12 best typing software programs to learn to type fast
By developing your typing skills, you will be able to handle written communication much faster and with higher accuracy. This can be beneficial in many professional and educational areas where typing is an essential part of your activity.
With all the tutors available, we have tried to list and review 12 of the best typing software in 2023, both free and premium programs. Let’s start with the top 5 for a quick overview.
Best Typing Software Programs – Top Picks
Typesy VIP | KAZ Typing | Mavis Beacon | Typesy Homeschool |
---|---|---|---|
Price: from $9 | Price: $/£29.95 | Price: $29.99 | Price: from $67 |
★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
View Website | View Website | View Details | View Website |
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure at the end of this post.
Essential features: Consider video tutorials, typing games, exercises, progress tracking, and look for tools to create your own classes, upload text or sync data between devices.
1. Typesy Typing Software
Typesy (view website) is among the best-known tutors in the industry and was designed by touch typing experts. It combines typing games, exercises, video tutorials and real-time progress tracking to help develop and further boost your speed and accuracy.
Suitable for kids, students, and adults alike, the typing program will assess your skill level and suggest goals to set a customized starting point. Typing lessons and exercises are based on leading information webpages (i.e., Wikipedia). However, students can also create them manually, share them or customize them to match individual preferences.
Features – Typesy backs on 7 learning strategies and includes numerous games and fun activities to teach you to type faster. Users can monitor their progress and stay motivated. The homeschool edition adds a powerful parent-teacher admin interface to set up classes from 4 to 30 students. Includes certification that is recognized by employers.
Accessibility – Typesy is cloud-based and available as an Individual VIP or Homeschool version. It runs on all operating systems and includes unlimited installations. Dictation training is included. You can create up to 5 user accounts (VIP). Typesy also offers premium software, ergonomic courses, and productivity training as a great bonus.
Verdict – Typesy is one of the best typing software available in terms of user-friendliness, video coaching, the number of activities and lessons, progress tracking and adaptive learning strategies. Tip: Typesy VIP suits on-demand learning. Family/Homeschool is the same program but the better deal for long-term learning offering a 5 years license.
Typesy: Visit website. Free for 7 days. 5 users. All systems.
Homeschool: Family $67 – 4 students/2 admins. Visit website.
Big Family $97- 10 students. Typing curriculum for homeschooling parents.
2. Kaz Typing Tutor
Kaz Typing (view website) intrudes the Accelerated Learning feature, allowing students to learn to type in only 90 minutes. This revolutionary feature is scientifically proven, using the brain balance method to enhance learning capabilities. By using three senses, namely sound, touch and sight, this proven method applies 11 words in 5 easy-to-learn phrases. This way it teaches the brain to use both hands simultaneously and symmetrically.
Features – KAZ Typing Tutor software is suitable for students from the age of six to adult age. It includes a Speed Builder module to enhance typing speed. The Self-Test feature allows the student to challenge their skills and shows progress with reliable reporting.
5 Courses – KAZ typing software consists of five modules to teach you the keyboard from A to Z within 90 minutes. It will probably take a total of four hours to teach you the whole keyboard including exercises. You can always come back to train your skills and to improve accuracy further. Below is a brief overview:
- Flying Start – (introduction course and site navigation)
- The Basics – (the 5 phrases teaching the A-Z keys)
- Just Do It – (practicing A-Z keys)
- And The Rest – (training punctuation keys)
- SpeedBuilder – (improving speed and accuracy)
Availability – The home edition, Adult Online, is a single-user license and accessible through any web browser. For families or homeschooling parents, KAZ Family might be the better choice which contains 5 user accounts plus a Junior version for kids. Businesses and EDU organizations can choose from customized typing software that meets their specific requirements. All browsers and systems are supported. KAZ is GDPR compliant.
Dyslexia Edition – KAZ is one of the few providers to offer a customized dyslexia version of its typing program. Developed in collaboration with the Dyslexia Research Trust, this edition will help reduce visual stress and offers filter screens, suitable background colors, special typefaces, font colors and sizes as well as speaking keyboard keys.
