Ello
Ello is an app-based reading coach that aims to transform children into confident and enthusiastic readers. The tool is designed to listen ...
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What is Ello?
Ello is an AI-powered reading coach app that listens to children read aloud from real books, provides real-time support when they stumble, and transforms them into enthusiastic readers. The app uses artificial intelligence and speech recognition technology to create an interactive reading buddy that offers gentle corrections when children make errors and motivation to keep them engaged. Ello combines language, speech, and memory technology to power personalized, interactive education for kids.
Key features include Adaptive Learn Technology for digital coaching, a library of over 800 decodable e-books, three types of books (decodable books, turn-taking books, and storytime books), digital prizes for progress, quest-based learning with 4-6 books per quest, star and badge collection with completion prizes, and the ability to create custom stories that Ello reads aloud. The app automatically adjusts reading levels as children progress and allows parents to manually update reading levels if needed.
Ello is designed for children in Kindergarten to 3rd grade, generally ages 4-8 years old, who can decode basic words (such as reading
Ello pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Ello with e-books is priced at $14.99 per month or $139 per year (23% off). The annual plan saves $29 compared to monthly billing. Ello Access is a discount program for EBT/SNAP participants that reduces the monthly cost from $14.99 to just $0.99 per month ($14 off). A free public library with 700+ decodable e-books is available without AI coaching. The referral program gives subscribers free months of Ello (credit applied to next monthly payment or $14.99 reduction for annual plans) or a free Ello plushie for app signups. Gift boxes include a physical gift card redeemable for three months of Ello with E-books subscription. Free shipping is included for gift boxes with priority shipping option available.
Ello pros
- AI-powered real-time reading coaching that listens as children read aloud
- Speech recognition technology provides immediate support when children stumble
- Over 800 decodable e-books based on Science of Reading
- Adaptive Learn Technology automatically adjusts to child's reading level
- Three book types: decodable, turn-taking, and storytime books
- Quest-based learning with structured classroom-like lessons
- Digital prizes, stars, and badges motivate progress
- Created by reading specialists with dyslexia intervention backgrounds
- Uses evidence-based phonics instruction proven to work for dyslexia
- No ads in the app ever
- Never sells user data
- Allows up to 3 reader profiles per subscription
- Custom story creation where Ello reads child's stories aloud
- Turn-taking books create interactive partner reading experience
- Growth mindset paradigm builds confidence and love of reading
- Behavioral psychology keeps children engaged without frustration
- Books remain available forever after unlocking
- Referral program offers free months or plushie rewards
- EBT/SNAP discount program reduces monthly cost to $0.99
- Annual plan offers 23% discount compared to monthly
Ello cons
- Only works on iOS devices (iPhone/iPad with iOS 14+), not Android
- Does not work on Samsung tablets, Kindle tablets, laptops, or desktops
- Limited to Kindergarten-3rd grade reading levels (ages 4-8)
- Not suitable for pre-readers who cannot decode basic words
- Ello is lenient on corrections, requiring parent involvement for accuracy
- No comprehensive curriculum or intervention model for dyslexia
- Annual plan price is $139 which may be expensive for some families
- Return shipping costs for gift boxes are customer's responsibility
- Physical plushie reward limited to one per person for app signups
Frequently asked questions about Ello
What age range is Ello designed for?
Ello offers books on reading levels Kindergarten to 3rd grade, generally working best for children 4-8 years of age depending on their reading ability. It is not suited for pre-readers who are not yet decoding basic words. If a child can read the sentence 'I am a cat,' they are ready for the earliest level of books. Ello is adding more books all the time for children beyond this age or pre-readers.
How does the Ello app work?
Ello helps early readers break down learning barriers by combining artificial intelligence and speech recognition technology. It is an interactive reading buddy who listens to your child read out loud, provides support when they need help reading, makes gentle corrections when they make errors, and offers motivation to keep them engaged. Appropriately leveled books are automatically loaded into the app based on the child's reading level.
What literacy strategies do you use to support my child?
Ello uses proven, phonics-based reading strategies to help children decode words and develop fluency. The instructional method was developed by reading specialists with backgrounds in dyslexia intervention and uses direct, explicit, and sequential phonics instruction. This approach is exactly what research shows works for helping children with dyslexia learn how to read.
What kind of books are in the app?
The digital library has three types of books based on the Science of Reading: (1) Decodable books designed to help phonetic skills, encourage independent reading, reinforce phonics rules, and build confidence; (2) Turn-taking books that turn reading into a partner activity with Ello reading part then the child taking a turn, boosting listening skills, comprehension, and vocabulary; (3) Storytime books where children craft their own stories and Ello reads their creations aloud.
How do you determine my child's reading level?
After signing up, Ello asks a short series of questions to estimate the child's reading level. As they make their way through the program, Ello automatically adjusts to match their level. Parents can also update their child's reading level manually if books feel too easy or too hard, or set it to whatever the child is reading at school as determined by their teacher.
Is Ello good for kids with dyslexia?
Ello's instructional method was developed by reading specialists with backgrounds in dyslexia intervention and uses direct, explicit, and sequential phonics instruction, which research shows works for helping children with dyslexia learn how to read. Ello is not a comprehensive curriculum or intervention model for dyslexia but is a great supplement. Numerous children with dyslexia use Ello with great success.
What device is required for Ello?
The Ello app works on iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 and newer. Ello does not currently work on Android, Samsung tablets, Kindle tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. Parents should check the complete list of compatible devices on the website before downloading.
Does Ello have ads or sell data?
No, Ello has no ads in the app and never will. Ello also does not sell the data it collects. The company processes audio of children reading only if parents allow it, for real-time support and motivation. Data collection is optional with opt-in after downloading the app. All data is anonymous, aggregated, and used to improve the product with industry-leading encryption and security.
How many children can I add to a subscription?
You can add up to 3 reader profiles to a single Ello subscription. This allows multiple children in the same family to use the app with their own personalized reading levels, quests, and progress tracking under one membership.
How does Ello keep my child engaged?
Ello brings stories to life, provides words of encouragement, and helps children when they get stuck so they don't get frustrated. The app uses behavioral psychology and a growth mindset paradigm to keep children encouraged, help their confidence soar, and build a love of reading. Ello offers a reward system where children collect stars and badges leading up to completion prizes that are delivered digitally, included in the next box, or both.