# MDS Phonics vs Snap Spell

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MDS Phonics at none against Snap Spell's 3. MDS Phonics also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). Snap Spell's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Snap Spell sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. MDS Phonics asks for nothing beyond the download.

MDS Phonics ships an update every 3 months, Snap Spell every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MDS Phonics | Snap Spell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snap-spell-spelling-practice/id6772681087/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | — | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 354 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Maykon Marcidelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506735720) | [Zheng Xu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819192130) |

## What reviewers say

### MDS Phonics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mds-phonics/id1506735721)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Snap Spell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snap-spell-spelling-practice/id6772681087)

Easily create custom spelling practice lists from photos, text, or typed words. Hear words read aloud with adjustable speed and accent options. Track progress and organize lists for focused learning.

**Highlights:** Scan word lists from photos or text, Create custom practice lists, Read words aloud with adjustable speed, Track mastered and challenging words, Organize lists by week or profile, Supports various English accents

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Snap Spell Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Snap Spell Pro Yearly | $4.99 | per year |
| Snap Spell Pro Lifetime | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MDS Phonics free?

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

### Is Snap Spell free?

Snap Spell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which is updated more often, MDS Phonics or Snap Spell?

MDS Phonics ships an update every 3 months, and Snap Spell every 5 days. Most recently, MDS Phonics was updated on October 5, 2026 and Snap Spell on October 8, 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.*