The best Spelling Stars alternatives (2026)
Spelling Stars handles the weekly spelling routine well. Teachers usually look elsewhere because monthly, per-class pricing adds up across several sections. Here’s what to consider. I make Spelling Test Buddy, which is on this list, and I’ll tell you when something else fits better.
| Tool | Best for | Price | Google Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spelling Test Buddy (mine) | big rosters, sentences, adaptive practice | $49.99/year, up to 150 students | Share the link; no sync |
| Power Spelling | low price with Google Classroom | From $29/year for 35 students | Yes |
| SpellingJoy | free practice and tests | Free; optional $2.99/month extras | Share the link |
| Spelling Shed | a K-5 curriculum with leagues | Free plan; Premium by quote | Rostering via Clever, ClassLink, Wonde |
| Quizlet | one tool for every subject | Free; Plus for teachers $35.99/year | Share to Classroom |
Why teachers look past Spelling Stars
Price for several sections. Plans are billed by class size and tier. The Gold tier for a standard class is listed at $23.99 a month, which adds up over a school year, and more for larger classes.
Wanting more per list. Teachers want sentences for context without recording every word, practice that adapts to each student, or worksheets made from the same list.
If you rely on Google Classroom grade sync or the parent login, factor that in before switching. Those are real strengths.
1. Spelling Test Buddymine
Mine. The weekly routine works the same way as Spelling Stars: list, pretest, practice, games, and a self-grading test. The differences are that every word gets a generated sentence read aloud, each student can have a spaced-repetition practice program, and Worksheet Creator is included. One price covers up to 150 students.
What you’d lose: Google Classroom roster and grade sync, and the parent login. Full comparison with Spelling Stars.
2. Power Spelling
If Google Classroom is non-negotiable, this is the alternative to look at first. Games, automated tests, publisher lists, a gradebook, and Google Classroom integration, with yearly pricing. Vocabulary is on the Plus plan. Spelling Test Buddy vs Power Spelling.
3. SpellingJoy
Free custom lists, games, tests, and class progress tracking. If the budget for spelling is gone, it’s the place to start. Check its privacy policy against your district’s requirements.
4. Spelling Shed
If you’d rather follow a spelling curriculum than keep writing your own lists, Spelling Shed has a K-5 one built around games, plus native apps and rostering. (Spelling Test Buddy also has a K-8 curriculum.) Spelling Test Buddy vs Spelling Shed.
5. Quizlet
Not a spelling tool, but if spelling is a small part of your week and you already use Quizlet for other subjects, its Learn mode can have students type what they hear. You won’t get dictation tests with sentences or per-test spelling reports. Spelling Test Buddy vs Quizlet.
My pick
Several sections, no Google Classroom requirement: Spelling Test Buddy.
Google Classroom grade sync required: Power Spelling, or stay with Spelling Stars.
No budget: SpellingJoy.
Questions
- What's cheaper than Spelling Stars for several classes?
- Spelling Test Buddy is $49.99 a year for up to 150 students, so a teacher with four or five sections pays one flat price. Power Spelling’s Plan 150 is $79 a year. Both are less than most Spelling Stars Gold plans billed monthly for a year.
- Which alternative has Google Classroom grade sync?
- Power Spelling integrates with Google Classroom. Spelling Test Buddy doesn’t sync rosters or grades yet. You can still share your class link in Classroom.
- Do any alternatives have a parent login?
- Spelling Test Buddy doesn’t have a separate parent login. Students can print a formatted results page after each test, and you can export results as PDF or CSV.
Try Spelling Test Buddy
$49.99 a year for up to 150 students, with every game, tool, and report included. Start with a 14-day free trial, and if 14 days isn’t enough, email me and I’ll extend it.
Start your free trialI checked prices and features for every product on this page in October 2026. Prices change, so confirm on each company’s site before you buy.