on the web version. We compared documented features and published prices only.
Who it is for
Parents and teachers of grade school kids who want a game built only for spelling
Price
App $2.99 one time on the US App Store; full curriculum by subscription via the website (quote on request).
The #1 Spelling Game $2.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.
Key features
- Choice of over 1,000,000 word lists, plus your own custom lists
- Four difficulty levels: easy, medium, hard and extreme
- Phonics mode lets kids spell with graphemes instead of single letters
- Hive games for real-time multiplayer spelling with friends or classmates
- Online and offline play, with audio support and an option to read the word first
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Every game in the app is about spelling, not general literacy
- Strength: Custom lists let a child practice this week's school words
- Strength: EdShed says the app is used by over 2.5 million children every month
- Weakness: The app is $2.99 up front and the curriculum is a separate subscription
- Weakness: The US pricing page asks families to get a quote rather than listing prices
- Weakness: App Store reviewers report that custom lists open fewer game modes in the app than on the web
Key facts
- App price: $2.99 one time on the US App Store
- Difficulty levels: Easy, medium, hard, extreme
- Made by: EdShed (Education Shed)
- Age rating: 4+
Where it ranks
Spelling Shed is No. 1 in our Best Games to Help With Spelling verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit spellingshed.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@dbotmaker.io