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With a new school year underway, it’s the perfect time to refresh your learning tools and start strong. Today, studying isn’t limited to classrooms or textbooks - digital learning has exploded over the past few years, with thousands of education apps now available across the app stores. The only problem? Knowing which ones are actually worth using.
The quick verdict
The best learning app depends on what you are studying. Tassomai and StudySmarter suit exam revision, Grammarly helps with writing, Duolingo and Babbel cover languages, Quizlet and Brainscape make flashcards easy, and Photomath and Khan Academy help with maths. For younger children, ScratchJr and Quick Math Jr. keep learning playful. Many of these apps are free.
Digital learning apps at a glance
| Category | Apps | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Study | EdPlace, StudySmarter, Tassomai | Curriculum-linked revision and exam prep |
| Writing | Grammarly, Evernote, ChatGPT | Grammar, notes and refining ideas |
| Languages | Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu | Reading, listening and speaking skills |
| Flashcards | Brainscape, Quizlet, Memrise | Active recall and spaced repetition |
| Maths | Photomath, DoodleMaths, Khan Academy | Learning at your own pace |
| Primary school | ScratchJr, Quick Math Jr., Elevate | Fun, game-style fundamentals |
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most effective learning apps across different categories - from studying and writing to languages, maths and primary school learning. These apps work brilliantly whether you're studying at home or on the go.
If you’re also considering upgrading your device for school or uni, the refurbished smartphone range includes great study-friendly options.
Best Study Apps
Study apps help turn revision into something more engaging. Many include gamified features, reminders and interactive activities that keep students motivated, whether they’re prepping for exams or learning new topics.
- EdPlace - Aligns work with school curriculums and exam boards. Offers video tutorials, practice tests and interactive activities. Available on iOS and Google Play.
- StudySmarter - Creates mind maps, flashcards and summaries from uploaded materials. A free iOS app packed with personalised learning content.
- Tassomai - An adaptive learning tool designed to reduce exam stress and build subject knowledge. Free on iOS and Google Play.
Best Writing Apps
Writing apps encourage students to improve their grammar, clarity and creativity. They’re a fantastic addition to traditional classroom tools, offering real-time help and structure.
- Grammarly - Helps correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Premium features offer deeper writing insights. Available free on iOS.
- Evernote - Perfect for organising notes, saving research and syncing across devices. Free on iOS and Android.
- ChatGPT - The AI-powered writing assistant available on iOS and Android, helping refine ideas, explain topics and support assignments.
Best Language Apps
Language apps are a brilliant way to build reading, listening and speaking skills. Many use mini-lessons, stories and quizzes to keep learning fun.
- Duolingo - A free iOS and Google Play app loved for its fun, gamified lessons.
- Babbel - A subscription-based app that focuses on practical, everyday language skills across reading, writing and speaking.
- Busuu - Helps learners become conversational with speaking practice, pronunciation tools and grammar exercises.
Best Flashcard Apps
Flashcard apps are ideal for revision - especially for students who lose paper notes or prefer digital studying. They’re portable, customisable and perfect for active recall.
- Brainscape - Turns any topic into bite-sized flashcards with spaced repetition. Free on iOS and Google Play (premium available).
- Quizlet - Uses AI to convert notes into flashcards and quizzes. Subscription-based on iOS and Google Play.
- Memrise - Helps learners remember words and phrases using gamified features like leaderboards and points.
Best Maths Apps
Maths apps can transform tricky topics into something much more approachable. They allow students to learn at their own pace - perfect for boosting confidence.
- Photomath - Simply take a photo of a maths problem and the app works through the solution. Free on iOS and Android.
- DoodleMaths - A personalised maths programme for children, packed with fun, interactive tasks. Free on iOS and Google Play.
- Khan Academy - A huge library of free video lessons covering maths for all ages. Available on iOS and Google Play.
Best Primary School Learning Apps
Younger learners often benefit most from interactive, game-style apps. These tools help build fundamental skills while keeping learning fun and rewarding.
- ScratchJr - Lets children create simple stories and games while learning problem-solving and design basics. Free on iOS and Google Play.
- Quick Math Jr. - A fun iOS maths app covering counting, place value and number writing.
- Elevate - Brain Training - Improves vocabulary, memory and mental maths through daily game-based exercises. Free trial available on Google Play and iOS.
Whether you’re learning languages, tackling homework, improving writing skills or brushing up on maths, these apps make studying more interactive and flexible - no matter where you are.
If you want to streamline your learning setup with a new device, our refurbished phones and tablets are great for school, college or uni.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best study apps for students?
Good study apps include EdPlace, which aligns work with school curriculums and exam boards, StudySmarter, which creates mind maps and flashcards from your materials, and Tassomai, an adaptive tool designed to reduce exam stress.
What is the best app for maths homework?
Photomath lets you take a photo of a maths problem and works through the solution, and it is free on iOS and Android. Khan Academy offers a huge library of free maths video lessons for all ages.
What are the best flashcard apps for revision?
Brainscape turns topics into bite-sized flashcards with spaced repetition, Quizlet uses AI to convert notes into flashcards and quizzes, and Memrise uses gamified features like leaderboards and points to help you remember words and phrases.
Which language learning apps are best for students?
Duolingo is a free app loved for its gamified lessons, Babbel is a subscription app focused on practical everyday language skills, and Busuu helps learners become conversational with speaking practice and pronunciation tools.
What learning apps are good for primary school children?
ScratchJr lets children create simple stories and games while learning problem-solving, Quick Math Jr. covers counting and place value on iOS, and DoodleMaths offers a personalised maths programme with interactive tasks.






