Lingokids vs Novakid 2026: App or Live Classes for Kids?
Lingokids vs Novakid is a comparison between two very different ways for children to learn English. Lingokids is a play-based app where kids ages 2 to 8 learn through games, songs, and videos. Novakid is a live tutoring platform where kids ages 4 to 12 take 1-on-1 classes with certified teachers.
In this comparison we look at price, age fit, teaching approach, and which child each one suits best. The figures come from official pricing published by both platforms, plus our in-depth reviews: read our Lingokids review and Novakid review for the full picture.
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Our Verdict
Novakid wins for live speaking practice
Best for
Certified 1-on-1 teachers, ages 4-12
Lingokids
Self-paced play-based learning, ages 2-8
These two platforms serve different stages of a child's learning. Lingokids is a safe, engaging app rated 8.6/10 in our review, and it is an excellent first step for toddlers and preschoolers who are not ready for live classes. Novakid is a structured tutoring platform rated 9.0/10, where certified teachers work with your child in 25-minute 1-on-1 lessons. If your child needs to actually speak English with a real person, Novakid wins, because an app cannot replace live conversation and correction. If you simply want daily, low-cost exposure through play, Lingokids is the cheaper and gentler choice.
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Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The short version first. Full details follow below.
| Feature | Lingokids | Novakid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Subscription | Lesson packs |
| Typical price | $14.99/month; $99.99/year; Plus $139.99/year | About $10-15 per lesson; packs about $120-168/month |
| Lesson format | Self-paced app: games, songs, videos | Live 1-on-1 video classes, 25 minutes |
| Teacher | None; app only | Certified teachers; about 5% of applicants accepted |
| Age range | 2-8, best for 2-6 | 4-12 |
| Curriculum | CEFR Pre-A1 to A2 | CEFR Pre-A1 to B1, 700+ lessons |
| Trial | 30-day free trial on annual plans | Free trial lesson |
| Best for | Early play-based learning | Live speaking practice with a real teacher |
Pricing Compared
The pricing models are completely different: Lingokids is a flat app subscription, Novakid is pay-per-lesson. That difference changes the monthly cost a lot.
Lingokids pricing
Lingokids costs $14.99 per month, $99.99 per year (about $8.33 per month), or $139.99 per year for the Plus plan (about $11.67 per month), which adds worksheets, printables, and exclusive content. Annual plans include a 30-day free trial and there are no hidden fees. One subscription covers the whole family at the annual level. Check the Lingokids website for current plans.
Novakid pricing
Novakid sells lesson packs, so the monthly cost depends on how often your child takes classes. The Starter pack is 8 lessons per month at about $15 per lesson (about $120 per month), Standard is 12 lessons at about $12.50 per lesson (about $150 per month), and Premium is 16 lessons at about $10.50 per lesson (about $168 per month). A free trial lesson lets you test the platform first. See the Novakid website for current plans.
The honest math: Lingokids is much cheaper, at $8 to $15 per month for unlimited use. Novakid costs more per month, but every dollar buys time with a certified teacher who actively teaches your child. If live teaching fits your budget, Novakid delivers something the app cannot.
Teaching Approach Compared
Lingokids teaches through play. The app offers over 1,200 activities, including games, songs, videos, and interactive worksheets, and the content follows CEFR levels Pre-A1 to A2. It was developed with input from Oxford University Press and follows the British Council's teaching framework. The child learns at their own pace, and a parent dashboard tracks progress. The trade-off is clear: there is no live teacher, no human interaction, and no real conversation practice.
Novakid teaches through live classes. Every teacher holds a university degree, a teaching certificate such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA, and at least one year of experience with children. Only about 5% of applicants are accepted, and you choose your child's teacher. Lessons last 25 minutes, follow a CEFR-aligned curriculum from Pre-A1 to B1, and include games, so the structure of a class with the attention of a real teacher.
The core difference: Lingokids builds a foundation through fun, while Novakid builds real speaking ability through guided conversation. For a child who has never studied English, starting with Lingokids is gentle and effective. For a child who needs to speak and be corrected, Novakid is the only one of the two that can do that. Our Lingokids review and Novakid review cover both in depth.
