SpellCrush vs DoodleSpell
Free-to-start spelling platform vs bundled learning suite. SpellCrush: $4.99/month premium, unlimited children, AI hints. DoodleSpell: £7.99/month bundled, Proxima™ algorithm, UK-based.
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Important: DoodleSpell Cannot Be Purchased Separately
DoodleSpell is bundled with DoodleEnglish (grammar and comprehension app). You cannot buy DoodleSpell alone. This comparison uses DoodleEnglish + DoodleSpell bundle pricing. DoodleLearning also offers DoodleBundle (all 4 apps: Maths, Tables, English, Spell) for families wanting multi-subject learning.
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | SpellCrush | DoodleSpell |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | Free (1 child) | £7.99/month (~$10 USD) |
| Premium Price | $4.99/month | Included in base |
| Students per subscription | 1 free, unlimited premium | 1-6 (family plan £12.99/month) |
| Free trial | 7 days premium (no credit card) | 7 days |
| AI-powered hints | Yes (Premium) | Adaptive content sequencing |
| Pre-made words | 2000+ | Not disclosed |
| Custom word lists | Premium only | Included |
| Gamification | XP, levels, streaks, achievements, rewards | Points, badges, mini-games |
| Age range | Pre-K through 12th grade | Ages 5-14 (K-8) |
| Platforms | Web, mobile-optimized | Web, iOS, Android apps |
| Bundled Apps | Spelling only | DoodleEnglish required |
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
Pricing & Value Analysis
SpellCrush
DoodleSpell + DoodleEnglish
AI & Adaptive Learning Technologies
SpellCrush: AI-Powered Hints (Premium)
- • Technology: Large language model integration for on-demand hint generation
- • Personalization: Age-appropriate mnemonics tailored to child's grade level
- • Example output: Memory tricks, spelling patterns, etymology hints
- • Availability: Premium feature only ($4.99/month)
- • Caching: Generated hints stored for performance
Example: AI-Generated Hint
DoodleSpell: Proxima™ Algorithm
- • Baseline assessment: Initial diagnostic to identify current level
- • Proxima™ adaptive engine: Analyzes performance data in real-time
- • Zone of Proximal Development targeting
- • Content adjustment based on answers
- • Identifies knowledge gaps across curriculum
- • University of Bath research validation
Bundling Strategy: Focused vs Suite
SpellCrush: Single-Subject Focus
- • Spelling practice only
- • 2000+ curated spelling words
- • Custom word lists (Premium)
- • Spelling bee generator (free public tool)
- • No bundled subjects
- • Deep focus on spelling mastery
Philosophy: Do one thing exceptionally well
DoodleSpell: Multi-Subject Suite
- • Required bundle: DoodleEnglish (spelling, grammar, comprehension)
- • 40,000+ exercises across subjects
- • Comprehensive literacy solution
- • Cannot purchase spelling alone
- • Integrated cross-subject learning
Philosophy: Complete learning ecosystem
Honest Pros & Cons
SpellCrush
Pros
- • Free tier available (1 child, 2000+ words)
- • AI personalized hints (Premium)
- • Unlimited children on premium ($4.99/month)
- • US-focused (American English, USD pricing)
- • Pre-K through 12th grade coverage
- • No forced bundles (spelling only)
- • 7-day premium trial (no credit card)
Limitations
- • No grammar or comprehension (spelling only)
- • Custom lists require Premium
- • AI hints require Premium
- • Free tier limited to 1 child
- • Newer platform (less established)
DoodleSpell
Strengths
- • Comprehensive literacy (spelling + grammar + reading)
- • Proxima™ research-backed adaptive algorithm
- • University of Bath validation
- • School features (800+ schools)
- • Offline mode available
- • 40,000+ interactive exercises
- • Established platform
Limitations
- • No free tier
- • Higher cost (£7.99-12.99/month, ~$10-16 USD)
- • Cannot buy spelling separately (forced bundle)
- • 6-child limit on family plan
- • UK curriculum focus (British English)
- • Ages 5-14 only (no Pre-K, high school)
Decision Framework: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose SpellCrush if:
- • You want to try free tier first (1 child, 2000+ words)
- • You only need spelling practice (no grammar/reading)
- • You have 4+ children (unlimited on premium)
- • You value AI-powered personalized hints
- • You prefer US-focused curriculum and pricing
- • You need Pre-K or high school spelling coverage
- • You want lower cost ($4.99/month premium vs £7.99-12.99)
Choose DoodleSpell if:
- • You want comprehensive literacy (spelling + grammar + reading)
- • You're a teacher or school (need class management)
- • You have 1-3 children ages 5-14
- • You value research-backed adaptive algorithms
- • You want offline mode capability
- • You need multi-subject bundle
- • You're a UK family aligned with British curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pricing difference between SpellCrush and DoodleSpell?
SpellCrush: Free tier with 1 child (no custom lists, no AI). Premium: $4.99/month for unlimited children with AI hints and custom lists. DoodleSpell (bundled with DoodleEnglish): £7.99/month (~$10 USD) for 1 child, £12.99/month (~$16 USD) for up to 6 children. DoodleSpell cannot be purchased separately.
What is Proxima™ and how does it compare to SpellCrush's AI?
Proxima™ is DoodleSpell's adaptive algorithm that analyzes performance to create personalized learning paths. It identifies gaps and adjusts difficulty. SpellCrush uses AI for personalized hints (memory tricks, mnemonics) during practice. Different AI applications: Proxima™ for content sequencing, SpellCrush AI for learning assistance.
Can I buy DoodleSpell separately?
No. DoodleSpell is bundled with DoodleEnglish (grammar and comprehension). You must purchase DoodleEnglish to get DoodleSpell. Alternatively, purchase DoodleBundle for all 4 apps: DoodleMaths, DoodleTables, DoodleEnglish, and DoodleSpell.
Does SpellCrush have a free option?
Yes. SpellCrush offers a free tier with 1 child, 2000+ words, and basic features. Premium tier ($4.99/month) adds unlimited children, AI hints, and custom word lists. 7-day premium trial available with no credit card required.
Which platform is better for US families?
SpellCrush is US-focused with American English, US curriculum alignment, and dollar pricing. DoodleSpell is UK-based with British English curriculum, though it works on US devices. For US families wanting only spelling practice, SpellCrush offers better value and curriculum fit.
Can I try both before deciding?
SpellCrush: Start with free tier (1 child, no credit card). Upgrade to 7-day premium trial for AI hints and unlimited children. DoodleSpell: 7-day trial available. Testing both platforms helps evaluate which better fits your family's needs and budget.
Try SpellCrush Free Today
• Start with free tier: 1 child, 2000+ words, no credit card
• Upgrade to premium: $4.99/month for unlimited children, AI hints, custom lists
• 7-day premium trial available
Affordable US-focused spelling practice with AI-powered hints