Best Apps for Kids Age 13–17

The best mobile apps for teens can provide an engaging world of entertainment and enrichment. Our app reviews cover a wide range of teen interests, from arcade games and digital-creation apps to music and social networking. Talk with teens about a price limit on their mobile apps and keep an eye on their multiplayer activities. They also need to know what your expectations are for responsible, respectful online behavior. Check out our 15 Great Apps to Play with Tweens and Teens for even more top-rated titles to share with your teen.

Animoto: Slideshow Maker Poster Image
APP

Animoto: Slideshow Maker

age 13+

Freemium slideshow tool better on privacy than similar apps.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromebook (2017)
Autodesk Sketchbook Poster Image
APP

Autodesk Sketchbook

age 13+

Impressive creation tool for teens serious about art.

Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows app (2013)
Codea Poster Image
APP

Codea

age 13+

Innovative tool for programming on the iPad.

Devices: iPad (2013)
Evernote Poster Image
APP

Evernote

age 13+

Organization tool helps kids manage their digital lives.

Finding Home - A Refugee's Journey Poster Image
APP

Finding Home - A Refugee's Journey

age 13+

Incredible interactive story shows teen refugee experience.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
Ground News Poster Image
APP

Ground News

age 13+

Compare coverage of current events and control for bias.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2020)
Happy Not Perfect: Meditation Poster Image
APP

Happy Not Perfect: Meditation

age 13+

Rich resource for adults and teens seeking more mindfulness.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2019)
Impressions: Face Swap Videos Poster Image
APP

Impressions: Face Swap Videos

age 13+

Easy-to-use deepfake generator with eerie results.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2020)
The King of Fighters ALLSTAR Poster Image
APP

The King of Fighters ALLSTAR

age 13+

This trip down memory lane packs a knockout punch.

Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android (2019)
Lifeline... Poster Image
APP

Lifeline...

age 13+

Choose Your Own Adventure grows up, goes tech, is great.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
Lifeline 2 Poster Image
APP

Lifeline 2

age 13+

New adventure a bit scarier, still fun, but less satisfying.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
Lifeline: Whiteout Poster Image
APP

Lifeline: Whiteout

age 13+

Most complex, challenging, and deep of series so far.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2016)
Lirica - Learn Languages Poster Image
APP

Lirica - Learn Languages

age 13+

Clever method uses hit pop songs to teach language.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2020)
Magisto - Magical Video Editor Poster Image
APP

Magisto - Magical Video Editor

age 13+

Automated video maker is fast and fun but has limits.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2013)
Noa: Listen to news articles Poster Image
APP

Noa: Listen to news articles

age 13+

Listen to multiple news sources; be aware of bias.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2019)
Pandora  - Free Music & Radio Poster Image
APP

Pandora - Free Music & Radio

age 13+

Popular Internet radio app great for discovering new music.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2011)
Paper by WeTransfer Poster Image
APP

Paper by WeTransfer

age 13+

Beautifully designed digital sketchbook fosters creativity.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
Plague Inc. Poster Image
APP

Plague Inc.

age 13+

Slow & steady kills the (human) race in disease-design app.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Popplet Poster Image
APP

Popplet

age 13+

Mind-mapping tool's visual "pop" will engage teens.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
Procreate Poster Image
APP

Procreate

age 13+

Awesome professional-level tool for digital artists.

Devices: iPad (2016)