Best Typing Software 2019 - Free, Paid Programs for Student & Adults
- Typing games free download - Typing Trainer, Typing Master 10, Typing Tutorial, and many more programs.
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The best games that help kids learn to type. Explore this Best Typing Games for Students Top Picks list of 11 tools curated by Common Sense Education editors to find relevant and engaging edtech solutions for your classroom.
We spent 25 hours testing and researching typing software until our fingers were sore. Based on its thorough instruction and wide variety of lessons and games, Typesy is our pick for the best program overall. This software teaches you through touch-typing exercises and video instruction, something that stood out among other programs. You can create up to five users on one product license and save your progress using cloud storage. This means you can use it on your laptop while traveling, save your work, and continue on your desktop at home later.
Best OverallTypesy
With hundreds of lessons and activities and compelling learning strategies including video training, Typesy is the best software available.
Best BudgetTyping.com
This free online typing program is a perfect refresher if you already know how to type and just want to practice. It gets straight to the point without making you log in or create an account.
Best for BeginnersUltraKey 6
UltraKey 6 can take someone who isn’t familiar with using a keyboard and teach them how to type accurately and quickly.
Best Overall
Reasons to Buy
It offers cloud-based storage for up to five users.
Reasons to Avoid
It isn’t free, like some typing programs.
With hundreds of lessons and an easy-to-use interface, Typesy is the best typing software out there. It puts an emphasis on lessons and achievement-based learning (rather than games), so you really feel like you’re progressing quickly. This application can be used by up to five users, and since it is cloud-based, you can use it on any computer.
In our testing, we found Typesy’s lessons, games and exercises helped us type faster and more efficiently. The program also includes detailed video instruction that clearly explains the correct way to place your hands and hit every key with speed and accuracy. Every video is followed by exercises so you can get better at that particular skill before moving on to another.
This program lets you know how you're progressing with progress reports noting your words per minute and adjusted words per minute, which factors in how many errors you make. This kind of feedback is crucial in figuring out weak spots and addressing them through repeated exercises. With some typing software costing upward of $40, Typesy has a reasonable price point, making it ideal for your household.
Typesy recently released an updated version of its typing software, which we know includes additional lessons and exercises. Our links go to the new version, and we will update this page with additional information once we fully test it. We’re confident it will remain one of the best typing programs you can choose.
This program lets you know how you're progressing with progress reports noting your words per minute and adjusted words per minute, which factors in how many errors you make. This kind of feedback is crucial in figuring out weak spots and addressing them through repeated exercises. With some typing software costing upward of $40, Typesy has a reasonable price point, making it ideal for your household.
Typesy recently released an updated version of its typing software, which we know includes additional lessons and exercises. Our links go to the new version, and we will update this page with additional information once we fully test it. We’re confident it will remain one of the best typing programs you can choose.
Best Budget
Reasons to Buy
It’s easy to use, and you can start typing immediately on the website.
Design is intuitive and not too busy or distracting.
Reasons to Avoid
Award certificates after every lesson slow the user down.
We tested free typing programs to find out if any no-cost options have enough features to compete with the for-pay software, and Typing.com does just that. You can select from a 1-minute, 3-minute or 5-minute typing test and start working on your speed and accuracy right away.
The site has 45 courses ranging from easy to difficult, with 10 to 20 short lessons in each course that take about a minute to complete. While there aren’t as many lessons as there are with some of the more expensive programs we tested, they’re just as comprehensive. There are also eight games if you need to take a break for some fun. Teachers and students can even create accounts for use in the classroom.
We found that free typing software including Typing.com did not offer as many lessons and tests as some of the best for-pay applications. However, if you just need a short refresher course or to take a timed typing test to apply for a job, you may not need to invest money in an application. Worst-case scenario, if you run out of lessons and feel like you need more instruction you can invest in another software title without feeling like you wasted your money.
We found that free typing software including Typing.com did not offer as many lessons and tests as some of the best for-pay applications. However, if you just need a short refresher course or to take a timed typing test to apply for a job, you may not need to invest money in an application. Worst-case scenario, if you run out of lessons and feel like you need more instruction you can invest in another software title without feeling like you wasted your money.
