# Pattern Sets vs Starfall Learn to Read

The clearest difference is rating: Pattern Sets at 5.0 against Starfall Learn to Read's 4.2. Pattern Sets also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). Starfall Learn to Read's advantage is ratings volume (226 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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.

Pattern Sets holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 226 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Pattern Sets ships an update every 7 months, Starfall Learn to Read every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pattern Sets | Starfall Learn to Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-sets/id415152649/reviews)** | [4.2 (226 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **226** |
| Positive reviews | — | 74.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 7 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 38 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Classroom Focused Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/406741679) | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) |

## What reviewers say

### Pattern Sets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-sets/id415152649)

This app helps young learners develop number sense by practicing subitizing, the ability to quickly recognize quantities without counting. It features various dot patterns, dice patterns, and 10-frames for practice, with adjustable settings for exposure time and quantity range.

**Highlights:** Subitizing practice, Dot patterns, Dice patterns, 10-frames, Adjustable time and quantity, Two-color patterns

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Starfall Learn to Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261)

This free app offers engaging books, games, and movies to help children learn to read. It focuses on vowel sounds and spelling through interactive activities, songs, and movies, fostering a love for language and reading.

**Highlights:** Interactive reading activities, Engaging games and movies, Focus on vowel sounds and spelling, Songs and positive reinforcement, Suitable for emerging readers, Supports English language learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Excellent phonics and reading instruction method
- 🎵 Engaging songs and catchy tunes that maintain interest
- 🎨 Well-designed animations and interactive stories
- 👶 Effective for children with learning difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD, special needs)
- 💰 Free version available with substantial content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and fails to load on some devices
- ❌ Math games incompatible with certain iOS versions
- 📱 Technical issues with black/green screens on launch
- 🔄 Requires multiple restarts to function properly
- 💳 Misleading pricing - paid version converted to free

**Reported bugs**

- App won't load beyond launch screen (black or green screen)
- Math games incompatible with iPhone updates
- Sound not playing in some instances
- App requires deletion and reinstallation to function
- Crashes on iOS 9.2.1 and older versions

**Requested features**

- Reward/star system for motivation and progress tracking
- Lesson progression markers showing mastery of modules
- Writing and spelling exercises to reinforce learning
- More stories and content variety
- UK English version option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pattern Sets free?

Pattern Sets is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

Starfall Learn to Read is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Pattern Sets or Starfall Learn to Read?

Pattern Sets is rated higher. Pattern Sets averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 from 226 ratings.

### Do Pattern Sets or Starfall Learn to Read have ads?

Neither Pattern Sets nor Starfall Learn to Read shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pattern Sets or Starfall Learn to Read?

Pattern Sets ships an update every 7 months, and Starfall Learn to Read every 11 months. Most recently, Pattern Sets was updated on September 24, 2026 and Starfall Learn to Read on October 2, 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.*