Like many kids who grew up in the ’90s, I picked up my typing skills on instant messenger platforms.
After school I’d sign into AOL Instant Messenger, tweak my buddy profile with the latest joke and type messages to my crush — the same person I’d probably ignored in the hallway all day.
My fingers learned to fly across the keys as I kept up with the day’s hottest gossip.
I also used Mavis Beacon in middle school technology class. She was amazing. (Who could forget the iguana game?) I even asked Santa for the CD version for Christmas. He came through, and I was ecstatic.
But what if you never had reliable AIM or Mavis?
There’s a big love forremote jobs, and many listings I encounter require applicants to type a minimum words-per-minute (WPM) rate.
Here’s where you can begin learning proper typing (instead of hunt-and-peck) — at no cost.
6 Free Sites to Boost Your Typing Ability
I discovered several free typing lessons on these platforms that’ll help sharpen your keyboard chops.
And don’t fret: I tried them all because I’m still a bit obsessed with typing.
I filtered out the buggy ones and those that demand downloads.
1. 10 Fast Fingers
This site might look a bit sketchy at first glance, but it’s legit.
Begin with a typing test that presents random words. You’ll get an idea of your starting point before trying the advanced test or entering a typing contest to compete with others globally.
If random words wear you out, you can paste a block of text to practice on. It won’t have a Mavis Beacon iguana, but it’s straightforward and effective for improving speed.
2. BBC Dance Mat Typing
This resource is ideal for kids — and it might even amuse adults. (The games include some adorable puns.)
The first level begins with fundamentals: you learn the home row and correct finger positioning. A quirky goat acts as your guide.
As you level up, you’ll meet a Parisian cat and play simple “games.” They’re not wildly entertaining, but they do help build competence.
If you hit the wrong key, the program shows the correct finger placement, so you won’t have to stare down at the keyboard.
3. Good Typing
I’m highlighting this site primarily for non-English speakers or those studying another language.
If you use — or are learning — French, German, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish, this is a handy place to practice typing (accented characters supported).
Other than that, move along to the next option.
4. Sense-Lang
OK, I said no glitches. This site has a few quirks, but it compensates with engaging typing games (Typing Adventure is worth trying) and practical typing tests.
My favorite feature?
You can be tested with real, relevant material through the BBC News option. Pick a section (technology, sports, entertainment, health, business or science) and see how swiftly and accurately you can transcribe it — while possibly learning something new.
You can also set target speeds. Say you need to hit 35 WPM to qualify for a role you want — this will keep you honest.
If you prefer basics, there are plenty of tutorials and lessons to return to.
5. Typing.com
Simply named typing.com, this platform is loaded with features — and I adore it.
You can start from absolute basics and practice particular keys (like “j” and “f”). A small on-screen keyboard shows below your prompt, and the fingers that should be used are highlighted in blue.
Choose “practice” to target strengths and weaknesses. For instance, I need to improve number-pad skills, so I can focus on the 10-key numeric layout.
Once you feel ready, try the timed tests that score you on speed and accuracy.
Best part? THE GAMES! You do have to watch a short ad (the trade-off for free access) before playing.
I’m a fan of Keyboard Ninja. It’s like Fruit Ninja — you type the letters above the fruit while avoiding bombs. You can also mute the background music if it’s not your thing.
Create an account to track your progress over time.
6. Typing Karaoke
After mastering the earlier tutorials, you might be ready for this one. It’s tough, but a lot of fun.
Instead of typing random letters or dry passages, you listen to a song (think “Call Me Maybe” or “Sexy and I Know It”) and type the lyrics as they play.
And no, the tracks don’t slow down. They’re quick, which makes it challenging — but finishing a line earns you a “Rad!”
Overall, it’s an entertaining alternative to the more typical typing drills.
Feeling more confident? Browse some remote work listings on our Facebook jobs page.
Your Turn: Does your work center on typing?
Alex Riley is a junior writer at Savinly. Recently finished with grad school, Alex focuses on stretching dollars — and surviving the move back to the family home.
Also, for additional resources to practice and expand your language or typing skills, check out these free language learning tools.
