# Reading Machine vs READING MAGIC

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC at 4.6 against Reading Machine's 3.6. READING MAGIC also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (42 vs 13). Reading Machine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (75% vs 62%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Reading Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

READING MAGIC holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 42 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Reading Machine's written reviews are positive against 62% of READING MAGIC'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, READING MAGIC every 6 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Machine | READING MAGIC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482/reviews) | **[4.6 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **42** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 62.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 208 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.7 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diana Sharp Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/368974485) | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) |

## 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


### READING MAGIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853)

This app makes learning to read an exciting adventure for young children. It focuses on CVC words and uses science-based phonics principles to build essential reading skills like blending and segmenting.

**Highlights:** CVC word focus, Blending and segmenting practice, Phonemic awareness building, Phonological processing improvement, Engaging games and activities, Discourages picture guessing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Machine free?

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

### Is READING MAGIC free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Reading Machine or READING MAGIC?

READING MAGIC is rated higher. Reading Machine averages 3.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while READING MAGIC averages 4.6 from 42 ratings.

### Do Reading Machine or READING MAGIC have ads?

Neither Reading Machine nor READING MAGIC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Machine or READING MAGIC?

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, and READING MAGIC every 6 months. Most recently, Reading Machine was updated on November 1, 2026 and READING MAGIC on November 1, 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.*