# Secret Stories Phonics Reading vs MathFun

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Secret Stories Phonics Reading | MathFun |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (660 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secret-stories-phonics-reading/id1526893160/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **660** | — |
| Positive reviews | 29.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 71 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marenem Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526893162) | [Sagar Bhatt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1076477720) |

## What reviewers say

### Secret Stories Phonics Reading

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secret-stories-phonics-reading/id1526893160)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - 1 Month Access | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium - 1 Year Access | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great teaching resource
- 👍 Helpful for reinforcing learning
- 🚀 Game changer for teaching
- 👍 Engaging for students

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Restrictive copyright/sharing
- 🐛 Glitches and bugs
- 👎 Lack of additional features

**Reported bugs**

- Better Alphabet Song stops abruptly
- App not working/crashing

**Requested features**

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


### MathFun

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathfun-math-game/id1536270519)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*