Age Fit Compared
Lingokids targets ages 2 to 8, and our review notes it works best for ages 2 to 6. The colorful animations, simple games, and upbeat songs are built for early learners. Kids ages 7 to 8 may find some content too easy, especially if they already know basic English.
Novakid teaches ages 4 to 12. The 25-minute lesson length is designed to match a young child's attention span, and the curriculum scales from Pre-A1 to B1, so older children keep progressing. For kids 7 and up who need speaking practice, Novakid is the stronger fit.
If your child is under 4, Novakid is not an option, so Lingokids is the practical choice. From age 4, both work, and the decision comes down to whether you want play or live teaching. For more options, see our best online English tutors for kids guide and our Cambly Kids vs Novakid comparison.
Who Wins for Your Child
Toddlers and preschoolers (2-3): Lingokids wins. Novakid starts at age 4, and play-based app learning is ideal for this age.
Budget families: Lingokids wins on price. A full year costs $99.99, less than one month of Novakid's 8-lesson pack.
Speaking practice: Novakid wins clearly. Only live 1-on-1 lessons give your child real conversation time with correction.
Structured progress: Novakid wins. Certified teachers, a CEFR path to B1, and a consistent teacher your child can bond with beat self-paced app play for measurable progress.
Combination approach: many families use both, and that is often the best plan. Lingokids for daily practice, Novakid one or two times a week for live speaking.
Want more tutor choice for your child? See our free English resources for kids for budget-friendly extras.
Try iTalki Instead?
If you want the widest choice of tutors for your child, iTalki and Preply both let you filter for teachers who specialize in young learners. Book a single trial lesson with no subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lingokids or Novakid better for my child?
It depends on age and goal. Lingokids, rated 8.6/10 in our review, is a play-based app for ages 2 to 8 that teaches through games, songs, and videos, but has no live teachers. Novakid, rated 9.0/10, is live 1-on-1 classes for ages 4 to 12 with certified teachers and a structured CEFR curriculum. Choose Lingokids for early, self-paced play. Choose Novakid when your child needs real speaking practice with a teacher.
How much do Lingokids and Novakid cost?
Lingokids is a subscription: $14.99 per month, $99.99 per year (about $8.33 per month), or $139.99 per year for the Plus plan (about $11.67 per month), with a 30-day free trial on annual plans. Novakid sells lesson packs: about $15 per lesson for 8 lessons a month (about $120), about $12.50 per lesson for 12 lessons (about $150), or about $10.50 per lesson for 16 lessons (about $168). Novakid offers a free trial lesson.
What age groups do Lingokids and Novakid serve?
Lingokids is designed for ages 2 to 8 and works best for younger children ages 2 to 6, who enjoy the colorful animations and simple games. Novakid teaches ages 4 to 12 with 25-minute lessons built around a young child's attention span and a CEFR-aligned path from Pre-A1 to B1.
Do Lingokids and Novakid have real teachers?
Lingokids is an app with no live teachers and no human interaction. Novakid uses real teachers: all of them hold a university degree, a teaching certificate such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA, and at least one year of experience with children. Only about 5% of teacher applicants are accepted.
Does Lingokids teach speaking?
Lingokids covers listening, reading, writing, and basic speaking activities inside the app, but it cannot give real conversation practice or correct your child live. Novakid's 1-on-1 lessons give live speaking practice with a teacher in every class, which is the main thing an app cannot replace.
Can I use Lingokids and Novakid together?
Yes, many families do. Use Lingokids for daily play-based practice at a low monthly price, and book one or two Novakid lessons a week for live speaking and teacher feedback. You get the app's low cost plus real human interaction, which covers both sides of learning English.
Try Novakid
Book a free trial lesson and meet a certified teacher. If your child enjoys the class, lesson packs start at about $120 per month.
Visit NovakidAffiliate disclosure: LearnEnglish.Life may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page, including iTalki and Preply. This does not affect our ratings or the price you pay. Lingokids and Novakid links on this page are not affiliate links, because neither platform runs a public affiliate program. We only recommend platforms we have reviewed honestly.