Comparison

Reading Train vs Phonics Audiocards

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Reading Train

Features
Read full description

Every child can learn to read with this library of 140+ playful, Level A picture books, 20 sing-along song books and unlimited train game quizzes. Real Reading, Right from the Start! "No other app is as specifically tailored to the needs of beginning readers." KinderTown.com Now beginning readers can listen, read and record, all by themselves. Play the train game, win coins for the music store, collect and learn new vocabulary words in the train yard. Created by Libby Curran, a People Magazine Teacher of the Year, based on her award winning books. Grand Prize Winner of the 2015 Technology and Reading Award, International Literacy Association. "Beautifully designed storybooks and related games that teach foundational reading": Appolicious.com "A vast selection of mini books to help kids reach reading independence" Geeks With Juniors. Not just a game or set of e-books but a complete reading curriculum from pre-reading to reading independence, building phonics and vocabulary skills, self confidence and a love of reading. Safe for Kids: The Learning Station is a Proud Member of Moms With Apps Kid tested and teacher approved. We are ad-free and take our users privacy seriously. View our Privacy Policy here: http://www.readingtrain.org * Listen, read and record books at the easiest beginning reading level: Guided Reading Level A. * Professional narration: American English. All books can be recorded by users. * Play the train game after every book. * 450+ word integrated dictionary * 20 sing along song books * Unlimited user accounts and individual bookshelves * Powerful reporting tools Books Kids CAN Read. Written by Libby Curran, a People Magazine Teacher of the Year, these fun little books are field tested in real classrooms to get kids started on the path to reading independence. Books Kids LOVE to Read. Children are naturally curious, so encourage them to explore our beginning reading books on the alphabet, numbers, colors, animals, shapes, and science. Beginning readers need to read little books, but the Reading Train's unique design allows kids to explore big ideas, reading to learn at the same time as they learn to read. After reading, they can play the train quiz game, explore the audio dictionary and sing along with song books. Give Your Kids the Tools to Succeed. Stuck on a word? Tap and hold to hear every word and access the built in dictionary filled with hundreds of words. Play a unique quiz game at the end of every book to extend the learning. The Reading Train is packed full of tools to help children succeed, all on their own. Read To Learn- Meets Common Core Standards Kids can choose funny fiction and fascinating nonfiction on kid-friendly topics to build background knowledge while improving letter and sight word recognition, reading comprehension, and phonics skills. Quizzes Disguised as Games. Play the train game after finishing every book, but don't tell them it's a quiz! Check progress on the parent's page which shows books read and recorded and detailed scores on the quizzes. The Right Team for the Job The Reading Train is the culmination of 30+ years of teaching experience. Backed by an all-star team of teachers turned iOS developers and a professional children's musician, the Reading Train is serious about making learning fun. Safe for Kids Kid tested and teacher approved. We are ad-free and take our users privacy seriously. View our Privacy Policy here: http://www.readingtrain.org We welcome your feedback: email: support@readingtrain.org http://www.readingtrain.org http://www.facebook.com/readingtrain Contact Libby with suggestions about books at: libby@readingtrain.org Not compatible with iPad 1. Requires iOS 7 or higher.

About

Phonics Audiocards

Features
Read full description

Make learning phonics simple, visual, and fun! Phonics AudioCards Lite helps young learners build early reading skills through interactive audio flashcards that combine words, pictures, and pronunciation. Children can see, listen, and learn at their own pace—making the app ideal for preschool, kindergarten, homeschool, and independent learning. LEARN PHONICS WITH AUDIO FLASHCARDS Phonics AudioCards introduces 70 phonics sounds through easy-to-use audio flashcards. Children can: • Learn phonics sounds through words and pictures • Listen to clear audio pronunciation • Practice early reading and word recognition • Learn independently at their own pace • Reinforce classroom or homeschool lessons FROM PHONICS SOUNDS TO READING The full version includes approximately 70 phonics sounds represented by about 270 words. Learning content is organized across 14 progressive levels, moving from easier sounds and words to more advanced ones. INTERACTIVE PRINTED FLASHCARDS Learning doesn't have to stay on the screen. KnowleKids also offers printed interactive phonics flashcards that work together with our apps. Each card includes a QR code. Simply scan the QR code with a compatible KnowleKids app to open the corresponding interactive audio flashcard. This combination of physical cards and digital audio helps children connect: See → Listen → Say → Learn GREAT FOR EARLY LEARNERS Phonics AudioCards is designed for: • Preschool learners • Kindergarten students • Beginning readers • Homeschool families • Parents practicing phonics at home • Children learning independently Give your child an engaging way to practice phonics, pronunciation, and early reading—one sound and one word at a time. Start learning with Phonics AudioCards Lite today!

Screenshots

Reading Train4 screens
Phonics Audiocards4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Phonics Audiocards at $5.99 against Reading Train's $9.99. Reading Train's advantage is update cadence (every 13 months vs every 37 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Reading Train costs $9.99 and Phonics Audiocards $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reading Train ships an update every 13 months, Phonics Audiocards every 37 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Reading Train versus Phonics Audiocards: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReading TrainPhonics Audiocards
Price$9.99$5.99 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 months — betterEvery 37 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size870 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Learning Station, LLCKnowleMedia

In-app purchases

None

Reading Train

No in-app purchases

None

Phonics Audiocards

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reading Train free?
Reading Train costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Phonics Audiocards free?
Phonics Audiocards costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Reading Train or Phonics Audiocards have ads?
Neither Reading Train nor Phonics Audiocards shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reading Train or Phonics Audiocards?
Reading Train ships an update every 13 months, and Phonics Audiocards every 37 months. Most recently, Reading Train was updated on October 26, 2026 and Phonics Audiocards on November 3, 2026.

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