When it comes to tablet learning materials for elementary school students, it’s honestly hard to know which one to choose, isn’t it? Lately, all kinds of services have come out, and since the pricing and features vary so much, as a parent you end up wondering what criteria you should use to decide… I’ve put together a summary of the results from comparing and testing 10 popular tablet learning programs.

If you prioritize value for money, “Dekitasu” is my top recommendation. It costs 4,000 yen per month, covers all grade levels, and is relatively easy to keep up with at around 48,000 yen per year. It also has plenty of features to bring out kids’ motivation, and children seem to like learning together with characters. There’s also grading and question support, which helps busy parents too.

If you want to pick purely based on how cheap it is, then “Unko Zemi” is the one. At 2,500 yen per month, for a total of 30,000 yen per year, it’s an absolute bargain. However, it’s intended for students in 3rd grade and above, so keep that in mind. If your child likes “Unko Drill,” I’m sure they’ll become really into this tablet learning program.

For those who prioritize learning quality, “Smile Zemi” is recommended. With a dedicated tablet, there’s no distraction from unnecessary apps, so kids can focus—◎. The monthly fee depends on the grade, and it’s higher at around 7,300 yen for 6th grade, but considering how full-featured it is, the value isn’t bad.

“Challenge Touch” is also a good option. Since an advisor helps set up the learning plan together, there are ways to get children wanting to study on their own. Each session finishes in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for kids who can’t sit still.

If the absolute best thing is the lowest price, then “Study Sapuri Elementary Course” is unbeatable. At 2,200 yen per month, it comes to just 26,000 yen per year—an exceptionally low price. That said, it’s designed for children who already have a study routine. Since it has fewer features for boosting motivation, it’s better suited for kids who can study independently.

If you’re aiming for middle school entrance exams, it’s worth considering “RISU Math” or “Z-Kai.” RISU Math focuses specifically on math and English, and costs a reasonable 2,800 yen per month. Z-Kai is more serious and comprehensive, but since it costs over 100,000 yen per year, it’s suited for dedicated exam prep.

For preschoolers to lower-grade students who want to develop thinking skills, “Wonder Box” is a good choice. It costs 4,200 yen per month and lets kids learn in a playful way. However, it isn’t aligned with school lessons, so if your goal is review and preparation, other tablet learning programs may be better.

In the end, the correct choice comes down to your budget and your child’s learning style. If your child can study on their own, a cheaper service is often enough. But if your child needs parental support, choosing a tablet learning program with more features—even if it costs a bit more—will be more likely to help them keep going. Since many services offer free trials, it’s recommended that you try them first before deciding.