Comparison

Secret Stories Phonics Reading vs MathFun

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

Head to head
About

Secret Stories Phonics Reading

This app uses brain-based learning techniques with unique stories and sound images to teach phonics. It helps learners of all ages accelerate literacy by decoding sounds rather than memorizing words. Features include interactive stories, a song for letter sounds, and practice modes.

Highlights
  • Brain-based phonics learning
  • Interactive sound stories
  • Better Alphabet song for letter sounds
  • Structured and random play practice
  • Accelerated literacy development
Read full description

UNLOCK THE POWER OF PHONICS WITH SECRET STORIES® – THE ONLY ESSA LEVEL 1 PHONICS TOOL WITH AN EFFECT SIZE OF 1.62! Secret Stories® is the only phonics resource backed by ESSA Level 1 “Strong Evidence,” boasting an average effect size of 1.62. This indicates significant, proven gains in literacy outcomes. While most competitors meet only Tier 2–4 standards, Secret Stories exceeds them—empowering children, struggling readers, and adults to not just catch up, but soar. ACCELERATE LITERACY AND SUCCESS Phonics breaks the English language into 44 sounds, allowing readers to decode instead of memorize. Secret Stories® makes phonics accessible with unique brain-based stories and sound images that simplify complex phonics rules into fun, memorable narratives. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or adult learner, it’s the fast-track to literacy success. PHONICS WITH THE BRAIN IN MIND Phonics works the same—whether you're 5 or 50. The Secret Stories® app pairs with any curriculum and accelerates access to the code by focusing on sound patterns over memorization. This allows learners to read faster and transition quickly from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” HOW SECRET STORIES® HELPS ALL AGES • BETTER ALPHABET® SONG: Fastest way to learn letter sounds using muscle memory—great for beginners. • SECRET STORIES® SOUND IMAGES: Engaging interactive stories for each phonics pattern. • FAST-TRACK LEARNING: Reinforce skills through structured and random play practice modes. WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING: “One week in and my son’s reading words nonstop. A month ago he was crying under the bed. Now, he’s hunting for words to decode!” “My son is THRIVING. Five months ago, we considered him dyslexic. Now he’s decoding words with joy. Reading finally feels fun!” WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING: “I added the Better Alphabet and my class learned more letters this month than all of last year!” “Secret Stories is my most prized resource. I always recommend it to parents—I’ve seen the difference it makes!” KEY FEATURES • Fast-Track the ABCs with the Better Alphabet® Song • Secret Stories® Sound Pictures for easy recall • Targeted drills + random play for reading and spelling reinforcement SUBSCRIPTION & BILLING • Monthly Plan: $14.99 (billed every 30 days) • Annual Plan: $149.99 (billed yearly) All payments are handled via the App Store. Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled 24+ hours before the end of the billing cycle. Manage anytime via account settings. **By using this app, you agree to Apple's standard End User License Agreement (EULA), available at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ ** Yearly Subscription Full Year Access – Secret Stories® Phonics Get unlimited access for 12 months at $149.99. Ideal for committed users seeking long-term savings. Features: • BETTER ALPHABET® SONG – Master letter sounds quickly with proven muscle memory techniques. • SECRET STORIES® SOUND IMAGES – Engaging, interactive stories for every phonics pattern. • FAST-TRACK LEARNING – Switch between structured lessons and random play for retention. • BONUS – Exclusive videos of Katie Garner reading each story aloud. Monthly Subscription Monthly Access – Secret Stories® Phonics Flexible month-to-month access for $14.99. Perfect for trying out the full program without commitment. Features: • BETTER ALPHABET® SONG – Learn phonics basics fast with multi-sensory tools. • SECRET STORIES® SOUND IMAGES – Explore interactive stories covering key phonics rules. • FAST-TRACK LEARNING – Multiple play modes for skill reinforcement. • INCLUDES – Videos of Katie Garner reading each Secret Story. Join hundreds of thousands accelerating their literacy journey with Secret Stories®. Download the app today and unlock the code to confident reading!

About

MathFun

Features
Read full description

MathFun - Math Game is to provides different types of games. Having more elementary mathematics (interesting, useful, and very informative). It is the mathematical game, in which you will have to solve many interesting mathematical tasks (count, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication) - some kind of children's math test, test your skills in math, the ability to count in your mind and, if necessary, develop this skills. MathFun - Math Game will help you learn to count in your mind quickly and without errors, improve your abstract and logical thinking, sharpen your intellect, develop perseverance, raise the level of IQ, improve your analysis and memory abilities. Features: - Addition - Subtraction - Multiplication - Division - Count - Comparison Also, providing MIX type of game for revision purposes. App Extend list: - Table of successes; - Simple and pleasant design; - Friendly and intuitive interface; - Interface languages: English, Hindi; - Time limit activities; - Music & Sound facilities; - Completely free. MathFun - Math Game application is designed for you to learn many maths items. Settings will help you to select Easy, Normal, and Hard type of games. Let’s have to LEARN with FUN!

Screenshots

Secret Stories Phonics Reading4 screens
MathFun4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MathFun at none against Secret Stories Phonics Reading's 2. MathFun also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 14.0.0). Secret Stories Phonics Reading's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price 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

Both are free to download. Secret Stories Phonics Reading sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. MathFun asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Secret Stories Phonics Reading ships an update weekly, MathFun every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Secret Stories Phonics Reading versus MathFun: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSecret Stories Phonics ReadingMathFun
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (660 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews29.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings660 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0.010.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarenem Inc.Sagar Bhatt

Bugs and requests

Secret Stories Phonics Reading

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Better Alphabet Song stops abruptly
  • App not working/crashing

Requested features

3 requests
  • Option to display stories/cards on screen
  • More comprehensive coverage of letter sounds
  • Ability to restore previous purchases

MathFun

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Secret Stories Phonics Reading

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - 1 Month Access$14.991 Month
  • Premium - 1 Year Access$149.991 Year
None

MathFun

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Secret Stories Phonics Reading free?
Secret Stories Phonics Reading is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MathFun free?
MathFun is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Secret Stories Phonics Reading or MathFun have ads?
MathFun shows ads; Secret Stories Phonics Reading does not.
Which is updated more often, Secret Stories Phonics Reading or MathFun?
Secret Stories Phonics Reading ships an update weekly, and MathFun every 3 months. Most recently, Secret Stories Phonics Reading was updated on November 3, 2026 and MathFun on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons