# Reading Machine vs Lexy

The clearest difference is rating: Lexy at 4.5 against Reading Machine's 3.6. Lexy also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (319 vs 13). Reading Machine's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 33%) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lexy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Reading Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lexy holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lexy has 319 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Reading Machine's written reviews are positive against 33% of Lexy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, Lexy monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Machine | Lexy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482/reviews) | **[4.5 (319 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lexy-dyslexia-reading-tutor/id1564885095/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **319** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 115 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diana Sharp Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/368974485) | [Round Tower Software Studios Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1490923318) |

## What reviewers say

### Reading Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482)

This educational app helps beginning and struggling readers learn new words by breaking them down into letters and sounds. It acts as a personal reading tutor, guiding users to decode unfamiliar words independently, enhancing confidence and reading enjoyment.

**Highlights:** Word decoding with phonics, Personalized reading tutor, Supports over 5,000 words, Text-to-speech engine, Book suggestions for readers, Full decoding support for early reader titles

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lexy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lexy-dyslexia-reading-tutor/id1564885095)

This app uses phonics games and AI to help children learn to read. It adapts to each child's pace and provides personalized feedback, making reading practice fun and effective for struggling readers, including those with dyslexia and ADHD. It offers structured lessons and progress tracking in a distraction-free environment.

**Highlights:** Adaptive phonics lessons, On-device voice recognition, Orton-Gillingham inspired methods, Structured phonics curriculum, Progress tracking, Dyslexia-friendly design, AR rewards

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Educational Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Family Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Educational Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Family Yearly | $89.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎤 Microphone works well
- 💡 Good idea for dyslexia
- 🌟 Great for older children
- ✨ Fantastically built app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App glitches on iPhone
- 🐛 AI learner hardly works
- 🐛 Constantly says bad WiFi
- 🐛 Displays error messages
- 🐛 Cannot hear child speak

**Reported bugs**

- App glitches on iPhone
- AI learner not working
- WiFi error messages
- Error messages displayed frequently
- Cannot sign up

**Requested features**

- More time for sounding out words
- More levels (up to 15)
- Fix microphone issues for lisp


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Machine free?

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

### Is Lexy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Reading Machine or Lexy?

Lexy is rated higher. Reading Machine averages 3.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Lexy averages 4.5 from 319 ratings.

### Do Reading Machine or Lexy have ads?

Neither Reading Machine nor Lexy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Machine or Lexy?

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, and Lexy monthly. Most recently, Reading Machine was updated on November 1, 2026 and Lexy on November 7, 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.*