The best world history apps (2026)
Short answer
The best world history app is Aurelius: Learn History (our app, 9.2/10): 13 eras from Ancient Egypt to the Cold War in 127 lessons, told in chronological order with a quiz after each, $9.99 a month after a 3-day free trial; it focuses on the eras that shaped Europe and the Americas. For the widest global coverage, the free World History Encyclopedia app covers every continent with articles reviewed by historians. Historo covers "prehistory to modern times" with AI-generated courses, Learn History: Timeline Quiz runs from Ancient Egypt to Space Exploration (27 topics free), and Khan Academy has a free world history course. Pick by two questions: does it go in order, and does it cover the regions you care about?
World history is the subject where order matters most: Rome makes no sense without Greece, the French Revolution none without the American one. But apps also differ in where they look. This page compares the apps whose listings say they cover world history on both: order and regions.
- 1
Aurelius Our appLearning world history in order, as connected stories, in 5 minutes a day9.2/10 - 2
HistoroAI-generated lessons on any history topic you ask for6.4/10 - 3
Learn History: Timeline QuizFree timelines and quizzes on 27 topics, no subscription6.0/10 - 4
Khan AcademySchool-style world and US history courses, completely free5.6/10 - 5
HistiaDaily world history stories and facts on iPhone4.3/10 - 6
World History EncyclopediaReading reliable history articles, reviewed by historians4.5/10 - 7
History MasterRevising for history tests with timelines, mind maps and flashcards4.1/10
Coverage and order, app by app
| App | Coverage the listing states | Regions named | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurelius (our app) | 13 eras: Ancient Egypt to the Cold War | Mediterranean, Europe, the Americas | Chronological, lessons linked |
| Historo | Prehistory to modern times | World, Europe, "any topic" | Structured courses |
| Learn History: Timeline Quiz | Ancient Egypt to Space Exploration, 49 topics | Europe, Asia, Middle East, Americas | Structured path |
| Khan Academy | World history course | Not stated on the listing | School course |
| Histia | Ancient, medieval and modern eras | Not stated | Daily stories |
| World History Encyclopedia | Antiquity to the modern era | Americas, Africa, Asia, India, Pacific, Middle East, Europe | Reference |
| History Master | Prehistory to today | Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India and more | Timeline and mind maps |
US App Store and Google Play listings, read October 20, 2026.
Best for history in order: Aurelius
The only app here whose listing says lessons are chronological and linked by cause and effect. Its focus is the Western story from Egypt to the Cold War. The 13 eras.
Best for global coverage: World History Encyclopedia
Every continent, free, reviewed by historians; a reference rather than lessons.
Best for exam revision: History Master
Timelines and mind maps from prehistory to today, with flashcards.
Best free course: Khan Academy
Free world history units with videos and exercises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to learn world history?
Aurelius, our app (9.2/10), covers 13 eras in chronological order. Khan Academy is the best free course; World History Encyclopedia the best free reference.
Which world history app covers non-European history best?
World History Encyclopedia's listing names the Americas, Africa, Asia, India, the Pacific and the Middle East. Histopia has courses on China and Russia. Aurelius focuses on the eras that shaped Europe and America.
Is there a free world history app?
Khan Academy and World History Encyclopedia are free; Learn History: Timeline Quiz has 27 free topics.
In what order should I learn world history?
From the ancient world to the Cold War, one era at a time: see the order to learn world history.
The bottom line
For a connected story of world history in five-minute lessons, try Aurelius free for 3 days; for every continent, add World History Encyclopedia.
Sources
- App Store and Google Play listings of the seven apps, read October 20, 2026.