Best for Beginners
Reasons to Buy
It’s the most comprehensive software we evaluated.
It works on Macs and PCs.
Reasons to Avoid
It is not licensed for schools or companies.
UltraKey 6 shows you how to do absolutely everything when it comes to typing, making it perfect for someone who isn’t familiar with a keyboard at all. Lessons cover topics including correct posture, hand placement and individual finger training.
A lot of typing software for adults operates under the assumption that users already know typing basics. This isn't the case for UltraKey 6, which walks you through every step until you're typing with speed and accuracy.
First, you start off with a skill assessment. Based on your ability, the software assigns you a goal to shoot for as you work. Don’t worry, though; if you’re struggling you can adjust your goal manually within the software. You can also turn on an audio dictation option if you find it makes typing easier.
This program gives you access to more than 700 typing exercises for up to eight different users. Your progress is saved on a cloud management system, giving you access to your lessons from different computers. The interface, while a little dated, is easy to use and streamlined so you're not distracted by a bunch of unnecessary graphics or a storyline.
First, you start off with a skill assessment. Based on your ability, the software assigns you a goal to shoot for as you work. Don’t worry, though; if you’re struggling you can adjust your goal manually within the software. You can also turn on an audio dictation option if you find it makes typing easier.
This program gives you access to more than 700 typing exercises for up to eight different users. Your progress is saved on a cloud management system, giving you access to your lessons from different computers. The interface, while a little dated, is easy to use and streamlined so you're not distracted by a bunch of unnecessary graphics or a storyline.
Most Entertaining
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Typing Instructor Platinum has a playful travel theme and moves you through time and around the world during its lessons.
It also includes more games than any other software we tested, making it a suitable program for learners of all ages. After you pass each lesson, you get a stamp in your passport. You set goals, and the software’s ample reporting features help you carefully curate a learning path to reach them. Its reports include details like which hand, fingers and keys you need to work on. Each of Typing Instructor Platinum’s 35 destinations focuses on different keys, and the software includes speed building and accuracy drills. With its good feedback and engaging activities, Typing Instructor Platinum can keep you entertained as you increase your WPM speed.
Best for Professionals
Reasons to Buy
Uses common office documents for instruction and practice
Reasons to Avoid
Doesn’t automatically create customized lessons to help you improve
While KeyBlaze includes plenty of games and lessons, many of its 161 activities use documents with real-world applications.
For example, during the lessons you type office and legal documents as well as poetry and prose. As such, KeyBlaze is best for adults. It also has lessons that walk you through 10-keypad use and includes activities to help you practice taking dictation. KeyBlaze doesn’t populate information about your skill level or create customized lessons automatically, but you can create your own lessons. The software provides enough reporting information for you to identify where you need to improve so you can design lessons that target those areas. Each license you buy can have multiple accounts and profiles, but the software can only be downloaded onto one computer.
Why Trust Us
When we’re not testing the products we review, we’re typing about them. This page, for example, has over 1,600 words, and I typed every single one. Then my editor took a stab at it, which meant more even more typing. Basically, it’s a miracle our fingers haven’t all fallen off yet. We know the value of learning to type quickly and accurately. We’ve also been reviewing typing software since 2005, so we’ve watched the lessons, graphics and learning methods change over the years, becoming much more effective.
Each time we update our typing software recommendations, we gather the most popular and highly rated options to test. We check out the functionality, evaluate the effectiveness of the lessons and keep track of how each program tracks progress. We know learning styles differ – some of our reviewers think games and success-based training are fun and while others prefer a straight-forward approach to improve efficiency at work. We call on a wide range of typists to help test typing software so our recommendations are well-rounded and accurate.
How Much Does Typing Software Cost?
Some of the best typing programs are free, though their reporting features are usually limited unless you create an account. Still, their activities can help you improve your speed with practice. You can also purchase and download programs, usually for less than $50. These for-pay applications usually provide more specific recommendations for improvement in their reports. Nowadays, many programs are offered as subscriptions. We recommend choosing a subscription software because you only need to pay for it as long as you need it, which keeps costs low.
