Best Apps and Websites for IB Students

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Thanks to my more than ten years of experience teaching IB students, I can state with certainty that the correct resources make all the difference. With so many variables, the IB Diploma Programme is demanding, time-consuming, and difficult. This list of the best apps and websites for IB students was created for that exact reason. I’ve seen students use these tools effectively for everything from writing their extended essay to maintaining their mental health during exam season.

This piece will help you find the digital companions that are worth your time, no matter what stage of your DP you’re in. Let’s talk about what really works.

What Are the Best Apps for IB Students?

There is a lot of information available; however, it is simple to waste time evaluating useless tools. These are the best IB student apps, in my opinion.

📅 Productivity and Planning

These are the apps that help you keep your academic chaos in check. If you’ve ever said, “Wait, that’s due tomorrow?!”—this section is for you.

Notion

This app can be your personal command center. You can create a dashboard for each subject, build a timeline for writing your TOK essay, and even plan CAS reflections.

No matter what IB throws at you, this app is versatile enough to manage it.

Todoist

Excellent for dividing large projects into more manageable chunks. As an alternative to “Do Biology IA,” you might include several items such as:

  • Find sample data sets.
  • Draft methodology.
  • Revise the conclusion with feedback.

Completing those small tasks feels great (and considerably less daunting).

Google Calendar

If you haven’t started using it yet, you should try. With this app, you can:

  • Color-code subjects.
  • Add your exam dates and reminders.
  • Schedule breaks (yes, they matter!).

Also, the “week view” in this app is invaluable when dealing with internal deadlines and weekend study sessions.

🧠 Focus and Habit-Building

These are times when your mind would rather scroll than learn. No more putting your phone in a drawer—these apps will help you remain focused.

Forest

Set a timer, open the app, and watch a tree grow. Did you touch your phone before the timer ran out? The tree goes away. It works, even though it sounds weird.

I’ve seen how some students have written whole TOK essays just to keep their digital tree farms safe.

Habitica

Enjoy this game if you’re a fan of the genre. Habitica transforms mundane chores into fascinating experiences. Here are some examples:

  • Level up by finishing the reading.
  • Gain reward points by submitting your extended essay outline.
  • Your character will weaken if you procrastinate.

Indeed, it’s ridiculous, but once you start playing, it’s strangely inspiring.

📚 Learning and Revision

Being an IB student is considerably more than simply managing your time well; it’s also about acquiring knowledge.

Use these apps to learn more efficiently and remember more of what you study.

Khan Academy

Use your phone to access short videos with easy-to-understand explanations and practice challenges. It may not be “IB-branded,” but it is remarkably compatible with HL Science, Economics, and Math.

Every time you’re like, “Wait, what did my teacher just say?” this app will come in handy.

Quizlet

A classic for a reason. Here are some examples of how IB students can use this app:

  • Search for IB-specific flashcards.
  • Make your own for subjects like History or Bio.
  • Use the “Learn” mode for spaced repetition.

From what I’ve seen, students who use Quizlet regularly don’t just memorize things; they actually remember them.

Wolfram Alpha

Do you know how it feels when your calculator is unable to explain what is wrong? Wolfram Alpha can. It solves equations and demonstrates steps, which is very useful for Math AAs and Physics Internal Assessments.

Just don’t duplicate the answers; instead, use them to gain a deeper understanding of the material.

🧘 Mental Health and Wellbeing

Having a clear mind is just as important as doing well in school, and these apps can help you take care of yourself.

Headspace

Relaxation, concentration, and sleep meditations. Your mind can reset after a long day of courses and writing, even if it’s only five minutes before bed. Affordable (or even free!) options are available with a student plan.

Moodpath & MindShift

Teens and adults who deal with worry, depression, or anxiety can use both apps. That’s pretty much all of us at some point in IB.

Mood monitoring, regular check-ins, and coping mechanisms that seem manageable—even when you’re feeling overwhelmed—are all part of their offer.

Pro tip: Set a daily reminder during exam season. You’ll thank yourself later.

📷 CAS and Reflection

Put an end to the constant barrage of reminders to “Remember your CAS reflections!” with these handy apps. Using them, keeping track of your experience is a breeze.

Trello

Use it to build a visual timeline of your CAS experience. For example, you can create columns like:

  • Ideas
  • In Progress
  • Completed

Then, add cards for each activity, attach photos, and drop in quick reflection notes as you go. I promise that your CAS coordinator will love you.

Daylio

Quick mood tracking that doubles as a CAS reflection tool. You tag your activity, rate your mood, and—boom—you’ve got data for your final CAS write-up.

