# READING MAGIC vs Tabletop First Words

The clearest difference is price: READING MAGIC at Free against Tabletop First Words's $0.99. READING MAGIC also leads on update cadence (every 6 months vs every 32 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Tabletop First Words's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

READING MAGIC is free to download; Tabletop First Words costs $0.99 up front. READING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Tabletop First Words asks for nothing beyond the download.

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, Tabletop First Words every 32 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC | Tabletop First Words |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **42** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 32 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 208 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Ventura Educational Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/371324172) |

## 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 |


### Tabletop First Words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabletop-first-words/id422685140)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC free?

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

### Is Tabletop First Words free?

Tabletop First Words costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do READING MAGIC or Tabletop First Words have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC nor Tabletop First Words shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC or Tabletop First Words?

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, and Tabletop First Words every 32 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC was updated on October 23, 2026 and Tabletop First Words on October 5, 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.*