Best Word Board Games of 2026

Edward West Avatar
Edward West
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026

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Word board games are a popular form of entertainment that challenge players to use their vocabulary and strategic thinking skills. These games typically involve creating words from a selection of letters, forming words on a board, or competing to spell specific words. Word board games come in a variety of formats, from classic games like Scrabble and Boggle to newer games like Bananagrams and Codenames. They are a great way to spend time with family and friends, while also improving language skills and cognitive function.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Upwords: Exciting Stacking Word Game for Families Cover #TOP 1
Upwords: Exciting Stacking Word Game for Families
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shenanigrams Mega-Mischievous Family Word Game Cover #TOP 2
Shenanigrams Mega-Mischievous Family Word Game
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mattel Games Scrabble Board Game with Goal Cards Cover #TOP 3
Mattel Games Scrabble Board Game with Goal Cards
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 Word Board Games

#TOP 1

Upwords: Exciting Stacking Word Game for Families

Spin Master
6052559-6066101
Grey
Upwords: Exciting Stacking Word Game for Families Cover
Upwords, Fun and Challenging Family Word Game with Stackable Letter Tiles, for Ages 8 and Up

Upwords Game is a thrilling word-building experience for ages 8 and up. You’ll find yourself stacking letter tiles higher to score more points, making the game both fun and strategic. The rotating game board makes it easy to position your tiles, ensuring everyone can join in. Furthermore, you can earn bonus points by using all seven tiles in one turn, encouraging competitive play among family and friends. With Upwords, you can enjoy an entertaining and challenging game night.

What We Like
Engaging for all skill levels
Compact and easy to set up
Encourages strategic thinking
Fun for family gatherings
#TOP 2

Shenanigrams Mega-Mischievous Family Word Game

Shenanigrams
SHEN-001
Blue and White
One Size
Shenanigrams Mega-Mischievous Family Word Game Cover
Shenanigrams – The Mega-Mischievous Word Game! A Super Fun & Fast Family Party Game for Kids, Teens & Adults - Great for Travel & Family Board Games Night

The Shenanigrams Word Game is a lively and mischievous word game that brings fun and laughter to family and friends. You’ll enjoy battling in this sneaky game that’s perfect for board game nights, travel, or rainy days. It’s fast-paced and easy to learn, making it ideal for 2-6 players aged 8 and above, helping you improve spelling and vocabulary while having a great time. The game’s unique twist lets you steal opponents’ words, keeping every round exciting and competitive.

What We Like
Fast-paced and easy rules
Educational and fun for all ages
Great for travel and gatherings
Encourages friendly competition
Award-winning and popular

Mattel Games Scrabble Board Game with Goal Cards

HWD43
New Scrabble
New Scrabble
Mattel Games Scrabble Board Game with Goal Cards Cover
Mattel Games Scrabble Board Game, Family Word Game with Two Ways to Play, includes 50 Goal Cards that Teach Scrabble Basics for 2-4 Players, UK Version, HWD43

The Mattel Games Scrabble offers two exciting ways to play. You can enjoy the classic Scrabble game or flip the board for Scrabble Together, which promotes a more casual experience. This version encourages teamwork as you tackle 50 Goal Cards designed to teach you the basics of Scrabble. You'll draw a card and complete challenges, such as playing a five-letter word, making it easy and fun for all players to score points and learn simultaneously.

What We Like
Two game modes available
Team-based play encourages cooperation
50 Goal Cards for learning
Simple scoring system
#TOP 4

Letterpool: Fun Word Game for All

Tipsy Chicken
Letterpool
Beige and Green
Letterpool: Fun Word Game for All Cover
Letterpool: 2-6 Players Board Games for Adults, Family and Teens — Fun Travel Word and Card Game for Teens and Adults Group, Funny Adult Party Games, Family Game Night (Packaging May Vary)

Letterpool Game is an exciting card game perfect for any gathering, whether it's a birthday party or a family game night. Its easy setup means you can jump straight into the fun, making it ideal for spontaneous play. The lightweight design ensures you can take it along on road trips or flights, keeping the entertainment going wherever you are. Plus, it's a fantastic gift for both teens and adults, making every occasion a chance for laughter and friendly competition.

