The game is the same on the app and in the browser, and your account and progress sync across both. The browser needs no install and works on any computer, while the app is better on tablets and phones. Pick the one that fits the device in front of you, and switch whenever you like, because your progress is tied to your account, not to the device.
The short answer
Use the browser on a shared or school computer, and use the app on a personal tablet or phone. The browser wins when you cannot install anything, and the app wins when you want a bigger touch screen and fewer distractions. There is no wrong choice: both run the same game with the same questions.
App versus browser at a glance
| Browser | App | |
|---|---|---|
| Install needed | No, play at prodigygame.com | Yes, from the App Store or Google Play |
| Devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook | iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Chromebook |
| Best for | School computers and shared devices | Personal tablets and phones |
| Login | Same Prodigy account | Same Prodigy account |
| Progress sync | Yes, tied to the account | Yes, tied to the account |
| Cost | Free, same as the app | Free, same as the browser |
| Internet needed | Yes | Yes |
Playing in the browser
Open prodigygame.com in any modern browser and log in. There is nothing to download or install, which is why schools prefer it: the game runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks without asking the IT admin to install anything. The browser version is also the fallback when the app will not install, for example on an old iPad. The only requirement is an internet connection and a browser that the school has not blocked. If the game loads slowly in the browser, close extra tabs first, because each open tab takes memory the game could use.
Playing on the app
The Prodigy Math app is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks. On Google Play it has more than 5 million downloads and a 4.7 star rating. The app gives you a full-screen touch interface, which suits younger children better than a mouse and keyboard. One thing to check before you install: on iPhone and iPad the app needs iOS 16 or later, so it will not install on older iPads that cannot update to iOS 16. If the App Store refuses the install on an old iPad, use the browser version on that same iPad instead.
Fire tablets
Amazon Fire tablets are a special case. Older listings mention Prodigy on Kindle Fire, but I could not verify current Fire tablet availability on the official Prodigy site on 6 November 2026. If your child uses a Fire tablet, check the Amazon Appstore for the Prodigy Math app first. If it is not listed there, open the Silk browser on the Fire tablet and play at prodigygame.com instead.
When to switch
Switch to the app when the browser feels slow, when the child plays mostly on a tablet, or when the school computer blocks the website but allows apps. Switch to the browser when the app will not install, when the device is shared, or when the app keeps crashing. Switching costs nothing: log in with the same account on the other version and your wizard, pets, levels, and assignments are all there. If both versions misbehave on the same device, the problem is usually the internet connection or the device itself, not the version you picked.
Tip: Use the same login on both versions. Progress is tied to the account, not the device, so a child who plays on the classroom computer and the home tablet keeps one wizard, one level, and one set of assignments everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Prodigy app free?
Yes. The app is free to download and the game inside it is the same free game as the browser version. The optional Membership is the same account upgrade on both versions.
Does my progress sync between the app and the browser?
Yes. Progress is tied to your Prodigy account, not to the device. Log in with the same account on the app and in the browser and your wizard, pets, levels, and assignments are the same in both places.
Why will the app not install on my old iPad?
The app needs iOS 16 or later. Older iPads that cannot update to iOS 16 cannot install it. Use the browser version on that iPad instead: open prodigygame.com in Safari and log in there.
Can I play Prodigy offline?
No. Prodigy is an online game, so you need an internet connection on both the app and the browser. Questions, progress, and assignments all live on Prodigy’s servers.
Which version do schools usually use?
Most schools use the browser version, because it needs no install and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks. The app is more common at home, on personal tablets and phones.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Prodigy Education or prodigygame.com. Platform details follow the Google Play and App Store listings as checked on 6 November 2026. Current Amazon Fire tablet availability could not be verified on the official site.