Extras – KAZ’s efforts to also cater to specific educational needs resulted in a nomination for the Bett Awards 2019. Furthermore, there is a City & Guilds version available for those in need of globally recognized certification (CPD – Continuing Professional Development Accreditation) and testing. Based on their excellent concept, features and support, KAZ is certainly the best typing software tutor in regards to time management and efficiency.
Price: Adult Online $/£/€ 24.99 | Family Online $/£/€ 74.99 | Desktop $/£/€ 39.99
Website: View Website for Adult, Family Junior. | KAZ Dyslexia: View info here.
3. Typing Instructor
Typing Instructor is a fun and innovative typing program. It uses exciting arcade-style games to assist students of all skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. While the tutor is suitable for all ages, it is typing software for kids in particular. More experienced typists can also benefit from strengthening their existing keyboard skills.
Features – With 20 educational typing themes, Typing Instructor offers 36 adventures with 3 destinations, such as a safari trip or space travel. Students can create their own personal typing lessons. With game-style learning, you can use typing tests to improve your skills while also improving speed and accuracy. Results are instant and accurate.
Dynamic Learning – The results will point out a student’s strengths but also the areas to work on. Typing Instructor has a dynamic learning feature that after identifying the weaknesses; creates specific lessons for the student to focus on and improve those skills.
Availability – TI is designed for Windows systems. With the arcade-styled themes, it requires certain system specifications that the user should be aware of. You can test all features using their free trial version. There is also a version for very young students which is recognized as one of the best typing software for kids.
Desktop: Platinum or Gold Windows $29.90.
Online: Web Platinum from 14.99/quarter. Kids version is available.
4. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Tutor Software
Mavis Beacon is a simple to use typing software program for kids and adults alike. It is powered by UltraKey and uses an easy-to-use 7-step program to achieve success. This involves setting up personal goals, focusing on one aspect goal at a time. After achieving a goal, you celebrate your goal before moving on to the next goal.
Features – Mavis Beacon typing software teaches all the basics of typing skills, accompanied by step-by-step video instruction. The progress of the student is indicated with timed testing skills and over 100 skill check tools. It includes 18 tutorial videos and 12 themed interfaces to suit your time, speed, skills, and style.
Availability – This touch typing tutor software came in various editions suitable for both personal use and school education. You can download it from the web, order a sleeved CD or a full package. Multiple user accounts are available with the Family edition. This is still one of the best typing programs available but falls behind Typesy and KAZ.
Plans: Family $29.90. Personal $19.95. Keyboarding Kidz $19.95.
Website: Visit Website.
Reading tips: Having great keyboarding skills allows you to get things done quicker or handle communication more efficiently. To further boost productivity, dictation software can be a powerful addition that is worth a try.
Skillshare’s typing course Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Mastery is a little different from the typing software we review here. It does not limit you to anything specific but helps you choose the right platform and technology to learn touch typing.
Lessons – The typing course starts with an intro and a simple project. You can then dive into the basics of touch typing, i.e., finger placement and building muscle memory. Other typing lessons explore tips and tricks to type faster, improve typing accuracy, and tips for choosing the right keyboard.
If you don’t need any of the typing programs or software above, this is an alternative to learn typing. The instructor offers other courses too.
Instructor: Ali Abdaal. Skillshare | Level: All levels
Info: View Class. From $15/month. Get free 1-month Premium trial.
6. GS Touch Typing Tutor
GS Typing Tutor software is designed for one-hand touch typing. Users can train and memorize the keyboard using the standard QWERTY or Dvorak left and Dvorak right keyboard options. It is recommended for all ages and children and adults alike can learn to type, memorize the keyboard or develop their typing speed.
Features – GS Typing Tutor is easy to use and uses game-based fun activities for a fun learning experience. Lessons are amusing and can be customized to keep the learners interested and motivated. Other features include in-product testing. Testing helps users to not only indicate their improvement but also to identify their weaknesses. Once the typing program is aware of where they need to improve, the GS Touch Typing Tutor uses personalized review typing exercises to improve these weaknesses.
Availability – GS Typing Tutor is designed for Windows systems and supports multiple users on one computer. Users can request a free trial. Licensing is determined by the number of users and/ or workstations that will connect to the typing software.
Price: $29.90 | Website: View.
