kitio.aiEllo vs Storybooks
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Storybooks has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $15 for Ello.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Read-aloud listening
- Decodable books
- Phonics games
- Early maths
- Parent progress tracking
- Personalized stories
- 20+ illustration styles
- Configurable reading levels
- Decodable phonics books
- Story library
- Daily reading reminders
| Feature | Ello | Storybooks |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI reading coach that listens to children read aloud | Personalized illustrated stories that help kids learn to read |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | $14.99/mo | $3.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 7-day trial |
| Made by | Ello | Storybooks |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Storybooks has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $15 for Ello.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
1 plan
Storyteller
$3.99/mo
- Unlimited story creation
- 20+ illustration styles
- Configurable reading levels
- Interactive learning modules
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Ello
- Listens to real reading aloud
- Built on phonics research
- Low-income discount
- Aimed at a narrow age range
- Full tutoring needs a subscription
Storybooks
- Low monthly price
- Reading level can be adjusted
- Separate tools for parents and teachers
- Only one paid plan is listed
- Stories need a subscription after the trial
- Billing toggle makes the monthly rate unclear
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ello if you want:
- Listens to real reading aloud
- Built on phonics research
- Low-income discount
Watch out: aimed at a narrow age range.
Choose Storybooks if you want:
- Low monthly price
- Reading level can be adjusted
- Separate tools for parents and teachers
Watch out: only one paid plan is listed.
Ello vs Storybooks FAQ
What is the difference between Ello and Storybooks?
Ello: AI reading coach that listens to children read aloud. Storybooks: Personalized illustrated stories that help kids learn to read. Both are education tools.
Is Ello or Storybooks cheaper?
Storybooks has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $15 for Ello.
Do Ello and Storybooks have free plans?
Ello: Yes. Storybooks: No, 7-day trial.
Who makes Ello?
Ello is made by Ello, based in United States.
Who makes Storybooks?
Storybooks is made by Storybooks.
Which should I choose, Ello or Storybooks?
Choose Ello if you value listens to real reading aloud and built on phonics research. Choose Storybooks if you value low monthly price and reading level can be adjusted.