# PocketPhonics (basic edition) vs Writing Wizard

The clearest difference is price: Writing Wizard at Free against PocketPhonics (basic edition)'s $6.99. Writing Wizard also leads on ratings volume (5K vs 68). PocketPhonics (basic edition)'s advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (89% vs 74%). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Writing Wizard is free to download; PocketPhonics (basic edition) costs $6.99 up front. PocketPhonics (basic edition) sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and Writing Wizard sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for PocketPhonics (basic edition) against 4.4 for Writing Wizard. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Writing Wizard has 5K ratings behind it against 68, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of PocketPhonics (basic edition)'s written reviews are positive against 74% of Writing Wizard's.

PocketPhonics (basic edition) ships an update every 5 weeks, Writing Wizard every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PocketPhonics (basic edition) | Writing Wizard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.4 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketphonics-basic-edition/id299342927/reviews) | [4.4 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-wizard-learn-to-write/id1305242235/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 68 | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | **88.7% of reviews** | 73.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 778 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apps in My Pocket Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/299342930) | [Pierre Abel](https://appshunter.io/developer/367460664) |

## What reviewers say

### PocketPhonics (basic edition)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketphonics-basic-edition/id299342927)

This app teaches young children essential early reading and writing skills, focusing on letter sounds and handwriting. It's designed to help kids master phonics and begin reading simple storybooks with interactive exercises and progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Teaches letter sounds, Handwriting practice, Word blending, Interactive storybooks, Progress monitoring, Audio pronunciation of words

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription for books | $1.49 | per month |
| Annual subscription for books | $14.49 | per year |
| Lifetime subscription - books | $16.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Engaging for kids
- 💡 Teaches phonics and writing
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 👍 Helpful for speech therapy

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🤔 Confusing verification process
- 🤔 Lack of Australian/non-US accent option
- 🤔 Doesn't wait for child response

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect answer verification
- Sudden subscription changes
- Login issues and account sync problems

**Requested features**

- Add more words and practice
- Allow custom word lists
- Improve letter tracing accuracy feedback
- Provide letter names along with sounds
- Add more game-like elements


### Writing Wizard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-wizard-learn-to-write/id1305242235)

This app helps children learn to trace letters, numbers, and words with a fun, motivating system. It offers customizable tracing practice, interactive games, and progress reports for parents and educators.

**Highlights:** Trace letters, numbers, and words, Customizable tracing practice, Interactive games and animated stickers, Create custom word lists with audio, Progress reports for tracking, Printable PDF worksheets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access - Monthly | $2.49 | per month |
| All Letters and Numbers | $5.99 | one-time |
| Add Your Words and Word Lists | $5.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Full Access | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Engaging animations
- 💡 Customizable word lists
- 👍 Helpful for children with special needs
- 👍 Effective for improving handwriting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked features behind paywall
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Paid version not working as expected
- 💰 Expensive for the limited features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to access locked features
- Purchased content not unlocking properly
- Inconsistent letter formation guidance

**Requested features**

- Add more letters, numbers, and shapes
- Allow recording of custom voice instructions
- Improve compatibility with stylus/digital pens
- Provide more customization options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PocketPhonics (basic edition) free?

PocketPhonics (basic edition) costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Writing Wizard free?

Writing Wizard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Writing Wizard?

PocketPhonics (basic edition) and Writing Wizard are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 68 and 5K ratings respectively.

### Do PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Writing Wizard have ads?

Neither PocketPhonics (basic edition) nor Writing Wizard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Writing Wizard?

PocketPhonics (basic edition) ships an update every 5 weeks, and Writing Wizard every 4 months. Most recently, PocketPhonics (basic edition) was updated on September 26, 2026 and Writing Wizard on September 25, 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.*