7. Speed Typing Course – Udemy
The Speed Typing course by Udemy is another option to learn to improve your typing speed. The class by Valentin Licea, teaches three skills, touch typing, keyboard shortcuts in Word, and keyboard shortcuts in Excel.
Lessons – Comprising 38 lectures, the typing course introduces touch typing and 75+ keyboard shortcuts to typing faster. It starts with alphabetic, punctuation, number keys, and special characters followed by shortcuts for data selection, formatting, and editing.
Udemy application is available on both Android and iOS where you can download the class material and practice files. You also receive a completion certificate, lifetime access to the typing lessons along with the updates, and support via the Q&A section.
Instructor: Valentin Ilicea. Udemy | Level: All
Price: View course. From $11.99. Up to 95% off.
8. KeyBlaze Typing Software
KeyBlaze is a touch typing software developed by NCH Software. It is best and recommended for people of all levels who want to build new skills or advance their existing ones. Courses begin with learning essential concepts, such as mastering the home keys, and progress as you master each skill.
Features – With KeyBlaze you determine your current level with initial start-up typing tests, set your goals and reach them with typing lessons and game-type training. Learn how to correctly implement capitals and punctuation and also correct the placement of your finger. Students can use the dictated audio exercise for transcription skills. Students can print a certificate after completion of the course.
Availability – KeyBlaze is typing software for Windows and Mac systems. Both versions are available for download on the website. However, this is one of many typing programs that don’t get many updates. The interface, design and technology look rather oldish.
Price: $29.90 | Website: View.
9. Typing Tournament Software
Typing Tournament is a 10-finger typing software program for kids and adults alike. At the core, students will practice and progress at their own pace, however, there is also a tournament theme that will allow learners to passively compete with other students or classes from around the world. The course offers 128 Lessons, Games and Drills
Overview – The Typing Tournament tutor is primarily marketed to schools and brings all the essential features typing software should come with. Guidance, flexibility, challenges, rewards and motivation are some of the key principles of this tutor. The course is packed with tips, tricks and guides to enable students to practice independently, which also aims to reduce the need for teachers to monitor their students permanently.
Lessons – Typing Tournament consists of 16 core typing lessons that follow a multiple progression model. New lessons and techniques will only be introduced once an existing one has been mastered sufficiently. Each lesson will focus on 4 keys. Similar to other touch typing tutors, the virtual keyboard is animated showing correct finger positions and keystrokes. All lessons and levels provide drills and games to practice skills.
Speed Goals – Beginners will start at the most basic level with a speed goal of 6wpm. They can then level up to 22wpm on level 16. Intermediates can run a typing test and unlock higher speed goals straight away. The typing software will then dynamically regulate drills and games and actively tracks a student’s progress.
Other Features – There is a 38,000 words database available to run tests, drills and games. Learners can create progress reports for each level and every week. Teachers, on the other hand, can print class and student reports or import lists and classes. This typing software works on all major systems from Windows and Mac OS to iPads and Android devices. It is often recognized as one of the best typing software for schools.
Price: From $10/month or $90/year for a single-user license.
School user pricing is available from $3.28/year.
Website: View here.
10. All The Right Type
All The Right Type is an online typing software tutor and is used in more than 50,000 educational facilities across North America. It was designed by keyboarding specialists and applies a learning sequence for optimal learning.
Features – Students will learn the correct finger placement and posture and will quickly memorize the keyboard and finger movements. This helps break away from the hunt and peck method of typing.
Availability – This is one of the best typing software for schools allowing teachers and students to set different key focuses. The school version for one is designed to help teachers monitor classroom activities and monitor their progress. Three other versions are also available: Home version, iPad version and a Three Plus version.
Users can download a free one-day trial version for home, or a 30-day free trial for schools. Licensing is according to the number of users that require access.
Price: $29.90 | Website: Visit site.
11. RataType Online Typing Program
RataType is another popular online typing software and test. It is designed to improve typing speed and accuracy of learners. Designed with a group set up in mind, RataType is best for friends, colleagues or customized groups.
Features – Through social networking, groups can be promoted and potential group members invited via this platform. It makes for the ideal setup for teachers to create a class group and invite learners to join by sending them a specified URL. A competitive environment is advantageous to motivate learners and perform optimally.