How We Tested
We spent 25 hours tested typing applications, taking note of the number and types of lessons each has. We found that the most effective typing software uses a variety of teaching methods, including timed exercises that promote quick typing and dictation practices that teach the skills you need to transcribe. The more exercises there are, the more useful the software, and having lots lessons to choose from keeps you from getting bored. Some programs allow you to create custom lessons so the software can grow with you as your typing improves.
We also evaluated how intuitive each program’s interface is. The best typing software makes content easy to find so you can customize your learning path to suit your needs. A well-organized user interface also allows you to spend more time polishing your typing skills and less time learning how to use the software.
Feedback is crucial when learning how to type, and the best programs let you know which specific keys and fingers you struggle with. Detailed reporting provides insight into which lessons you need to revisit and can identify lessons you may not need to complete to advance your skills.
What Is Important When Shopping for Typing Software?
Ease of Use
It can be stressful mastering a new skill. While you’re learning, you don’t need the added stress of dealing with a less-than-intuitive interface, so it’s crucial to find a typing program with a simple, clear-cut layout. We found that the best programs have a clean, modern interface that is well organized, with tabs, buttons and other functions clearly labeled. You should be able to find lessons, quizzes, games and reports quickly, and mid-lesson instructions should be clear and easy to follow.
It can be stressful mastering a new skill. While you’re learning, you don’t need the added stress of dealing with a less-than-intuitive interface, so it’s crucial to find a typing program with a simple, clear-cut layout. We found that the best programs have a clean, modern interface that is well organized, with tabs, buttons and other functions clearly labeled. You should be able to find lessons, quizzes, games and reports quickly, and mid-lesson instructions should be clear and easy to follow.
Occupation-Relevant Content
Being able to type quickly and accurately makes you more valuable in the workforce and looks great on your resume. Knowing how to use all parts of the keyboard, including the number and symbol keys, can help you type more efficiently while you’re at work. It also makes search engine and social media use go a little more smoothly, as well.
Being able to type quickly and accurately makes you more valuable in the workforce and looks great on your resume. Knowing how to use all parts of the keyboard, including the number and symbol keys, can help you type more efficiently while you’re at work. It also makes search engine and social media use go a little more smoothly, as well.
Most beginner and intermediate courses don’t let you practice with the types of content the average adult would encounter in a professional setting, but Typesy and KeyBlaze both have exercises that can teach you how to type materials such as legal documents and marketing content, and they even have 10-key exercises to improve your data entry skills.
Alternative Keyboards
The vast majority of people learn to type on the standard English QWERTY keyboard. However, there are a few alternatives out there that claim to be more ergonomic or efficient. Type Fu and Master Key both include lessons for the Dvorak keyboard layout, which is the second most popular type of English keyboard.
The vast majority of people learn to type on the standard English QWERTY keyboard. However, there are a few alternatives out there that claim to be more ergonomic or efficient. Type Fu and Master Key both include lessons for the Dvorak keyboard layout, which is the second most popular type of English keyboard.
Licensing & Installs
If you plan to use your typing software on a single computer, there’s no need to stress over licences and installs. However, if you think you may need to use it on multiple computers, double check that the program you want to purchase allows for that. Some offer two or three installs with a single license, while others lock it down to one. A few have no limitations, allowing you to access the program as you please. Bulk licenses for schools or businesses may also be available at a discount if you talk with the manufacturer.
If you plan to use your typing software on a single computer, there’s no need to stress over licences and installs. However, if you think you may need to use it on multiple computers, double check that the program you want to purchase allows for that. Some offer two or three installs with a single license, while others lock it down to one. A few have no limitations, allowing you to access the program as you please. Bulk licenses for schools or businesses may also be available at a discount if you talk with the manufacturer.
Help & Support
Learning to type is relatively straightforward, but sometimes the program you are using may not be. And should you have a question or concern, it’s nice to know that there are tutorials, FAQs and other helpful resources available to you whenever you need them. All of the programs we tested supply email and phone support, and most of them have informational resources right on their websites.
