# SpellSmart — Congressional Challenge Winner > Interactive spelling practice app for students preparing for spelling bees. (iPhone/iPad app by TheAwesomesome.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spellsmart/id6480376688 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [TheAwesomesome](https://appshunter.io/developer/1561106214) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.1 · 26 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2024-04-09 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spellsmart/id6480376688/reviews.md ## What is SpellSmart? SpellSmart allows students to practice spelling in a fun, interactive way! If you're preparing for a spelling bee, you can upload your own words, or you can practice the ones we have. Solo Mode: In Solo Mode, the app will read you words out loud, you'll type in your spelling, and we'll let you know if you're correct. Buddy Mode: In Buddy Mode, you'll get a friend to hold the phone so that it's facing away from you. The app will read the words aloud, you can spell it out loud, and your buddy can check if you're correct. You can also bookmark any words you want to come back to, and we'll make a list of all your bookmarked words so you can practice them. In 8th grade, I was preparing for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, one of the most prestigious spelling competitions in the US. However, since this was my first year competing, I had one minor issue - how am I supposed to practice? Most of the online guides I read told me that I should practice writing words on paper, but that approach wasn't very effective for me. I quickly realized that I needed someone to practice with me - someone like my mother, who was willing to help me for hours on end if necessary. Unfortunately, as an immigrant who spoke English as a second language, she couldn't correctly pronounce the complex words that even native speakers would struggle with. That's why I created SpellSmart, an effective way for any student to practice their vocabulary and get better at spelling. SpellSmart not only provides a solution to my personal problem but also aims to address a broader social issue. By enabling minority students to practice their vocabulary and spelling skills, the app could become a valuable resource for immigrant families across the country facing similar language challenges. Now, parents and guardians can assist their children in honing their spelling abilities with just a touch of a button, fostering a supportive learning environment at home. SpellSmart's impact resonates beyond individual achievements, promoting a sense of community and understanding among diverse learners. ## Key features - Interactive spelling practice - Solo and Buddy modes - Upload custom word lists - Bookmark words for review - Pronunciation audio - Progress tracking ## Recent user reviews (4 of 4) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spellsmart/id6480376688/reviews.md ### 5/5 — This is what we were looking for! *2025-01-24, version 1.4* My kids loves this app. It’s easy to use, engaging and super fun. ### 5/5 — Very Helpful. *2025-01-24, version 1.4* Its Amazing! My daughter has participated in spelling UIL. She used the "Buddy Mode" and practiced with me and its very helpful. ### 5/5 — Love the app *2025-01-14, version 1.4* This is a wonderful app for kids and parents alike. Comes loaded with UIL words for practice solo or with a buddy. The experience is excellent. Highly recommend for all kids, UIL or not. ### 5/5 — Amazing *2025-01-06, version 1.3* A stellar app that has helped me get better at spelling more complex words 🧛 ## Frequently asked questions about SpellSmart ### How does SpellSmart help with spelling bee preparation? SpellSmart offers interactive modes where you can practice spelling words aloud and typing them. You can upload your own word lists or use pre-existing ones, making it a comprehensive tool for spelling bee contestants. ### Can I practice with my own words on SpellSmart? Yes, SpellSmart allows you to upload your own custom word lists. This feature is particularly useful for preparing for specific spelling bees with unique word requirements. ### What is Buddy Mode in SpellSmart? Buddy Mode is designed for interactive practice where a friend holds the phone away from you. The app reads words aloud, and your buddy can verify your spelling, simulating a real-life practice scenario. ### Does SpellSmart offer offline play? The provided information does not specify if SpellSmart offers offline play. It is recommended to check the app store listing or contact the developer for details on offline functionality. ### How often is SpellSmart updated? SpellSmart was last updated on October 13, 2025, with version 1.5. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support for the application. ### What devices is SpellSmart available on? SpellSmart is available on iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS users looking for a spelling practice tool. ### What is the age rating for SpellSmart? SpellSmart has an age rating of 4+. This means it is suitable for children aged 4 and above, making it accessible for a wide range of young learners. ### Does SpellSmart have ads? No, SpellSmart does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free and ad-free, providing an uninterrupted learning experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.5 — 2025-10-13 - Updated words for 2025-2026 competition season! ### 1.4 — 2025-01-07 Completely new design, lots of bug fixes and minor improvements ### 1.3 — 2024-12-31 New voice and other minor QOL features ### 1.2 — 2024-12-27 Minor bug fixes, new tutorial slides, additional grade levels supported ### 1.1 — 2024-12-11 All new design and additional features! ## Apps similar to SpellSmart | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SPELLING MAGIC 4](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-4/id598794973) | 4.4 (10) | Free | Education | | [Reading Mountain - Basecamp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-mountain-basecamp/id6742805677) | — | Free | Education | | [Spelling Teacher](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-teacher/id543373793) | 2.7 (3) | $2.99 | Education | | [SPELLING MAGIC 4 for Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-4-for-schools/id598809465) | 4.8 (5) | $1.99 | Education | | [Brainy Skills Unscrambler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainy-skills-unscrambler/id1047484339) | 4.3 (3) | $1.99 | Education | | [READING MAGIC 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055) | 4.9 (16) | Free | Education | ## More apps by TheAwesomesome - [Trivia Battle!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trivia-battle/id1561106212) - [Gurukul - Ancient Wisdom](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gurukul-ancient-wisdom/id6758920398) All apps by TheAwesomesome: https://appshunter.io/developer/1561106214 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*