RataType is aimed at touch-type learning. This means it focuses on the correct placing of your fingers on the keyboard and the correct posture. It will help you learn the home keys, memorize the keyboard and the correct movement of your fingers to increase your typing potential; one of the best typing software that comes for free.
Price: free | Website: View.
12. Tipp10 Typing Software
Tipp10 is a free typing software tutor. It is available as an online version and as a downloadable version for your computer. It is compatible with Windows operating systems, Apple machines and Linux operating systems. A school version is available too.
Features – Tipp10 is designed for people of various ages and of various skill levels. The interface is user-friendly and easy to use. Applying all the features of 10-fingers soft touch typing, users will learn the keyboard, finger placing and movement. Features include intelligent typing to identify commonly misspelled words and introducing them more often in typing lessons.
There are a number of options to customize Tipp10. You can adjust display settings and tests to your personal preferences. Test results come in great detail and accuracy. The Tipp 10 typing program is multilingual and available in English and German.
Price: free | Website: View webpage.
Best Typing Software 2023 – Review Verdict
Wrapping up our review of the best typing programs of 2023. It is clear that efficient typing skills have a great influence on studies and careers. It is also clear that there is no shortage of good and best typing software available. However, potential learners will certainly face a few decisions on which tutor or program to select.
The main influences will be budget, accessibility, user preferences and results. All of the mentioned typing programs cover the basic methods, train muscle memory, speed and accuracy and thus, should give you the desired results.
Which is best? Learners will need to decide according to their preferences. Is the best typing software the one that offers advanced features and tracking but has its price? Or, will a more lean but affordable or even free program keep you as a learner motivated during training?
We can recommend Typesy (view website), KazType (view website), and Mavis Beacon as some of the best typing software available as they follow educational guidelines, use proven techniques, and are also updated frequently.
Data Privacy – Furthermore, keep data protection in mind. Many free typing programs might use your data for advertising. We recommend reading the terms of use here.
Best Typing Software & Programs 2023
- Typesy VIP
- Kaz Typing Software
- Mavis Beacon Typing
- Typing Instructor
- Triple Your Speed – Keyboard Mastery, Skillshare
- Speed Typing Course: Shortcuzs – Udemy
- GS Touch Typing Tutor
- KeyBlaze Typing Program
- Typing Tournament
- All The Right Type
- RataType
- Tipp10
How to Choose The Best Typing Programs For Kids and Adults?
There are many features possible and there are only two or three typing programs that will tick the boxes for all of them. On the other hand, do we need all the features to develop decent typing speed and accuracy? The list below lists various learning goals, needs, and features to consider for choosing the best typing software programs.
- Scientifically proven teaching methods, accelerated learning approach
- Typing exercises and drills to develop speed, accuracy, muscle memory
- Video instructions to teach moves, positions and techniques
- Exercises and resources to teach correct posture and proper hand posture
- Typing games or playful approaches for children, kids and younger users
- Practice lessons based on skill level, technique, goal
- Progress tracking, typing tests, analysis of strengths and weaknesses
- Support for various keyboard layouts and languages (QWERTY, Dvorak)
- Support for different levels, basic level, intermediate or advanced levels
- Editions: Individual, Kids, Family, Dyslexia or Homeschool versions available?
- Compatible with all operating systems, Number of user accounts
- Accessibility: Online, Desktop, Browser or App
Other Popular Typing Software Programs (Kids + Adults)
Typing.com
Users can register to track their progress from day one as well as earn badges throughout the free typing software lessons. Members can also compare scores with other users or indulge in a fun game that improves their skills without you even realizing it. This is especially great for younger students who need the practice but want to refrain from boredom. Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking for some practice, this online typing tutor software might be a good start.
Rapid Typing Tutor
The Rapid Typing software is a well-known online tutor to learn basic typing skills needed to master the keyboard with 10 fingers. Students also learn how to best reduce typing errors. It’s freeware and available for download on Windows systems. You can use the typing program in classrooms and for homeschooling.
TypingClub
TypingClub is an online typing program suitable for younger students. It supports various languages and offers hundreds of typing games and lessons providing an interactive learning experience. There are specialized learning plans available and educational organizations can install and access the TypingClub School Edition for classroom or homeschool teaching. A hand posture guide completes this popular typing tutorial.
