# Reading Machine vs TurboWords Spelling

The clearest difference is rating: TurboWords Spelling at 4.6 against Reading Machine's 3.6. TurboWords Spelling also leads on ratings volume (1.8K vs 13) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 14 months). Reading Machine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TurboWords Spelling sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Reading Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

TurboWords Spelling holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TurboWords Spelling has 1.8K 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 69% of TurboWords Spelling'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, TurboWords Spelling every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Machine | TurboWords Spelling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-machine-full-install/id368974482/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turbowords-spelling/id946100444/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **1.8K** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 69.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diana Sharp Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/368974485) | [Claude Labelle](https://appshunter.io/developer/610464838) |

## 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


### TurboWords Spelling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turbowords-spelling/id946100444)

Create custom spelling tests using your own words via speech recognition. Practice with AI-generated sentences and engaging games. Track progress with detailed results and visual feedback to improve spelling skills.

**Highlights:** Speech recognition for word input, AI-generated example sentences, Multiple spelling test games, Progress tracking and results, Customizable word groups, Instant feedback during tests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-User | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Groups | $1.99 | one-time |
| Amimo Pack | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for spelling practice
- 🎮 Fun games make learning enjoyable
- 📚 Allows custom word lists
- 🏆 Provides positive reinforcement

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional technical issues
- 💰 Paid features required for full functionality
- 🕹️ Limited game selection
- 🤖 Voice recognition not always accurate

**Reported bugs**

- Sound not working in some cases
- Difficulty adding custom words
- Crashes or freezes on certain devices

**Requested features**

- More game options and variety
- Ability to print or export word lists
- Improved voice recognition and feedback
- Support for multiple user profiles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Machine free?

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

### Is TurboWords Spelling free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Reading Machine or TurboWords Spelling?

TurboWords Spelling is rated higher. Reading Machine averages 3.6 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while TurboWords Spelling averages 4.6 from 1.8K ratings.

### Do Reading Machine or TurboWords Spelling have ads?

Neither Reading Machine nor TurboWords Spelling shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Machine or TurboWords Spelling?

Reading Machine ships an update every 14 months, and TurboWords Spelling every 4 months. Most recently, Reading Machine was updated on October 23, 2026 and TurboWords Spelling on October 29, 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.*