# Reading Machine vs Phonogram Sounds

The clearest difference is rating: Phonogram Sounds at 4.0 against Reading Machine's 3.8. Phonogram Sounds also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (84 vs 12). Reading Machine's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases 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 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phonogram Sounds has 84 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Reading Machine's written reviews are positive against 70% of Phonogram Sounds'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, Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Machine | Phonogram Sounds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482/reviews) | **[4.0 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonogram-sounds/id797098295/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **84** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 107 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diana Sharp Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/368974485) | [All About Learning Press, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/786428125) |

## 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


### 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 Reading Machine free?

Reading Machine 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, Reading Machine or Phonogram Sounds?

Phonogram Sounds is rated higher. Reading Machine averages 3.8 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Phonogram Sounds averages 4.0 from 84 ratings.

### Do Reading Machine or Phonogram Sounds have ads?

Neither Reading Machine nor Phonogram Sounds shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Machine or Phonogram Sounds?

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, and Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. Most recently, Reading Machine was updated on September 16, 2026 and Phonogram Sounds on October 8, 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.*