# PocketPhonics (basic edition) vs Starfall Numbers

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PocketPhonics (basic edition) at 89% against Starfall Numbers's 25%. PocketPhonics (basic edition) also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.2) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 11 months). Starfall Numbers's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#160 vs unranked). On ratings volume, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

PocketPhonics (basic edition) costs $6.99 and Starfall Numbers $4.99 up front. PocketPhonics (basic edition) sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Starfall Numbers asks for nothing beyond the download.

PocketPhonics (basic edition) holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 68 and 35 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of PocketPhonics (basic edition)'s written reviews are positive against 25% of Starfall Numbers's.

PocketPhonics (basic edition) ships an update every 5 weeks, Starfall Numbers every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PocketPhonics (basic edition) | Starfall Numbers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.4 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketphonics-basic-edition/id299342927/reviews)** | [3.2 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-numbers/id736244016/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **68** | 35 |
| Positive reviews | **88.7% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#160** |
| Size | 778 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apps in My Pocket Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/299342930) | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) |

## 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


### Starfall Numbers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-numbers/id736244016)

**Currently charting:** #160 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

This app uses interactive activities and songs to help children learn number recognition and counting skills. It connects numbers to real-world objects and introduces basic math concepts for early learners.

**Highlights:** Number symbol and value recognition, Counting activities, Interactive introductions for numbers 0-100, Coin counting and math expressions, 15 animated math songs, Closed captioning for songs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PocketPhonics (basic edition) free?

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

### Is Starfall Numbers free?

Starfall Numbers costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Starfall Numbers?

PocketPhonics (basic edition) is rated higher. PocketPhonics (basic edition) averages 4.4 out of 5 from 68 ratings, while Starfall Numbers averages 3.2 from 35 ratings.

### Do PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Starfall Numbers have ads?

Neither PocketPhonics (basic edition) nor Starfall Numbers shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PocketPhonics (basic edition) or Starfall Numbers?

PocketPhonics (basic edition) ships an update every 5 weeks, and Starfall Numbers every 11 months. Most recently, PocketPhonics (basic edition) was updated on October 7, 2026 and Starfall Numbers on October 6, 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.*