# READING MAGIC vs OgStar Reading Explore

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC at 4.6 against OgStar Reading Explore's 3.0. READING MAGIC also leads on review sentiment (62% vs 40%) and device support (3 vs 1). OgStar Reading Explore's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

READING MAGIC holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 42 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of READING MAGIC's written reviews are positive against 40% of OgStar Reading Explore's.

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, OgStar Reading Explore every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC | OgStar Reading Explore |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853/reviews)** | [3.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ogstar-reading-explore/id1433935476/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **42** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **62.2% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 208 MB | 327 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **10.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [OGSTAR READING, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1292305759) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### OgStar Reading Explore

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ogstar-reading-explore/id1433935476)

This app introduces parents and educators to a multisensory approach for teaching children to read, write, and spell. It offers the initial lessons of a structured literacy program, allowing users to experience the methodology before purchasing the full version.

**Highlights:** Multisensory learning approach, Phonological awareness practice, Systematic/synthetic phonics, Handwriting recognition feedback, Speech recognition feedback, Progress tracking portal

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC free?

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

### Is OgStar Reading Explore free?

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

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC or OgStar Reading Explore?

READING MAGIC is rated higher. READING MAGIC averages 4.6 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while OgStar Reading Explore averages 3.0 from 15 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC or OgStar Reading Explore have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC nor OgStar Reading Explore shows ads.

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

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, and OgStar Reading Explore every 4 weeks. Most recently, READING MAGIC was updated on November 1, 2026 and OgStar Reading Explore on November 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.*