The TypingCat
TypingCat offers unique and some of the best typing software lessons available for free. It goes beyond the typical keyboard to enhance your overall skills. The typical keyboard, also known as QWERTY, is the most used in everyday life. However, users of The TypingCat tutor can expand their keyboard layouts to Dvorak, Colemak, and Workman. Not only are these layouts interesting, but they also keep your mind sharp as you exercise with these different layouts.
TypingPal
TypingPal is web-based typing software for kids, children, students and adults alike. It offers games and activities and algorithm-based technology that suggests exercises so students can work on their weak areas. It is most suitable for beginners who want to learn the 10-finger system and intermediates aiming for more accuracy and speed. A school edition is available. Accessible on Mac, Windows and Chromebook.
TypeKids
As the name implies, TypeKids offers various typing programs to teach children the principles of touch typing. In 30 lessons. Similar to Typing Instructor, the TypeKids typing software is based on adventures and uses adaptive learning methods. Kids can collect badges, discover treasures and play games. The first 3 lectures are free. A reporting module is available for schools or homeschooling.
Nessy Fingers
Nessy Fingers is an online typing tutor for kids. Aged for children 7 to 12, the program aims to teach its students essential techniques while also improving their spelling skills. It sports a playful background scheme and hosts games, trophy hunts and exercises. This best typing software tutor is also one of the few that support dyslexic children by slowing down the words per minute and teaching letter keys in alphabetical order, thus providing more structure.
10 FastFingers
A platform offering free typing programs and games to increase speed, accuracy and spelling. Users can start with a typing test to assess their levels, strengths and weaknesses, and then try one of the exercises available. The most fun, however, is the option to take part in competitions. Challenge yourself, it is suitable for all ages.
TypingQuest
TypingQuest offers online typing programs and lessons to train keyboarding skills. One popular typing program is TypingMaster 10 for Windows which has been used by more than 3 million students so far. TypingQuest also hosts products to play typing games, build motor skills, access tests, drills, exams and virtual keyboards.
EduTyping
EdyTyping.com offers typing programs, curriculums and lessons for K12 levels. Apart from teaching basic skills this online touch typing tutor also focuses on word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. It is used by schools across the United States. It is a full virtual keyboarding course program.
Learn Typing
Learn Typing is a free online touch typing tutor for both beginners and advanced. Typing lessons are paired with tests and keyboard shortcuts to make them more effective. You can also play typing games to enhance your eye-hand coordination, cognitive skills, and motor memory. Despite being a free typing software program, Learn Typing shows no third-party advertisements, popups, spam, or timeouts.
To be honest, this list above could actually keep growing forever as there are so many best typing programs for kids and adults worth mentioning. Trying to be comprehensive, feel free also to check out the other best typing software programs.
Thanks for reading this far, and enjoy practicing.
- MasterKey
- Typing Instructor Kids
- Typing Instructor Web
- Typing Quick & Easy
- TypeTastic
- Tux Typing Tutor
- Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor
- Keybr Tutor
- Speed Typing Online
- Nch Typing Software
- EduTyping.com – Keyboarding Online
- Goodtyping.com
- KeyHero
- Key Seeker (for kids)
- JustType
- TypeLift
- TutorType
- Typing Bolt
- Tyepracer
- Type Type Revolution (for kids)
- Keyboard Climber (for kids)
- Key Man (for kids)
How much does a typing program cost?
A good premium typing program will cost around $30 usually coming with a license for one individual user account. If you want more users or a family account expect to spend between $50 and $80. Neurodiverse typing software is rare but available and starts from $40. There are also many free online typing tutors available but keep in mind that you need to live with ads, fewer features and often flaws in data protection.
What is the average typing speed?
On desktop or laptop keyboards the average typing speed is roughly 40-45 words per minute (wpm). Advanced typists reach 60-100 wpm but the fastest typists in the world can be well above 200 wpm. However, on mobile devices speed varies and is slower.
Resources: Wikipedia 1 | Wikipedia 2 | Some Ground Rules | Dyslexic Research Trust
Image Credit: RataType Virtual Keyboard
What is the best typing software tutor 2023 in your opinion? Are you using any typing programs in your homeschool curriculum? Please let us know in the comments below.
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