Side by side
Spello vs StarSpell
Both stand on spelling apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Choose Spello for adaptive spelling practice and typing activities for UK primary pupils in Years 1–6. Families can start with a seven-day trial, while schools needing central class tools and whole-school analytics can choose the Schools plan. Families needing more than four children per account are asked to contact Spello.
Visit Spello Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2
StarSpell combines structured spelling practice, early phonics and teacher tools across school and home settings. Check the subscription plan and web sign-in requirements against how learners will use it.
Visit StarSpellThe facts
| Spello | StarSpell | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Families: £10 a year | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | spello.uk | starspell.app |
| On spelling apps | #16 of 25 | #20 of 25 |
Spello: what it does well
- Practice adapts to a child’s level and difficulty
- Five spelling and typing practice formats
- Words and sentences are read aloud
- Optional topic, spelling-pattern, and weekly class lists
- Schools plan includes analytics and bulk CSV import
What to know first
- No free plan; the Families plan starts at £10 for the first year
- Families covers up to four children per account
- Families practice has a daily cap of 10–60 minutes per child
StarSpell: what it does well
- More than 5,000 words arranged by phonic progression.
- Users can add words and custom lists.
- Free teacher mode supports large-screen classroom use.
- Worksheets can include teacher-created exercises.
- Assignments connect with three named classroom services.
What to know first
- Requires an internet connection to use.
- A subscription is required after the preview period.
- Web sign-in requires Google Classroom or Microsoft.
Alternatives to Spello Alternatives to StarSpell The whole list