Learning to type is relatively straightforward, but sometimes the program you are using may not be. And should you have a question or concern, it’s nice to know that there are tutorials, FAQs and other helpful resources available to you whenever you need them. All of the programs we tested supply email and phone support, and most of them have informational resources right on their websites.
If you spend a considerable amount of time with your computer’s keyboard, then it makes sense to learn touch typing (type without looking at the keyboard) While it can be intimidating to look at the jumbled letters on a QWERTY keyboard, there are plenty of software available in the market to help you get the hang of it.
The average typing speed usually represented in Words per Minute (WPM) is 40 while professionals are typing away around 75 WPM. If you are below average, you need to up your game and if you are an average, it could save you a lot of time while writing a report in your office, if you were a professional level typist. It is a useful skill to invest time and money into.
For the purpose of this guide, I looked at features, usability, UI, and price while comparing the below touch typing software.
1. Typing.com
Typing is one of the oldest touch typing software provider on the Internet. A free resource that was developed for both students and teachers in mind.
Although the number of lessons, tests, and features is a little less than some top paying software, it is nonetheless an amazing resource to learn touch typing. Typing.com offers 45 courses which come with 8 fun games to take part in which are ideal for beginners to advanced level students.
Also Read: Best Keyboard apps for iPad
Teachers and students are assigned separate logins which allow the former to assign tests, set goals and provide grades to the latter. Teachers can then follow your progress and guide you accordingly. You can take a typing test and play any game without having to create a login ID, but I recommend you do it to take full benefit of this free resource.
The interface is simple and easy to use, making it one of the best free resource available. There is no need to download any software, so you can learn and test your skills on any OS with any browser.
Bottom Line: Typing.com offers a simple, easy, and free way to learn and teach touch typing skills anywhere, anytime.
Check out Typing.com
2. Rapid Typing
Rapid Typing is a Windows-based touch typing software that is licensed as Freeware. It is available for both 32 and 64-bit computers running Windows XP to 10. There is a portable version available.
Rapid Typing was built to be easy to use software to help users learn how to touch type fast. There are three modes available: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert. At the end of each lesson, you will receive ratings which will contain WPM, characters per minute, accuracy percentile, and errors.
There are options to choose from font size and type, enable sounds, change lesson view, reconfigure hotkeys, and choose a theme.
Rapid Typing organizes many of its lessons around keyboard groups that should help you learn how to touch type quicker. If you are not happy, you can customize or add your own lessons with the help of Lesson Editor.
Bottom Line: Rapid Typing offers a colorful interface and plenty of flexibility when choosing and editing your lessons. It is available in several foreign languages and offers different keyboard styles.
Install Rapid Typing
3. Typist
Typist is a minimal looking touch typing software that is available for free for Mac. It offers 9 courses to choose from. Each of these course has a number of lessons. I found the instructions to be very detailed and the number of lessons is sometimes more than 10.
Your stats are shown in real time at the bottom of the screen. In the Preference section, you can turn off sound, change the background color, and choose typing styles.
If you have a little time at your hand, there is a quick course that will take you through the basics.
Bottom Line: Typist offers a minimal touch typing experience that will get the job done. If you are looking for free software, this is it.
Install Typist
4. Tux Typing
Tux Typing is the touch typing software with the coolest game to offer. To make things even better, it is cross-platform and supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and FreeBSD.
You will see letters falling from above and a penguin relaxing below, sipping a pina colada. Your job is to catch all the letters before they hit the ground. When you start typing, you can see the penguin running frantically across the screen to get to the letters. It’s like Tetris but only funnier. There is one more game available where once again, in a different setting, you have to catch the letters. The speed will eventually increase making it harder to catch and destroy letters using the laser beam!
It is fairly simple but fun which should get your kids start typing. There is a practice mode and the software supports multiple languages.
Bottom Line: Tux Typing offers the best gaming experience and is an amazing touch typing software tool for your kids. The only drawback is that there is no ratings or statistics offered, but that was not why Tux Typing was created.
Install Tux Typing
Typing.com offers a number of games that you can choose from but is not available as downloadable software. Check it out.
