# Magic Phonics vs The Phonics App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Magic Phonics at none against The Phonics App's 3. Magic Phonics also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). The Phonics App's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Phonics App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Magic Phonics asks for nothing beyond the download.

Magic Phonics ships an update every 8 days, The Phonics App monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic Phonics | The Phonics App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **100** |
| Positive reviews | — | 91.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 192 MB | 248 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Heutink Primair Onderwijs BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/501293753) | [Phonics Folk Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799167050) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic Phonics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-phonics/id1322411098)

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Phonics App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576)

This app teaches reading through phonics, focusing on sounds and blending words. It offers a research-led, non-addictive approach with expert guidance and informal checks to reinforce learning. Learn to decode nearly every English word with a focus on clear pronunciation.

**Highlights:** Learn a-z sounds and word blending, Expert video guidance, Simple tap-to-hear sound interface, Learn English sound pronunciation, Practice with 400+ words, Learn irregular (tricky) words, Informal learning checks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Access Everything Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Access Everything Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Access Everything Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic Phonics free?

Magic Phonics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Phonics App free?

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

### Do Magic Phonics or The Phonics App have ads?

Neither Magic Phonics nor The Phonics App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic Phonics or The Phonics App?

Magic Phonics ships an update every 8 days, and The Phonics App monthly. Most recently, Magic Phonics was updated on September 12, 2026 and The Phonics App on September 26, 2026.

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