Spelling Notebook

Overview

Spelling Notebook is a spelling practice app for learners who want to build and rehearse their own word lists. It suits students and families on Apple devices, especially when independent, spoken practice matters. Its strongest case is targeted review; the free version’s reported 10-word list limit may push regular users toward the one-time upgrade.

Key features

Lists, pronunciation, and practice

A searchable dictionary of more than 100,000 words supports US, UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand English, with a regional setting to match the spelling conventions a student needs. Learners can add words, create and manage multiple lists, and import words from one list to another. That flexibility works well for class assignments and personal vocabulary, though the free version’s reported limit can constrain longer lists.

The app can speak dictionary words and added English words, and users can record their own word or phrase. Students can take spelling tests through dictation, then direct later practice toward words that need work; practice settings can also be adjusted. This makes review more focused than repeating every word equally, while the option to record a prompt may help families use familiar pronunciations.

Progress and sharing

Test and practice history gives learners a way to revisit previous results and see how their work changes over time. Lists can be moved through iCloud Drive or shared by AirDrop or email, and test results can be emailed. These options are useful for moving lists between devices or sending results to someone supporting a student, although the app’s emphasis is individual practice rather than classroom management.

Spelling Notebook includes in-app help and provides support by email. Its privacy policy says it may collect names, email addresses, cookies, and usage data, and that data from users outside New Zealand may be processed there. Payment card details are handled by third-party processors, including Apple in-app payments; the company says it uses commercially acceptable safeguards but cannot guarantee absolute security.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and provides a free app download. An App Store user review reports a 10-word list limit, so it is best treated as a way to try the basic approach or practise a short list rather than a dependable option for longer assignments.

Upgrade to Premium costs $1.99, paid once as an in-app purchase and removes the free version’s word-list limit, according to an App Store user review. It is the more practical choice for students who expect to maintain multiple or longer lists; the free option gives up that capacity.

Platforms

Spelling Notebook is listed for iOS and macOS. The maker identifies iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch as supported devices, making it an Apple-focused option rather than a choice for Android or web-based practice.

Who it's for

The maker recommends the app for all ages, including children, and says students can practise independently. It is a sensible fit for a learner who needs custom spelling lists, spoken prompts, and a record of test and practice results. Families or students who need cross-platform access, shared classroom oversight, or a free tier without the reported list cap should consider other options.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A large dictionary with five English-region settings and the ability to add words makes it adaptable to different school spelling conventions.
• Pros: Dictation, user-recorded prompts, and practice focused on missed words give students several ways to work through difficult vocabulary.
• Pros: Test and practice history, plus list sharing and emailed results, helps learners revisit work and pass it on.
• Cons: The reported 10-word free-list limit is restrictive for longer assignments; removing it requires a one-time purchase.
• Cons: Its listed device support is limited to Apple platforms, which rules it out for learners who need Android or browser access.

Alternatives

For a broader platform choice, SpellMe runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its free Basic plan includes five lists of up to ten words each, plus 300+ curated phonics word lists and Regular Mode; choose it when curated phonics content or non-Apple access matters more than Spelling Notebook’s regional dictionary and targeted review.

Spelling Shed is another freemium option for Android, iOS, and web, with a free plan that includes tests, Hive games, challenges, and custom leagues, each with seven days of history, plus clever rostering for classrooms. It is the better fit when classroom tools and game-based practice are priorities.

Spelling.Live runs on Android, iOS, and web. Its free sign-up credits provide 200 credits that expire after 90 days without a practice session, so it may suit someone who prefers a credit-based option and needs browser access.

SpellingJoy is a free-plan freemium alternative for Android, iOS, and web.

Spelvo is available on Android and web, with a free plan limited to three lifetime snaps and one child profile. It is a different fit for users who want those platforms and can work within that cap.

PenPoints is a free Android and iOS option aimed at classroom use: teachers without a school plan can send one homework exercise per week, use 90 SpellStation credits, and run up to five live class assessments.

Spelling Boost is an Android freemium alternative whose free plan includes audio dictation tests, custom lists, handwriting input, and progress tracking.

Word Club is free on Android and iOS, with 450 School Level Study List words, 4,000 Words of the Champions words, and spelling and vocabulary quizzes. It may suit learners who prefer ready-made word collections to building their own lists.

Browse more options in Spelling Apps.

Verdict

Choose Spelling Notebook if an Apple-device learner needs custom lists, spoken dictation, focused practice on missed words, and a history of results. The one-time upgrade is a modest route past the free version’s reported list cap, but learners who need Android or web support—or classroom-oriented tools—are better served by a broader-platform alternative.