# iSpellBetter vs Phonogram Sounds

The clearest difference is rating: Phonogram Sounds at 4.0 against iSpellBetter's 3.3. Phonogram Sounds also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 21 months) and ratings volume (84 vs 7). iSpellBetter's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Phonogram Sounds holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phonogram Sounds has 84 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of iSpellBetter's written reviews are positive against 70% of Phonogram Sounds's.

iSpellBetter ships an update every 21 months, Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iSpellBetter | Phonogram Sounds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ispellbetter/id325566481/reviews) | **[4.0 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonogram-sounds/id797098295/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **84** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **69.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Next Learning LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1000227616) | [All About Learning Press, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/786428125) |

## What reviewers say

### iSpellBetter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ispellbetter/id325566481)

This educational game makes spelling practice fun and challenging with increasingly difficult word puzzles. It helps users improve their general spelling skills by tapping into their natural ability to form and retrieve visual images of words. The app features adjustable difficulty and power-ups for strategic players.

**Highlights:** Challenging word puzzles, Adjustable difficulty modes, Power-up system, Visual word image retrieval, Customizable word lists, Upside-down and backwards words

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Phonogram Sounds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonogram-sounds/id797098295)

This interactive app provides clear audio pronunciations for letter sounds and combinations, featuring all 72 basic phonograms from a popular language arts curriculum. It's designed to support reading and spelling development for learners of all ages.

**Highlights:** Hear correct pronunciation of sounds, Clear enunciation of letters and combinations, Includes all 72 basic phonograms, Supports reading and spelling skills, Interactive learning experience

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great supplement for AAS/AAR
- 👍 Helpful for parents/teachers
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Clear phonetic sounds
- 👍 Good for practice

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Incorrect 'r' sound
- 👎 Incomplete phonogram set
- 👎 Not a standalone lesson
- 👎 Not for fun
- 👎 Missing Spalding compatibility

**Reported bugs**

- R says /er/ instead of /r/
- Sound not working
- App crashes
- No sound when tapping phonograms
- Sound only works with ringer on

**Requested features**

- Videos showing lip/tongue placement
- Interactive game app
- App for building words/movable tiles
- Level-based sound availability
- Enlarging tapped tile


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iSpellBetter free?

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

### Is Phonogram Sounds free?

Phonogram Sounds is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iSpellBetter or Phonogram Sounds?

Phonogram Sounds is rated higher. iSpellBetter averages 3.3 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Phonogram Sounds averages 4.0 from 84 ratings.

### Do iSpellBetter or Phonogram Sounds have ads?

Neither iSpellBetter nor Phonogram Sounds shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iSpellBetter or Phonogram Sounds?

iSpellBetter ships an update every 21 months, and Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. Most recently, iSpellBetter was updated on October 6, 2026 and Phonogram Sounds on October 16, 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.*