# Reading Machine vs SpeakColors

The clearest difference is rating: Reading Machine at 3.6 against SpeakColors's 2.5. Reading Machine also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (75% vs 67%). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Reading Machine holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Reading Machine's written reviews are positive against 67% of SpeakColors's.

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, SpeakColors every 16 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Machine | SpeakColors |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482/reviews)** | [2.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speakcolors/id459123512/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 14 months** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diana Sharp Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/368974485) | [RWH Technology, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/459123515) |

## 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


### SpeakColors

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speakcolors/id459123512)

This iPad app helps young children with speech and language delays practice using two-word phrases with colors and objects. It features colorful photos and allows voice recording to build vocabulary and language skills.

**Highlights:** Two-word phrase practice, Color and object vocabulary, Voice recording, Interactive photos, Progressive language skills

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Machine free?

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

### Is SpeakColors free?

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

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

Reading Machine is rated higher. Reading Machine averages 3.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while SpeakColors averages 2.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do Reading Machine or SpeakColors have ads?

Neither Reading Machine nor SpeakColors shows ads.

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

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, and SpeakColors every 16 months. Most recently, Reading Machine was updated on November 1, 2026 and SpeakColors 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.*