📚 Reading apps and reading coaches · 🧸 Early learning (ages 2-6)
Epic
By Epic Kids Inc.. Visit Epic
Desk research from the maker's own pages. Not yet tried by us. Checked 2026-10-24.
Epic is a digital library of more than 40,000 children's books, audiobooks, read-to-me books and short learning videos for kids 12 and under. Children browse books picked for their age and level, take quick quizzes, earn badges, and can download books for offline reading. A family plan covers up to four child profiles with a parent dashboard. Teachers and students use Epic School free during the school day.
Our take: Good for families who want lots of books on a tablet; a child who cannot yet decode will need a phonics program alongside it.
| Ages it suits | about 2-12 |
|---|---|
| What its terms say about age | Account holders must be 18 or older; children under 13 cannot create accounts and use Epic only through a child profile on a parent's or teacher's account. (terms) |
| Price | Paid. Epic Family is a subscription with a 7-day free trial; US App Store monthly prices range from $4.99 to $13.99 depending on the offer (Oct 2026). Free for educators and students during school hours. |
| Works on | Web, iPhone and iPad, Android |
| Account | A parent's account |
| Ads | None |
| In-app purchases | None |
| The AI in it | No AI described by the maker; books are recommended from the child's reading level and interests. |
What's good
- Very large library from many publishers
- Read-to-me and audiobooks for pre-readers
- Free for teachers in class
- Up to 4 child profiles
Watch for
- A library, not a reading course
- Includes videos that can crowd out reading
- Subscription renews automatically after the trial
- Ownership changed in 2025 after its former owner BYJU'S went through US bankruptcy
Data and privacy
Epic collects reading history, quiz answers, reading level and device data from child profiles. It shows no targeted ads to children and says it switches off third-party ad trackers once a family signs in, but its adult website uses ad tracking. Read the privacy policy.
Does it work?
The maker's own claims only: Epic says 95% of parents report better reading skills. No independent study found.
In the Big Index
Alternatives to Epic
Desk researchPaidNo ads
ABCmouse
Age of Learning, Inc. · ages about 2-6 (preschool to kindergarten)
A full preschool program for families who want one paid app; cancel carefully and watch the reward loop.
Desk researchFree, with paid extras
ABCya
ABCya.com LLC (a division of IXL Learning) · ages about 4-12 (pre-K to grade 6+)
Handy for quick grade-level practice in class or at home; skip if you want an ad-free experience without paying.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
Adventure Academy
Age of Learning, Inc. · ages grades 3-8 (about 8-13)
Good for kids who love online games and need a nudge toward school subjects; families wanting no social contact should set chat to off or choose a solo app.
Desk researchPaidNo ads
Amazon Kids+ and Parent Dashboard
Amazon · ages 3-12
A good-value bundle for families already on Amazon devices with kids 3-12; skip it if your child mostly uses an iPad or a phone.
Desk researchFreeNo ads
AmblesideOnline
AmblesideOnline (volunteer advisory) · ages about 5-18 (Year 0 to Year 12)
A strong free plan for homeschool families drawn to Charlotte Mason and literature-rich learning; secular families or those wanting an interactive program should look elsewhere.
Desk researchThrough schoolsNo ads
Amira Learning
Amira Learning · ages about 5-14 (school product; listed studies run from kindergarten to middle school)
Worth asking about if your child's school uses it; parents cannot buy it, so home users should look at family apps instead.
Where these facts come from
- https://www.getepic.com/
- https://www.getepic.com/parents
- https://www.getepic.com/tos
- https://www.getepic.com/privacy
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/-/id719219382
- https://www.angelone.in/news/market-updates/byju-s-sells-tynker-offloads-epic-at-major-loss-amid-financial-crisis
Prices, terms and features change. Nobody paid to be listed, nothing here is an affiliate link, and Peabody never rates itself. Where we and the maker disagree, the maker's own pages are the ones to trust.