Reading Eggs is an award-winning online reading program for children ages 2-13 that uses interactive lessons, games, and over 4,000 e-books to teach phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It's used by over 20 million children worldwide and offers a 30-day free trial.
What is Reading Eggs?
[Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.com/) is a comprehensive online reading program designed to teach children ages 2-13 how to read using synthetic phonics-based instruction. Developed in Australia by experienced elementary teachers and launched in 2008, the program covers all five essential components of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Over 20 million children worldwide have used Reading Eggs, and it's currently implemented in more than 16,000 primary schools globally. The program uses engaging animations, songs, games, and a reward system (earning "golden eggs") to keep children motivated while working through 250+ interactive lessons.
Key Takeaways
- Covers ages 2-13 through multiple programs (Junior, Reading Eggs, Fast Phonics, Eggspress)
- Includes 4,000+ leveled e-books and 700+ printable worksheets
- Subscription covers up to 4 children at $9.99-$13.99/month or $69.99-$99.99/year
- 30-day free trial with full access to all programs
- 91% of homeschool parents report noticeable improvement in reading skills
Programs Included
How It Works
Children start with placement tests to determine their reading level, then progress through interactive lessons at their own pace. Each lesson combines colorful animations, songs, and games with structured phonics instruction. The e-book library contains only words students have already learned, building confidence. A reward system motivates progress: children earn "golden eggs" to purchase items for their avatar or virtual house, and receive printable certificates at the end of each level. Reading Eggs is designed for 15 minutes of daily practice, and the program adapts to each child's pace.
Pricing and Free Trial
Reading Eggs offers flexible subscription options. Monthly plans run $9.99-$13.99, while annual subscriptions cost $69.99-$99.99 and represent the best value. Each subscription covers up to 4 children—helpful for families with multiple learners. Homeschool families often qualify for the discounted rate of $99.99 for 4 children for 12 months. A 30-day free trial provides complete access to all five programs, and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid subscriptions. You can cancel anytime through the Parent Dashboard.
The Bottom Line
Reading Eggs is a solid choice for homeschool families seeking a complete, engaging reading curriculum that children can largely work through independently. The game-based approach genuinely motivates reluctant readers, and the comprehensiveness—covering ages 2-13 across multiple programs—means families can use it for years. Fair warning: some children become more motivated by earning eggs than by actual learning, so parental oversight and supplementation with real books remain important. But for building foundational reading skills with minimal daily parental involvement, it delivers.
