Better Speller vs Spello

Better Speller is a spelling practice app for creating custom word lists, hearing words aloud, and tracking practice and test progress. Practice mode allows multiple attempts per word, while Test mode gives one attempt and scores the quiz. Games include Word Search, Spelling Choice, Fill in the Blanks, and Unscramble. Lists can contain definitions and example sentences; words can be looked up automatically, and lists can be imported or exported. Adjustable text-to-speech reads words aloud, and users can record their own voice saying words and example sentences. Session history shows scores and missed words for another practice round. Apple Pencil handwriting mode is supported on iPad. Optional iCloud Sync and Sharing can sync lists, students, folders, and results across Apple devices, while invitations can share a student's lists through Messages. The privacy policy says app data is stored locally and that speech processing happens on-device. The free trial includes all features, up to 35 words, and up to 10 per list. One-time purchases are 2.99 USD for iCloud Sync and Sharing and 4.99 USD for Unlimited Words. The listed platforms are Android, iOS, and macOS.

Spello is a browser-based spelling and typing practice product for UK primary pupils in Years 1–6. Its default practice covers the DfE statutory common exception words for those year groups. Spello assesses a child’s level and adapts word choice and difficulty as practice continues. A modified SM-2 spaced-repetition engine schedules difficult words for review and removes them after mastery. Children can listen and type, answer multiple choice, use flash cards, arrange letters or guess letters. Words and sentences are read aloud, and typing words in context builds keyboard confidence alongside spelling. Parents or teachers can optionally assign topic lists, spelling-pattern lists or weekly class words. Families covers up to four children per account, with unlimited practice and a daily cap per child of 10–60 minutes. It costs £10 for the first year only, then £20/year. Schools costs £200 per year and adds a central teacher and class dashboard, teacher-set lists, whole-school analytics and bulk CSV import. Schools can import pupil records and generate personalised parent letters and QR-code login slips. It works in modern browsers on tablets and laptops, including iPads, Chromebooks, Windows and Mac laptops, and Android tablets via Chrome.