Instagram (yep, really)

Create a private account and post your Creativity or Service activities. Add little captions with reflections, tag dates, and you’ve basically got a visual CAS journal.

Just don’t forget: it’s for school, not flexing your new outfit.

✍️ Writing and Language Support

IB writing can feel like you’re translating your brain into formal academic English while referencing three philosophers. These apps make that process a little less painful.

Grammarly

This app catches grammar slips, tone issues, and awkward sentences in your extended essay, Internal Assessment, or even just a formal email to your teacher.

It won’t write your essay for you, but it will help you sound like you actually know what you’re doing.

WordReference

Way better than Google Translate. If you’re in Language B, this app is your best friend for idioms, verb conjugations, and vocabulary in context.

DeepL

Honestly, one of the most accurate free translators out there. This option is good for rough drafts or when you’re reading an article in another language.

Just don’t copy-paste the whole thing into your essay—that’s how you end up in academic honesty hot water.

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The Best Websites for IB Students in 2025

Even though apps are great, there are times when you need full-on resources with a bigger screen, more tools, and real IB-focused materials. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best websites for IB students.

📄 Revision and Practice Websites

These websites help you feel less lost when reviewing topics you “kind of remember” from five months ago.

IB Documents

This one is a must—free access to past papers, markschemes, and subject reports for almost every IB subject.

What I always tell students:

  1. Practice with real questions.
  2. Check your answers with official markschemes.
  3. Time yourself to simulate exam conditions.

Just make sure the papers match your syllabus year.

IB Guides

Perfect for those moments when you’re thinking, “What exactly is in the syllabus again?” IB Guides offers subject-by-subject overviews, topic summaries, and study tips. It’s not a replacement for your textbook, but it’s fantastic for quick refreshers.

📝 Notes, Summaries, and Tools

Sometimes your notes just don’t cut it (especially if you were half-asleep in class). These websites give you extra resources and perspectives that are easy to digest.

Studynova

Great for IB Math and Physics, especially. They’ve got step-by-step problem-solving videos, past paper walkthroughs, and even topic quizzes.

Students appreciate the clarity of the explanations and the exam-focused nature of the practice.

Lanterna Education

Lanterna offers both free guides and paid tutoring options. The free revision blogs and downloadable checklists are actually really solid.

It’s also one of the more reputable options if you’re considering structured online support.

what are the best apps and websites for IB students

💬 Language and Citation Help

Language B and academic writing can be stressful. These sites help you avoid basic mistakes and serious trouble.

Purdue OWL

Need help with citations? This website is your go-to.

MLA, APA, Chicago—Purdue OWL walks you through every format step by step. Bookmark it now and thank yourself later when you’re writing your extended essay bibliography at 1 a.m.

Duolingo Web

Yes, it’s also an app, but the web version is better for structured language practice with typing instead of tapping. For example, you can combine it with WordReference, and your Spanish B class just got way easier.

How Apps and Websites for IB Students Actually Help (Without Getting You in Trouble)?

I can attest to the fact that the best apps and websites for IB students may completely alter your approach to the Diploma Programme. You may study smarter, deal with stress better, and stay on top of your homework and CAS with the help of these tools.

For instance, apps like Notion or Trello let you break down major undertakings like the extended essay into smaller, doable tasks. Quizlet and other flashcard sites use spaced repetition to help IB students remember things better. Wellness apps like Headspace might help you sleep better and feel less anxious throughout exam season. All of these things affect how well you do in school, how motivated you are, and your mental health.

Having said that, you must use all these apps and websites ethically.

For example, using Grammarly to improve your work is OK, but plagiarizing or passing off AI-generated text as your own is a violation of the IB’s principle of academic honesty. Another example: although Wolfram Alpha and DeepL can help, you should still rely on your own analysis and critical thinking skills.

Put simply, use these apps and websites to supplement your study time, not replace it. Make sure to use them in addition to, rather than in place of, your regular efforts for the best results.

And if you ever need a bit of structured help with your IA, the team at BuyInternalAssessment.com has your back. We’ve been working with IB students for years, so we know exactly what examiners are looking for. You’ll get high-quality, original work written by real people who actually get the IB, not some AI tool.

Picture of Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a passionate educator, marketer, and management expert with over 15 years of experience in the education sector. After graduating from business school in 2016, Nick embarked on a journey to earn his PhD, fueled by his dedication to making education better for students everywhere. His extensive experience, beginning in 2008, has made him a trusted authority in the field.

Nick's groundbreaking article, published in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," showcases his keen insights and commitment to improving the educational landscape. Guided by his motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to simplify students' lives and promote efficiency in learning. His innovative ideas and leadership have helped transform countless educational experiences, setting him apart as a true pioneer in his field.

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