5. Ratatype
Ratatype is a web-based typing app which teaches you to tough type efficiently. It uses a reward-based model to help you type faster. You can create high scores and share them with your friends. You can start using the service by creating an account using your email ID or Facebook. It creates a dashboard where you can keep track of your progress.
The courses are easy and you can start by completing small courses like learning key positions, finger placement, and muscle memory. The learn section tells you about the perfect posture to type, home keys, etc. It is recommended that you don’t put too much pressure on yourself while learning as muscle memory takes time to update.
The typing tests are easy and really help you in improving your typos. The test alerts you at the word where a typo was made and you can go back to correct it.
Bottom Line: Ratatype is a decent typing tool aimed at improving kids’ typing. You can use it on any platform with just a web browser.
Check out Ratatype
6. Klavaro
Klavaro is a comprehensive software for Windows which helps you improve your typing skills. It doesn’t have a fancy user interface and it still manages to be easy to use. It has five levels with 50 lessons each which would train your brain extensively. Level 0 is the basic which teaches you basics like finger placement and level 4 has complete texts.
Klavaro has multiple languages inbuilt and you can simply choose one from the menu and start practicing in that language. You can change the keyboard layout to any country’s standard layout and choose between QWERTY, DVORAK, COLEMAK, etc.
![Games Games](https://www.nchsoftware.com/typingtutor/screenshots/main.jpg)
Bottom Line: Klavaro is great software to learn to type the right way. It is customizable and works with multiple layouts and best of all, it’s free but only available for Windows.
Install Klavaro
7. Typing Cat
This next app is a typing tutor app which offers typing courses, tests, and games. It works on the web and doesn’t require any additional installation. You can even use the service without creating an account but you’ll need one if you plan on using their pro services. There are three categories of courses; Official, User-generated, and custom.
Most of the courses are free on the web and you can play games while learning to type faster. Typing tests are interesting, you can test your speed and accuracy based on one, three, and five minutes. The scores are generated and listed on the online scoreboard where you can see your ranking.
Bottom Line: Typing Cat is an easy to use software for the web. It is great for children and adults alike. The free version is sufficient for most users but if you want the pro version, you can get it for $2.5/ mo or $9.99/yr.
Check out Typing Cat
8. KAZ
KAZ claims to teach you how to touch type in 90 minutes. It offers a number of software editions for different types of learners working in different settings. KAZ claims to use a Brain Balance method where sight, sound, and touch senses are used to accelerate the learning process.
Here are 5 different editions they offer:
- Home – for non-commercial family use (starts from $19.99/yr)
- Education – for educational institutes (starts from $100/yr)
- Business – for companies and businesses (starts from $2/yr)
- SEN/Dyslexia – children with special needs (starts from $19.99/yr)
- Guardian Angel – to help protect against RSI (starts from $14.99/yr)
It is suitable for all children aged 6 years or more. You can take a self-test to see how much have you learned and compare results with previous reports.
There are five modules or courses that you can take, a total of 4 hours worth of materials.
- Flying Start – how to sit (posture), and how to go through the course
- The Basics – talks about A to Z keys
- Just Do It – reinforces A to Z keys
- And the Rest – teaches you punctuation keys
- Speedbuilder – helps you increase speed and accuracy
Each module comes with animations, graphics, and games that are soothing to the eyes, and fun to play. This is meant to improve user experience and help with the learning process. There are a number of user guides available including several video tutorials.
Best Typing Games Free Download Gta 5
KAZ is available for Web, Mac, and Windows. It is also compatible with both the US and UK keyboard style.
Bottom Line: It is a versatile touch typing software solution that offers a number of products and licenses across a number of platforms. There is literally something for everyone.
Install KAZ
Wrapping Up: Best Touch Typing Software
So, these were some of the best touch typing software to improve your typing skills. Some of them are cross-platform, so I recommend to use the one that is best suited to you.
Best Typing Games Free Download For Windows 10
Learning touch typing takes time; anywhere from few weeks to months, but pays off in the long run. So, be sure to pick up one program and practice it over and over again.