What We Like
Engaging for all ages
Quick and easy setup
Portable for travel
Great gift option

Wordsearch Multiplayer Game for All Ages

Goliath
GL60056
Multicolor
Wordsearch Multiplayer Game for All Ages Cover
Wordsearch: The Ultimate Multiplayer Wordsearch Game | Fun Word Puzzle Game for All The Family | For 1-4 Players | Ages 7+

The Wordsearch Game by Goliath offers a fun and competitive experience for 1 to 4 players, making it perfect for family gatherings. With 10 double-sided discs, you can enjoy 20 exciting puzzles to solve. As you spot more words, your score increases, adding a thrilling element to the gameplay. Each session lasts around 30 minutes, providing a quick and engaging way to challenge your word-finding skills while enjoying quality time with loved ones.

What We Like
Competitive multiplayer format
20 puzzles for extended play
Quick 30-minute gameplay
Suitable for ages 7

You Can’t Say Umm: Fun Family Word Game

106578
White
One Size
You Can’t Say Umm: Fun Family Word Game Cover
Big Potato You Can’t Say Umm: A Party Game for Family and Adults, Board Game for Teenagers, Family Word Game, Must Have for Game Night

You Can’t Say Umm is an exciting party game from Big Potato, designed for families and adults alike. You will find yourself describing quirky word cards like 'Wobbly Hamster' and 'Soapy Cactus', adding a fun twist to the classic word game experience. The game also features a bell that rings whenever a player makes a mistake, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging. With unique challenges, such as avoiding certain words or speaking in a high-pitched voice, every round offers new surprises to keep you entertained.

What We Like
Engaging for all ages
Quick to learn
Unique and funny challenges
Great for large groups
Encourages creativity
#TOP 7

Mattel Games Classic Scrabble Family Word Board Game

Y9592
Scrabble
Scrabble
Mattel Games Classic Scrabble Family Word Board Game Cover
Mattel Games Classic Scrabble, Original Crossword Board Game, English Version, Family Board Game for Adults and Kids, Word Game for 2 to 4 Players, Ages 10 and Up, English Version, Y9592

The Mattel Scrabble Game is the classic word-forming board game that guarantees hours of fun for everyone. You aim to score the highest by forming words in a crossword style, which makes the game both challenging and enjoyable. You start by selecting seven letter tiles at random, adding an element of surprise and strategy. Scores are calculated based on letter values and special premium squares, helping you boost your points. Playing this game regularly not only entertains but also helps improve your vocabulary by introducing new and exciting words each time you play.

What We Like
Classic and fun word game
Boosts vocabulary skills
Includes all game components
Suitable for family play
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best word board game?

Best Word Board Games. Bananagrams.Quiddler.Hasbro Scrabble.Big Boggle.Tapple.Word on the Street.Pairs in Pears.Dabble.

2. What is the word board game called?

Scrabble. Scrabble is probably one of the most well-known classic word board games perfect for ages 8+. Players take turns making words with letter tiles to earn points.

3. What board game is Wordle like?

Upwords is a fun word-building game for two to four players that features stackable letter tiles. We like to think of it as the love child between Scrabble and Jenga. Every player starts with seven letter tiles and must arrange them on the board either across or down to make new words.

Editor's Notes

During our word board game research, we found 284 word board game products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 303,331 customer reviews through our big data system to write the word board games list. We found that most customers choose word board games with an average price of £17.78.

The word board games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of word board games, including Spin Master, Shenanigrams, Mattel Games, Tipsy Chicken, Goliath.

Written by
Edward West Avatar

Edward's family owns a retail store in Edinburgh for toys and games. He grew up taking a very active part in the family's business. Edward earned his first income from writing web content on a toy related gig for an online company. When he was 18, he took over from his father, and since then, he has been in charge and management of the store and several others around England.