Side by side

CommonLit vs ReadTheory

Both stand on reading comprehension software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

CommonLit

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

CommonLit pairs free reading materials with a structured curriculum and school plans. Schools should check integration eligibility and plan commitment before choosing paid options.

Visit CommonLit

ReadTheory pairs adaptive practice with a substantial text library and student progress reporting. The free plan has limited quizzes and history; School Champion costs $40 a month for 40 students and one staff member.

Visit ReadTheory

The facts

	CommonLit	ReadTheory
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Web	Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Spark: $4,200 per school a year	School Champion: $40 a month
Plans published	4	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	commonlit.org	readtheory.org
On reading comprehension software	#1 of 28	#4 of 28

CommonLit: what it does well

Text Library offers thousands of free works and texts.
CommonLit 360 combines four areas of language arts instruction.
Includes three benchmark assessments.
Google Classroom can import classes and export scores.

What to know first

Canvas integration is limited to eligible paid school packages.
Paid school plans require a one-year commitment.
Offline access is not available.

ReadTheory: what it does well

Benchmark assessment personalizes reading practice
Thousands of standards-aligned fiction and nonfiction texts
Reports include Lexile and grade levels
School Champion includes unlimited quizzes and progress history
Supports LMS, LTI, and rostering integrations

What to know first

Phones are not optimized for student use
Free Basic limits quizzes and progress history
Basic plan covers up to 30 students

Alternatives to CommonLit Alternatives to ReadTheory The whole list