# Learning Upgrade vs Ultimate Phonics Reading App

The clearest difference is rating: Ultimate Phonics Reading App at 3.8 against Learning Upgrade's 3.1. Ultimate Phonics Reading App also leads on review sentiment (46% vs 22%) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). Learning Upgrade's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 9 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Learning Upgrade sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Ultimate Phonics Reading App sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ultimate Phonics Reading App holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 29 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Learning Upgrade's written reviews are positive against 46% of Ultimate Phonics Reading App's.

Learning Upgrade ships an update every 3 months, Ultimate Phonics Reading App every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on July 4, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Learning Upgrade | Ultimate Phonics Reading App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learning-upgrade/id1185694693/reviews) | **[3.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ultimate-phonics-reading-app/id1315910462/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **29** |
| Positive reviews | 22.2% of reviews | **46.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 109 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Learning Upgrade](https://appshunter.io/developer/591188058) | [Brian Spencer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1315910461) |

## What reviewers say

### Learning Upgrade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learning-upgrade/id1185694693)

Master English and math with engaging songs, videos, and games. Prepare for exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and GED, or improve digital and life skills. Suitable for all learners, including those with learning difficulties.

**Highlights:** English language lessons, Math skills development, Exam preparation (GED, TOEFL, IELTS), Digital literacy courses, Work and financial life skills, Engaging songs, videos, and games, Personalized learning path

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Month License | $7.99 | one-time |
| 3 Month License | $19.99 | one-time |
| 12 Month License | $59.99 | one-time |


### Ultimate Phonics Reading App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ultimate-phonics-reading-app/id1315910462)

This app teaches reading and English pronunciation through a structured phonics system. It's designed for beginners, struggling readers, dyslexic individuals, adult learners, and ESL students. The program offers over 4,400 words and 2,100 sentences across 12 levels, with the first level available for free.

**Highlights:** Phonics-based reading instruction, Pronunciation practice for English, Suitable for all ages and reading levels, Effective for dyslexia and struggling readers, Extensive word and sentence library, Structured lessons across 12 levels

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Level 2 (Lessons 51 to 80) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 3 (Lessons 81 to 106) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 4 (Lessons 107 to 124) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 5 (Lessons 125 to 147) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 6 (Lessons 148 to 155) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 10 (Lessons 210 to 225) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 7 (Lessons 156 to 171) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 8 (Lessons 172 to 183) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Level 9 (Lessons 184 to 209) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Levels 5-12 (Lessons 125-262) | $23.99 | one-time |
| Levels 4-12 (Lessons 107-262) | $25.99 | one-time |
| Levels 3-12 (Lessons 81-262) | $27.99 | one-time |
| Levels 2-12 (Lessons 51-262) | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Learning Upgrade free?

Learning Upgrade is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Ultimate Phonics Reading App free?

Ultimate Phonics Reading App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Learning Upgrade or Ultimate Phonics Reading App?

Ultimate Phonics Reading App is rated higher. Learning Upgrade averages 3.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Ultimate Phonics Reading App averages 3.8 from 29 ratings.

### Do Learning Upgrade or Ultimate Phonics Reading App have ads?

Neither Learning Upgrade nor Ultimate Phonics Reading App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Learning Upgrade or Ultimate Phonics Reading App?

Learning Upgrade ships an update every 3 months, and Ultimate Phonics Reading App every 9 months. Most recently, Learning Upgrade was updated on July 4, 2026 and Ultimate Phonics Reading App on September 9, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*